ChillKids
November 2019
Fun Family Educational Resource of Chapel Hill • Carrboro • Durham • Hillsborough • NC Triangle
Thanksgiving Fun in the NC Triangle!
Games Puzzles Dot-to-Dots
Meet Avalon Tiger at the Conservators Center The Joy of Dancing in Triangle Youth Ballet's The Nutcracker Make Your Own Movie & Enter The 90-Second Newbery Film Contest NASA Celebrates the Past, Present & Future of Women in Space
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Educational fun for the whole family! ChillKids is your LOCAL award-winning educational family resource magazine for parents, grandparents, children, and educators K-5th grade in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough/Orange County, Durham and the NC Triangle.
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HAVE FUN READING & LEARNING with ChillKids, featuring award-winning educational puzzles and games. Educators can request FREE distribution for your K-5 classroom(s) by calling (919) 951-4410. Read the monthly online edition at www. ChillKids.com/news. The ChillKids family educational resource is supported by sponsors who share our mission to promote literacy and a love of learning in our local community. To learn more about supporting our 501(c)(3) non-profit literacy mission in partnership with the Newspaper in Education Initiative, call us at (919) 951-4410.
ADDITION SUDOKU
10 8 13 11 9 12 12 9 11 8 13 10
NOVEMBER PUZZLE ANSWERS
COIN CAPER ANSWERS: QQQN HDDD 8 12 10 13 11 9 ADDITION SQUARE ANSWER 6, 8, 2, 0, 8, 15, 42
11 13 9 12 10 8 13 10 8
9 12 11 9 11 12 10 8 13
ROAD RIDDLE: [x + ÷] [x ÷ -]
THANKSGIVING "No Dots" Connect the Numbers 1 - 143, then color the picture! Have a Very Happy Thanksgiving!
Powhatan Puzzle Answers (p. 14): Moose, Squash, Pecan, Racoon, Chipmunk
November 28 - December 29, 2019 7 nights a week
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Enjoy an old fashioned covered wagon hayride and magical train ride through our beautiful light show! Covered Wagon Hayride Train Rides Old Fashioned Toy & Candy Store Bonfires Giant Slide Visit Santa nightly through Dec. 23rd Smores/Hot Chocolate/Apple Cider Great Food at our Chuckwagon Grill! Jumping Pillow Barrel Racers
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703 Tarboro Road, Youngsville, NC 27596
2 www.ChillKids.com/news November 2019
ChillKids Chapel Hill/Carrboro/Hillsborough/ Orange & Durham Counties' Fun Family Educational Resource PUBLISHER/EDITOR Kate Look kate@ChillKids.com Cover Art: Maria Starus
For Sponsorship Information, or to request (FREE!) K-5 distribution for your school, contact us at: (919) 951-4410 www.ChillKids.com/news ChillKids 1818 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, #210 Chapel Hill, NC 27514 Copyright © 2019 ChillKids. All rights reserved. No part of this issue may be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without permission of the publisher. Neither participating advertisers nor the publishers will be responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints or typographical errors. The publishers reserve the right to edit any submitted material. ChillKids is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or other material. Children's art submissions should include name, address, telephone number, and permission to publish signed by a parent or guardian.
