"It's young people like you that make me so confident that America's best days are still to come," President Barack Obama said as he addressed the young scientists assembled at the White House. President Obama's address was delivered via video.
It's April 24, and a crowd of mostly girls and some adults gathered at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Building to attend the "Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)" event.
Four amazing and inspirational women were the panelists at the event: Dr. Cady Coleman, NASA Astronaut and Colonel; Jocelyn Goldfein, Facebook's Director of Engineering; Bianca Bailey, resident of Howard University's Chapter of Engineers Without Borders; and Jean Hernandez, President of Edmonds Community College Jean Hernandez.
The four women shared their experiences and knowledge to motivate young girls to pursue a STEM careers, jobs in which women are traditionally under-represented. They also answered questions from the audience and the listeners on the Internet. Other people who voiced their encouragement and support were the 2012 White House Science Fair participants. They also spoke to the group at the STEM event through video. And they all voiced in support for girls to excel at a field in STEM careers.
"What I would say to all people — especially girls — who are interested in STEM activities is that you should do it," one participant said.
"Just go out there and get to work and do it," another competitor added. "I mean, there are infinite possibilities. You could do anything you want. Being a woman doesn't matter with anything."
"When I was a kid I asked a lot of 'why' questions, and I found that science and math usually were the coolest answers to all of my 'why' questions," an attendee said.
In an interview with the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps, Dr. Coleman said that empowering curious young minds — especially women and minorities — is the only way to continue our progress.
"STEM is going to be a part of everyday life," Dr. Coleman said. "You're going to need it to become a citizen of the planet. If they're hard for you, then just realize that you might have to spend a little more time on it, but they're very necessary."
When Rick Santorum ended his race for the Republican presidential nomination two weeks ago, he left no one behind. At least, that's what it seems like. Before the Pennsylvania primary on Tuesday, I tried reaching someone — anyone — at his campaign headquarters in Verona, Pennsylvania. No one was there — or, at least, no one answered the phone.
Voters, too, seemed to have moved on. Pennsylvania is Santorum's home state, he was a United States Senator here for 12 years, and he was expected to give Mitt Romney a challenging race here. But before the election, many primary voters expressed they would not vote for Santorum, even though he was still on the ballot. At the polls yesterday, one voter commented, "We need a fresh alternative to Rick Santorum." Another said, "I might vote for Rick. He is a viable candidate."
Santorum had a strong showing in Pennsylvania, all things considered. He finished second with 18.3 percent of the vote. Romney won the state with 58 percent of the vote, but Santorum finished ahead of the two other candidates still in the race, Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich.
Santorum's exit from the presidential race earlier this month was abrupt. He was second in delegates, and he needed some big wins to challenge Romney. But he could have taken his delegates to the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida, and given Romney a greater challenge to the nomination. Some say he left the race because his family came first, and that is very sensible. Others believe he is a man conviction, and he could be a strong candidate for Vice President.
But right now, all we know is many Pennsylvania Republicans have moved on from Rick Santorum's surprising run at the nomination. Who knows? Maybe he'll make another charge in 2016.
David Denham, park ranger at Liberty Island National Park, is, if there ever was, a man of knowledge. Sporting a teal tie, beige hat, and a gold park ranger badge, Denham is a factual mastermind when it comes to the Statue of Liberty. When I arrived on the ferry, Denham greeted me with a smile and we were off on our whirlwind tour. It was my first time ever visiting “Lady Liberty” — the closest I had ever come before was seeing it from the Staten Island ferry — but now I was right next to it, walking closer and closer to it alongside Park Ranger Denham.
One of the most interesting things that I learned is that the Statue of Liberty is filled with symbols. Every part of the statue has a meaning - its moving foot, its crown’s seven spikes, and even the torch itself. The statue’s foot, which appears to be moving, symbolizes the movement and progress of the country; the seven spikes of the crown represent the seven seas and continents, and the torch stands for enlightenment.
Denham began from the beginning of the Statue’s history, telling a story of how the statue came to be. One of the most interesting parts of this story involves Gustave Eiffel, who engineered the Statue. Eiffel, hmm, sound familiar? Yep, Gustave Eiffel later became famous for the Eiffel Tower. When he tried to find a way to support the copper lady, Eiffel had the idea to fill the inside with a structure that is practically a model of the famous Parisian tower. It perfectly held up the Statue.
We continued to walk beside the statue until we got to the perfect spot, in which we where centered in front of the statue. Before us was the green lady, her gazing eyes looked into the distance, and we observed her.
On a windy day the island was still crowded, but even that powerful wind didn’t budge the statue one bit. Still, Denham knows that there’s more to the strong metal structure inside the statue. For him, the statue is filled with history as well.
