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Where in the World

Where In The World | February 2018

The foggiest place in the world. Grand Banks, Newfoundland, Canada Newfoundland and Labrador comprise a province in Canada. Labrador is the larger mainland section in the northeast of Canada. Newfoundland is a large island off the coast. The sea and its currents play a huge role in daily life for the people who live in these areas. One of the major industries in the area is fishing. The mixing cold Labrador Current, warm Gulf Stream and shape of the sea floor in the area stir up a lot of nutrients in the waters, and so marine life is plentiful. These same currents also make Grand Banks the foggiest place in the world, especially in the spring when the weather gets warm. This fog is a spectacular and eerie sight, but it also makes fishing and driving dangerous. Newfoundland was given its name when it was discovered by explorers in the 15th century. The official discovery of Newfoundland is credited to John Cabot in 1947. French, Basque and English fishermen were all drawn to the area for the plentiful fishing. This area became a Canadian province in 1949, making it the youngest of the 10 provinces. Labrador is in the most northeasterly part of the North American continent. A narrow band of sea called the Strait of Belle Isle separates the two pieces of land Newfoundland and Labrador. For many years, this area was known for being the richest fishing area in the world. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was the most important international fishing area in the world. The majority of the fishing was focused on cod. Fishing in the harsh cold waters was dangerous, but the fishermen made a lot of money. Unfortunately, the fishing industry in Newfoundland turned into a warning about overfishing. The cod populations were overfished, and the fish almost disappeared in the 1970s and 1980s. The northern cod was declared endangered, and for a few years, all fishing was banned. Fisheries were forced to close, and thousands of people lost their jobs. It turned into an economic crisis. The Grand Banks reopened some fisheries in the late 1990s, but the cod, the towns in the area and the fishermen are still trying to recover.

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Wildville

Wildville February 2018

Snowy Owl The snowy owl is a unique animal native to the Arctic regions. One of the bird’s most striking features is important for its survival in the snowy habitat. The male owls have almost entirely white feathers. Older males are usually whiter. The female owls are usually darker and have white feathers covered in black or dark brown spots. Even their large talons are covered by white feathers. In addition to making it hard for their prey to see them coming, the feathers repel moisture and keep the owl warm in such a cold environment. If the winters get too harsh and there is not enough prey, the owls migrate to warmer areas south of the Arctic Circle. They have seen as far south as Oklahoma and Northern Alabama, though this is not a normal occurrence every year. Snowy owls are one of the largest owls, and they are the largest bird species in the Arctic. Females usually weigh about 3 1/2 pounds. Males are lighter and weigh closer to 3 pounds. They have yellow eyes. The average wingspan is almost 67 inches. Most owls are nocturnal, but the snowy owl is dinural, which means they are most active during the day. They are most active at dawn and dusk. They are carnivorous. Their diet is mainly mice and lemmings, but they will also eat rabbits, seabirds and fish. One owl can kill 1,600 lemmings in a year. Because lemmings are a major part of the owl’s diet, the owl population depends on how many lemmings there are in an area. Foxes, dogs, wolves and other large birds prey on the snowy owl. Humans are also dangerous. Snowy owls usually fly close to the ground, so many have died in accidents such as by being hit by a car, tangled in a fishing line or being accidentally shot by a hunter. Snowy owls are protected as an endangered bird. Like other owls, they have excellent eyesight. However, if their prey is under the snow, the owls have to rely on their incredible sense of hearing to hunt. The average lifespan of a snowy owl is 9 years. For more info visit these sites National Geographic BioKids Tundra Animals

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Kidsville Connections

Kidsville Connections February 2018

Everything around us is matter. Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space like air, food and paper. Matter exists in three major states: solid, liquid and gas. All matter is made up of atoms. How tightly the atoms are packed together determines something’s state. In solids, atoms are tightly packed together, and in gases the atoms are very loosely held together. Atoms are always in motion, so the closer the atoms are packed together, the less they can move. The less they move, the less energy and heat are generated by the movement. This movement is the reason that solids are colder, and gases are warmer. Liquids are somewhere in the middle. Warming or cooling matter can make it change its state. Solids hold their shape at room temperature. Liquids can take on the shape of a container – like water in a glass. Gases do not have a shape and can move around freely. Changing states of matter is also called a phase change. Heat and pressure can both affect the state of matter. Different matter changes states under different conditions. Some matter, like water, is easy to change in daily life. At room temperature, nitrogen is usually a gas, but it can be turned into a liquid at -320 degrees. There are more than three types of matter, but the others only occur in extreme circumstances. Plasma is an ionized gas. When matter is heated to a very high temperature, it changes the shape of the atom and makes it very unpredictable. Beam is a newly discovered state that isn’t understood, but it is different from the other states because atoms work together instead of randomly moving. To learn more about matter visit the sites below. Easy Science For Kids Science Trek Cool Kid Facts