Happy November! November is a time for lots of fun things to do in our community. The Emerson Waldorf School Annual Holiday Faire takes place on Saturday, November 2nd, with horse carriage rides, puppet shows, silk dyeing, music, games, crafts and more for children of all ages. Triangle Youth Ballet's The Nutcracker will begin with its first performance of the season on November 30th, at East Chapel Hill High School, with additional performance dates following on December 1st, as well as on December 14th (at Carolina Theater). See page 7 and visit www. triangleyouthballet.org for more information. On pages 6 and 7, read about what it's like to be a dancer in Triangle Youth Ballet's The Nutcracker. Another fun family outing idea is to reserve a tour or join in an event like the Pumpkin Prowl or Tree Toss at the Animal Park at the Conservators Center in Mebane, NC. The Conservators Center recently welcomed the arrival of beautiful 16-year-old Avalon Tiger. On pages 10 to 11, read about Avalon Tiger, learn some cool things about tigers, and see pictures of Avalon Tiger and Wic Tiger who live at the Conservators Center. (Did you know that the pattern and coloration of tigers' stripes are as unique and individual to each tiger as human being's fingerprints are to humans? Learn more on page 11.) This month we'll learn with NASA about the Past, Present and Future of Women in Space, including North Carolina native Christina Koch's historic spacewalk that took place on October 17, 2019. Read all about it on page 12! Thanksgiving is a time for gathering together with family and friends and giving thanks for every blessing. We have so much to be thankful for! Take the time to tell your family, friends and teachers how much you appreciate all that they do. Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
By Jan Buckner Walker
The Original Crossword Puzzle for Kids and Their Favorite Adults
™
Kids Across
1. Road trip: It's what a family must travel across to get over the river as they go to Grandmother's house 5. To simmer gravy in a pot until it bubbles 6. Grateful for full plates (and more): Millions of families say a blessing -- also known as a ____ of thanksgiving -- before they begin their meal 9. It's the part of a dog that moves back and forth when a piece of food falls from the Thanksgiving table 10. Rhyme for the season: Fall fruits, like apples, fall from these (If you're making a pie, you can thank the ____) 13. Gobble, gobble: Although this bird has become the center of attention on Thanksgiving Day, the early settlers dined on shellfish, deer and other meats instead 14. Number of drumsticks per turkey 15. Do you want to give your cranberry juice a little holiday
The across clues are for kids and the down clues are for grown-ups! from the table early 6. You might say Thanksgiving is tough on this tuber, which inevitably gets mashed every year 7. Consumed the cranberry sauce 8. Where many home-grown green beans were born and raised 11. It pays the way for a Thanksgiving card to travel across the country 12. When the stuffing's prepared outside the bird, it's widely known as ____. Though the terms get used interchangeably, it's agreed that both are a blessing. 16. Ups and downs: Simple Parents Down sequence of Thanksgiving 2. Oops -- overcooked!: What the events in homes nationwide: turkey probably is if your __ down, fill up, lie down guests find that the gravy is no 17. Home field advantage: Better longer optional than bleachers, these popular 3. Planning ahead: Strategic seats draw football fans when holiday decor for one who the feast is finished wants a kiss this Christmas 18. Unearthed a sweet 6D 4. And they're off : Shopping 19. Your go-to helper when mega-center that has hardcore it's time to stir the pot bargain-hunters pushing away sparkle? Pour in some ginger ___ 16. They're the elastic shoulder straps that hold up Santa's pants (They may get stretched even more after he's finished his holiday feast) 20. Tasty trimmings: When dinner starts, the ____ is inside of the turkey, but it ends up inside of you 21. Finger food: A vegetable it's fine to eat with your hands (as long as it's still on the cob) 22. The crispy, criss-cross part on top of a delicious apple pie 23. Turkeys are clumsy when they try to fly, so they spend most of their lives on the _____
Turkey Talk
Solution on page 2.
™ kris@kapd.com
KAPD ebooks now available on www.kapd.com
11/2016
November 2019 www.ChillKids.com/news
© 2016 KAPD, LLC
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Hidden Picture Puzzles by Liz
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Math-A-Muse
Look for Math-A-Muse Answers on page 2.
By Evelyn B. Christensen, Ed.D.
5+3
7+6
4+5
5+7
1+8
5+6
9+3
9+4
2+7
6+6
4+6
10 + 3
8+2
7+3
4+4
1+9
2+6
1 5+5
7+1
19
9
4+8
3+6
START
Find 2 solutions.
6
4 2
5 8+5
4
2 + 11
5
15
7 15
3
12
November 2019 www.ChillKids.com/news
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WHAT'S IT LIKE TO BE. . . A DANCER in THE NUTCRACKER? By Hannah Lang, UNC Journalism Major (and Triangle Youth Ballet Dew Drop Fairy 2016)
Outside, leaves are red and orange and Halloween has just gone by — winter months are still weeks away. But for the dancers at Triangle Youth Ballet, visions of sugar plums, Christmas presents and dancing snowflakes start in August — and don’t stop until the holiday season. That’s when rehearsals begin for Triangle Youth Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.” For four months, dancers of all ages learn and practice their steps in preparation for the performance in December — four shows that come complete with a giant, glittering Christmas tree and snowflakes that fall from the ceiling. “I felt like it would be cool to be in the show. I thought that just trying it would be nice,” said Clara Ekholm. Ekholm is 11 years old, and plays a mouse, among other roles, in this year’s show. After that first show, Ekholm knew she wanted to be in “The Nutcracker” every year. “And then just being in it the first year was super magical, and I just wanted to do it again and again,” she said. “It’s just so fun.” The Nutcracker season begins with auditions in August. The dancers show off the skills they practice in their ballet classes every week and the show’s director, Ms. Lauren, can decide which dancer is best for which role. Then comes practicing — lots and lots of practicing. The performers have many different dances to learn. “It’s supposed to be fun,” said Lainey Parker, a 5th grader who dances the role of party boy and party girl this year. “But you don’t want to have too much fun and lose everything (you learned in rehearsal).”