Denham’s admiration and respect was evident. A brilliant park ranger who knows everything there is to know about one of the world’s greatest landmarks, Denham also knows that it’s much more than a simple tourist attraction.
With awe in his voice, Denham spoke with admiration.
Roughly eight million people live in New York City, and each year the city is visited by nearly 50 million more. That’s about six times the number of people who live here, and it turns out that most of them have very different experiences from residents. For example, they take tour buses, crowd Times Square, go to the top of the Empire State Building, and take ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. And while I have often found myself in or traveling through Times Square in the 12 years I’ve lived here – it’s difficult to avoid, no matter what you’re doing – I’ve never been inside the Empire State Building, and until recently I’d never been to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island. As part of Scholastic’s Virtual Field Trip to Ellis Island, I was able to make a real trip there, and I finally had the same experience that thousands of visitors from around the country and around the rest of the world have each day. I walked through the halls of the history enriched immigration museum, as well as standing feet away from 151-foot tall green lady.
As I sailed back across New York harbor on the ferry, I wondered what had stopped me from making this visit earlier. And then I wondered: do Philadelphians go to visit the Liberty Bell? Do Parisians climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower? Do Cairo’s residents visit the Great Pyramids?
It made me realize that tourists experience a place in a completely different way from the people who live there. And while there are many New York tourist destinations that I’ve never been to, there are others, like the Museum of Modern Art, that I go to all the time. But for me, many of the treasures of New York are more personal. They may be less famous but, to me, they’re no less special. They are “my” favorite places to go, “my” spots in Central Park, “my” neighborhood taco truck. I know that I’ll likely hear some of my favorite musicians, depending on which subway stop I go to. Or I could be anywhere and hear some of the most outrageous conversations or bizarre interactions between people.
The tourists have their must-see destinations, as they should, and I have mine, but it’s obvious that we’d both benefit from some crossover. I’m sure that they’d enjoy some of what I consider to be my New York, even if it isn’t as famous as theirs. And I know that I’ll be making a trip to the Empire State Building soon — to see what all the fuss is about.
Back in March, I attended the Los Angeles Environmental Education Fair, which was held at the L.A. Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. I was there to meet up with my fellow reporter Miranda to interview Adrienne Bermingham from Dr. Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots organization.
When we arrived, we were greeted by a flock of peacocks walking freely around the grassy patches. Adrienne was really nice. She told us how Roots & Shoots was a program that encourages kids and teens to come up with their own solutions to environmental problems. Roots & Shoots is all about the kids coming up with their own ideas to help endangered species and environment problems. She took us for a walkthrough tour where we met an endangered white skunk and even a coyote! There were chinchillas, turtles, and a giant Flemish rabbit, which is the world's largest kind. He weighed 13 pounds! I also got to learn how to make your own compost and plant seeds in it.
After the tour, we went to a hands on workshop where we formed groups with other kids and they gave us some supplies made out of recyclables and we had to build a prototype of something to help solve the problem of invaders into the sewage system. Invaders called "invasive species," like unwanted mosquitos and other bacteria, cause problems and damage to ecosystems. It was fun to come up with something on our own.
The best thing I learned was that it is easy for us to make a big difference.
Roots & Shoots is a branch of the Jane Goodall Institute that encourages kids and teens around the world to take action and make the world a better place to live. At the Los Angeles Environmental Education Fair in March, representatives from Roots & Shoots demonstrated just how easy it is for kids to come up with solutions to important environmental issues.
Kids and teens grouped into teams to work on a model invention that would be judged by a pretend investor. The assignment was to take the materials provided for us and create a model of an invention that would help stop invasive species in the Los Angeles River. The materials ranged from tape and markers to boxes and plastic lids.
The first step was to understand the problem. We found information about invasive species and used our knowledge of biology to come up with ideas on how to stop them. Once we had our ideas, the groups worked together to build models of them.
My group was very creative, and I believe our project was awesome. We decided to tackle invasive species that are plants, and our idea was to use special chemicals and machinery to stop them and help the indigenous species grow. It was a fun experience getting to know the people I was working with. Our project didn’t win, but the cool projects that did went on to be recorded on video and shown in schools across the country.
Working on the projects taught us all that solving environmental problems isn’t as hard as it seems. We’re going to be the next generation responsible for the environment, and it's time to step up and become problem solvers.
Dr. Jane Goodall's name was still fresh in my mind when I first got an email from my editor asking if I would be available for an interview. Just one week before, Dr. Goodall had been the subject of a class conversation.
My classmates and I were to complete an essay discussing the scientific achievements men and women have made in society. Dr. Goodall was one of the scientists we were required to research and discuss.
When I got the message of an opportunity to interview Dr. Goodall, I knew it would be a chance of a lifetime.
