KidsvilleNews - May 2018

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HEY! THIS PAPER BELONGS TO:

©

GWINNETT COUNTY’S FUN FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE

UNDERSTANDING THE RULE OF LAW

F REE www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett

check out the calendar pagE FOR THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH!

MAY 2018


GWINNETT COUNTY’S GWINNETT COUNTY’S FUN FAMILY NEWSPAPER FUN FAMILY NEWSPAPER

Published monthly by Gwinnett Daily Post www.KidsvilleNews.com 725 Old Norcross Road,byLawrencville, GA 30046 Kidsville News! produced Merrigold Publications 770-963-9205 • www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, MERRIGOLD PUBLICATIONS For Advertising/Sponsor opportunities, Bill Bowman • bbowman@upandcomingweekly.com contact Lauren Stephens • 770-963-9205 ext. 1209 NATIONAL EDITOR lauren.stephens@gwinnettdailypost.com Stephanie Crider • stephanie@kidsvillenews.com KIDSVILLE NEWS! • PUBLISHER ILLUSTRATOR Bill Bowman bbowman@kidsvillenews.com Cover •& Truman • Dan Nelson GRAPHIC DESIGNER Published monthly AnnabyN.Gwinnett Yang Daily Post 725 Old Norcross Road, Lawrencville, GA 30046 ILLUSTRATOR 770-963-9205 • www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett Cover & Truman • Dan Nelson For Advertising/Sponsor opportunities, KIDSVILLE NEWS! NATIONAL EDITOR Contact Elizabeth • 770-963-9205 ext. 1208 Janice Burton Hill • Janice@kidsvillenews.com elizabeth.hill@gwinnettdailypost.com KIDSVILLE NEWS! NATIONAL ASSOCIATE EDITOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Stephanie Crider • Stephanie@kidsvillenews.com Anna N. Yang ©Copyright 2011 Kidsville News! Inc., All Rights Reserved. Truman is a service

Kids ! Hi, Hi Kid, s!

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mark of Kidsville Inc., and the Kidsville News! is areserved. registered No trademark Copyright ©2016News! by Merrigold Publishing, Inc. Alllogo rights part Kidsville No part of thisin issue Kidsville mayform be reproduced ofof this issueNews! may Inc. be reproduced wholeof or in partNews! in any without in whole or inofpart any form without permission of the Neither publisher participating or the copyright permission theinpublisher or copyright holder. holder. Neither advertisers the publishers will be or liable advertisers norparticipating the publishers will be nor responsible or liable forresponsible misinformation, for misinformation, misprints,errors. or typographical errors.reserve The publishers reserve right misprints or typographical The publishers the right to edittheany to edit any submitted material. Kidsville News! Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited submitted material. Merrigold Publishing, Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, artwork, ororother submissions should include name, manuscripts, othermaterial. material.Children’s Children’s submissions should include address, telephonetelephone number, and permission publish signed a parentsigned or guardian. name, address, number, andtopermission tobypublish by a parent or guardian.

ATTEND THE GEORGIA URBAN AG & OUTDOOR EXPO

EXPO

EXPO

2 • KIDSVILLE NEWS • May 2018 •  www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett

GEORGIA URBAN AG & OUTDOOR EXPO! Showcasing Agri-science & Technology

DID YOU KNOW? Broccoli is actually a Some plants are carnivorous... they eat

2000

FLOWER

Around different types of plants are used by humans to make food.

INSECTS!!

BAMBOO can be a fast growing plant, some types can grow almost 3.28 feet in just one day!

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Showcasing Agri-science & Technology 2......... Truman’s Letter/Gee Thanks 3................... Cultural Connections/ ............................Around the World 4.................................. Connections Georgia Urban Ag and Outdoor Expo 5..................................... MathTime 6....................What’s It Like to Be... 7........................................KidSmart 8...........................Kidsville Kitchen 9...................................... KidShape 10...................................... Calendar GOATS,Weather/Did PONIES, TRACTORS You Know?AND OF COURSE, LOT’S OF VEGGIES! 11............... Out and Play/ 12..................... ComeGEORGIA MAY 20 - 21 (FRIDAY & SATURDAY) 2016 URBAN 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ������������������������Where the World AG &inOUTDOOR GEORGIA URBAN 13.................................Space Place GWINNETT COUNTY AG FAIRGROUNDS, & OUTDOOR LAWRENCEVILLE GA 14............. Reviews for Kids by Kids 15...................................... Wildville www.GAUrbanExpo.com Read 16.....ParenTown’s Read Kiddo