After all the guests leave and her family has gone to bed, Clara sneaks downstairs to sleep with her Nutcracker beneath the Christmas tree. But the magic isn’t over — soon, Clara is woken up by dozens of mice as she feels herself shrinking faster and faster until she is the size of her Nutcracker. Last year, Ekholm played the role of Clara. This year, she plays a mouse, which she says is very different. “We get to be scary,” Ekholm said. “We get to crawl around and we don’t have to be so beautiful.” The mice leave the stage and return with their evil mouse king, and a battle ensues between all of the mice and a league of toy soldiers, led by Clara’s fearless nutcracker. He is almost conquered, but in the nick of time Clara hits the mouse king with her shoe and helps her nutcracker defeat him. After the battle is won, the nutcracker transforms into a handsome prince. Clara and her prince are guided by beautiful guardian angels that lead them through a magical forest. As they begin their journey, they are surrounded by dancing snowflakes that flit and flurry about, led by a majestic snow queen. (Continued on p. 7).
Clara and her Nutcracker in Triangle Youth Ballet's "The Nutcracker." Image: Melissa Edwards
The dancers have to learn many, many steps and routines. “The Nutcracker” is almost two hours long and, like all traditional ballets, the story is told entirely through dancing. The story begins with young Clara, who is getting ready with her brother, Fritz, for their family’s Christmas party. The party is a grand celebration, filled with friends and family and dancing and gifts. Clara’s strange godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, shows off magic tricks to the party’s guests. At the end of the night, Herr Drosselmeyer presents Clara with a nutcracker. Clara loves her new gift, but her brother Fritz gets jealous and snatches it away, accidentally breaking it in two. Clara is distraught. Thankfully, Herr Drosselmeyer fixes the doll for her, almost as if by magic.
Triangle Youth Ballet's "The Nutcracker." Image: Melissa Edwards
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The Nutcracker (cont.)
But all the hard work is worth it when every dancer gets to put on their costume for their role — be it a mouse, an angel, a party guest or the Sugar Plum Fairy — and share the magic of “The Nutcracker” with their audience.
This year, Elizabeth Helser plays a soldier and a chocolate chip, but one day she wants to be the snow queen and lead the snowflakes in their beautiful dance full of twists and turns. “My mom says I’m going to be too tall to be Sugar Plum!” Helser laughed. From the snowy forest, Clara and her prince travel to the land of sweets, where they see dances from a collection of tasty treats: Spanish hot chocolate, Chinese Tea, and beautiful candy flowers led by a sprightly, sparkling dewdrop, among other dances. The dancing ends with a breathtaking duet by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her dashing cavalier. At the end of all the magic, Clara and her prince are carried off on a magical sleigh — the end to an enchanted Christmas Eve dream.
“I just really like being able to dance in "The Nutcracker," because I've wanted to do it since I was three years old,” said Reamer. “It's really cool to dance in "The Nutcracker.”
With all the practice that goes into preparing a performance of such a demanding ballet, it can be hard Scenes from Triangle Youth Ballet's "The to think about things besides dancing. Between ballet Nutcracker." Credit: Melissa Edwards classes and nutcracker rehearsals, the dancers can be in the studio almost every day. “I’m dancing six days a week now,” said Helser. “And I have a lot of work now because I’m in middle school. Too much homework, and I can’t get it done! But it’s so fun (to dance).” The rehearsal schedule can be another difficult part about being in “The Nutcracker” cast. Dancers have to be at practice every weekend, no matter what. “The times (can be hard),” said Eleanor Reamer, who plays a tea caddy and a mouse. “Right now, my family's out of town with my grandparents, and I'm here practicing.”
