Play It Loud Whether it's rock 'n' roll, jazz or the blues, there's no mistaking the brash sounds of the electric guitar. Thanks to the Lemelson Center's Rise of the Electric Guitar Web site, you'll be able to meet the makers and players of this musical breakthrough at http://invention.smithsonian.org/centerpieces/electricguitar/theguitars.htm. You'll discover how the guitar was invented and how famous makers, from Gibson to Rickenbacker influenced its design. For those new to the guitar, audio clips demonstrate how the instrument works. Plus, there are profiles on such guitar legends as Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones. It's time to strap on a Fender Stratocaster and make some noise!
Dustbowl Blues Get out a shovel and dig your way through one of the most amazing days in weather history: The Black Blizzard of Kansas. In the 1930s, the Midwest experienced years of horrible drought and dust storms that filled houses with dirt and drove farmers away from their homes. Now you can get into the thick of the storm (without getting very dirty) at www.discovery.com/ area/ history/ dustbowl/ dustbowlopener.html. How bad was the dust? And why were there so many jackrabbits? Real survivors of the dust storms tell their stories in great audio clips-and there's even dust storm video. And you thought dirt was boring! Could a natural disaster like this ever happen again? You'll just have to log on to get all the dirt on this one. (This site is no longer available.) Northern Exposure You've probably pictured the wilds of Canada as covered in snow or forests, but there are also vast mountain ranges, endless prairies and thousands of lakes found there. Photographer William DeKay takes you into the Canadian heartland to meet the people living against this backdrop. Strap on a pair of snowshoes and hike out to www.nationalgeographic.com/ media/ photography/ dekay. From the fishers of British Columbia to the miners of Quebec, these are a rugged and hard-working people. During this scenic photo essay, you'll catch glimpses of the Northern Lights and rustic farms. It's time to take off to the Great White North! (Disclaimer: This site now contains advertisements.)
This 4Kids Detective game has expired. To play the current Kid Quest Challenge, go to 4Kids.org/kidquest.
1. Which part of an acoustic guitar amplifies the sound?
Dear Amy: Can you learn about more than computers on the World Wide Web?--Errick, St. Louis, MO Dear Errick: It's awesome how much stuff is on the Internet and how much you can learn about everything, not just computers. I go to Learn2.com at www.learn2.com when I just want to know how to do something the best way. It has neat "2torials" on how to get healthier, work on your hobby, clean your room or fix a meal. I used it to show my dad how to change the oil in the car. Also, the next time you don't know where you want to go on the Web it's a cool site just to check out. (This site is no longer available.)