Don’t miss the

ORCHIDS do not

need soil to grow. They get all of their nutrients from the air.

www.GAUrbanExpo.com

www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett • May 2016 • KIDSVILLE NEWS • 3


• • •

• • • • • •

• Most shantys were call and response. • One sailor would lead the song; he was called the shantyman. This was a difficult job because the shantyman sang solo. He had to know the • right songs for the work, keep the rhythm and be loud enough to be heard across the • ship. The shantyman would sing a line of the song by himself and then the rest of the men would sing the same response back to him.

Different songs have different rhythms and were used for different kinds of work. Short drag shanties were for tasks with quick pulls over short time. Long drag shanties were for tasks that needed time between pulls.These tasks usually went on for a long time. Capstan shanties were for long repetitive tasks like raising or lowering an anchor. Pumping shanties were for when the ship leaked but were interchangeable with capstan shanties. Forecastle shanties were for relaxing and entertainment. These songs did not have a work purpose. Stamp’n’Go shanties were for ships with large crews. Whaling shanties helped the men on whaling vessels do some of the most difficult and dangerous work on the ocean. Sea shantys became less popular as steampowered ships became more popular. Men did less manual labor, so they didn’t need songs to make the work easier.

www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Sea-Shanties/

round the

A ORL W

D

The traffic light was invented before the automobile. Even when people were just getting around on foot and in carriages, streets were crowded and busy. In big cities like London, England, it was dangerous to try and cross a road. This danger inspired J.P. Knight to create the first traffic light. He was a railway-signaling engineer. He created a traffic signal that was similar to the lamps used for directing trains. Red and green lamps with arms that read “stop” and “caution” signaled for carriages and pedestrians to slow down or go. His invention was installed outside London’s parliament in 1868. Unfortunately, the lamps were run with gas. One night, it exploded and killed the policeman who was operating it. The accident made traffic lights unpopular for years because they were considered dangerous.

mentalfloss.com/article/23909/origin-traffic-lights

nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/sea-shanties

www.thepirateking.com/music/shanty_types.htm

• Ernest Sirrine brought traffic signals to America in 1910. • His signals were installed in Chicago but did not have lights. Instead they had two rotating arms that said “stop” and “proceed.” • In 1914, Cleveland, Ohio, installed a two color, red-green system. This was the first electric traffic light in the world. • The modern three-color system was first created and installed in New York in 1918. They had to be operated manually. Policemen would have to stand at a tower

and change the lights by hand. • As the popularity of the automobile spread around the world, so did the popularity of the traffic light. • The first electric traffic light installed in Europe was in 1924 in Berlin, Germany. • The first automatic signal worked based on a timer. It was installed in Wolverhampton, England, in 1926. • Traffic signals were made popular because of automobiles, but they are important in making sure pedestrians are safe as well.

May Day falls on May 1 and is celebrated in many cultures. It is a celebration of springtime. Often towns hold festivals where people sing songs and dance around a Maypole. In England, May Day means something different. It is celebrated the first Monday in May, and all the banks close that day. It’s considered the start of the summer season. www.livescience.com/57231-who-invented-the-traffic-light.html

Vectors © via Vecteezy.com

Sea shantys are a type of work song associated with pirates and sailors. The tradition is an old one, and no one is sure where or how it all started. However, the tradition has been traced as far back as the 1400s. Sailors sang songs while performing difficult manual labor as a group. By singing the same song, they could all move at the same time in rhythm to the tune. This made difficult jobs like hoisting the sails easier. Six men pulling on a rope at the same time are a lot stronger than just one man. It also made the difficult and often boring work more fun. This was important when men were spending months at sea doing the same difficult and repetitive tasks on a ship.