The Nutcracker Ballet Word Find
S D B A L L E T S G F P T P X
G V R Q Y U F N I P H H R R M
Y N U O D L O F K F E M E A A
D B I R S I T L O N T H H C G
S A D K T S C O U O E A T T I
AUDITIONS BALLET CLARA FRITZ GIFT THE NUTCRACKER
Z K X A S T U H N D I G I C D R E I I A N S R N E C U A T L S O W R M N A H C E O E Z W R A L C A F D O I C E C y CniveArsnairvyL ersarF
252t5hth An
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G T N C F L G I M I Y U G E O
GODFATHER DROSSELMEYER MOUSE KING PRINCE MAGICAL FOREST ORCHESTRA
L T K R W N R E T P V E P K R
L E I D L P Y O D W F Y R V E
R Y R I A F M U L P R A G U S
G U U R S N O W F L A K E S T
A R T S E H C R O E G A T S T
DANCING SNOWFLAKES SUGAR PLUM FAIRY PRACTICE REHEARSAL STAGE
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East Chapel Hill High Nov 30 7:00 Dec 1 4:00 tickets: triangleyouthbalballet.org Carolina Theater Dec 14 2:00 & 7:00 ticket: 919-560-3030
25th
sary
er Anniv
drop off site
The Triangle Youth Ballet is a 501 (c) 3 non-proÞt member of the NC Center for Non-ProÞts and Regional Dance America Southeast
November 2019 www.ChillKids.com/news
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Chapel Hill Pediatrics
&Adolescents
Welcome NEW and Established Patients
• Care from birth through college • Complimentary “meet & greet” sessions • Same-day appointments • Comprehensive sports & camp physicals Appointment Hours 8 am - 5 pm M-F All Locations
Walk in Availability: Chapel Hill Office: 7:15 – 7:50 am and 1-7 pm M-F, 9 am - 2 pm Sat - Sun Durham Office: 7:15 – 7:50 am M-F
919-942-4173 Open daily including weekends and holidays. Serving you in 2 locations:
Happy Thanksgiving!
Chapel Hill: 205 Sage Road, Suite 100 Durham: 249 East NC Hwy 54, Suite 230
www.chapelhillpeds.com 8 www.ChillKids.com/news November 2019
November Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
Friday
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Triangle Youth Ballet's
The Nutcracker 25th Season!
sary
er Anniv
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Story Time
Daylight Savings Ends Fall Back! Set back your clock by one hour.
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Ages 3 – 6 Mondays & Tuesdays 10:30 am – 11:00 am ALSO Tuesdays 3:30 pm - 4 pm Chapel Hill Public Library
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Taurid Meteor Shower
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Ages 3 – 6 Mondays & Tuesdays 10:30 am – 11:00 am and 3:30 pm - 4 pm
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Good Nutrition Month
Visit drfuhrman. com for delicious, nutritious recipes the whole family will love year-round!
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Read about LOCAL HIKING PATHS
on page 11, and enjoy family walk or hike.
SmokeyBearLIVE.org
Full Moon
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Interactive program LIVE from Capitan, NM about Smokey, wildfire prevention and more!
Peaks between midnight & dawn Nov. 11 - Nov. 12
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7 (Nov. 7, 1pm EST)
Chapel Hill Public Library
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www.emersonwaldorf.org
Smokey Bear LIVE WEBCAST
Story Time
(Northern Hemisphere)
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10am - 3pm
Crafts, Archery, Food, Horse-Drawn Carriage Puppet Shows & More
Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 2 pm & 7 pm The Carolina Theater, Durham (919) 560-3030 triangleyouthballet.org
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2 Emerson Waldorf School Holiday Faire & Artisan Marketplace
Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 7 pm Sunday, December 1, 2019 at 4 pm East Chapel Hill High School (919) 932-2676
25th
Saturday
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Leonid Meteor Shower Peaks between midnight & dawn Nov. 18 - Nov. 19 spaceplace.nasa.gov/meteor-shower
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25 Story Time
Ages 3 – 6 Mondays & Tuesdays 10:30 am – 11:00 am ALSO Tuesdays 3:30 pm - 4 pm Chapel Hill Public Library
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Get outside! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Go for a family hike in the great outdoors. REI.com/optoutside
November 2019 www.ChillKids.com/news
Triangle Youth Ballet The Nutcracker 7:00 pm East Chapel Hill High School (See page 7) triangleyouthballet.org
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ANIMAL KINGDOM
Meet the Tigers!
