Da Vinci Learning Magazine April 2013 by Da Vinci Media GmbH

FUN SCIENCE MAGAZINE LITTLE G ENIUS CLUB

2 - 04/2013

We visited Gül Gölge and her sons at home to experiment with an exciting new science set!

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OWNER and RESPONSIBLE EDITOR On behalf of MERMEDYA A.Ş. Engin DEMİR CHIEF EDITOR Filiz Büber fbuber@mermedya.com CO-EDITOR J. Brendan O’Donell

Welcome Or perhaps, welcome back! This is the second edition of the Da Vinci Learning Fun Science Magazine, and we're having more fun each time. But mostly that has to do with you, our readers. So many of you, your parents and even your teachers wrote in to tell us how much they enjoyed reading the magazine and gave us lots of great ideas about what we can talk about in the coming months. We were really excited to see some of you sending us your ideas and stories, some of which you'll see in this issue. We'd love to hear from even more of you. Science and learning are adventures best undertaken together! It's hard to deny that spring has finally started to arrive for many of us. The birds are singing, the trees are starting to sprout their leaves, the rain is falling and even the people in our neighborhoods are buzzing about. It's an exciting time of year: Nature awakens from its long slumber, and everything seems to come alive. And we thought we'd join the party to see what's going on. Inside this issue, you'll find out about the birds returning home from their winter homes, the flowers that are beginning to blossom and even why spring is also the season of... sneezing! We also explore how rhythm and music can make you smarter and take a trip to Mexico and to the stars! And on nearly every page, we offer you an opportunity to share your ideas and observations with us. Learning isn't just done sitting in a classroom or reading a book. The greatest lessons come from creating, experimenting and playing. That's why we created this magazine-- to inspire you to make learning fun, and to connect curious people from all over the world to see what we can discover together! So let's get learning. And having fun!

Filiz Büber

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

EDITORIAL Aysel Köse yaziisleri@davincilearningdergisi.com PHOTOGRAPHY Emre Köroğlu EDITORIAL BOARD Prof. Dr. Dilek Ardaç Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Vural Erdal Güven GRAPHIC DESIGN - APPLICATION - ILLUSTRATION Miguel Arencibia Carlos Fernández ADVERTISING MANAGER Özden Döndüren reklam@davincilearningdergisi.com INTERNATIONAL MARKETING Serran Çiftçi DOMESTIC MARKETING Tuğçe Sarıgül ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Mustafa Kaya Ümit Alıcı FINANCIAL COORDINATOR Gökhan Türkmenöz DA VINCI LEARNING COUNTRY MANAGER OF TURKEY Banu Canözkan MAILING ADDRESS Barbaros Bulvarı 155/B Balmumcu, Beşiktaş, İSTANBUL Phone: +90 212 2742598 Fax: +90 212 2742463 Email: iletisim@davincilearningdergisi.com Web: www.davincilearningdergisi.com SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES; abone@davincilearningdergisi.com ISSN: PRINTING; Bilnet Matbaacılık Biltur Basım Yayın ve Hizmet A.Ş. DISTRIBUTION; Turkuvaz Dağıtım Pazarlama A.Ş. PUBLICATION TYPE; Periodical Publishing LICENSE OWNER Da Vinci Media CEO Ferdinand Habsburg HEAD OF MARKETING Lukasz Gozdzik

4 Shape your World

The world's made up of shapes. But can those shapes tell us a story?

5 Did you know?

From pirates to mice to footprints on the moon, these facts will amaze you!

6 Out of the Shadows

Discover the creative powers of light.

7 What's the BIG Idea?

Find out the best and brightest ideas that are about to change our world.

8 Spring has sprung

It's time to get out and enjoy the warm weather.

12 Can the Sun fuel a Car?

We've found a science set that will help us find the answer.

14 Da Vinci Learning Favorites 15 Vamos a México

Have you ever been to paradise? Vámonos!

18 The Secret to Sneezing

We love springtime, but what's got us sneezing non-stop?

20 What's new on Da Vinci Learning 22 March to your own Beat

The little drummer Baha inspires us to start tapping our feet.

24 A Trip to the Stars

Planets and stars and comets: the night sky is filled with countless opportunities for discovery.

26 Bookworm

Check out what we're reading.

28 Spring Cleaning

Here's a game to help get ready for exploring the great outdoors.

30 You've got Mail

What's got you curious? We want to know.

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

OWNER and RESPONSIBLE EDITOR On behalf of MERMEDYA A.Ş. Engin DEMİR CHIEF EDITOR Filiz Büber fbuber@mermedya.com CO-EDITOR J. Brendan O’Donell

Filiz Büber

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

4 Shape your World

The world's made up of shapes. But can those shapes tell us a story?

5 Did you know?

From pirates to mice to footprints on the moon, these facts will amaze you!

6 Out of the Shadows

Discover the creative powers of light.

7 What's the BIG Idea?

Find out the best and brightest ideas that are about to change our world.

8 Spring has sprung

It's time to get out and enjoy the warm weather.

