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"Pure Wattz" Scores in Robotics Contest
Nicholas, 10, of Michigan
Posted February 6, 2008
"Pure Wattz," one of Leonard's First Lego League teams, made it to the state championships on December 18, 2007, in a Delphi sponsored competition in Saginaw, Michigan
"I cannot believe that out of 36 teams, my team made it to the state finals in fifth place!" says Nick, 10, of the "Pure Wattz" team. "I guess our research quality, which we got a trophy on, pushed us to the top."
While 36 teams competed in the regional tournament, only one-third managed to make it to state. One participant said that this tournament was exceptionally difficult because of the high number of competing teams. These teams ranged from grades 4-8, with the 8th graders taking the lead. The First Lego League was designed to encourage kids to think about the field of engineering as adults.
Each team competed in teamwork, robotics, research and solution to score the highest total points. In the robotics section, the goal was to perform as many missions as possible in the allotted 2.5 minutes. The robot must grab uranium and corn, put an oil barrel in the farm, get the coal truck, activate the solar panel on the satellite and house, switch the cars, put fuel in the power plant, get oil barrels, put the hydro, wind and wave turbines in the correct spots and plant the trees and then pray that the 2.5 minutes are not up! The points that the team earns in teamwork, robotics, research and solution determine the winning teams, send those winners to the state competition.
Next year, the "Pure Wattz" team hopes to stay united, but with a different name, of course! Each year, the name depends on the topic of the competition. Last year, the team name was "Small and Smart," after the Nano competition. The "Pure Wattz" team uses teamwork, research and "out-of-the-box" thinking to score high in the robotics. Good luck next year, "Pure Watzz" or whatever they call themselves!
Edwards Drops Out
Mad, 10, of Mississippi
Posted February 6, 2008
If your parents wanted to vote for John Edwards, then they are too late. He dropped out on January 31, 2008. But, why would he do this?
After being in third place after Obama and Clinton, he couldn't take it any more. It was a shock to many Americans, but some knew it would come. He was losing the primaries, but he kept trying. That was good for him, but he just gave up. Edwards announced to the press that he would not be running any more, he would not be a presidential candidate anymore, and he would not be president.
Some people say, "It's a shame, he could have been a good president." Some say, "He did the right thing, he was losing." One child said, "NO WAY!" One mother was scrolling down on msn.com and cried, "Edwards dropped out?!"
Over all, it's what he wanted and we can't change that. Some guess he got tired after losing the last race. Edwards might run next time, or he may not.
Hannah Montana Mania
Anna, 14, of Massachusetts
Posted February 6, 2008
The 3-D Hannah Montana concert movie hit theaters last Friday for one week only. Many kids were excited about it because it was nearly impossible to get tickets to the actual concert because it quickly it sold out. Tickets to the movie are only $15.00, whereas concert tickets where being resold for thousands of dollars.
Fifteen-year-old Miley Cyrus, who plays the lead role in the hit Disney Channel show Hannah Montana, performs songs off of both Hannah CDs (while wearing the well known blond wig) as well as songs from her own CD "Meet Miley Cyrus" (without the wig). The show also features three songs sung by the band The Jonas Brothers.
The movie has been compared to being in the front row of the concert but in some ways it is better. Thanks to several cameras, no matter where Miley goes on the stage you still have a great view. The movie also includes never before seen clips of the rehearsals and backstage while the stars are getting ready to go on.
During the first few showings of the movie, the theaters where nearly empty because they were during school hours. The only people who where able to go during those times where younger children who go to afternoon kindergarten, homeschoolers, and kids who skipped school. However, showings of the movie after school were out quickly sold out in several locations because, let's face it, kids just can't get enough of Hannah Montana!
Global Warming
Hannah, 10, of Griffin
Posted February 6, 2008
Some people think that global warming is something to be afraid of. Others don't. Some don't know what to say.
Those who believe global warming is happening have evidence. Greenland is melting much faster than we thought it would. The days are getting hotter by the minute. They say we are the cause and that with our factories and cars we are making it worse.
Some think global warming is just a stage the world is going through. They say that there was an "Ice Age", so why can't there be a "Hot Age"? People that are stuck in between are very confused. So what do you think about global warming?
High School Musical: Marketing Ploy Or Totally Troy?
Dona, 12, of Massachusetts
Posted February 6, 2008
We have all heard of High School Musical. It is a huge craze among tweens. You can not go anywhere without seeing something about it. They usually put it in the same category as Hannah Montana and The Cheetah Girls. You have to wonder. Is Disney just using it as a marketing ploy? I mean, number three? Don't you think that's a little over doing it? Or is Disney just trying to satisfy the demand from the fans for more wholesome entertainment?
In my opinion HSM (High School Musical) and HSM2 are the best movies Disney has made without Pixar since Cinderella. But once again the marketing ploy question comes up. Because, lets face it, Disney has sold tons of HSM merchandise since the movie premiered in 2006.