Memorial Day falls on May 28 this year. This is an American holiday that honors people who died while serving in the military. It is different from Veterans Day, which falls in November and celebrates everyone who served in America’s armed forces.

www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-electric-traffic-signal-installed

www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett • May 2018 • KIDSVILLE NEWS • 3


F

Rule of Law

ollowing the rules is not always fun, especially when they do not seem to make sense. However, obeying the law, which is a specific set of rules created by government, is important to the health of society as a whole. This philosophy is called rule of law. It is an ancient way of thinking that was first explored by Plato 2,500 years ago. He said that there was a system of rules necessary for order. They are designed to protect everyone living in a

community and to make sure everyone is treated equally under the law. Laws protect people from other people, organizations and from the government, too. Laws and the expectation that everyone should follow them is what makes normal life possible. A great example of how this works is traffic laws. It is normal and easy to hop in a car and drive somewhere – like the grocery store. Millions of people do it every day without

judiciallearningcenter.org/law-and-the-rule-of-law/

giving it a second thought. This is simple and safe because everyone is expected to follow the same rules of the road. It would be dangerous and terrifying to try to drive anywhere if everyone in a car drove without any rules. People could get hurt. It could also affect the economy. Many of the products that fill the shelves in grocery stores are shipped all over the country in large trucks. It is cheap, fast and reliable. The stores that we have today would

www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/overview-rule-law

be impossible if these trucks could not easily travel great distances. The rule of law also means that people and corporations have to follow the same rules. The philosophy means that everyone is treated equally. Having more power or money doesn’t mean that someone can drive on the left side of the road. Everyone with a driver’s license agrees to follow these rules, and that is what makes it safe to drive.

encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/ru/Rule_of_law Vectors altered, but original vectors © Vecteezy.com

4 • KIDSVILLE NEWS • May 2018 •  www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett


MATH

TIME

Follow the flowchart to the mystery number.

The number of months in a year

The number of legs a dog

The number of eggs in two dozen

The number of days in a week

There are more than 950,000 people living in Gwinnett! Out of the 159 counties in Georgia, that makes us the second largest.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1

1/23/18

39, This problem relies on the students’ command of mathematics vocabulary and general knowledge to complete it successfully. A discussion of the terms and challenge to write their own mystery numbers would help all students strengthen their command of these vocabulary words.

KIDSVILLE FEB 18.pdf

1:46 PM

Eat smart, move more, and live well!

#GetOutside

Healthyville® was created by Stepping Stones Museum for Children

BUY ONLINE & SAVE!

Nature Trails ● Treetop Experiences Exhibits for All Ages Free with Museum Admission | Members FREE

January 27 - May 28, 2018 Presented Locally by:

Major support is provided by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.

Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs

Georgia Power Foundation, Inc.

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childrensmuseumatlanta.org • 404.659.KIDS (5437)

FernbankMuseum.org | @FernbankMuseum

www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett • May 2018 • KIDSVILLE NEWS • 5


PLEASE TELL OUR READERS A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

Meet Mo Canaday! He’s a retired policeman and the executive director of the National Association of School Resource Officers.

I am a retired police officer. The last half of my career, I was in school-based policing. The National Association of School Resource Officers has been around since 1991. I came in 2011. We are a membership-based association with about 5,000 members. We provide training to school resource officers and school administrators across the country. WHAT DOES A SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER DO? SROs are sworn certified law enforcement officers. They are deployed into the school environment in a community-based policing concept. They work in a collaborative effort between schools and law enforcement. An SRO’s day varies greatly. They may be involved in law enforcement or attend a safety function or an educational presentation in a classroom, or they may be in an informal counseling session. It is the most unique job in law enforcement. It is not a job someone is assigned. It is a job an officer applies for. WHY IS THIS WORK IMPORTANT? The No. 1 goal of an SRO should be to bridge the gap between law enforcement and youth. We are trying to build relationships. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH EVERYONE KNEW ABOUT SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS? If properly selected and specifically trained, SROs are there to make a positive difference in the lives of students. They are there to have a positive impact. WHAT DID YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING AN SRO? It really is student oriented. It is not about being a school cop; it is about being a good civil servant and being student-centric. DO YOU HAVE ANY LAST THOUGHTS TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? It is important that SROs are among the absolute best officers in community because they will become most well-known in their community.