12 Can the Sun fuel a Car?

We've found a science set that will help us find the answer.

14 Da Vinci Learning Favorites 15 Vamos a México

Have you ever been to paradise? Vámonos!

18 The Secret to Sneezing

We love springtime, but what's got us sneezing non-stop?

20 What's new on Da Vinci Learning 22 March to your own Beat

The little drummer Baha inspires us to start tapping our feet.

24 A Trip to the Stars

Planets and stars and comets: the night sky is filled with countless opportunities for discovery.

26 Bookworm

Check out what we're reading.

28 Spring Cleaning

Here's a game to help get ready for exploring the great outdoors.

30 You've got Mail

What's got you curious? We want to know.

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

Do you ever stare at the sky and look at the shapes of the clouds as they float by? What do you imagine they could be? Use the shapes below to create your own story. What could they be? Where did they come from? To get you inspired, we have a winning story from last month.

THE MAGIC HAT Once upon a time there was a clown. The clown had a costume he loved very much, and he believed it brought him luck. If even one piece of his costume was missing, the clown worried his luck would disappear. The most precious part of the clown's costume was his triangle-shaped hat with three pom-poms at the corners. But one day, as the clown was dressing for a grand performance for the king, he couldn't find the hat anywhere. The clown was very sad and started to cry. He watched as a tear fell to the floor and landed in the middle of a strange circle. Without thinking, the clown stepped on the circle, and another one appeared. He stepped on that one, too, and a third circle appeared. When he stepped on the third circle, the triangle was complete, and his lucky hat appeared!

Clouds float by in the sky in many shapes and sizes—and that’s what gives them their names. When they’re thin and wispy, they are called cirrus. The big, thick ones are called cumulus. Nimbus clouds are the dark ones that cause rain. But what about the ones that look like rabbits? No, that’s not a sign of alien life in outer space; the footprints were made by the astronauts who walked on the moon 40 years ago. Since there’s no atmosphere, no weather —even no wind!—there’s nothing to blow the footprints away. So what big impression would you like to make in space?

He quickly placed the lucky hat on top of his head, ran out onto the stage without a moment to spare, and performed the greatest show of his life! The king was very impressed, and the clown became famous all over the world. So what kind of story can you create with the shapes here? Are they boats racing on the ocean? Is it a noble, galloping horse?

İLAYDA NİSAN YAŞ / 7 YAŞ GÜRPINAR YEŞİLKENT İLKÖĞRETİM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL/ ISTANBUL

If you were captain of the ship, what would be your honor code?

Let your imagination go wild! Send us your stories, and we will select one to print in our very next issue!

You can email your story to info@davincitv.net with your name, age and school, for a chance to win!

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

There aren’t any reports of him jumping on a table and screaming, but the famous creator of Mickey Mouse was terribly frightened of rodents—well, except for cute, animated ones, presumably. But facing his fear certainly paid off. What fear would you most like to face?

Sure everything seems more peaceful after a fresh snow, but there's actually a scientific reason for it. Snowflakes trap little air pockets when they land, creating a blanket that puts some of the world's noise to sleep. But the opposite is true for rain. Can you imagine why?

Did you also know... you can send us your answers to these questions? We'll select some of your creative ideas and print them in the next issue of the magazine!

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

İLAYDA NİSAN YAŞ / 7 YAŞ GÜRPINAR YEŞİLKENT İLKÖĞRETİM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL/ ISTANBUL

If you were captain of the ship, what would be your honor code?

Let your imagination go wild! Send us your stories, and we will select one to print in our very next issue!

You can email your story to info@davincitv.net with your name, age and school, for a chance to win!

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

Did you also know... you can send us your answers to these questions? We'll select some of your creative ideas and print them in the next issue of the magazine!

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

We’ve all tried to make shadow puppets on the wall, but can light and shadows also be used to make art? Japanese artist Kumi Yamashita takes everyday objects, like pieces of cloth or block letters, arranges them in patterns, and then shines a light from different angles. What’s the result? The shadows from the objects form unexpected pictures—from surprising silhouettes to shapes that make you wonder if your eyes are playing tricks on you.

Berndnaut Smilde, an artist from Denmark, has developed a way of creating clouds-- even indoors! He uses a fog machine to change the moisture in the air, then applies heat and light to make the cloud form. So far his clouds only last a few minutes. But who knows? Maybe soon he'll be able to make it snow inside. Now, other than art, can you think of a use for an indoor cloud?

"Little D

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The Sunny Side of Life We know that light comes from the Sun. But where is the sunniest spot on Earth? Yuma, Arizona, USA! The lucky people who live there bask in an average of 11 hours of sunshine per day. But is it possible to have too much sunlight?

Your pupils, the dark circles in the middle of your eyes, get bigger when it’s dark. That’s because pupils are how light enters your eyes. When it’s dark, they need to grow as big as possible to try to find the light. But why are they called pupils? The word comes from Latin and means ‘little doll’. If you look really close into someone else’s pupil, or even your own using a mirror, you’ll notice a miniature version of yourself. The Romans called this the ‘little doll’, and we’ve kept the name ever since. But why do you think pupils are always so dark?

