4Kids.org - Week of December 31, 2006

Week of December 31, 2006

Diggin’ Around

Grab a shovel and get ready to plunge deep into the earth beneath your feet at http://school.discovery.com/
schooladventures/soil. You can get down and dirty to discover the real difference between dirt and soil. Click on the recipe for soil and see what it takes to lay the essential foundation for life. Search out the smallest forms of life on the planet in the Field Guide. Hop onboard The EarthShip and prepare for an exciting microscopic safari where you will use your soil smarts to stop a chemical spill. (Disclaimer: This site now contains advertisements.)

Nominate a cool Web site at 4Kids.org/nominations

Visit the Featured Web sites to find the answers.

What is a soil horizon?

A layer of soil made of the same material
The top layer near the grass
A blend of different soils

In what year was the West Wing built?

1902
1802
1702

What do stomach stones do?

Blend chemicals in the dino's stomach
Kill bacteria in dino's stomach
Break down plant matter in the dino's stomach

Presidential Access

Welcome to the White House! Click on www.whitehouse.gov/
about/white-house-101 for an all-ages pass to the presidential palace. White House pets Spotty and India want you to see what life is like on the inside. Meet the White House Dream Team of admirable Americans including authors, artisits and teachers. Not many kids live close enough to visit, but this site features virtual tours. If you need a fun break, break out the red, white and blue to express yourself with coloring pages. Take historical quizzes for more information.

Monster Museum

All kids are invited to www.nhm.ac.uk/kids-only for a fun new view of London’s Natural History Museum. What kind of dinosaur would you be if given the chance? Roar your way through a quiz to find out. Chomp down to try to match the bite power of the T-Rex in Dino Jaws, or practice your detective skills as you follow a mysterious dinosaur and try to discover its identity. Fun and Games provides you with special instructions to build your very own volcano. At the Museum highlights exhibits worth seeing like the enormous blue whale and a super crocodile.

What country would you like to visit and why?

Speak Out Here!

Dear Amy: My family is thinking about adopting a pet. Do you have any advice? - Lisa, San Francisco

Dear Lisa: There are many things to consider before adopting a pet. First, you have to ask if you or someone in your family will be able to care for a new pet. Adopting an animal is a big responsibility. Pets need food, water, regular checkups and ,most likely, daily exercise. Depending on what kind of animal your family chooses, your pet may require special care. To learn about different kinds of pets and how to care for them, visit www.aspca.org/aspcakids/pet-care.

Your family will also need to consider the costs of owning a pet. Visits to the vet, training and grooming can be expensive. Also, your family might have to deal with damage to furniture and floors when your pet has accidents or chews on your belongings.

Although pets can be a lot of work, many people find that owning one is worth the effort. Animals make great companions and can even help relieve stress. For more advice on choosing and adopting a pet, talk to your local veterinarian.

Ask Amy a Question