Who's Ruling You?

Delve into our nation’s system of checks and balances at Congress for Kids, www.congressforkids.
net. If you are starting an American Government unit at school, this is the perfect site to complement your work in the classroom. With tons of great quizzes and information on the three different branches of government, you will zoom to the head of the class. You can also research the election process and look forward to the day when you can cast your own vote.

Arty's Waiting For You

Arty the Part-Time Astronaut, www.3pounds.com/
artyastro, wants to share his passion for space with you. With great facts in “Did You Know,” you can discover fun tidbits about our galaxy, such as the planet that is farthest from the sun and which satellite was the first into orbit. If you like polls, you can share your thoughts on the best video-game system, and then see what others are saying. Before you leave, relax and play Space Battleship or Lunar Attack.

Through Her Eyes

Imagine your life without all of the comforts you know now, such as running water and electricity. Get a glimpse of what that kind of life was like for Henrietta Johnston at www.gibbesmuseum.org/explore/
johnston_interactive/kids. Johnston was the first professional female artist in America, and in spite of the hardships of life in Charles Town, S.C., she managed to support her family with money she earned from her art. Scroll through the timeline to see her beautiful pastels, and then share this site with other art and history lovers.

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Let's Celebrate!

Today is Independence Day in the U.S. Like many Americans, I spend the holiday enjoying good food, hanging out with my family and watching fireworks. I also take some time to think about our history and why we celebrate this holiday. Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, but it was not officially signed until Aug. 1, 1776. To learn more about this important document, visit http://bensguide.gpo.gov/
3-5/documents/declaration.

Did you know that many other countries also celebrate an Independence Day or National Day? Although each country's holiday commemorates a different important event, they are often celebrated similarly with festivals, special ceremonies and fireworks. Visit The Huffington Post, www.huffingtonpost.
com/2009/07/02/independence-day-celebrat_n_222582.html?view=screen, to see Independence Day celebration photos from around the world and learn more about these special days.

—Amy

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