Can you gue ss what color the dino saurs were?

Your guess is as go od as anyone's! With all the resear ch over the centuries, we still don't know !

g facts e amazin find r o m e r can There a ents you ing im r e p x e rn and Vinci Lea . a D e th ids on just for k e it s b e w nline at .com Join us o learning ic in -v a s.d www.kid

Well, not quite. But maybe we're one step closer to a life without needles at the doctor's office. Researchers have developed little strips with vaccines inside teeny-tiny particles that then work their way through the pores in your skin. A pain-free way to keep you from getting sick: now that's progress!

Did you know that the warm water for your shower and the electricity to power your TV can come from the Sun? All you need are solar panels. But they are expensive and difficult to install. So researchers have developed an even better solution-- solar panels in a can! You just spray the magical ink on your windows and-- voilà!-- warm water from the Sun!

If only that were the answer to every problem! But scientists have found that one of the molecules found in dark chocolate may hold the key to quieting that cough. It's called theobromine, and it could wind up in cough medicine by the end ? s of this year. Until then, we'll just a e ig id as to b e R keep eating chocolate bars. U om ide e YO r grand 'll print s r a t n Wha end you and we ht here i , t g S i e r n s citv. idea avin GGEST issue! d @ info f the BI he next t o

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

"Little D

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Can you gue ss what color the dino saurs were?

Your guess is as go od as anyone's! With all the resear ch over the centuries, we still don't know !

g facts e amazin find r o m e r can There a ents you ing im r e p x e rn and Vinci Lea . a D e th ids on just for k e it s b e w nline at .com Join us o learning ic in -v a s.d www.kid

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

So is spring rain especially clean? Hooray! It's springtime! After the long, cold winter months, it's hard not to notice all that buzzing going on outside. And it's not just the bees! Trees are budding, flowers are blooming, birds are chirping and even the bears are stretching after their hibernation. For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the three months when Nature begins to wake up are here-- which means another spring treat is here: April showers!

Let's go jump in puddles!

You know that rain is caused by water evaporating from the rivers, lakes and oceans of the world. In spring, the pollen that is released by trees and flowers, as well as resin and heavy scented essential oils, fly around in the wind. When the rain falls, it pushes these nutrients into the ground, acting like a natural fertilizer, which is what makes Nature 'spring' to life! But in big cities and near large factories, other chemicals can also be flying about in the wind-- polluting chemicals like carbon monoxide and sulfur. When these chemicals are in the air, the rain can become just as harmful, and it even pushes the pollutants into the ground. This makes it difficult for plants and trees, and the animals that need them to survive.

Look at all these flowers! But what makes April showers so special?

Well, there is the famous saying: April showers bring May flowers, and of course the first flowers of the season are quite special. But there are also many cultural traditions associated with April showers. For example, many cultures believe that rain that falls in April has healing powers. It is collected in special containers and offered to people who fall ill and used to prepare special meals. And some people even believe that when you wash your hair with April rain, it will be healthier, stronger and more beautiful.

Flowers are one of the surest signs of spring. But how many do you know? a. Cyclamen: These prettty pink-purple flowers are known for their heart-shaped leaves. And they're a pig's favorite food! b. Daffodil: One of the first flowers of spring, daffodils often cover entire fields. c. Crocus: Crocuses can come in almost any color and are the source of the spice saffron. d. Daisy: The name 'daisy' comes from 'day's eye', because it closes at night. e. Evening primrose: These little flowers open up at night, after the bees have gone to sleep.

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Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

Let's go jump in puddles!

Look at all these flowers! But what makes April showers so special?

b a

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

Where are those Birds going?

Not every animal enjoys the winter, especially birds who rely on trees for shelter and a fertile ground for finding food. So many birds from Europe migrate (move) to warmer climates in Africa for a few months. But that means that as the temperatures climb, many birds return to their homes. And that gives us something amazing to watch. They often make a 'V'-formation for the really long trip. As the lead bird begins to get a little tired from flying first into the wind, it will move toward the back, and a new bird will take over the lead. What kinds of birds do you think migrate? The bigger ones, like the crane and the Do all Birds eagle? Or smaller birds like the migrate? swallow and the hummingbird?

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Stork Storks are big, long-legged, long-necked birds that often like to be near water. Their feathers and bodies come in many different colors, depending on where they are from. But one surprising thing about storks is that they are mute-their main way of communicating is by knocking their beaks together.

Many people like to spend spring days in the countryside with a pair of binoculars watching for birds and then recording what they see in a journal. In fact, birdwatching is not just a weekend activity for amateurs, it's a part of scientific research.

Swallow Swallows, on the other hand, love to sing all day long. They are also recognizable by their two-pronged tails, dark blue back feathers and bright orange necks. You will usually catch sight of them singing from a tree or flying in large groups.

Common Swift

Cuckoo Many species of the cuckoo like to stay in one place all year long, but there are some, particularly in Europe, that head south for the winter. But catching sight of them during their migration is not very simple. They like to fly at night and rest in wooded forests during the day. The best way to find them? Listen for their famous call: koo-kook, koo-kook.

