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Measuring earthquakes faster

Earthquakes can be serious, scary events. The ground shakes and rolls. Things can fly off shelves, and buildings can collapse. We can do a lot to prepare for earthquakes before they happen. But what can we do to prepare for what happens after them? When an earthquake occurs, it’s important to know the location, depth and overall strength of the earthquake. People use this information to respond to the earthquake and help people. To figure this out, we use sensors on the ground that measure vibrations. But with really big earthquakes, it gets harder to tell the size from the vibrations alone. The sensors also take a long time to send the information to scientists. Measuring earthquakes this way can take up to 25 minutes. That’s a lot of time when a big earthquake strikes and people need help. It’s great that we can measure the amount of shaking, but we need more information. What if we knew just how much the ground moved? Sometimes this is dramatic. Roads can be cut in half. Hillsides can rise or fall. But that can take a while to measure. Wouldn’t it be great if we could know right away? This sounds like a job for GPS. GPS stands for global positioning system. This is the technology that uses satellites and ground stations to locate things all over the planet. It’s the reason our phones can give us direction to the nearest pizza place or tell us the local weather. It knows where you are. GPS could also tell us how much an earthquake station moved during an earthquake. But the GPS that we have in our cars and smart phones can’t tell if something just moves a few inches or feet. It knows the location of things based on how long a satellite message takes to get to it, but things like clouds can slow down the message. This means that GPS by itself couldn’t tell if something moved just a little bit. But with some help from NASA, it can! NASA scientists along with researchers from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography updated some GPS stations in Southern California. They now have sensors that monitor for earthquakes and collect GPS information, but they also take measurements of pressure, temperature and vibrations. The weather data helps make the GPS information more accurate. Now we can tell how much that GPS station has moved when an earthquake happens. Some of these GPS earthquake stations are being installed on top of important places like hospitals, bridges and skyscrapers. That way we know if they were moved or got damaged in the earthquake. And it all happens faster, too. After an earthquake, scientists could know in minutes exactly where the earthquake happened and how serious it was. That means they can get help to people who need it faster than ever before. The NASA scientists are also working on an early warning system for the west coast that will give you a 1-2 minute warning before you feel the earthquake shaking. That will give you time to take cover.

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Movie Reviews for Kids by Kids

The Adventures of Gumby: The Complete GOS Series

Gumby is a very enjoyable and fun claymation series that is about a green humanoid character named Gumby and his side-kick and best friend Pokey. They go on wacky adventures that we see a lot while watching this series of episodes. Some of my favorite episodes were “ the zoops” “the glob” “Santa witch” and “hidden valley.” They are lots of other great episodes in this series as well, but these really stand out. Something I immediately noticed about this series is that the animation isn’t like any film series you’ll see made today. It is a clay animated show. This type of animation is particularly interesting because it is made by taking pictures of each movement the characters take. The way the makers behind the animation create the claymation is included in the of the bonus features. This show is also very creative. I watched the episodes and was amazed and often wondered about how they came up with these ideas, from the punch lines to the plot lines of each and every episode. The bonus features on this DVD disc are something special. Included are behind the scene footage, a photo gallery of photos from making this film, the first aired pilot episode with sound and a very rare episode called “space ball.” I love that they include photos because it gives you an inside look on what was happening when they created the animation and it makes you feel connected to the show even more. Also, getting an exclusive look at never before seen special episodes is very cool because, while watching them I kept thinking about how rare they are. I recommend this series for ages 5 to 18 as well as adults. They are classic films that anyone can enjoy and they first aired over 60 years ago so, this disc is perfect for anyone who grew up with Gumby and would like to see him in action again. This series also gets 5 out of 5 stars from me because these were such fun episodes that anyone can enjoy and the animation is interesting. Also, seeing the bonus features on the disc makes it much more enjoyable because I now have an appreciation for what went into making such this animated series.

