This week’s Kid Scoop takes a look at Yeosu Korea Expo 2012. Yeosu is the latest in a long line of World’s Fairs, which are months-long festivals held every few years in various cities around the globe. Fairs are used to promote countries that participate, new technologies and offer a glimpse into the cultures of the world.

This year’s fair is being held in South Korea and has an ocean theme. The United States hosted the fair in 1876, 1884, 1893, 1898, 1901, 1904, 1907, 1909, 1915 (twice!), 1933, 1939 (twice!), 1962, 1964, 1968, 1974, 1982 and 1984.

One of the primary features of the South Korea Fair is “The Big-O,” which is essentially a gigantic movie screen created by a sheet of water. You can see it operate in this video:  http://youtu.be/dNozGXaz9TU

One of the most famous World’s Fairs was the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City. Here’s video with a few people remembering just how fantastic it was. http://youtu.be/1fP4t3bte30

Cartoon director Tex Avery made a series of cartoons inspired by World’s Fairs. These cartoons are usually called “The (something) of Tomorrow.” Here’s “The Television of Tomorrow” according to life in 1953. http://youtu.be/gxKAoqn6Bw4

What is Kid Scoop? It’s a special page that appears every Monday in The York Dispatch and other local newspapers. Aside from its main feature and the Writing Corner, it includes games, puzzles and jokes.

Get your copy of Kid Scoop in today’s edition of The York Dispatch, and be sure to assemble your own Write On! entry and submit it to NIE@ync.com. We’ll run every entry here!

Of course, you can submit those entries, and anything else you want, for publication here on the Junior Dispatch. Send your JD items to juniordispatch@yorkdispatch.com. Learn about what you can submit here.

 

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These stories were submitted to the Junior Dispatch by Kid Scoop, a Newspapers in Education program at the York Newspaper Co.

Topic: Mom

An experience I had with my Mom was riding a rollercoaster called The Phoenix. I didn’t want to go on it, but my Mom begged me to ride with her. Then I rode ten thousand more times because my Mom loved it and I loved it, too. By Lucas Strickland, Grade 3, Mrs. Ridgway, East York Elementary

The best time with my mom was that she took me to “Mom and Tots” skating when I was five. It was so fun because Mom was there. We had to dress warm. Now I am very good at skating and do not need to hold her hand. Now Mom takes me to skate for private lessons and to competitions. Mom does very much for me. I have the best mom in the world! By Kayley Kershner, 1st grade, Mrs. Idgunji, Cornwall Elementary

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From Clair Richcrick’s fourth-grade class, Fishing Creek Elementary School:

My special day I had with Mom was when I got to Disney World. I got to have fun and spend time with my family. By Patrick McCullough

A special day I had with my Mom was when she took me to Kohl’s and we stayed from 10 AM until 7PM. It was so fun. I love her a lot. By Madison Dicely

A special day I had with my Mom was when we went to see a movie JOHN CARTER. It was really funny and cool. I really liked it. It was a nice of my Mom to do that for me. By Faith Malley

One day my Mom and I went camping in our camper. We had Smores and lots of fun. By KJ Keane

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These stories were submitted to the Junior Dispatch by Kid Scoop, a Newspapers in Education program at the York Newspaper Co.

Topic: What would you do if a tornado was spotted?

If I was in my house alone while a tornado came I would first try to stay calm. But if I can’t I would run to the basement while screaming. Go to the little room at the end of the hall. But if I forgot my lucky dog named spot. I would scream his name while running up to my room speedy quick. I would grab him run back down back to the room and sit in the darkness until I shake like crazy then panic. So that’s what I would do. — By Dana Cutti, Grade 4, Mrs. Lindsey

I would be scared if a tornado was spotted and I was home alone. I would get the candle box from the closet. I would get something to take downstairs to eat. I would get the flashlights from the garage. I would head downstairs to the rec room and turn on my weather radio until the tornado is here. Then, I would go under the steps because that is where my tornado spot is. It is safe there because it doesn’t have any windows. Last after the tornado has come I would get out and see all the damage. — By Jacob Meakin, Grade 4, Alloway Creek, Mrs. Gross

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From Carol J. Myers’ classroom, Grade 6, E.H. Markle Intermediate School

I would run into the basement and call my parents. If they were to tell me to go to another place in the house, I would move. I would stay away from the windows and take cover. That’s what I would do if a tornado was spotted near my house. — By Ricardo Taylor

As soon as I saw the tornado coming at my house, I ran for a flashlight. Then I ran for the basement. I heard the wind whipping and snapping the trees. Suddenly, I did not hear anything. Was it over? I walked out of the basement and saw trees and leaves lying everywhere. I could see the trail the tornado made. People were standing outside in shock of the damage. For the next couple of weeks people cleaned up the disaster. — By Jacob Werner

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Tornadoes are one of nature’s most violent and scary events. These storm clouds form when the temperature, wind, humidity and atmospheric pressure build up to a specific point and create a potentially deadly weather event.
In today’s Kid Scoop, you can learn exactly how they form and what you should do to protect yourself if you know one is nearby. You’ll know one is nearby because an announcement will be broadcast on TV or the radio and you might even hear warning sirens go off.
As described in today’s Kid Scoop and elsewhere on the Internet, there are some ways to keep yourself safe.