6 • KIDSVILLE NEWS • May 2018 •  www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett


How art benefits young brains

This moment, forever. They won’t be this age for long. So make every second count with a family vacation in Florida. It’s time to make moments that shine.

ability to form mental representations of what is observed or imagined and the ability to observe the world around them. • Art can improve memory and focus. The AASA cites studies that state listening to music can stimulate parts of the brain responsible for memory recall and visual imagery. In addition, background music played in a classroom has been shown to help students remain focused while completing certain learning tasks. • Art can positively affect how students approach other courses. Studies have shown that incorporating arts into core curriculums can have a number of positive effects on students’ overall academic performance and benefit students socially. Studies indicate that students involved in such integrative programs are more emotionally invested in their classes and work more diligently than those not studying in such conditions. In addition, students may learn more from one another when the arts are integrated into core curriculums than when they are not. Art is often mistakenly seen as a strictly fun component of children’s education. But the effects of art on young brains is considerable, helping young people develop in ways that may surprise many men and women. 545430-1

Art enriches lives and can be used to connect people from all walks of life. Among the many additional benefits of art is its effects on young people and the development of their brains. The American Association of School Administrators notes that neuroscience research has shown that the effects of the arts on a young brain’s cognitive, social and emotional development can be profound. • Art helps to wire the brain. The AASA notes that especially young children spend much of their time playing, and that play often includes forms of art such as singing, drawing and dancing. These artistic activities engage various senses and help to wire the brain so it can learn. As children age, these seemingly basic activities remain essential for young brains. • Art helps children develop their motor skills. Dancing and other movements that might be prompted by exposure to art help children develop motor skills. Motor skills are necessary for kids to perform important and necessary daily tasks while also promoting independence. • Art helps kids learn to think. The AASA notes that art can be a valuable tool in instilling essential thinking tools in children, including the ability to recognize and develop patterns, the

www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett • May 2018 • KIDSVILLE NEWS • 7


Kidsville Kitchen Vegetables are more versatile than many people may know. Steaming or sautéing vegetables might be among the most popular ways to cook veggies, but grillmasters know that it’s not just main dishes that taste great when cooked over an open flame. As the following recipe for “Charred Green Beans with Lemon Verbena Pesto” from Karen Adler and Judith Fertig’s “The Gardener & The Grill” (Running Press) can attest, grilled vegetables make for simple yet satisfying side dishes.

Charred Green Beans with Lemon Verbena Pesto Green Beans 11⁄2 pounds slender green beans 2 teaspoons olive oil

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Lemon Verbena Pesto 1 cup fresh lemon verbena leaves (substitute fresh lemon balm leaves) 2 garlic cloves 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1⁄4 cup pine nuts or English walnuts 1⁄2 cup olive oil Fine kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Prepare a hot fire in your grill. 2. Toss the beans with olive oil and place in a perforated grill basket or wok set on a baking sheet. 3. For the Lemon Verbena Pesto, combine the lemon verbena, garlic, cheese and nuts in a food processor and pulse to puree. Slowly add the olive oil with the processor running until the mixture thickens and emulsifies, about 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper. The pesto will keep in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days, or it may be frozen for up to 3 months. 4. Place the grill wok or basket directly over the fire and stir-grill, tossing the beans with wooden paddles or grill spatulas until crisp-tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer the grilled beans to a large bowl and toss with about 1⁄4 cup of the Lemon Verbena Pesto or to taste.

Proudly Supporting Kids in Our Communities

8 • KIDSVILLE NEWS • May 2018 •  www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett

jacksonemc.com


Get prepared for summer camp season

Summer camps in North America were first established in the 1880s and were attended by children without their parents for overnight stays. By the 20th century, summer camps had become an international phenomenon, and various organizations hosted traditional summer camps or camps geared toward religion, sports, music and other subjects and activities. According to the American Camp Association, each year, more than 14 million children and adults in the United States attend camp. America is home to more than 14,000 day and resident camps (8,400 are overnight camps and 5,600 are day camps). Nonprofit groups are the largest sponsors of summer camps. Many people put off summer camp planning until it is too late. Parents should keep in mind that camps begin registration early in the year and have specific cut-off dates for enrollment. Parents who want to beat the crowds this year can use this guide to help plan a summer camp agenda.

