Kids World News Eaton 12-2-14

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December 2014 Eaton County Edition

For Kids To Enjoy!

Have A Happy And Safe Holiday!

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Volume 7, Issue 8, December 2014

Being Generous...

The holidays are so much fun. Not only for getting gifts but it’s a time of giving. If you were to give something to someone else, what would it be and why. ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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To All Of Our Sponsors Who Are Helping Us To Provide Great Information To Kids and Parents!

Hi Kids!

It’s A Great Day At Kids’ World News!

Last month Kids’ World News made an unintentional mistake!

This is the correct flag of Mexico.

Cold, snowy weather, jingle bells, twinkling lights and candy canes are all signs that December has arrived! It’s the last month of this year and there is certainly a feeling of anticipation in the air. People are busy making plans and preparing for the holidays, also known as the “hustle and bustle” of the holiday season! Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are all holidays celebrated in December, where songs, decorations, candles and giving gifts are part of their beautiful traditions.

Kids and teachers are especially excited to have time off from school this month. What are you going to do over your break? Our Sports and Fitness page talks about two fun winter activities you can try - skiing and snowboarding. Also, with enough snow, you can always find a hill to go sledding with your friends.

Kids’ World News wishes you the happiest of holidays this December and a wonderful time sharing the joy of the season with your family and friends!

Happy Holidays to all!

if you would like to see Kids’ World News at your school or if you would like to be one of our proud sponsors, please call 517-285-6641 (e-mail: pat@kidsworldnews.net). Kids’ World News is designed to give exposure to all area schools, recognition of students and staff members. We welcome imput from all our area schools. We do however, reserve the right to edit.

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December 2014, Page 2

What Is A Rafflesia?

Rafflesia is a five petaled parasitic flowering plant! What does that mean? It means that they have no true roots, stems, or leaves of their own. They also lack chlorophyll so they are incapable of photosynthesis. They live off a plant in the grapevine family. Rafflesia grow entirely embedded within the host plant they parasitize. So, they are only visible when they erupt from the host plant as a flower bud. These flowers only last a few days before they decompose.

There has been discussion over which family these gigantic plants belong to and Harvard professors, using DNA, have found that these plants are in the same family as poinsettias and castor beans. That was surprising as poinsettias have small flowers and the rafflesia arnoldii has HUGE flowers. In fact, one flower can weigh up to 22 pounds! They are also over 39 inches in diame-

ter!

They were discovered in the Indonesian rain forest by Dr. Arnold’s guide in 1818. They were named after Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, who was in charge of the expedition. They can be found in Southeastern Asia on the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra, and the Philippines. In the tropical rainforests where they grow, the climate is continuously warm and humid.

Rafflesias smell HORRIBLE! They smell like rotting flesh. That is how they got their nickname of the “corpse flower.” The rafflesia attracts insects such as flies and carrion beetles who transport pollen from make to female flowers.

Because the rafflesias are so rare, they benefit the places they grow with tourism. Thousands of people go just to try and find them!

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December 2014, Page 3

The 4th graders recently were able to see the presentation of "A Christmas Carol" put on at Lansing Catholic High.

All the 4th grade classes throughout the Diocese of Lansing were invited to attend.

After the play, the students were able to eat lunch with the cast. What a fun day at Lansing Catholic High School!

The 5th graders and 1st graders at St. Gerard School are pen pals for the school year and do many things together. One of the special activities is the 5th graders make an Advent Calendar to help the 1st graders prepare for Christmas. These beautiful, detailed Advent Calendars have a window to open each day until Christmas. Behind the window is a special way to celebrate Advent. The 5th graders remember being in 1st grade and receiving an Advent Calendar so presenting them to their 1st grade pen pal is even more special.

Greenfield Village!

The St. Gerard fifth graders enjoyed a beautiful day in October at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, MI. Students were able to see how the pioneers lived. Taking a walk surrounded by thousands of carved pumpkins, fifth graders saw how early Americans made their mark on our country by farming, glass blowing, pottery making, weaving, and so much more. They were also able to understand how some of these pioneers influenced American history. From Thomas Edison’s workshop to the courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law, they were able to go back in time to see the innovation and ideas that made our country what it is today.

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December 2014, Page 4

Coloring Corner y p p a H days! i l o H

The funniest face looked out at me From a silver ball On the Christmas Tree!

At first I thought It was Santa's elf, But I looked again and It was just myself!

Author Unknown

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December 2014, Page 5

Cookin’ Fun Snowball Cookies 1 Cup butter or margarine 1/2 Cup sugar, powdered - sifted 1 Teaspoon vanilla 2 1/2 Cups flour - sifted 1/4 Teaspoon salt 3/4 Cup pecans, chopped Preheat oven at 350 degrees F. Cream butter in large bowl. Add the sugar, cream until light. Stir in vanilla. Sift the flour and salt - mix it in.

Stir in nuts. Shape into balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 15 minutes. Roll in powdered sugar straight out of the oven. Remember - they will be hot and you need to have a parent’s help. Roll again when they are cool.