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

From the picture, you can see that the Common Swift looks a lot like the Swallow, especially because of its tail. But the Common Swift is actually a bit larger than the Swallow, and it has really short legs. But how do you tell the difference when it's flying high overhead? Common Swifts don't flap their wings as much as Swallows, and they're almost all black.

Ornithologists are scientists who study birds and their behaviors. They often rely on observations made by people just like you who keep a record of the birds they see. If you make a birdwatching journal this spring, email us at

info@davincitv.net and we'll publish your research findings!

In fact, some roses are almonds, plums and even peaches. It may sound like a riddle, but it’s really true. Just like people, plants have families. And the rose family (Rosaceae) is quite a large one. Actually, with its influence on economies—just think of all the apples and roses sold around the world every year, not to mention the other fruits and flowers—the rose family would be a pretty important one. And like all families, members of Rosaceae have some things in common. For example, they typically have beautiful blossoms with five petals of equal size surrounding the center where the fruit grows. Also like all families, every member is a bit different—they can grow as trees, shrubs and vines, some are evergreen, and some lose their leaves in the fall. The rose family is divided into four subfamilies, which are believed to have nearly 100 genera and 3000 species. They can be found all over Earth. But no matter what they look like or where they are located, they all have a common ancestor. They all belong to the same family. So the next time you’re eating an apple or smelling a rose, you’re actually spending time with different members of the same family! .

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

Where are those Birds going?

a Stork. I just saw different s four That make I just started Birds, and hing. watc

Common Swift

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

info@davincitv.net and we'll publish your research findings!

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

Together, they put all the pieces together and looked at the finished car. "Well, why isn't it running?" asked Ali. It just wouldn't go. Sure they could push it around, but that's not a solar-powered car; that's just like a toy model. Then Mrs. Gül said, "Why don't we put the solar panel in the garden for a while so it can soak up some of the sunlight?" Meanwhile, they read about how energy from the Sun is better for our planet.

Who says you can't learn by playing? Certainly not Gül Gölge and her two sons, Ali and Emir! When we told them about a new science experiment kit from Kosmos we were given to try, they invited us right over to their home to test it out. We were having so much fun, we almost forgot we were learning something very valuable about how solar power (energy from the Sun) can be used for many things in our lives, even cars, and also help protect our planet!

As their mother began unwrapping the package, Ali and Emir were already getting excited. They couldn't wait to get their hands on all the parts. "What do you think," asked their mother, "do you think we can make a car powered by the Sun?" Ali seemed unsure. "How can we?" he asked. "Let's look at the instructions. Maybe we can see something from these pictures," said Mrs. Gül. Emir, however, was already one step ahead. He began separating the pieces right away.

After about two hours of soaking up sunlight out in the garden, Ali and Emir thought the solar panel should be ready. They attached it to their car, and suddenly the car started to drive! They had made a solar-powered car!

What they found out surprised them! All the fuel that we put in our vehicles, whether our cars at home or buses that take us to school, comes from fossils, usually deep underground. Getting those fossils isn't all, though. Then chemicals have to be added and the final fuel is transported all over the planet. You need fuel just to send fuel! But the Sun is already everywhere. So it's a lot easier to use. After having discovered how the Sun can power vehicles, we all talked about how the Sun is such a valuable source of energy for us. Actually, it provides us with more energy than all other sources combined-- even more than coffee! But as the Sun went down, so did our energy, so Mrs. Gül was nice enough to read us a story.

Mrs. Gül then replaced the panel with a normal battery. The car could also drive with the battery. She explained to Emir and Ali that if the Sun isn't shining, cars can then run on batteries. We want to thank Emir, Ali and Mrs. Gül for inviting us to their home. We had so much fun learning about solar power and building the car. How do you make learning fun with your family? Tell us about it by sending an email to info@davincitv.net, and we'll share your story with our readers!

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

Entertaining characters help our smallest viewers learn about fields as diverse as maths, the animal kingdom, space and physics. Fascinating documentaries make even the most complicated subjects understandable. And our family series will spark everyone's imagination with travels through space and time.

For children ages 6-12 Our Little Genius series are broadcast in the mornings to get children ready for school. With fun, short series that introduce kids to the basics of numbers and mathematics, to programmes that inspire them to start wondering about the world around them. From Little Einstein to World Ahoy, these shows get kids excited about learning and present them the information in a fun, accessible way.

Explorer Express

How do penguins swim in nearly frozen water without getting cold? How can you turn a drawing into an animated cartoon? With a mix of curiosity, imagination and resourcefulness, hosts Kati and Thomas show how the answers to these questions are all about following the track to knowledge.

Artzooka is a program that invites you and your family to start seeing the world in a new way. Recycled materials, a little bit of creativity and a whole lot of fun: that's all you need to create a fabulous, imaginative work of art. Our energetic host Jeremy shows you how to bring out your creative side. How & Why

Is an exciting series of educational fun. Led by our animated hosts Theo, Tess and Quentin, you'll discover amazing facts about the world: from Nature's astonishing wonders to great human inventions; from outer space to the depths of the sea.