• Attend an orientation seminar. Take the time to visit prospective camps for a tour, and use this open house as an opportunity to learn more about the programs offered. If available, find a camp employee to discuss your child’s eligibility for enrollment. Some camps may offer webinars for convenience. • Fill out the enrollment package completely. Each camp has its own requirements for registration. Expect to submit some personal information, including a medical background and proof of insurance, names and numbers of emergency contacts and any other pertinent information as it applies to the camper. This may include allergies, fears, physical or mental disabilities or even preferences in camp courses. • Establish payment schedules. Summer camps vary in price. The ACA says camp costs range from $100 to more than $1,500 per week. However, many accredited camps offer some sort of financial assistance for children from families with limited financial means. If cost is a factor, be sure to broach the subject.

• Prepare children for the physical challenges a camp may present. Summer camp activities may be rigorous, and campers may need to be cleared by a physician before starting. Be sure to schedule your child for a physical and bring along any pertinent forms. Children also can increase their levels of physical activity compared to the often sedentary nature of winter. Such preparation can prevent injuries when engaging in outdoor and physical activities.

SUN MAY 13

• •Shop for supplies. Camps are likely to provide a list of requirements with regard to clothing and other equipment campers will need. Make sure kids have enough shorts, T-shirts, socks, athletic shoes, swimsuits, toiletries and other camp necessities before they leave.

FREE

• Keep children in the loop. Engage children in the planning process to help alleviate their fears and get them excited about summer camp. Summer camp can foster lifelong memories. Parents can help kids prepare in advance for the fun that’s soon to arrive. Additional support provided by

REGISTER TODAY! woodruffcenter.org/familyfun 544983-1

Summer camp season is just around the corner. Each summer, millions of children depart for campsites around the country to swim, hike, craft and enjoy the companionship of friends.

www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett • May 2018 • KIDSVILLE NEWS • 9


SUNDAY

6

MONDAY

TUESDAY

MAY

1 EVERY TUESDAY!

WEDNESDAY

2

THURSDAY

3

4

Kids First Coming Attractions Radio Show, 4 p.m. Eastern

8 FOSTER PARENT

5 BOY SCOUT DAY 10am – 5pm

http://voiceamerica. com/channel/261/ voiceamerica-kids

7

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

12 9

10

11

ORIENTATION

6:30pm – 8:30pm DFCS Department of Family & Children Services 33 S. Clayton Street, Lawrenceville

FORT DANIEL OPEN HOUSE 10:00am – 4:00pm Fort Daniel Historic Site, 2505 Braselton Highway, Buford

TADPOLE TALES 11:30 am

13

14

15

16

17

18

19 SHOAL CREEK FILTER PLANT OPEN HOUSE

FREE FAMILY FESTIVAL

10:00am – 2:00pm Shoal Creek Filter Plant, 1755 Buford Dam Road, Buford

Free family fun for all ages!

20

21

22

23

24

27

28

29

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31

25

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MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY 1:00pm – 2:00pm Fallen Heroes Memorial, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville

UPCOMING:

Historical “Sovereign Scavenger” Hunting. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse – Daily now thru December 31, 2018 on Monday – Friday, 10:00am – 4:00pm; Saturdays 10:00am – 2:00pm.

10 • KIDSVILLE NEWS • May 2018 •  www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett

Coming June 9 - FOOD: Our Global Kitchen


But what exactly is a Nor’easter, and why do they pack such a punch? A Nor’easter is a strong low-pressure system that affects the Mid-Atlantic and New England states. It can form over land or over coastal waters. These winter events are notorious for producing heavy snow, rain and tremendous waves that crash onto Atlantic beaches, often causing beach erosion and structural damage. Wind gusts associated with these storms can exceed hurricane-force intensity. One Nor’easter (March 12-14, 2018) produced wind gusts close to 80 miles per hour near Nantucket, Mass., which is equivalent to winds from a Category 1 hurricane. A Nor’easter gets its name from the continuously strong northeasterly winds blowing in from the ocean ahead of the storm and over the coastal areas. The U.S. East Coast provides an ideal location for Nor’easters. During winter, the polar jet stream transports cold Arctic air southward across the plains of Canada and the United States, then eastward toward the Atlantic Ocean where warm air from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic tries to move northward. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream help keep the coastal waters relatively mild during the winter, which in turn, helps warm the cold winter air over the water. This difference in temperature between the warm air over the water and cold Arctic air over the land is the fuel that feeds Nor’easters. Meteorologists at NWS local forecast offices around the country monitor conditions conducive for Nor’easters, especially during the winter and early spring. When they see conditions are favorable in the upcoming days, forecasters may issue winter storm, blizzard, high wind and coastal flood watches to alert the public that some of the worst effects of Nor’easters might be possible. If conditions are imminent, those watches are changed to warnings. Follow weather.gov to get the latest forecasts and warnings. If a Nor’easter threatens your hometown, take steps to prepare, such as having three days of food, water and other provisions in a disaster supplies kit. A Nor’easter could cut power and leave you in the dark. Also, sit down with your family and create an emergency communications plan so your loved ones know Lake Lanier is named for Sidney how to stay in touch if you are Lanier, a Georgia poet born in separated. Stay off the roads Macon. He is famous for his poem, The Song of the Chattahoochee. if advised by local authorities, and never drive into flood waters. These simple actions will help you stay safe during a Nor’easter.

Did You

KNOW?

MAKE A COMPOST AT HOME V R Y D G W S S S I

E W W D R C H D P X

G D L Z A I R N A N

E R R W S X E U R L

T Y I I S L D O C I

A E T X C K D R S X

B R Y T L M E G T V

L L Y L I I D E I V

E I Q C P P P E U N

S N O M P V A F R Q

C T W S I V P F F B

R U Y Z N Z E O I D

A I J H G H R C W V

P E G G S H E L L S

S E V A E L Y R D J

WORD BANK Coffee Grounds Dryer Lint Dry Leaves Egg Shells Fruit Scraps Grass Clippings Shredded Paper Soil Vegetable Scraps

www.sustainablegwinnett.com

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This past winter experienced a lot of Nor’easters! These storms have impacted the northeastern United States, bringing record-setting snowfalls and high winds to places like upstate New York, Vermont and eastern Massachusetts. Woodford, Vt., received 44 inches of snow during one storm.

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For more information on Nor’easters, please visit: https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter-noreaster

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the smoke from burning wood contains several toxic harmful air pollutants. Made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles, wood smoke contains benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, the Department of Health & Human Services has determined that some PAHs may reasonably be expected to be carcinogens, which are substances that can cause cancer. The EPA notes that wood smoke can be a threat to human health. When microscopic particles from wood smoke, known as particulate matter, get into the eyes and respiratory system, they may cause burning eyes, runny nose and illnesses, including bronchitis. People with asthma may find that fine particles found in wood smoke worsen their symptoms and trigger attacks. People at risk for heart attack, stroke, irregular heart rhythms and heart failure may want to avoid wood smoke, as the EPA notes that the fine particles found within it may trigger these conditions.

www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett • May 2018 • KIDSVILLE NEWS • 11


Hide & Seek

Come Out & Play

Hide and seek has been popular for many years. Children all over the world play a version of this game under different names. One of the earliest recorded versions of the game is 2nd-century Greek. It was called apodidraskinda. In modern Greece, the game is called kryfto. In Spain the game is called el escondite. Just about every country has its own name for its version of the game. That is why it is so important for all players to agree on the rules before the game starts.