The High School Musical movies provide wholesome entertainment with a good story line and great songs with catchy tunes and spectacular dance numbers. It tells kids that it is good to be different and that they do not have to be part of a clique.
In conclusion, the HSM phenomenon has good points and bad points most of which are good points. I suggest that you watch these movies with your whole family.
Ashley Tisdale: News About Her Nose
Ann, 13, of Massachusetts
Posted February 6, 2008
Recent news that Ashley Tisdale (High School Musical and The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody) had plastic surgery on her nose has caused an uproar among fans of all ages.
According to the 22-year-old actress, she had a deviated septum and 80 percent of her nose was fractured causing it to be hard for her to breath. She has said in interviews that she does not believe in plastic surgery, but that she has known that she would have to get her nose fixed for several years.
Some people believe her, but others think that she did it because she was not happy with the way that her nose looked. One person said that, in reality, most people have a deviated septum and do not even know it, and that it is commonly used as an excuse to get insurance companies to pay for the procedure.
Her nose does look different now than it did before the surgery, but only a little bit. Whatever the reason, I think that what people are most worried about is the possibility of it affecting her singing voice. However, in the end, the choice is yours whether you believe Ashley or not. I hope that this article has helped you to make an informed decision.
Anne Frank's Special Tree, Being Cut Down?
Maddie, 12, of Norcross, Georgia
Posted February 6, 2008
The special tree that Anne Frank used to look at is about to be cut down? I feel so sad for her descendants because they didn't get to see the tree that their ancestor loved to look at, but I don't like the idea either. I don't like the idea that they're cutting the tree down because it's a historical site and it reminds the Jewish people that one of their people were in World War II and they won't forget her.
Anne Frank
Whitney, 13, of Indiana
Posted February 6, 2008
I think Anne Frank should be alive, but now she dead. I wanted to meet her someday in heaven. I would be happy to see her in person! She was discovered in a hidden room and she went to concentration camp. I would be scared, but she is a hero to me!!! She was a great person!
Jefferson
Shannon, 11, of Alaska
Posted February 6, 2008
Last night, a young boy was going for a bike ride and then, "bam", he crashed. Officers say the boy is in a state. The boy's name is Jefferson. Earlier we talked to the family and asked them what will they miss about their brother? The young girl said, "Well I'll miss him because I use to bug him!"
Jefferson left the house last night at 11:00 PM. Jefferson got better overnight in the hospital.
Spongebob's New TV Movie!
Jordan, 8, of Maryland
Posted February 6, 2008
Spongebob is a sponge who lives in a pineapple in the Pacific Ocean. His friends Patrick, Sandy and Squidward survive problems from small creatures stealing hamburger formulas to a Texas land squirrel. My name is Jordan and I've been watching Spongebob since I was 7. I learned that later in 2008, Spongebob is going to have a TV movie. It's called Pest of the West.
Dinosaurs Bones? Or Not?
Auggie, 11 of Pennsylvania
Posted February 6, 2008
Our reporter Mr. Espinosa heard a rumor in which dinosaur bones have been discovered under the fence of the backyard of Mr. Tucker. Mr. Tucker explains, "Yesterday I went to my field and there they were, the bones under the fence!" Mr. Espinosa also got different point of views, he talked to Mr. and Mrs. Prichard. Mr. Prichard had an impression that the bones were fake. "When I saw the kids laughing about their project, dinosaur bones, I had only one thought, the bones were fake and these horrible kids put them there. Last time I saw them, they were riding bikes near Mr. Tucker's fence. It's suspicious. I'm sure these children put them there."
The next step in our research was to see the scientist. "I told Mr. Tucker not to touch the bones, but he already mailed it to me. I hope it arrives soon. I think it isn't likely that he found real dinosaur bones. I think it must be a joke or something because he said he picked it up without a problem and that isn't the characteristics of real dinosaur bones. I think you should talk to the kids."
And this is what our reporter did, asking if he really thought they were real bones. "I really put the bones under the fence," said the kid. "I had a project and I didn't know what to do with it. So I put it under the fence because I thought it would be a good joke. Please don't tell it to our parents or to Mr. Tucker."
Hope for the Kind and Loving
Miranda, 12, of Parkville
Posted February 6, 2008
Every day a do-gooder is taken advantage of and hurt. So much is happening right now, that no one hears these small timid cries for help. Read on to find out more about these people. Remember these are made up, but can happen.
Check out Karren! She never turns down a friend. Several people have taken her for granted. One day she was so upset she blew up at her friend. Her friend was super sensitive, she stared to bawl and now she won't even speak to Karren.
Now here's Mick. He's a major procrastinator and a regular do-gooder. He can not stand a lot of pressure. Well, one day, he got in trouble helping someone. He had no idea that his friend was in for detention. Now he's freaking out!
So, have you learned anything from these encounters? I hope so. So next time you ask a favor, make sure your not taking risks with your friendship.
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