Visit the Animal Park at the Conservators Center in Mebane, NC
The Animal Park at the Conservators Center Welcomes Avalon Tiger On September 17, 2019, the Conservators Center welcomed the arrival of Avalon Tiger! This beautiful 16-year-old tigress is settling in well and getting used to her new home. While they are still getting to know her and her behavior, visiting will be limited, but you can visit www.conservatorscenter.org for updates. They can’t wait for you to meet her, and they are so excited to provide a loving home for Avalon Tiger. The Conservators Center reports that she is settling in beautifully, and they are learning more about her every day! "Sweet Avalon came to us in September of 2019 at 16 years old. She had previously lived at another facility, where her care team believed she was experiencing an environmental allergy and hoped that a placement with us would help her out. So far, she seems to be loving her new home! She seems to be brimming with sweetness and an eagerness for attention, and she is possibly the "chuffliest" tiger we've ever seen; she can be found vocalizing at breeze-blown trees, airplanes, her neighbor Wic Tiger, and of course her human visitors. She has quickly stolen the heart of everyone who's met her, and we are so happy to be providing her with a loving forever home." - Taylor Sharp, Communications Director, The Conservators Center.
The Animal Park at the Conservators Center offers a variety of tours throughout the year, including special events and seasonal offerings. When you visit the Center, you’ll explore the park with one of their experienced and knowledgeable tour guides who love to share fun facts and silly stories about all the animals who call the Conservators Center home. All tours are by reservation only, so be sure to sign up before you arrive to plan your visit.
10 www.ChillKids.com/news November 2019
Tigers (cont.) All About Tigers The tiger, Panthera tigris, is the largest member of the cat family (Felidae) and the largest cat in the world, weighing over 500lbs when full grown. A solitary cat, the tiger is also an ambush predator and uses the distinctive stripes of its fur as “disruptive camouflage” to hide in plain sight.
Tigers are fast! Tigers are known to reach speeds of over 50MPH for short distances and can out-jump any other animal on earth. Tigers can leap over 30 feet with a single step to lift them off. Tigers are carnivores, meaning that their diet consists of meat from prey that they catch. They are loners and do not hunt in groups like lions and some other large cats, but tigers will share their catch with other members of their family.
Meet Wic Tiger at the Animal Park at the Conservators Center by reserving a tour or event like the annual Tree Toss. Image: The Conservators Center/Cooke.
Tigers' Stripes Are Individual and Unique to Each Tiger There are several different Tiger species, but they all display stripes on their sides to help them camouflage (staying hidden by blending in with their surroundings). The pattern of each tiger’s stripes is an individualized characteristic approximate to a human being’s finger prints. The Tiger’s distinctive coloration and stripe pattern is a key tool in monitoring population numbers.
Where Do Tigers Live in the Wild? Tigers are native to all over Asia but are most common in India, China, and Siberia. The tiger’s historically expansive range—once spanning from Turkey to the eastern coast of Asia in Russia and China—has been dramatically reduced and now covers less than 6% of its original area, with a 42% decline since 2006.
Pumpkin Prowl Returns on November 16th, 2019! (Rain Date: November 23, 2019)
Tiger populations are currently found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Russia, and Thailand. There is some evidence of tiger populations in China and Burma (Myanmar).
Celebrate autumn in the wildest way imaginable, at the Animal Park at the Conservators' Center annual Pumpkin Prowl event! Pumpkins are a hot commodity in the autumn. From pumpkin pie to pumpkin spiced lattes, everyone wants to get their paws on them. No one knows how to celebrate pumpkin season better than the residents of the Conservators Center!
Tigers are an incredibly adaptable and versatile species with ranges in many different types of ecosystems, from tropical forests and jungles of Asia to the frozen, swampy taiga of eastern Russia. (The taiga is a forest of the cold, subarctic region). The Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica), the largest cat in the world, is native to the Russian taiga. Tigers have also been observed in higher elevations, in mountainous areas as high as 14,700 feet in Bhutan.
Decorate or carve a pumpkin as enrichment for the animals! Enjoy food and drinks from local vendors while the kids play autumn-inspired field games. While you’re enjoying the games, taking photos, and meeting the mascots, they will decorate the animals’ habitats with stuffed, scented, or painted pumpkins to celebrate the season. Watch as our animals discover these fascinating new items in their habitats! Have you ever wondered what a caracal’s favorite scent is? Or which animals love whipped cream? During Pumpkin Prowl, while you watch the animals explore their enrichment at your own pace, you can also learn interesting facts about how they care for the animal residents from staff and trained volunteers at the Conservators Center! Visit www.conservatorscenter.org for tickets and more information.