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Kidsville Kitchen

Tips for Perfectly Good Vegetables

One of the highlights of the summer season is the incredible bounty of fresh produce, and grilling these vegetables gives them a smoky, delicious dimension. Chef BBQ Naz, a grilling expert from Broil King, shares some simple tips for flavor perfection. •When preparing vegetables, slice them to expose as much of the vegetable to the grill surface as you can. •Coat vegetables with olive oil before placing them on the grill. This will help prevent them from sticking to the grill. •Use the right tool for the job. Accessories like grill toppers and skewers are perfect for keeping smaller foods like cherry tomatoes and onions from rolling around or falling through the grate. •Don’t leave vegetables unattended. Vegetables are delicate and can easily overcook if not monitored. •Grill extras. Leftover grilled vegetables are great in soups, salads, sandwiches and on pizzas and pasta. When grilling vegetables, consider this popular recipe. Grilled Zucchini Rolls Ingredients: 3 medium zucchinis, sliced 1/4-inch thick, lengthwise 1 tablespoon olive oil 4 ounces chevre (soft goat cheese), at room temperature Pinch of freshly ground black pepper and a Pinch of kosher salt 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed and minced 1 teaspoon oil from the sun-dried tomatoes 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated Directions: Preheat the grill on medium. Brush both sides of sliced zucchini with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on the grill and cook for 4 minutes per side. When cooked, set on a wire rack to cool. In a small bowl, combine the chevre, salt, pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, oil and thyme. Using a small spatula, spread the cheese mixture thinly over one side of the zucchini. Lightly roll the zucchini, and place seam side down on a small, parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Place baking sheet on top rack of the grill for 15 minutes. Remove to a platter and serve. Additional recipes and a complete vegetable grilling guide can be found at www.broilkingbbq.com.

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Cultural Connections

Cultural Connections – May 2016

While music is an important part of Native American culture, there are many other art forms that are also significant, like weaving. Because tribes were mobile, often their art was not only beautiful, but also useful. For example, baskets and blankets were necessary items, but the different tribes wove patterns and symbols in to these items, making them works of art. Baskets were a big part of tribal life and making them was considered an important task. Basket weaving is still common today with many weavers following the age-old practices of the Native American tribes. While some tribes used bear grass to weave baskets, the Shoshone used willow because it was so plentiful where they lived. Even though it was plentiful, willow could only be harvested in autumn and winter after the leaves fell. And even though there were (and still are) many kinds of willow, there were only three or four types that were suitable for weaving. Once the willow was harvested, cleaned and prepared, the weaving could begin. A basket’s shape and size determined how the owner would use it. Cradle baskets were made for carrying babies under a year old. Some baskets, like storage baskets, had lids while others looked like bowls. Like many other artists, basket weavers often have their own sense of style, or voice, that shines through in their work. Maybe it is the way a basket sits or how tightly the artist weaves, but each maker leaves their mark on their baskets. In many tribes, basket making was competitive. Moms would share their best basket making tips with their daughters, and every step of the process from cleaning to soaking and cutting the willow had to be done in a certain way to ensure the baskets would come out right. The women would often try to outdo each other with beautiful patterns that they wove into the baskets.

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Kids

I challenge you to…

As the kids were coming into class, Ms. Gilmour was hanging some posters on the wall. The kids all greeted her and asked what the posters were for. She replied, “I put all the ideas you had last time for ways that Cool Kind Kids speak, act and think, onto these posters so we could work with them today.” Tanner said, excitedly, “We made posters in art class at my school.” Nicole added, “We did that, too. Kids in my class thought it was fun.” Rudy had his hand up, “What are we going to talk about today?” Ms. Gilmour answered, “When you left last time, we were talking about taking all the Cool Kind Kid ways of behaving and making them into Cool Kind Kid Challenges.” Truman the Dragon said in a loud voice, “Are you TOUGH enough to be KIND?” Carmen added, also in a loud voice, “Are you COOL enough to be KIND?” The kids all high-fived Truman and Carmen. Ms. Gilmour laughed and said, “I’m glad to see that you remember what the Cool Kind Kid Challenge is all about. Let’s write your challenges on the posters here next to each Cool Kind Kid action.” She then said, “Let’s get started. Who wants to go first?” Stephen hadn’t said much since coming to class, but was eager to do this. He said, “Are you TOUGH enough to treat everyone with the same respect?” Nicole was waving her hand, “Are you COOL enough to try your best to be kind?” Tanner was next with, “Are you TOUGH enough to not be mean or rude to others?” Carmen added, “Are you COOL enough to comfort your friend when she is sad?” Rudy said, “Are you TOUGH enough to help a new kid find his way around the school?” Truman the Dragon stood up to his full height and said, “Are you TOUGH enough to stand up for a friend who is being bullied.” He then blew a little fire at the kids, who pretended they were afraid of him. Nicole laughed and added, “I think it’s important to be a helper, so I challenge kids ‘Are you COOL enough to help when asked, or see a need?’” Ms. Gilmour told Nicole that was a good one. She then asked the kids, “What are some challenges you can think of about being a good friend?” Tanner was the first to respond with, “Are you TOUGH enough to play fair and share so others will want to be your friend?” Carmen added, “Are you COOL enough to watch what you say so you don’t hurt anyone’s feelings?” Rudy said, “It’s important that we be TOUGH enough to not brag and boast around friends.” Everyone agreed with Rudy that bragging and boasting wasn’t cool and was a good way to lose friends. Truman the Dragon added, “Are you COOL enough to treat others the way you want to be treated?” Ms. Gilmour said, “Great job!” as the kids were leaving. Why don’t you try this at your school? Note To Parents From Ms. Gilmour In response to parent focus groups, Cool Kind Kid® has just introduced new products to help parents [and educators] provide the social skills tools necessary for their children [or students] to reject bullying. These include three books, flash and game cards, a Bullying Prevention Resource Kit and more can be found at www.CoolKindKid.com.