Haystacks Mint Chocolate Bark

2 Cups semisweet chocolate chips 2 Tablespoons of butter 2 Cups Chow Mein Noodles Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Place chocolate chips and butter in a microwave safe container. Heat on 50% power for one minute. Stir and repeat if necessary until chocolate is melted. Add chow mein noodles to chocolate mixture and stir until well covered. Spoon tablespoons full of the mixture onto prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate one hour until firm.

Rules For The Kitchen!

1. Always ask an adult if you can use the kitchen.

2. Have all the ingredients before you start.

3. Wash your hands before you touch food.

4. Wear an apron or towel to keep your clothes clean.

5. Always clean up when you are finished.

2 Cups semisweet chocolate chips 1 Cup white chocolate chips 1 Teaspoon vegetable oil 1 Teaspoon peppermint extract 2 Drops of green food coloring Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. Set it aside. Melt the semisweet chips in a microwave safe container. Heat on 50% power for one minute. Stir and repeat if necessary until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Pour the chocolate onto the cookie sheet and spread it to about a 1/4 inch thickness with the back of a spoon. Using the same method, melt the white chocolate chips with the oil. Add the peppermint extract and food coloring. Stir it well. Pour the mixture over the chocolate layer and spread to about 1/8 inch thickness with the back of a spoon. Draw the tip of a butter knife through the layers to create swirls. Refrigerate until firm - about 30 minutes. Remove the bark from the pan. Peel off the waxed paper. Set the bark on a cutting board and cut it into 2 dozen bars. Your parent will have to help with this part. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

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December 2014, Page 6

How Many Words Can You Make From HAPPY HOLIDAYS _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________

Find The 10 Differences In These Pictures!

Help The Owls Get To The Christmas Tree!

Homemade Ice Cream Homemade Peppermint and Egg Nog Ice Cream Craft Show for 3 Weeks in December!

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December 2014, Page 7

Enjoy Skiing and Snowboarding!

No matter which winter sport you choose, staying warm is important. The right clothing and equipment will help you do just that.

Dressing in layers is important. Some of the newer fabrics for cold weather will give you the warmth of layers without all the bulk. Ask an adult if you're not sure what to wear outside.

Staying warm isn't just about feeling comfortable. Your body needs to stay warm to work properly. When your body is at the right temperature, it won't need to spend as much energy getting warm.

If you're dressed properly, it means you can stay outside longer without worrying about frostbite.

Before you hit the slopes to ski or snowboard, make sure you have the right equipment — and that it fits you right. Many kids have problems because the equipment they use is too big for them. It may have belonged to an older brother or sister and were hoping that they could "grow into it." In reality, equipment that is too big will make it hard for you to keep control and could cause injury.

The same goes for boots and bind-

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ings — make sure these are the right size for your feet before getting on the slopes. Ski boots that are designed just for kids are good because they are more flexible than boots for adults, and they have buckles that are easier to manage, too — making it quicker for you to get ready!

Helmets are a must for skiing and snowboarding. Goggles will protect your eyes from bright sunlight and objects that could get in the way and poke you in the eye (like tree branches). Snowboarders need kneepads and elbow pads.

Some snowboarders who are just learning wear specially padded pants to cushion their falls!

Speaking of learning a sport, it's a good idea to take some skiing or snowboarding lessons before you take off. This can keep you from getting frustrated or getting hurt before you have a chance to enjoy this new sport. For instance, your instructor can teach you how to stop! Even after a lesson, it's good to have an adult nearby in case you need help. Grownups can help you choose the right trails and hills.

Skiing and snowboarding can be a little like driving a car.

You have to learn to share the trail! It also means watching out for others to avoid collisions, so keep your eyes open at all times!

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December 2014, Page 8

Spotlight On Health Help! I’m Loosing My Teeth!

Teeth play an important role in your life. Not only do they help you eat, they help you talk. Some of you are starting to loose your “baby teeth” now that you’re in elementary school. What exactly are baby teeth?

Baby teeth or primary teeth don’t become visible until babies are about six to twelve months old. After the first tooth comes through, the rest will follow. Kids have their first set of 20 teeth by the time they are three years old.

When kids reach around six, these teeth begin to come out. Primary teeth loosen and fall out because they are being pushed to make room for permanent teeth. Baby teeth usually fall out in the order in which they came in. By the time kids are 12 or 13, they have a full set of permanent teeth. There are 28 of these. By age 17-21, four more teeth grow in the back of the mouth, called Wisdom teeth.

You will notice when looking in your mouth, that you have different types of teeth. Each type has its own function. The two front teeth and the teeth on both sides of them are called incisors. There are four on the top and four on the bottom. These teeth are used for cutting food. The pointed teeth beside them are called canine teeth. There are two on the top and two on the bottom. These teeth help to tear food. Next to them are premolars or bicuspid teeth. There are four on the top and four on the bottom. These are larger teeth, stonger teeth and have ridges. They are used for

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crushing and grinding food. In the very back of your mouth are your six and twelve year molars. There are eight of them in total. They are called six and twelve year molars because that is the time that they usually come in. These molars are wider and stronger than premolars and have more ridges. Molars help your tongue swallow the food you eat when the tongue gathers your food in the back of your mouth. The Wisdom teeth come in last. There is one in each corner of your mouth. Most often they have to be removed as they are not used for anything and can create problems.