• There must be at least two players, but there is no limit to how many players can participate. • One player must be “it.” • Players must then decide on the limits of the game. These limits should make sure that the game is fair. • Some examples of limits might be “no hiding in the bedroom” or “no locking doors.” • The next step is for the “it” player to close his or her eyes and count out loud. • This time can vary, but a good amount to wait is 30 seconds. During this time, the other players should all go hide as quickly and quietly as possible. • After he or she is finished counting, the “it” player must yell, “ready or not, here I come!” and try to find all of the other players.

www.britannica.com/topic/hide-and-seek-game

• The hiding players can switch spots. • If all players are found, the “it” player wins. • If the “it” player gives up, he or she should yell, “Olly, olly oxen free!” • Any hidden players should then come out. They win. • The last hidden player to come out should be the next “it” player. • In some variations, the hiding players can run to a designated safe zone. • If they reach the safe zone before the “it” player tags them, they play a second round. • If the “it” player finds or tags them, they are out. • The last safe or hidden player wins.

www.wikihow.com/Play-Hide-and-Go-Seek

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Where in the World is

The United Kingdom is a country made up of a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Each island is a nation, but they come together to form one country. The islands are England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. England, Wales and Scotland make up a group called Great Britain. London is the capital of the United Kingdom. It is located

in England, and it is a city with a long and unique history. The first people to establish a city in the area were the Romans. They established the city 2,000 years ago and used it as the headquarters for running their newest colony. They named it Londinium. The area was so convenient in part because it sits between two large rivers. They provided

• London was the first place to install a stop light, which was in 1868. • The money is the pound sterling. • There are 63,742,977 people in the United Kingdom. • The major rivers are the Thames, Severn and Tyne.

• The official language is English. • More than 300 languages are spoken in London. • The government is a constitutional monarchy with parliamentary government. Today, the monarchy has little power. The parliament makes most of the

kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/united-kingdom/#united-kingdom-abbey.jpg

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www.britannica.com/place/London/History

the Romans clean drinking water, and the Roman used them for defense and transportation for trading as well. The Romans turned the area into a rich and powerful city. The Romans eventually left, but London continued to be occupied for many years. Essentially, whoever ruled the area used the city as a major seat for economics and politics. important decisions • Before it was called London, the city was also called Ludenwic and Ludenburg. • London is the largest city in Europe. • The tallest building in London is The Shard London Bridge. It is 1,017 ft. tall. www.historyofengland.net/london-history


MEASURING THE MOVEMENT OF WATER ON EARTH An artist’s rendering of the twin GRACE-FO spacecraft in orbit around

As far as we know, water is essential for every form of life. It’s a simple molecule, and we know a lot about it. Water has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. It boils at 212° Fahrenheit (100° Celsius) and freezes at 32° Fahrenheit (0° Celsius). The earth’s surface is more than 70 percent covered in water. On our planet, we find water at every stage: liquid, solid (ice) and gas (steam and vapor). Our bodies are mostly water. We use it to drink, bathe, clean, grow crops, make energy and more. With everything it does, measuring where the water on Earth is and how it moves is no easy task. The world’s oceans, lakes, rivers and streams are water. However, there’s also water frozen in ice caps, glaciers and icebergs. There’s water held in the tiny spaces between rocks and soils deep underground. With so much water all over the planet – including some of it hidden where we can’t see – NASA scientists have to get creative to study it all. One way that NASA will measure where all that water is and how it moves, is by launching a set of spacecraft this spring called GRACE-FO. GRACE-FO stands for the “Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Followon.” “Follow-on” means it’s the second satellite mission like this – a follow-up to the original GRACE mission. GRACE-FO will use two satellites. One satellite will be about 137 miles (220 km) behind the other as they orbit Earth. As the satellites move, the gravity of the earth will pull on them. Gravity isn’t the same everywhere on Earth. Areas with more mass – like big mountains – have a stronger gravitational pull than areas with less mass. When the GRACE-FO satellites fly toward an area with stronger gravitational pull, the first satellite will be pulled a little faster. When the second GRACE-FO satellite reaches the stronger gravity area, it will be pulled faster, and catch up. Scientists combine this distance between the two satellites with lots of other information to create a map of Earth’s gravity field each month. The changes in that map will tell them how land and water move on our planet. For example, a melting glacier will have less water, and so less mass as it melts. Less mass means less gravitational pull, so the GRACE-FO satellites will have less distance between them. That data can be used to help scientists figure out if the glacier is melting. GRACE-FO will also be able to look at how Earth’s overall weather changes from year to year. For example, the satellite can monitor certain regions to help us figure out how severe a drought is. These satellites will help us keep track of one of the most important things to all life on this planet: water. You can learn more about our planet’s most important molecule here: https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/water.