Marvi Hammer

is a friendly rat who, along with his cadre of rodent reporters stationed across the globe, take you and your family on a trip to some of the world's most interesting locations. See what the inside of a volcano looks like just before it erupts or venture down the Amazon River, while Marvi and his crew tell you all about it.

Imagine what paradise looks like. Would there be long stretches of white-sanded beaches to watch both sunrise and sunset? Would there be lush, green rainforests that were home to plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth? And there would certainly be mountains, volcanoes and waterfalls, and ancient ruins to explore, too. But what would you call such a place? México! For over 13,000 years—long before the Europeans arrived, México has been home to some of the most advanced civilizations on Earth: from the Aztec and Maya, who developed a very sophisticated calendar; to the Olmec and Zapotec, who developed one of the earliest writing systems.

Today, México is a very modern place, with skyscrapers and cities filled with millions of people. But México also holds on to many of its traditions, including festive music, beautiful nature and, of course, jalapeno peppers! The 5th of May—Cinco de Mayo, is a day that celebrates the coming together of the diverse Méxican cultures. And it gives us a great excuse to take a trip to explore the country’s land and culture. Vamonos!

The capital city of México is the world’s 10th most populous city, with nearly 20 million people living in the area. It was first founded by the Aztecs in 1325, nearly 700 years ago, on the spot where an eagle perched atop a cactus with a snake in its beak—now the national symbol for the entire country. A museum and live archaeological site now stands where the cactus once did, just around the corner from grand plaza at the city’s center—Zócolo. Just north of modern-day México City is one of the world’s most recognizable sites: Teotihuacán. The name means ‘the place where men become gods,’ and it is where the Aztecs built their famous pyramids. Scientists and researchers have been able to understand the Aztec culture by finding many household items, such as pottery, and also thousands of painted murals that tell stories of daily life in the earliest days of the Valley of México.

See more of Da Vinci Learning's great programming and check out our daily schedule online at www.kids.da-vinci-learning.com!

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

Explorer Express

Marvi Hammer

See more of Da Vinci Learning's great programming and check out our daily schedule online at www.kids.da-vinci-learning.com!

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

Tucked inside the Transvolcanic Belt is another natural phenomenon, an ecosystem that is home to one of the planet’s most breathtaking events—each and every year. You know butterflies are amazing insects. They start as creeping caterpillars and then go through a dramatic metamorphosis—a complete physical change, entering into a cocoon and then entering the world brightly-colored and able to fly. But that’s just part of the story. One butterfly, the Monarch, is also known for its great migration. Spending the summers in the northern parts of the American continent, they spend their winters in the unique pine forests found in the Transvolcanic Belt, traveling up to 4000 km. They hang together from the trees, helping them stay warm and moist throughout the winter.

Volcanoes of Love?

Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl

From the southern side of Mexico City, on a clear day, you can see Popocatépetl (El Popo) —the smoking mountain. The volcano is still active, including reports last year that hot rocks and plumes of smoke were shooting into the air from its pointy peak. Another volcano, Iztaccíhuatl, or ‘the sleeping woman’, has multiple peaks and is connected to El Popo by a mountain path known as the Passage of Cortes. These volcanoes are also connected by a local legend of romance.

Keeping warm in México doesn’t require hanging from trees in the forest. If you like things hot, really hot, you can always indulge in one of the country’s most celebrated culinary specialties—hot peppers. Sure, México is also known for its use of corn (think about tortillas, for example), but the fiery, hot jalapeño is also a native food that has changed the way people eat all over the world. But what makes a jalapeño so hot? You might be surprised (or maybe not) to learn it’s all about science. The secret to the spiciness is in a chemical compound natural to the pepper called capsaicin. It’s found in the waxy part of the pepper, the placenta, protecting the seeds, but since it has no color or odor, it’s impossible to know where else it might be found. Unless, of course, you’re daring enough to taste it! Biologists think capsaicin was developed by plants to protect it from animals. It seems to work.

Volcanoes play a major part in the legends and culture of México, because a row of volcanoes stretches across the country from east to west, right through the center. The Transvolcanic Belt, in fact, contains México’s highest point, Pico de Orizaba, and many of the Did you know water won’t volcanoes are covered with cool-off your chili pepper? snow year-round. Drinking water after you bite into a hot jalapeño won’t make that burning sensation go away. The reason is, the capsaicin compound is not soluble (it does not mix) with water. The trick is to put out the fire with fat—drink milk or smear peanut butter on your tongue.

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

But what about the people of México? We’ve talked about the food and the legends, the butterflies and even the cities. But the real story about the traditions and cultures of México are found in its people. And one of the most important symbols of Méxican culture is the Jarabe Tapatío, or the Méxican Hat Dance. Like much of México’s culture, it is a blend of the many different civilizations that have played a role in the nation’s history. The Jarabe Tapatío is performed by a man and a woman. The man, wearing a large hat as part of his charro costume, tries to impress the woman in traditional China poblano dress—recognizable through the bright colors and patterns. After being ignored, the man throws down his hat, which the woman picks up and places on her head. The music is often played by a mariachi band.