November 2019 www.ChillKids.com/news
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NASA & Women in STEM: Past, Present and Future by Nilufar Ramji, NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement
NASA has had a long history of celebrating the trailblazing women who have contributed to our rich history, culture and technological advancements. Women in STEM play a critical role in how we explore space, so let's take a look at some of the women who make up the past, present and future at NASA. Sally Ride became America's first woman in space (aboard Space Shuttle Challenger) in 1983, 20 years after Russian cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova was launched into orbit on Vostok 6. A year after Ride's first flight, another Russian woman, Svetlana Savitskaya, became the first woman to walk in space. A few months later, America's first female spacewalker, Kathryn Sullivan, walked in space on Oct. 11, 1984. Christa McAuliffe made history when she became the first teacher selected to go to space as part of NASA’s Teacher in Space project. McAuliffe’s plans included filming several demonstrations to be used in educational packages for students and educators across the globe. However, as part of the Space Shuttle Challenger crew, she died tragically on the morning of January 28, 1986, when the orbiter broke apart just 73 seconds after launch.
Astronauts Christina Koch (left) and Jessica Meir (right). NASA/Youtube.
Former educators turned astronauts Ricky Arnold and Joe Acaba wanted to honor McAuliffe’s legacy by sharing her lessons during their missions aboard the International Space Station. All of the lessons have now been completed and are aimed at students in fifth through eighth grade. Lessons include effervescence, chromatography, liquids in microgravity and Newton’s law, and can be adapted for younger or older students. Most of the lessons have been completed as originally planned, but some elements have been reimagined based on materials available aboard the orbiting laboratory. We never stop learning. Even in the face of tragedy, we come together and learn from these moments. Last month, October 17, 2019, marked another first for NASA as astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir ventured outside the space station to take part in the 221st spacewalk to replace a power controller that failed over the weekend. The approximately seven-hour spacewalk was the first ever with all-female spacewalkers. Koch was the 14th female spacewalker, and Meir was the 15th female spacewalker. [Editor's note: Christina Koch is a North Carolina native. She grew up in Jacksonville, NC, and is a graduate of NC State University.] Their main objective during the excursion was to replace a faulty battery charge/discharge unit. The unit failed to activate following the October 11th installation of new lithium-ion batteries on the space station’s truss, which was preventing increased power capabilities for the orbiting laboratory. This task had to be completed before continuing a series of spacewalks to install new batteries. This all-female first is out of this world—literally. And, as we go forward to the Moon, exceptional leadership, innovation and talent in STEM fields will help get us there. Through NASA’s Artemis lunar exploration program, we will use groundbreaking new technologies and systems to explore more of our lunar neighbor (the Moon!) than ever before. Women continue to make their mark in low-Earth orbit. Over the years, 65 women have had the opportunity to fly in space so far, forever influencing human space exploration. And, since these trailblazers first ventured into space, 12 U.S. women have completed more than 40 different spacewalks. NASA is headed in a direction that is unique and exceptional, and the only way to stay ahead of the technological curve is to educate the next generation. Young female leaders are joining in NASA’s mission, and these individuals have the opportunity to impact how we explore as a nation today — and for generations to come. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement aims to encourage, engage and educate the next generation that dreams of a career in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through resources and experiences that facilitate opportunities for young students. NASA creates unique STEM learning opportunities for students and educators, helping to inspire the workforce of the future to continue the agency’s legacy through an unprecedented array of missions. With exceptional achievements and commitment to do more, women at NASA are role models and mentors to young women everywhere. As we launch the next generation of explorers, the future looks bright. Students, Parents, and Teachers, visit http://spaceplace.nasa.gov for fun games, hands-on activities, informative articles and engaging short videos. Space Place inspires and enriches kids' learning of space and Earth science online with resources for kids, parents and teachers, NASA Space Place has something for everyone!