• Go to a safe area deep inside your house, such as a room with no windows or the cellar.
• Listen to the radio for information on when the storms have passed and if more are coming.
• Don’t try to go looking for your mom, dad, grandparents or pets. They will do their best to stay safe with or without you. Your job is to stay safe too.

Here’s a look at a tornado actually forming, reaching down from the sky and making contact with the ground. http://youtu.be/006guBgSf14

Here are some tornado safety tips. http://youtu.be/EzBiEN6bXEY

And here’s a few quick science experiments you can try to simulate a tornado — without all that destruction. http://youtu.be/mzw3DcDblIg

What is Kid Scoop? It’s a special page that appears every Monday in The York Dispatch and other local newspapers. Aside from its main feature and the Writing Corner, it includes games, puzzles and jokes.

Get your copy of Kid Scoop in today’s edition of The York Dispatch, and be sure to assemble your own Write On! entry and submit it to NIE@ync.com. We’ll run every entry here!

Of course, you can submit those entries, and anything else you want, for publication here on the Junior Dispatch. Send your JD items to juniordispatch@yorkdispatch.com. Learn about what you can submit here.

 

Art from LakeMartinVoice and Meredith Steele via Flickr.com

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Today’s Kid Scoop studies the amazing Polyface farm in Virginia, which does its best to use “solar power” to keep its operation going. Notice that we put “solar power” in quotes because we’re not talking about the modern, solar-panel version of solar power. You’ll have to check out this video to learn more about how Polyface’s version of solar power works: http://youtu.be/KxTfQpv8xGA

You and your parents can use solar power in a similar way with a chicken tractor. Take a tour of the structure: http://youtu.be/2DJjEIPqF7M

See a cattle roundup on a Wyoming farm. Even the kids help out. http://youtu.be/RNWQQPvNJBs

What is Kid Scoop? It’s a special page that appears every Monday in The York Dispatch and other local newspapers. Aside from its main feature and the Writing Corner, it includes games, puzzles and jokes.

Get your copy of Kid Scoop in today’s edition of The York Dispatch, and be sure to assemble your own Write On! entry and submit it to NIE@ync.com. We’ll run every entry here!

Of course, you can submit those entries, and anything else you want, for publication here on the Junior Dispatch. Send your JD items to juniordispatch@yorkdispatch.com. Learn about what you can submit here.

Read More

These stories were submitted to the Junior Dispatch by Kid Scoop, a Newspapers in Education program at the York Newspaper Co.

Topic: Thoughts on olive trees

I love olives! Without them how would the black-eyed peas make a living? — Everest Robinson, fourth grade, Fishing Creek El., Mr. Richcrick

Olives, you go to eat one and you see those dreadful eyes looking you right in your face. At that point, you know it will be a dreadful meal. Sure, they may look all cool and colorful. But, they’re a killer in disguise. Olives, even the name sounds bad. — Ryan Black, sixth grade, E.H.M.I.S., Mrs. Myers

Olives are okay. I’ll have one if I have too. — Cayden Healy, fourth grade, Fishing Creek El., Mr. Richcrick

I love olives because they are strong, good and juicy. They are also very zesty. They are a good little snack to eat. They are neither hard nor soft, but just right. — Laykin Feeser, sixth grade, E.H.M.I.S., Mrs. Myers

I hate olives. They are really bad to me. My mom loves them and always tries to make me have one, but I don’t. That’s why I don’t like olives. — Madison Dicely, fourth grade, Fishing Creek El., Mr. Richcrick

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These stories were submitted to the Junior Dispatch by Kid Scoop, a Newspapers in Education program at the York Newspaper Co.