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Volcanoes of Love?

Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

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Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

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Gotcha! Yuck, it's a bug. But look what else I caught! All those dust particles and pollen, and many other particles I don't even know-do I really breathe all that in? No wonder I sneeze whenever we play in the garden. But now I know how to avoid it.

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ear this mask, it'l l bl ust w j I oc If ka l

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! ain ag Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

e nd tie th papers to a s the ole tr eh

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g Argh! I get caught every time! Whenever we play hide-and-seek in the garden, I find the best hiding spots, but then something makes me sneeze.

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Hide-and-Seek is best played in the garden. There are so many great places to hide, so the game is much more exciting. I can hear my friend Banu counting: One, two, three...

in es

But what could it be that makes me sneeze? I read about hundreds of tiny microorganisms like pollen from flowers, dust and other little particles in the air, that can cause people to have allergies. But how can I find out if these things are in the air? How could I catch them? Aha! I have an idea...

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Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

d-seek once again! e-an hid of

rticles, and I can be a p e the littl kin e h lt

ear this mask, it'l l bl ust w j I oc If ka l

be st h I always find the

der what I'll find.. . won

! ain ag Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

e nd tie th papers to a s the ole tr eh

s. I ee

g Argh! I get caught every time! Whenever we play hide-and-seek in the garden, I find the best hiding spots, but then something makes me sneeze.

paper, and th ach en e in sm le

ith the h a i r em w ge r th l. ea

es. She'll never b c a l p ea ng bl i d i

ere. me h nd o fi et

not now. It's lease hap p , o pe n nin Oh

en and wait... gard the

Hide-and-Seek is best played in the garden. There are so many great places to hide, so the game is much more exciting. I can hear my friend Banu counting: One, two, three...

in es

pers from the bushes a p e and hes t tre ng

Join Jere my ever y Monday Saturday through at 19:30 , in the Artzo o k a studio on Da Vinci Learning !

We're here inside the Artzooka studio to give you a sneak peek at all the great, creative ways you can have fun with Artzooka!

Create your own self-talking birthday cards that make everyone smile!

What does it take to become an artist? You don't need years of training at a special school, and you don't need complicated tools. All you need is a few recycled materials, a big imagination and the desire to have fun! Artzooka shows you the rest.

How about making an intergallactic rocket ship to carry your alien superhero on an out-of-this-world adventure?

A watering can, a few combs, an old paint brush and a popsicle stick: for most people, this sounds like nothing more than a pile of rubbish. But for Artzooka kids, these pieces come together to make a magical migrating bird.

Don't miss Artzooka, Monday throug

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

Your imagination can take you anywhere. How about a safari adventure across the great African savannah? Or riverboat rafting through the Amazon rainforests? Have you ever dreamed of scaling the world's highest mountains? Or do you want to go even further-rocketing deep into outer space? Your imagination can take you to all of those places and many more! For any adventure you want to take, Artzooka is your launching pad. Our host Jeremy will show you how to take a few things you probably have lying about the house-- maybe even in the dustbin, and create your passport to a limitless journey. Get your imagination ready. It's time to take off!

h Saturday

at 19:30 !

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

Join Jere my ever y Monday Saturday through at 19:30 , in the Artzo o k a studio on Da Vinci Learning !

We're here inside the Artzooka studio to give you a sneak peek at all the great, creative ways you can have fun with Artzooka!

Create your own self-talking birthday cards that make everyone smile!

How about making an intergallactic rocket ship to carry your alien superhero on an out-of-this-world adventure?

Don't miss Artzooka, Monday throug

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

h Saturday

at 19:30 !

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

Can Music really make you Smarter? Rhythm isn't just about tapping your foot when listening to music; it's a part of almost everything we do. Whether you are walking or marching, whistling a tune or talking to a friend, the pattern of how you do things is called rhythm. So, even if you're not the best dancer, you've still got rhythm!

When 4-year-old Baha took the stage of Turkey's Got Talent, nobody knew what would happen-- except for Baha. As the young drummer began to perform, the judges stared in awe, impressed with his musical talent, as well as his personality. All across the country, Baha-fever took over. And people of every age were cheering for this young musical star.

But Baha isn't the only young talented performer in Turkey. Busenur Gรถkรงen ร evik at age 12, is already doing difficult mathematics calculations with nothing but her mind-- and live and on stage. If you get nervous before a math test, imagine trying to do one on television with millions of people watching. What's her secret? Here's a hint: it's got something to do with rhythm.

But as Baha showed millions of TV viewers, there are other benefits to learning to play musical instruments. People who develop a strong sense of rhythm are more able to express themselves, and they are more comfortable in social groups. As Baha charmed the audience with his personality, it was clear that his talent and ability helped give him the confidence to also have fun without worrying about what others thought. Rhythm can help us all relax.