The weekend before my interview, my teacher let me borrow a copy of Dr. Goodall's book, Reason for Hope. I hoped to learn more about her life to better prepare myself to speak to her.
The day before the interview, I prepared the camera, microphone, press pad, questions, tape recorder, and laptop. My interview was in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, about three hours from my home near Detroit.
The next morning, I met with Dr. Goodall in her hotel lobby. Accompanied with her scheduler and her toy monkey, Mr. H, she greeted me as other hotel guests and employees looked on, surprised to see such a famous face. After taking a good look at the lobby, Dr. Goodall politely requested that we go up to her hotel room.
During the elevator ride, I asked Dr. Goodall how she felt to be in Michigan. She expressed concern of the farms she saw on her car ride to the hotel, claiming that most of the farms likely used pesticides. It proved her dedication to the environment.
I set up the camera and microphone and ran a quick audio check. Dr. Goodall waited patiently, placing Mr. H on her bed.
Mr. H is treated like royalty around Dr. Goodall. He was a gift from Gary Haun, a blind magician who lost his sight in the U.S. Marines. When Haun thought he was giving Goodall a chimp, she handed him the tail.
Since then, Mr. H has been to 53 countries and has been touched by more than 2.5 million people.
I could tell Goodall was passionate by the way she spoke. Her tranquil yet powerful voice proved that she was speaking from her heart.
At the end of the interview, Dr. Goodall offered some advice.
"You guys who do the news, who talk to people, you have a huge responsibility and a vast influence, so you use it wisely."
That is how long it took for me to ride up in the elevator with Lily Collins to the 86th floor of the Empire State Building in New York City. Fifty-five ear-popping, totally awesome and exciting seconds as I prepared to interview the star of the movie Mirror Mirror.
I have lived in New York City my entire life, but this was my first ride up to the Observation Deck that towers above the streets of the city. Tourists snapped pictures one after the other of Lily as I tested the microphone getting ready for my big interview with "Snow."
We all know the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. But my guess is that the version in Mirror Mirror will have a different twist. When I asked Lily if kids in 2012 would be able to relate to the old fairytale where the princess needs to be rescued by a handsome prince, without hesitation she explained that her role as Snow was different from the traditional take. For example, she told me that she had to take four months of sword fighting lessons to prepare for the fight scenes in the movie. One of her greatest challenges was fighting in ball gowns and heels. Not your typical fighting attire.
One thing that really stood out to me was that Lily seemed completely real and approachable. Sure, she is a movie star. But she looked directly at me and answered my questions. We rode up to the top of the Empire State Building together in an elevator. When we looked out at the city we both were excited and in awe of the view. She likes relaxing and hanging out on the beach with friends, just like many kids today. Certainly, just like me.
I ended my interview by asking her if she was "the fairest of them all." While she did not answer the question directly, my hunch is that she is the fairest of all who have acted the part before her.
March 20 was the day of the Illinois Republican primary. I went to three different polling places, in 3 different cities in Lake County, Illinois. The towns that I visited were Lake Forest, Highland Park, and Winnetka. All are suburbs of Chicago. Over the course of the day, I spoke with six women and three men.
Preferred Presidential Qualities?
The people that I spoke to desired different qualities in their President.
Lake Forest voters identified “sincerity,” and “recognizing and respecting the different values of people” as valuable presidential attributes. Melanie Rummel, a Lake Forest voter, would like a President who can help our country overcome its economic challenges.
Among Highland Park voters, two of them told me that they want a President who “is honest,” and one said she wants a president who “cares about the working people.”
In Winnetka, voters that I spoke with would like to have “a President that is in touch with reality,” “cares about healthcare,” “makes good choices for everyone,” and who can “put the country back on track.”
Hot Issues
The overwhelming majority of voters that I spoke with said that the economy was the most important issue in our country today.
Ralph Keen from Lake Forest had this to say about the economy: “The economic recovery, and keeping it underway is the most important thing. The economy is a necessary thing, and until that is fixed, everything else is a luxury.”
In Highland Park, the environment and the economy were on voters’ minds. Highland Parker Hannah Higgins stated that the biggest issues for her were support for the middle class, and the environment.
In Winnetka, it was about healthcare as well as the economy. Husband and wife Tom and Elizabeth Joyce share similar opinions - he cares about the long term health of our country, and she cares about healthcare in our country.
Jennifer Frient, also of Winnetka, thinks that it is a big problem that all of the debt that our country has accrued will be passed on to its children.
The Battle
The battle for the Republican nomination for president, also known as “the primaries” started in January, and ends in June. During this period, candidates attempt to inspire Americans to to vote for them; and often try to convince them not to vote for their competitors!