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Conservation Corner

Staying Cool in the Summertime Heat

Reducing energy consumption during the dog days of summer does not mean you have to turn off your air conditioner on sultry summer nights. Closing the shades during the daytime hours can keep sun from coming in and heating up your home, making it easier for your air conditioner to maintain a cooler temperature. Routinely cleaning the air conditioner’s filters is another way to reduce energy consumption, as clean filters will ensure the unit does not have to work as hard to maintain a cool temperature.

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Kidsville Connections

Lewis and Clark trail

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson purchased a massive amount of land from France in a transaction called the Louisiana Purchase. For 68 million Francs, or $15,000,000, America gained 828,000 square miles of land. This seems like a large amount of money, but it turned out to be less than 3 cents per acre. After acquiring the new land, the next challenge was to explore all of it. In 1804, President Jefferson assigned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s Corps of Discovery to travel across the new addition to the nation. • The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the nation. • It eventually became parts of 15 states. • The modern states that were part of the purchase are Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. • The first state to be admitted into the Union from the Louisiana Purchase was Louisiana, the 18th state. • Lewis was Thomas Jefferson’s secretary. • The expedition started in St. Louis. • It ended when they returned to St. Louis after reaching the Pacific Ocean. • Sacagawea was a Shoshone Indian. She served as an interpreter and guide for the group. • The only person to die on the expedition was Sergeant Charles Foyd. Historians believe he died of a burst appendix. • Sacagawea brought her newborn son Jean Baptiste on the expedition • When she died in 1812, Clark adopted her children. • The expedition was made up of 40 men. • It took a year and a half to reach the Pacific Ocean and six months to return home. • The expedition group was called the Corps of Discovery. • Congress gave the Corps of Discovery $2,500. • While exploring, the men recorded information about plants, animals, people and land that they encountered. • When they reached the Pacific Ocean, winter was coming. So they built Fort Clatsop and waited out the cold in what is now Oregon. • The expedition traveled about 8,000 miles in all.

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Come Out and Play

Double Ball

As Louis and Clark travelled exploring the Louisiana Purchase they faced many obstacles. They had to find, food, shelter and water in an unfamiliar landscape. Often the land itself made it difficult for them to travel with tall mountains and thick rivers. Along the way they met many Native American people who helped them survive. The Mandan people, who live in what is now North Dakota even let the expedition stay with them during the first harsh winter. A very popular game for the Mandan is called Double Ball. It was often played by the women of the tribe, but it is a game that everyone can enjoy. • There should be three teams of an even number of players, no more than five each side. • Each player should have a long stick. A hockey stick would work well. • Traditionally sticks were around 5 feet long, but for kids a smaller stick would be useful. • There should be two goal posts. A goal post should be a low hanging horizontal bar. Traditionally, goal posts were the low hanging branches of trees. • To create the double ball, two soft balls should be tied together by a sturdy piece of rope. • Tennis balls work well because they are small, but soft. • Traditionally the double ball was made of two deerskin balls tied together by a leather strap. • Two teams should be guarding goal posts as defense. • One team should be trying to score on offense. • Players must catch the ball on their sticks and use the sticks to throw it and pass it. • To score, the double ball must be thrown over a goal post. • After 15 minutes teams should switch positions, after taking a quick break. • Each team should be on defense twice and offense once. The team with the most goals at the end wins the game.