The First All-Woman Spacewalk The first all-woman spacewalk on October 17, 2019, by astronauts Christina Koch (an electrical engineer from North Carolina) and Jessica Meir (a biologist), is a milestone worth celebrating as NASA looks forward to putting the first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024 with NASA’s Artemis lunar exploration program. NASA's achievements provide inspiration to students around the world, proving that hard work can lead you to great heights, and all students should be able to see themselves in those achievements. Astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir conducted some much-needed work on the exterior of the International Space Station. Along the way, they also enjoyed amazing views of Earth! When asked about the importance of conducting her mission and this spacewalk, Koch said, “It’s important because of the historical nature of what we’re doing. . . . There are a lot of people who derive motivation from inspiring stories of people who look like them, and I think it’s an important story to tell.” The all-woman spacewalk wasn't something NASA purposefully planned, though. It was bound to happen eventually because of the increasing number of female astronauts. Koch's and Meir's 2013 class of astronaut candidates was 50 percent women. Spacewalk assignments are always made on the basis of which astronauts are best prepared to accomplish the tasks at hand under the conditions at the time. Spacewalks are not easy; astronauts typically describe them as the most physically challenging thing they do.
What did Koch and Meir do on the spacewalk? The astronauts replaced a battery charge/discharge unit that failed to activate after new lithium-ion batteries were installed on the space station’s exterior structure on October 11th. The unit is one of several that regulate the charge put into the batteries collecting energy from the station’s solar arrays. Though the unit's failure had not affected station operations or crew safety, it did prevent the new batteries from providing increased station power. The spacewalk took seven hours and seventeen minutes. Live coverage was available worldwide via NASA Television, NASA’s website and on NASA's YouTube channel. The spacewalk was the 221st in support of station assembly, maintenance and upgrades. This was Koch’s fourth spacewalk and Meir’s first. Both Koch and Meir are on their first spaceflight. Koch will remain in space for an extended duration mission of 11 months to provide researchers the opportunity to observe effects of long-duration spaceflight on a woman to prepare for human missions to the Moon and Mars.
What other roles have women played at NASA? Three women who were essential to building the human spaceflight program -- Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn and Mary Jackson of the Langley Research Center -- were the subject of the movie Hidden Figures. Nancy Grace Roman was NASA's first chief of astronomy, and Margaret Hamilton led the team that wrote the software for the Apollo moon landings. In 2019, more and more women are leading the way at NASA!
12 www.ChillKids.com/news November 2019
CONTESTS for KIDS
The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival Make Your Own 90-Second Newbery Film & Enter the Contest! Contest Deadline: January 10, 2020
The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival is an annual film festival in which children-as-filmmakers create short movies that tell the entire stories of Newbery-award-winning-books in about 90 seconds (adult help is allowed). These movies often have a creative twist - for example, Charlotte's Web as a horror movie, or Ramona and Her Father re-imagined as a musical, or Bridge to Terabithia done in stop-motion animation! Ever since 1922, the John Newbery Medal is an annual literary award to the author of "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children." It is one of the most prestigious awards for children's literature in the United States (along with the Caldecott Medal).
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NEWBERY FILM FESTIVAL
Since 2011, the 90-Second Newbery has shown the best child-made Visit https://90secondnewbery.com/ to watch previous movies, learn how movies in packed-house special gala screenings across the country. These to make your own 90-Second Newbery movie, and enter the contest! free events are full-scale stage shows with skits and commentary and music that honors the kids' movies, hosted by film festival founder James Kennedy The 90-Second PRESS KIT Newbery Film Festival Goals and other award-winning and bestselling authors. The 90-Second Newbery 1) Entice students to read and discuss classic Newbery receives hundreds of movie submissions each year. ALL of these child-made award winning books movies receive a positive, encouraging, and detailed review on 90-Second Newbery website. www.90secondnewbery.com
The movie lineup changes from city to city to highlight local entries. Featured filmmakers typically bring their friends and family to the screenings, and the 90-Second Newbery consistently has packed-house audiences with hundreds of people in attendance. In many schools and libraries, making and celebrating their 90-Second Newbery movies has become a traditional annual event that students and their families and teachers look forward to all year.
2) Encourage the close reading necessary to write a script that sums up a book in 90 seconds. 3) Give opportunity for students to use new technologies, such as video equipment and editing software, in a constructive way that promotes literacy. 4) Provide public, personalized praise and affirmation
Surrounded by supportive friends and family, child filmmakers experience for their efforts by reviewing all received movies on the the excitement of seeing their movie projected on the big screen, praised by 90-Second Newbery website. the hosts and applauded by the audience! Visit www.90secondnewbery.com to learn more, for tutorials on moviemaking, to watch previous entries, and to enter the contest!