Bicentennial Bus Tour: Kids Explore Gwinnett! Help celebrate National Kids to Parks Day with an interactive tour of McDaniel Farm Park, a visit to the Southeastern Railway Museum, a cemetery scavenger hunt, and more! Bring a bagged lunch for a farm picnic. Ask your parents to help you register online at GwinnettParks.com by May 14. We hope to see you there!

Saturday, May 19 • 10:00am – 4:00pm Pick up at Lawrenceville Female Seminary 555 South Perry Street, Lawrenceville Admission: $10 per person Kids should be accompanied by a parent or guardian!

Visit www.Gwinnett200.com to learn more! www.kidsvillenews.com/gwinnett • May 2018 • KIDSVILLE NEWS • 13


“America’s Musical Journey” is a visually breathtaking, insightful documentary about the power of music and its importance in U.S. history, especially in some of its best-known cities. “America’s Musical Journey” follows singer-songwriter Aloe Blacc’s journey across the U.S. as he visits towns and cities important in music’s history. We visit places such as Nashville, Memphis, Miami and Chicago and see flash mobs, acrobats and

dancing waiters. We meet talented musicians along the way. Morgan Freeman narrates the journey, and his deep and iconic voice is a perfect fit to accompany this colorful film. I appreciate that this film shows its audience the music of different time periods. This shows younger audiences how much music has changed in only a couple of decades and should remind older audiences of the powerful legacies of artists like Elvis Presley and Louis Armstrong. My one complaint about this film is that it is too short for all it tries to accomplish. “America’s Musical Journey” introduces a person or location and then immediately moves on, leaving some parts of the film more interconnected than others. In this way, the film can be like one of the jazz pieces described in the film:

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sometimes all over the place, but always with lots of thought and creativity put into it. The lesson of this film is that music is an important part of our past and present and who we are as a country. Music can transport us to different worlds, tell stories and portray realities. Music does this in a way that is different from any other art form and has played a critical role in our culture for a long time. I recommend this film for ages 3 to 18. It is educational and everyone will get something out of it in one way or another. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre has the second largest production of The Nutcracker in the state of Georgia in terms of attendance and number of performances.


Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Eulipotyphla Family: Erinaceidae Subfamily: Erinaceinae Genus: Erinaceus Species: E. europaeus

European HedgeHog Hedgehogs are small mammals common all over the world. In England, the most common hedgehog species is the Erinaceus europaeus. The average hedgehog is about the size of a teacup. They are 5 to 12 inches long, one to 2 inches tall and weigh around 14 to 39 ounces. Their most distinctive features are their spines. Their backs are covered with these 1-inch long spines. These spines are used for protection. When hedgehogs are scared or sleeping, they will curl into tight balls so only their spines are visible. An average adult has between 5,000 and 7,000 spines. The face, chest, throat and legs are spineless. Instead they are covered in grey-brown hair. • A baby hedgehog is called a hoglet. • There are 17 species of hedgehog. • They eat insects, mice, snails, lizards, frogs, eggs and snakes. • Hedgehogs are named after the way that they eat. They root through hedges in search of prey and make loud pig-like grunts. • They hunt with their sense of smell and hearing. • Their eyesight is bad.

• They are nocturnal. • At birth, a hedgehog is covered in soft short spines. As they grow the spines harden, sharpen and grow. • To help protect from predators, a hedgehog may “self-anoint.” They eat poisonous plants that they are immune to, and this leaves poison all over their spikes. • They can swim and climb trees. • The average life span of a hedgehog is 7 years.

kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/hedgehog/#hedgehog-closeup.jpg www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/h/hedgehog/

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Hedgehogs are adaptable creatures. They have learned to live and survive in urban areas. They can be found in places like cemeteries, parks and gardens. In fact, many people welcome hedgehogs into their private gardens because they eat a lot of common pests like snails, caterpillars, slugs and beetles. Another name for the little mammal is “the gardeners friend.” Some gardeners will even leave out dishes of water and pet food to make sure that visiting hedgehogs are healthy and feel welcome. It is also important to make sure they have a place to nest in the winter. While hedgehogs are cute and great for gardens, they should still be respected as wild animals.

www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/leaflets/L9-Basic-Facts.pdf

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