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Kids

Letter From Truman

Hi, Kids! We are talking about matter this month. Solids, gases and liquids are different states of matter. Did you know there are other states of matter, too? Plasma and beam are two of them. Read more about them in the “Connections” section. When water becomes a condensed gas, it is called fog. As a weather element, fog can be dangerous to drive in, but it sure is pretty. Newfoundland is the foggiest place in the world. Newfoundland is also known for its distinct musical traditions, one of which is the ugly stick. Read more about it in the “Cultural Connections” section. It’s February, and that means Valentine’s Day! “Around the World” takes a look at the start of this old tradition. While it usually means cards and candy, that wasn’t always the case. What is your favorite Valentine’s Day tradition?

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Weather

Weather – Winter Precipitation

A snowflake begins to form when an extremely cold water droplet freezes onto a pollen or dust particle in the sky. This creates an ice crystal. As the ice crystal falls to the ground, water vapor freezes onto the crystal, building new crystals – the six arms of a snowflake. There are other types of winter precipitation besides snow, such as sleet and freezing rain. Do you know the difference? Sleet occurs when snowflakes only partially melt as they fall through a shallow layer of warm air. These slushy drops refreeze as they next fall through a deep layer of freezing air above the surface and eventually reach the ground as frozen raindrops that bounce on impact. Depending on the intensity and duration, sleet can accumulate on the ground much like snow. Freezing rain occurs when snowflakes descend into a warmer layer of air and melt completely. When these liquid water drops fall through another thin layer of freezing air just above the surface, they don’t have enough time to refreeze before reaching the ground. Because they are “supercooled,” they instantly refreeze upon contact with anything that is at or below freezing (32 degrees F), creating a glaze of ice on the ground, trees, power lines or other objects. Even light accumulations can cause dangerous travel, while heavier amounts can cause damage to trees and power lines. A significant accumulation of freezing rain lasting several hours or more is called an ice storm. No matter what type of winter precipitation is falling from the sky, it is best to be prepared. The National Weather Service has some great winter preparedness and safety materials that will help you and your family prepare for the upcoming winter season.

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What’s It Like To be

What’s It Like To Be – Elections Specialist

Each state handles the details of elections differently. is month, we talked to Daniel Simpson, an Elections Specialist in North Carolina. Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself. My name is Daniel Simpson, and I work as an Elections Specialist at the North Carolina State Board of Elections. I graduated from Duke University in 2011 and from Northwestern University’s graduate school in 2014. I have lived in North Carolina all my life, and I absolutely love it. My father and grandfather are my greatest career inspirations. Please tell our readers a little bit about what the board of elections does? Board of Elections is the state agency charged with conducting elections in North Carolina and ensuring that they are fair and accurate. We work directly with all 100 counties in the state to ensure that they have no problems administering elections in their counties. Why is this work important? The ability of citizens to elect their government is one of the cornerstones of U.S. democracy. For everyone to have faith in our government, it is essential that elections are carried out in a consistent, fair and speedy way. I can think of no job more important than protecting and administering an essential right of Americans. What is one thing you wish everyone knew about voting and the Board of Elections? I wish people knew how much planning, preparation and manpower go into running an election. It is an enormous operation that deploys thousands of volunteers and takes months of training to prepare for. Most people only see what happens on Election Day, but the election process in far more involved. What do you do when there are no elections going on? There really is no such thing as “no elections going on.” Once one election is over and the results are finalized, we are already preparing for the next election. Between general elections, primary elections, municipal elections and special elections, there is always something to plan for. For example, we are already hard at work developing a new computer program for election administration in future elections What is the coolest thing about your job? My job allows me to aid people of all ages, races and political persuasions in exercising their right to vote … what could be cooler than that? is past year I’ve helped many people, including a 100-year-old woman, a Marine colonel, a Duke University professor and an NBA player. Being able to see people from many different backgrounds all so passionate about voting makes me proud to do what I do, and proud to be an American citizen. What kind of training does it take to work at the Board of Elections? First, you need a working knowledge of how government and elections function. And you must be willing and open to learning new things because election laws change often. Most importantly, you need to have an open mind and a willingness to put your work above your politics. Can you tell us something challenging about your work? Because I work with so many different counties, I must be constantly mindful of my audience. For example, a process that works well for a small mountain county might not be the best for a large coastal county. Being able to identify with so many different people is tough, but it really makes their life easier, which is exactly my goal. What is a typical day like for you? A typical day at the Board of Elections is never dull! I work together with 12 different counties and stay in touch with them o en to see how things are going in their areas. I also work on processing voter registration forms when I’m not advising the counties. Additionally, I spend time designing computer programs and forms to make life easier for other administrators. What do you like to do when you are not working? One of my favorite activities is simply spending time with my girlfriend and our two dogs, Echo and Charlie. I’m also an avid sports fan and enjoy watching football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. When I get some time to myself, I love to read science fiction. My favorite authors are Ray Bradbury and Dan Simmons.