5) Throw awesome screening parties to celebrate the kids' great movies!
CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK November 4 - 10, 2019
100th Anniversary
EveryChildaReader.net
November 2019 www.ChillKids.com/news
CHILDREN’S
BOOK WEEK
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26th Annual Carolina Renaissance Festival
Stroll around the 25-Acre Storybook Village (nestled in 325 acres of beautiful woodland forest) and meet a Friendly Dragon, Jousting Knights, the Royal Court, Fairies, Pirates, and even Swimming Mermaids! The Carolina Renaissance Festival is back celebrating 26 years of cheers! Huzzah! One of the largest of the Renaissance fairs nationwide, the Carolina Renaissance Festival is a place where imagination, fantasy, and history come to life. The Festival's storybook village, "Fairhaven" is 25 acres large and nestled within 325 acres of pristine autumn woodlands. and is filled with charming cottages, castles, taverns, kitchens, and shops, in the architectural style of a 16th century European village. Nearly 200,000 attendees are expected to time travel to the village during its 8-weekend season, held Saturdays and Sundays, October 5th through November 24, 2019. The Carolina Renaissance Festival brings lots of cheer, trumpet fanfare, lashing armor, great food, and fun for the whole family.
Watch Fireflicker the Curious Dragon roam about to award dragon gold to children with magic in their hearts. And fan-favorite Twig the Fairy returns, dazzling patrons with her music and fairy-dust.
Fantasy and history collide once again as fanciful creatures have nestled into the forests of the Festival. Journey to the grotto and experience the Living Mermaid exhibit where Fairies of the Sea enchant, delight and swim about inside a 30,000 lb. aquarium.
There are also activities for children of all ages including people-powered amusement rides and countryside faire games such as the castle climbing wall, archery, a jousting ride, and tomato tossing at a jester. A great variety of craft vendors offer home dĂŠcor, jewelry, clothing of renaissance and medieval fashion, blown and torched glass, handmade art and pottery at the festival. For information about the Carolina Renaissance Festival, visit carolina.renfestinfo.com.
Fourteen stages offer an abundance of continuous music, dance, comedy and circus entertainments. Unbalanced acrobats, the Ancient Art of Falconry and the popular jousting tournament with armored nights mounted on horseback, are more examples of the continuous entertainment options offered. Many of the shows are spontaneous and you will never know what happens next, on stage or off.
The Carolina Renaissance Festival is a medieval amusement park, a 14 stage theater, a 25-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast, all rolled into one non-stop, daylong family adventure. It is a magical realm and a time traveling escape like no other!
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NOVEMBER 2019 Flick Picks
Arctic Dogs
Frozen II
(In Theaters: November 1, 2019)
(In Theaters: November 22, 2019)
Swifty the Arctic fox works in the mail room of the Arctic Blast Delivery Service but dreams of one day becoming a Top Dog of the Arctic’s star husky couriers. To prove himself worthy of the Top Dog role, Swifty secretly commandeers one of the sleds and delivers a package to a mysterious location. He stumbles upon a secret fortress where he comes face to face with Otto Von Walrus, an evil genius who walks around on mechanical legs and commands a loyal army of oddly polite puffin henchmen.
Frozen 2 is Walt Disney Animation Studios' much-anticipated sequel to its blockbuster hit, Frozen. In Frozen 2, Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven journey far beyond the gates of Arendelle in search of answers. Why was Elsa born with magical powers?
Swifty soon discovers Von Walrus’ plan to melt the polar ice caps and flood the world in order to reign supreme. Now, Swifty has to enlist the help of his friends, a ragtag group of Arctic misfits, to band together to stop Von Walrus’ sinister plans and save the day. Starring Jeremy Renner as Swifty, Heidi Klum, James Franco, John Cleese, Omar Sy, Michael Madsen, Laurie Holden, Anjelica Huston, and Alec Baldwin. Rated PG (for some mild action and rude humor). 1 hr. 33 min. AMBI Group.
The answer is calling her and threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she'll set out on a dangerous but remarkable journey. In Frozen, Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In Frozen 2, she must hope they are enough. Featuring the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad. Rated PG. hr., 38 min. Walt Disney Animation Studios.
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