Your teeth work with your tongue to help you form sounds. Try saying the word “mouth” slowly. You will notice that your tongue hits your incisors to help you say that word. Try other words slowly and pay attention to how your tongue and teeth work together.

As teeth perform an important function for you, you must learn to properly take care of them. It is important to regularly visit your dentist. Brush your teeth with a toothbrush with soft bristles after breakfast and before bedtime. Make sure you brush all of your teeth, not just the ones in the front. Have your parent or dentist show you how to floss. Flossing gets rid of the food that’s hidden between your teeth.

Remember, taking care of your teeth now will insure that they will grow old with you and help you the rest of your life.

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December 2014, Page 9

Did You Know The Hippopotamus Is Related To The Whale?

• The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), from the Greek word hippopotamos, (hippos - meaning “horse” and potamos meaning “river”), is often shortened to “hippo”. It is one of the two species in existence in the family Hippopotamidae - the other species being the Pygmy Hippopotamus.

• The hippopotamus is semi aquatic, living in rivers and lakes in sub-Saharan Africa in large groups of up to 40. During the day, they remain cool by staying in the water or mud. They emerge at dusk to graze on grass. While hippos rest near each other in territories in the water, grazing is an alone activity.

• Despite their physical resemblance to pigs - whales and porpoises are their closest living relatives. The earliest known hippopotamus fossils belonging to the genus Kenyapotamus in Africa, date to around 16 million years ago.

• Hippo childbirth occurs in water and as soon as the infants are born, they must come up for air.

• The hippopotamus is known for its barrel-shaped torso, enormous mouth and teeth, hairless body, stubby legs and tremendous size.

Only elephants are consistently larger. Despite its stocky shape and short legs, they can easily outrun a human. Hippos have been clocked at 30 miles per hour while running short distances.

• Very popular in zoos and portrayed at times as lazy, the hippopotamus is among the most dangerous and aggressive of all animals. Because of their enormous size, hippos are difficult to weigh

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in the wild. The average weight for adult males is between 3,300 - 7,000 pounds. Females are smaller than males with average weight measuring between 2,900 - 3,300 pounds!

• Hippos average 11 feet long and 5 feet tall at the shoulder. Their lifespan is typically 40 to 50 years. The eyes, ears and nostrils of hippos are placed high on the roof of the skull. This allows them to be in the water with COLOR most of their body subME! merged. They stay in the water and mud of tropical rivers to stay cool and prevent sunburn.

• Have you ever wondered why hippos are always covered in brown stuff that looks like mud? For additional protection from the sun, their skin secretes or “sweats” a natural sunscreen substance which is red-colored and turns brown!

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December 2014, Page 10

Lets Visit Switzerland!

Switzerland is multilingual and has four national languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh!

• Switzerland is a landlocked country of 7.5 million people in Western Europe with an area of 15,940 sq mi.

• Switzerland is a federal republic consisting of 26 states called cantons. Berne is the seat of the federal government and de facto capital, while the country's economic centers are its two global cities, Geneva and especially Zürich.

• Switzerland is bordered by Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein.

• Switzerland has a long history of neutrality – it has not been at war since 1815 – and hosts many international organizations, including the Red Cross, the WTO and one of the U.N.'s two European offices.

• Switzerland comprises three basic topographical areas: the Swiss Alps, the Swiss plateau or "middleland", and the Jura mountains along the northThe Matterhorn! western border with France. The Alps are a high mountain range running across the central-south of Switzerland’s Most the country. Among the high peaks of the Swiss Alps, the highest of which is the Dufourspitze at 15,203 ft. The most famous mountain is the Matterhorn (4,478 m) in Valais and Pennine Alps bordering Italy.

Famous Mountain The highest mountain, the Dufourspitze (4,634 m) or Monte Rosa, is close to the Matterhorn.

• The more populous northern part of the country is called the Middle Land. It has greater open and hilly landscapes, partly forested, partly open meadow, usually with grazing herds, or vegetables and fruits growing, but it can still be somewhat mountainous.

• Banking, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals are important industries in Switzerland. The manufacture of precision instruments for engineering is important, as is watch-making, and the biological sciences industries as well, enjoy a high place in the Swiss economy.

• Electricity generated in Switzerland is 42% from nuclear and 53% from hydroelectricity with 5% of the electricity generated from conventional power sources (thermal etc.) resulting in a nearly CO2-free electricity-generating network.

• Switzerland is heavily active in recycling and anti-littering regulations and is one of the top recyclers in the world with 66% to 96% of the different recyclable materials being recycled.

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December 2014, Page 11

12 Days of Christmas 6 + (9x4) = ____

Have you heard the song about the 12 Days of Christmas? Have you ever thought how expensive it would be to actually buy all the gifts in the song?

Fill out the chart to figure it out!

2 x (2x4) = ____

(9-3) x 5 = ____

(4-1) x (7-2) = ____

(5+6) - (10+1) = ____

4 + (2x5) = ____

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December 2014, Page 12