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Wildville

Wildville – Puerto Rican Parrot

The Puerto Rican parrot is a beautiful bird native to the islands of Puerto Rico. They are medium sized parrots and absolutely gorgeous birds. Most of their feathers are shades of emerald green with bright blue undersides. Their foreheads are a bright red, and they have white rings around their dark eyes. In 1968, the Puerto Rican parrot was in grave danger. There were only about 24 left in the wild. It was one of the 10 most rare birds in the world. Scientists and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services decided to work together to save the beautiful birds and started the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program. By 1994, the population had increased to around 39, but today the odds are looking even better. e captive populations are growing. There are currently approximately 200 of these birds in captivity. The wild population has also increased to around 100. • It is also called the Puerto Rican amazon or Iguaca. • It is the only bird native to the islands. • The birds eat flowers, fruit, leaves, bark and nectar. • They are usually around 11 inches long and weigh around 250 grams. • The species became endangered because the forests in which they live were destroyed for farming sugar cane, cotton, corn and rice. • Many farmers hunted the bird. • They nest in cavities, usually ones that form naturally in trees. • Many now nest in boxes made especially for them. These boxes are safer than trees and can help to replace the parrots’ habitat. • The nesting boxes are between 23 and 49 feet above ground. • The natural predator of the parrot are birds of prey like the red-tailed hawk and the peregrine falcon. • Rats and Indian mongooses have also been known to eat the parrots’ eggs. • Now, because there are so few trees on the island, hurricanes are also dangerous for the parrot populations because the storms can destroy their nests. • These parrots can only be found on the Puerto Rican islands. For more information visit the following sites: Endangered Puerto Rican Parrot Parrots.org.

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Where in the World

Where In The World Is – Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is made up of a series of tropical islands in the Caribbean Sea. Being tropical means that the island is warm, usually between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, all year. e island is famous for its beautiful beaches, friendly people, large caves and wonderful food. e territory is one of the most unique parts of the United States. The official name is the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It is three times the size of Rhode Island. The capital is San Juan. San Juan is also the city with the highest population on the islands. The official languages are Spanish and English. The official money is the U.S. Dollar. The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. The largest telescope in the world is in Puerto Rico. The widest part of the island is 65 km. It has 270 miles of beaches. Puerto Rico means “Rich Port City.” is was originally the name the Spanish settlers gave to San Juan before it became the name of the islands. El Yunque, which is in Puerto Rico, is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system. U.S. bought Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines under the Treaty of Paris during the Spanish-American War for $20,000,000. Barceloneta is called “the pineapple city.” Five million people visit San Juan every year. Puerto Rico is officially a territory of the United States; this is kind of like being a state but a little different. Like a state, U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to travel there. Also, people born in Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens. However, there are some differences. Citizens of Puerto Rico can vote in the primaries but cannot vote in the general presidential elections. They also do not have any representation in Congress. is is a complicated relationship because Puerto Ricans have all the benefits of being an American, but very little say in making the rules. is is because the Constitution says that only states can participate in the presidential election, and Puerto Rico is a territory, not a state. Other U.S. territories are American Samoa, Guam, Swains Island and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information visit the following sites: www.timeforkids.com The Presidential Election