We generally think of music as a form of art. But did you know it's also a science? Musico logy is the study of sounds and ho w they affect us.

Sitting on stage behind his drum set, Baha's feet could barely reach the bass drum and cymbal pedals. But that didn't keep him from keeping the beat!

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

So how does rhythm and music make you smarter? When your brain starts to see patterns, you spend less time thinking about what comes next. This allows your brain to have more complex thoughts. Scientists have known for a long time that students who play a musical instrument, who have some training with rhythm, do better in mathematics, physics and chemistry. Even Einstein played the violin!

But maybe the most important benefit of rhythm and music is having fun! Baha was certainly having a blast as he banged away on his drum set on Turkey's Got Talent, and there is no reason why you couldn't do the same. What are you waiting for?

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

We generally think of music as a form of art. But did you know it's also a science? Musico logy is the study of sounds and ho w they affect us.

Sitting on stage behind his drum set, Baha's feet could barely reach the bass drum and cymbal pedals. But that didn't keep him from keeping the beat!

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

A Trip to the Stars

Fishing for Stars

When you look up into the night sky, past the streetlights and the treetops, even past the clouds, what do you see? Countless stars, maybe a few planets and, if you’re lucky, you might catch a comet soaring by. But there’s more to our universe, much more—and it’s constantly expanding, growing bigger and wider every second. So let’s take a trip to the stars and see what awaits us in the great beyond!

Seeing stars

Young Edwin Hubble was a normal kid. Sure, he did well in school growing up, getting good grades in all his subjects. Well, except for spelling. But what he was most known for was being an athlete. He was a star runner and high-jumper on his high school track and field team, trained to be a boxer and loved to go fishing.

One BIG,

permanent step

You’ve looked up at night, but it doesn’t look anything like the photos from space you’ve seen in books and on television. Are you looking in the wrong spot? How do they see all those colours? The secret is in the telescope!

A total of 12 humans have been to the Moon, and they were there during six missions in less than three-and-a-half years. The first landing was in July 1969, and it was led by astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. A third astronaut, Michael Collins, had to stay in the ship orbiting the Moon. Millions of people around the world watched as Neil Armstrong took the first step and declared, “This is one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.”

About 400 years ago, the first known telescopes were produced in the Netherlands. Today, we send huge telescopes into space to take pictures of far-away worlds and send them back to Earth. But how do they work? The first telescopes used glass lenses, and then mirrors, to refract light. Yes, that’s refraction, not reflection. Since light travels in waves, when it crosses a new surface, the waves change, or bend. By bending the light, we are able to capture more of it and see further into space. Does it sound complicated? It's not.

Here’s an experiment you can do to understand how refraction works:

What you do:

What you need: • Water • Scissors • Shoe Box

• Dark Room • Flat-sided Jar • Flashlight

1. Do this experiment in a dark room to achieve much better results. 2. Cut a narrow slit at one end of the shoe box using sharp scissors. 3. Fill the jar with water. 4. Place the flat-sided jar of water in the shoe box. Position the jar at an angle near the slit. 5. Place the flashlight against the slit so that the beam of light goes straight through to the jar of water.

What’s happening: Light moves slower through water than it moves through air. When the light goes through the water, it slows down and bends. When it bends, it appears longer, and it reveals a broader amount of light—though you might notice that it is a bit less sharp. As the light leaves the water and re-enters the air, the beam of light speeds up again and bends back. This is called refraction. Telescopes use refraction to make far-away planets visible to us.

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

But did you know that the biggest impression was left on the Moon? It sounds impossible, but it’s true! The footprint left behind from that small step is still there—or at least it should be (nobody’s checked for a while). Because there is no atmosphere on the Moon, there is no wind. And since there is no wind, nothing has blown away the footprint.

Today Hubble is known for his groundbreaking idea about the constantly growing universe. And when scientists built a huge telescope to send into space to take pictures of the edge of space, they named it the Hubble Space Telescope. The Hubble telescope has been sending some of the most beautiful and surprising images anyone on Earth has ever seen. From black holes to new galaxies, from the edge of the universe to (really!) live pictures of the past, we’ve discovered parts of space we never even dreamed of. Edwin Hubble’s work in astronomy remains very important to the work of today’s researchers, but we should never forget that as much as he loved looking up into the stars, he certainly enjoyed more earthly experiences—like going fishing.

Snowballs in Space? Made up of ice, dust and tiny galactic rocks, comets look like dirty snowballs speeding through space at an unbelievable rate. But what makes comets most recognizable are their long tails trailing behind. Where does the tail come from? As a comet gets closer to the Sun, the ice begins to melt. The closer it gets, the more the ice melts, creating an illusion of a tail. In fact, it might be difficult to tell the difference between an asteroid and a comet way off in deep space, far from the heat of the Sun. Since so little ice is melting, there is hardly any tail seen. Since Earth is the third planet from the Sun, by the time a comet passes by us, it is certain to have a tail. So the next time you see a dirty snowball sailing through the night sky with its long tail trailing behind, you’re looking at a comet that has probably seen more of the universe than we ever will.