Five out of nine people that I spoke with thought that the long primary will hurt the Republican candidates’ chances of winning, because their individual weaknesses will be revealed; and many will make each other look bad with “attack ads” and related campaign tactics.
One-third thought that the long primary battle wouldn’t be relevant to the results of the race.
One person even thought the prolonged process would have a positive effect because they thought that it would give the candidates a greater opportunity to clarify themselves and their positions.
Wishful Thinking?
In Lake Forest, voters were satisfied with the candidates, and didn’t identify anyone that they wished were in the running. In Highland Park, one person wished that New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was a candidate. Governor Jon Huntsman was a popular choice in Winnetka, as three voters said that they wished that he were still in the race.
Photo: Kid Reporter Natalie Wexler outside one of Illinois' polling places on March 20, the day of the Illinois Republican primary. (Courtesy Natalie Wexler)
As the Girl Scouts moves into their next 100 years, Houston hosted the Girl Scout Leadership Institute or GSLI. My sister Brittney, also a Scholastic News Kid Reporter, sat down with me to give me an insight into what it means to be part of " Renewing The Promise" and what the Girl Scouts offers girls besides camping and selling cookies.
Erin: What is GSLI and why is leadership an important skill?
Brittney: GSLI stands for Girl Scout Leadership Institute. GSLI is a convention that is part of the 52nd National Girl Scout Convention where Girl Scouts come together from across the country and the world to find out more about leadership and what it means to make a difference in your community. Here girls were able to learn lifelong skills and take these skills back to their hometowns.
Erin: How did you get chosen to be on the planning board, and how long have you been planning this event?
Brittney: In the spring of 2010, I saw an advertisement though the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council for becoming part of the national convention planning board. So I applied, just like you have to apply to be a Scholastic News reporter. I thought that it would be a great experience and it has been life changing. I was one of just 23 girls selected to plan and implement programming in this historic convention. Our team started planning in September 2010. We met in person, conference calls, and via emails. It took a lot of time and effort into making this a successful event, but I learned a lot of valuable skills.
Erin: Why is this convention so important?
Brittney: This convention gave girls the opportunity to interact with Girl Scouts from all over the US and the world. The girls were able to participate in the largest leadership conference designed for and by girls. Girls had access to leaders in their fields as well as fellow scouts that have made an impact in their community. Scouts were also able to attend parts of the national convention, such as the opening and closing ceremonies, and hear from speakers such as the new CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Girl Scouts Anna Chavez and news reporters Katie Couric and Robin Roberts.
Erin: What did girls learn at GSLI?
Brittney: Girls learned about a multitude of topics ranging from science and technology, to business and marketing, and global initiatives. Talks known as "Conversations of Consequences" allowed girls to hear from national speakers, such as Soledad O'Brien, as they discussed topics such as diversity and inclusion. Girls were able to learn how to market themselves as they prepare for college and a future job. Doctors from the medical center educated them about the future of medicine and robotic surgery.
Erin: How many girls came to GSLI and where did they coming from?
Brittney: Over 1,200 girls came from around the world. I met girls from all over, including Alaska, California, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, and Maine. I also met girls from Japan, Thailand, and Poland. It was a chance to learn about other customs and cultures and swap little items such as patches or homemade pins as a way to remember new friendships that were made.
Erin: What kind of sessions did you plan?
Brittney: My committee was the science and technology planning team. We developed programming that allowed girls to explore their passion for science. In the sessions that we planned, girls were able to build robots, discover the wonders of the human mind and learn about space exploration and NASA. One of the highlights for me was meeting astronaut and mission specialist Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger. Every woman who has been a NASA astronaut was a Girl Scout in her youth.
Erin: What about the 100th anniversary birthday party?
Brittney: When we planned the party with food, fashion, and fun, we knew it had to be great since everything is bigger in Texas. We had hats from all over the world — cowboy hats, sombreros, and berets. The food was also from all over the world with a huge birthday cake and cupcakes. Justine magazine hosted a fashion show and Mindless Behavior entertained the crowd. At the end of the evening, we all sat in Discover Green singing together as the event was capped off with a fireworks display.
Erin: What are some opportunities those that did not attend the convention?
Brittney: The 100th anniversary marks a turning point as we look to the past and see how Girl Scouts has become a huge movement that plays a major role in our society. There are many opportunities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts. Juliette Gordon Low's birthplace in Savannah, Georgia, is open not only for scouts but for any one to visit. Special events, such as Rock the Mall in Washington, D.C., are happening throughout the country. Check out the local or national Girl Scout website for more details.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in Scholastic News Kids Press Corps Blog are strictly those of the author and do not reflect the opinions or endorsement of Scholastic, Inc.