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Where in the World

Where In The World Is – Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is made up of a series of tropical islands in the Caribbean Sea. Being tropical means that the island is warm, usually between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, all year. e island is famous for its beautiful beaches, friendly people, large caves and wonderful food. e territory is one of the most unique parts of the United States. The official name is the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It is three times the size of Rhode Island. The capital is San Juan. San Juan is also the city with the highest population on the islands. The official languages are Spanish and English. The official money is the U.S. Dollar. The island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. The largest telescope in the world is in Puerto Rico. The widest part of the island is 65 km. It has 270 miles of beaches. Puerto Rico means “Rich Port City.” is was originally the name the Spanish settlers gave to San Juan before it became the name of the islands. El Yunque, which is in Puerto Rico, is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system. U.S. bought Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines under the Treaty of Paris during the Spanish-American War for $20,000,000. Barceloneta is called “the pineapple city.” Five million people visit San Juan every year. Puerto Rico is officially a territory of the United States; this is kind of like being a state but a little different. Like a state, U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to travel there. Also, people born in Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens. However, there are some differences. Citizens of Puerto Rico can vote in the primaries but cannot vote in the general presidential elections. They also do not have any representation in Congress. is is a complicated relationship because Puerto Ricans have all the benefits of being an American, but very little say in making the rules. is is because the Constitution says that only states can participate in the presidential election, and Puerto Rico is a territory, not a state. Other U.S. territories are American Samoa, Guam, Swains Island and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information visit the following sites: www.timeforkids.com The Presidential Election

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Kids

Staying Safe In Winter Weather

Winter can be a magical time of year. Some people like to play outside in the snow with their friends. Others might prefer to sit inside and drink hot chocolate by the re. But no matter how you like to spend time in the winter, it’s always important to think about winter safety. Your local National Weather Service will issue Winter Storm Warnings, Winter Storm Watches and Winter Weather Advisories depending on the type of wintery weather forecast. Know what these mean so that you can be prepared. A Winter Storm Warning is the most severe — it means take action immediately because dangerous winter conditions are expected. It is not a good idea to be playing outside during this time. A Winter Storm Watch means be prepared because a winter storm is possible. A Winter Weather Advisory means be aware — a winter storm is possible, but with less dangerous conditions. A er a winter storm has passed, if you’d like to play outside, dress appropriately to stay warm. Wear at least two layers of clothing, a warm hat, gloves and waterproof boots. Cover exposed skin and limit your time outside. is will help you avoid getting frostbite or hypothermia. Frostbite can happen if skin is exposed to cold temperatures and freezes. It is most common place to get frostbite is on the ngers, toes, ears, nose, chin and cheeks. Frostbite is most likely to occur when it is very cold and windy. For instance, if the temperature is 0 °F with a 15-mile-per-hour wind, frostbite can occur within about 30 minutes. Frostbite starts by making your skin very cold and then numb. If this happens, take shelter inside immediately. Hypothermia is when your body’s internal temperature drops below 95 °F, and it is very dangerous. Signs that you’re experiencing hypothermia include confusion, shivering, di culty speaking, sleepiness and sti muscles. It’s even possible to experience hypothermia inside if the temperature is cold enough. To stay safe, make sure the thermostat is set to 68 °F or higher. Be extra careful around frozen ponds and lakes. It might seem like a fun idea to go ice skating, but it can be dangerous. If the ice is less than two inches thick or has any cracks, holes or breaks, make sure to stay o it. Also, check to see if there’s any owing water around the edges, just below the surface, or over the top of the ice — this indicates danger. If you don’t see any warning signs, and if the ice is at least four inches thick, it’s safe to go skating. Always check with your responsible grown up, first. If you have pets, it’s important to make sure they stay warm as well! If it’s too cold outside for you, it’s too cold for your pets. Make sure they have a warm, dry place with plenty of food and water. Winter weather can dangerous. Make sure to remember these tips in order to enjoy the winter and stay safe.

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