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

A Trip to the Stars

Fishing for Stars

Seeing stars

One BIG,

permanent step

Here’s an experiment you can do to understand how refraction works:

What you do:

What you need: • Water • Scissors • Shoe Box

• Dark Room • Flat-sided Jar • Flashlight

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

ing more d wants noth n La l so a lf o 's S of se of her land u a Princess Lare c e b t, u B . r the violin rn. Instead he a le to than to play d e w ls are not allo to play. traditions, gir their parents y b d e rc fo is utside , run around o brother, Refa to r fe re p ld wou However, Refa s. frog chasing after most , the world's a F r e st a M f other no since Mifa's m r Mifa is the so ve e t u B r. d he lin make mely sad, an renowned vio e tr x e n e e b s Fa ha ful violins died, Master ing his beauti d il u b y jo n boring e n king of neigh s does not eve u lo a je e th ese d when fates of all th e th , anymore. An d n La l ls to Solfaso Remido trave llide. characters co ory n emotional st a is a F r te s of Ma work The Violins value of hard e th , ls ir g f o hts Fatih about the rig ms, written by a re d f o r e r w and the po erful books fo d n o w d te a re o has c ErdoÄ&#x;an, wh ades. ver three dec children for o

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to fly high above the streets of your town, watching your friends and family as they went about their days? Hezarfen has. And as he watched and studied the different birds around him, he began to understand how they were able to reach the clouds. Herzafen Flying is Freedom is a colorful book by writer Ahmet Ă&#x2013;nel and illustrator Sait MunzÄąr that will make you believe in the power of your imagination!

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

Burglary for Beginners is the firs t book of a new four-part series by author Terry De ary called Master Crook's Crime Academy. The story begins in England in 18 37, where most people are poor and hungry. But while so many suffer, the rich and powerful are enj oying large feasts and luxurious lifestyles. Ma ster Crook's Crime Academy isn't about stea ling from your neighbor; it's about making sure eve rybody can enjoy a warm meal with their fam ilies. Terry Deary has written more tha n 200 books that have been translated in over 40 languages. But this new series may be the mo st exciting yet!

Olga lives with her older sister Esther and their parents in a normal home in a normal town. In fact, everything about Olga's life seems terribly... normal. But that doesn't mean Olga's life is boring. In the book's first story, we find Olga at home with her family on a typical Sunday morning. There's a bit of bickering, a little boredom and, of course, finishing her homework for school the next day. Suddenly Olga has an idea to turn this ordinary day into something extraordinary. In the second story, Olga's family embarks on a ski vacation that they will never forget. From the moment they depart, nothing seems to go right, but out heroine is always there to make the most out of a prickly situation and find the fun in every part of their great family adventure. Illustrated by Michael Gay and written by Genevieve Brisac, Olga is a great way to remember how much fun life can be if we just look at it from a new angle!

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

Spring has arrived It's time to get outside and start observing all the great things about spring. Watching birds, picking flowers, climbing trees. But how can we find what we need in this mess? See if you can help locate these items so we can start making our observations!

CAN YOU FIND IT? Backpack to carry our supplies Notepad to write our observations Pencil, of course Water bottle Magnifying glass to inspect those little bugs Binoculars to see the birds A dog with a good smelling nose A raincoat Rain boots Plastic bags to collect samples Walking stick A camera

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

What's got you curious? What do you want to know about your world, or even beyond? We don't have the answers to every question. But we sure like finding them out! Drop us a letter, send us an email, let us know what's on your mind-- and let's continue uncovering the mysteries of the world together!

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.

info@davincitv.net

Carl Sagan

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE ALL IN THIS

TOGETHER The great thing about learning is that we all need each other to do it. Just think, if that apple hadn't fallen on Isaac Newton's head or the man who discovered the microwave didn't have a chocolate bar in his back pocket, we might not be half as smart today. Share your discoveries with us. We'll pick a few to share with all our readers in the next issue! Write to us! info@davincitv.net

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

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Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

From the littlest genius to the greatest grandparent, Da Vinci Learning TV Channel makes learning about the world around us entertaining, accessible and, most of all, fun! Bring your family together to explore the world with Da Vinci Learning! Da Vinci Learning creates a safe, fun environment for children, parents and adults to come together and enjoy learning more about their world. Our programming is designed to spark imaginations and inspire conversations, bringing your family together to learn, create, explore and play! Learn about the groundbreaking discoveries in science; get your imagination going with shows dedicated to easy-to-do crafts; find exciting kitchen science experiments you and your family can do at home; and explore the depths of the world's oceans and trek to Earth's highest peaks; all in a single day with Da Vinci Learning!

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We understand that learning is a lifelong journey. And although we don't know where it leads, it always begins in the home. You and your family are invited to join us on this exciting adventure!

Because... it's a pleasure to know.

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Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.

info@davincitv.net

Carl Sagan

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE ALL IN THIS

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine

www.kids.da-vinci-learning.com

Da Vinci Learning - Fun Science Magazine