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Around The World

Around the World – May 2016

CINCO DE MAYO In America and Mexico, Cinco de Mayo (May 5) is a special day. It celebrates the Mexican Army’s victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This battle was a big win in the war against the French. Today, Cinco de Mayo is more about celebrating Mexican culture than victory in battle. On May 5, in cities around the country, there are street parties, parades, mariachi music and more. Some people consider Cinco de Mayo a celebration of Mexican independence, but that is inaccurate. Mexico declared its independence from Spain in 1810 and celebrates it’s independence on Sept. 16. MOTHER’S DAY Mother’s Day is a time to say thanks to your mom, grandma or any female who is like a mother to you. We have Anna Jarvis to thank for the holiday. Anna’s mom was very sick and Anna looked after her. When Anna’s mom died, Anna decided to start a National Mother’s Day. She and her friends wrote letters and campaigned for the holiday. And on May 10, 1908 the first Mother’s Day was celebrated. At first it was a religious celebration that happened every second Sunday in May. It was not until 1914 that Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation making Mother’s Day a national day to honor moms. MEMORIAL DAY Throughout history people honored their ancestors by taking care of their graves and burial sites. In America’s early history, people would usually do this late in the summer and even centered it around family reunions and picnics. After the Civil War, in 1868, Decoration Day was established. People would go out and decorate the graves of soldiers who died in the war. It was later called Memorial Day. After World War I, the day was expanded to honor soldiers who died in all American Wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was officially made a national holiday. It always falls on the last Monday in May.

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Kids

Research Technician

Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself. My name is Kevin Bishop and I have been at the NIH since 2006. I attended Virginia State University and earned a degree in Biology. While in school, I worked in a zebrafish lab for two years and interned in a microbiology lab at the Medical College of Virginia. After graduation, I taught high school in Richmond, Virginia, but felt the calling of research so I decided to take a job at the NIH. Please tell our readers a little bit about the National Institutes of Health and what you do there. The purpose of the NIH is to explore biomedical and basic research. I am technician within the National Human Genome Research Institute, specifically the Zebrafish Core. We use the zebrafish as an animal model to explore the complexities of cancer and other diseases in humans. Why is this work important/how does it apply to everyday life for most people? This work is important because human diseases are a hindrance to the overall quality of life. We are learning everyday how to confront natural and unnatural biological problems that will be solved in time. Most people have a direct or indirect encounter with diseases like cancer. People like me are working very hard to solve this problem through different means, however, we all at the NIH have the same goals, making life better for everyone.   What is the coolest thing about your job? The coolest part of my job is working with the zebrafish. It is a beautiful and powerful animal model to behold. Most people have seen them in pet stores, but to observe them and all their biological processes is truly amazing. What is a typical day like for you? My typical day starts with spawning my fish for experiments. Once the fish spawn, I will start injecting embryos to make mutants by manipulating the mRNA of the organism. I will also observe the fish as they develop. The embryos are clear for the first 30 hours of their life, so I can see things like organ development and growth. What kind of training does it take to do your job? You need to have a basic understanding of molecular and developmental biology. Experience is key, so interning in a lab that uses animals is a great place to start.   When/how did you know you wanted to work at the National Institutes of Health? I knew when the human genome was decoded. It was mind-blowing to know that the entire human had been mapped, and I wanted to be part of the genomic revolution. What are some challenges you face in your work? One challenge is attempting to tackle complex genetic problems that require lots of thought, in-depth literature research and critical thinking. We also have the challenge of working with live animals, which may or may not cooperate when I want to conduct experiments. Sometimes they spawn, sometimes they don’t, but I have to remain focused and patient.   What do you like to do when you are not working? I love sports, reading and concerts. I am a Yankees fan, so whenever they come into D.C., I always make it a point to see them live. My favorite band in the universe is The Roots, so I will venture to any venue that hosts them in this area. What a cool job! Thanks for sharing with our readers!

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