Topic: Sell that book

My favorite book that I think kids should read is “Soul Surfer.” This book tells about a girl that was attacked by a shark and lost her arm. She still does everything she did before but with one arm. This book tells people that even though a body part is missing, you still have to have faith in yourself and make it seem better than what you think it is. So, this book will be good for kids because it will tell them when something gets rough you get up and make it better. — Gabrielle Bossom, sixth grade, E.H.M.I.S., Mrs. Myers

My favorite book is “The Beast” by R.L. Stine. It’s a very fun read with lots of twists and turns! It’s about a ghost on a roller coaster. I love it! — Hannah Culp, fourth grade, Fishing Creek El., Mr. Richcrick

My favorite book is the “Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey.” Four kids travel through Europe to find clues to save a friend. This book has plenty of action and suspense to keep you engaged. The book is a very good read and you should check it out. — Ricardo Taylor, sixth grade, E.H.M.I.S., Mrs. Myers

My favorite book is “Harold and The Purple Crayon.” It’s funny and easy to read. It lets you use your imagination. I think everyone should read it. — Jara Mumma, fourth grade, Fishing Creek El., Mr. Richcrick

My favorite book is “Hero” by Mike Lupica. I think other kids should read this because a boy named Zach finds out he has powers. He eventually uses his powers to fight “The Bads,” the villains. Zach faces many challenges and Mike Lupica ends each chapter with a huge cliffhanger. This book would really appeal to kids who like super powers and cliffhangers. — Jared Dickson, sixth grade, E.H.M.I.S., Mrs. Myers

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Today’s Kid Scoop features a look at Cinco de Mayo and all of the traditions surrounding the holiday that celebrates Mexican culture.

Here in America, Cinco De Mayo celebrations usually include people in traditional Mexican dress and Mariachi music. Those people usually wear a sombreros, wide-brimmed hats meant to keep the wearer cool.

Though the sombrero isn’t worn much in modern culture, in the 1800s it was widely used is essentially the Mexican version of the cowboy hat.

Unlike cowboy hats, sombreros can be purchased with a wide variety of designs on them, and those designs can be extremely intricate and beautiful.

For a quick guide on the holiday, watch this video: http://youtu.be/4nde7NGWNKU

Want to know how to fill up your pinata? Here are some tips: http://youtu.be/xHAcUXb3UYU Well, not so much tips, but some girls acting goofy.

Learn about Mexico’s geography and how it has shaped the country’s history. http://youtu.be/lbmo9aO27L0

What is Kid Scoop? It’s a special page that appears every Monday in The York Dispatch and other local newspapers. Aside from its main feature and the Writing Corner, it includes games, puzzles and jokes.

Get your copy of Kid Scoop in today’s edition of The York Dispatch, and be sure to assemble your own Write On! entry and submit it to NIE@ync.com. We’ll run every entry here!

Of course, you can submit those entries, and anything else you want, for publication here on the Junior Dispatch. Send your JD items to juniordispatch@yorkdispatch.com. Learn about what you can submit here.

Read More

These stories were submitted to the Junior Dispatch by Kid Scoop, a Newspapers in Education program at the York Newspaper Co.

Topic: Do a good deed daily

I saved my aunt’s life. I was at McDonald’s, and I saw her slip. She looked badly hurt. I ran over as fast as I could. I helped her up. She could not stand at all. I called 911.They came and put her in an ambulance. They ask for my name, last name, and phone number. They called me and said that if had not helped her, she would have been paralyzed. — Jara Mumma, fourth grade, Fishing Creek El., Mr. Richcrick

One time at Thanksgiving, we were visiting my great-grandma in her retirement home. One of her neighbors never has anyone visiting her, so we took my great-grandma and her to bingo downstairs. Even though I don’t like going there much, we still had fun!! — Kurt Eichhorn, sixth grade, E.H.M.I.S., Mrs. Myers

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Today Kid Scoop turns its focus to chickens. Well, not exactly chickens — it talks about how a micro loan helped create a chicken business in Africa.

That tidbit was just enough for Junior Dispatch to ask, “Hey, where did chickens come from?” No, this isn’t a chicken-or-the-egg question, but rather we wondered where the first chickens lived. What were they like in the wild?

According to the always helpful Wikipedia, the domestic chicken is a subspecies of he Red Junglefowl, and originally came from India. There are also more chickens on the earth (24 billion) than there are people (7 billion).

When left to their natural habits, female chickens will lay about 12 eggs and wait for them to hatch. During this time, they fiercely defend their nest, eggs and hatchlings.

The term “pecking order” comes from the study of chickens, where it was observed that the strongest chicken of the bunch kept the rest of his or her flock “in line” by poking them with his beak.

And now for the videos!

Chickens do techno! http://youtu.be/p_2_EJogf2A

Raising chickens in the city. http://youtu.be/gLVXWyMRLes

A look at how chickens behave and what they do. http://youtu.be/bOizKdscvck

What is Kid Scoop? It’s a special page that appears every Monday in The York Dispatch and other local newspapers. Aside from its main feature and the Writing Corner, it includes games, puzzles and jokes.

Get your copy of Kid Scoop in today’s edition of The York Dispatch, and be sure to assemble your own Write On! entry and submit it to NIE@ync.com. We’ll run every entry here!

Of course, you can submit those entries, and anything else you want, for publication here on the Junior Dispatch. Send your JD items to juniordispatch@yorkdispatch.com. Learn about what you can submit here.

Read More