Read & Explore 86: Hidden Symbols in U.S. one-dollar bill

Have you ever examined the U.S. one-dollar bill? Do you discover that it is full of hidden symbols? Many involve the number 13—the number of colonies that formed the original United States of America.

You might see the pyramid and eagle in the bill. There are 13 rows on the unfinished pyramid. The pyramid stands for strength and durability. Above the eagle’s head is a constellation of 13 stars. The constellation symbolizes the formation of a new nation. The eagle’s right leg grips an olive branch bearing 13 olives. The olive branch represents peace. The eagle is facing the right side to emphasize the power of peace over war. Clutched in the talons of the eagle’s left foot are 13 arrows. The arrows signify the country’s readiness to fight. The shield on the eagle’s chest contains two important parts. There is a horizontal bar, representing Congress, the body of government that makes laws for the nation. And there are 13 stripes of alternating green and white supporting the bar that represent the original colonies.

Activities:

1. Suppose your favorite book is on sale for $1.99. You have one $1.00 bill, ten quarters, 9 dimes, 9 nickels and 9 pennies. How many ways can you pay for your book?

 2.Why do many symbols in one-dollar bill involve the number 13? Look closely at the one-dollar bill again. Do you find other hidden information there? Besides one-dollar bill, are you interested in exploring the secrets in other dollar bills? Have a try. Then watch the video to learn more about the United States dollar bills.

Read & Explore 85: Fireflies in the Garden

Here come real stars to fill the upper skies,

And here on earth come emulating flies,

That though they never equal stars in size,

(And they were never really stars at heart)

Achieve at times a very star-like start.

Only, of course, they can’t sustain the part.

                                                 (Robert Frost)

Activities:

1. What words rhyme in the poem? Find five more words that rhyme with start. Then make a sentence with each of them.

2. The glowing fireflies make the sky beautiful at night. Do you wonder why the fireflies glow? Watch the video to learn about it.

Read & Explore 84: The Invention of Popsicles

Would you like a Popsicle on a hot day? Do you know who invented this treat? An eleven-year-old boy did it!

In 1905, Frank Epperson ran the soda stand in a small amusement park. He sold drinks made from soda water mixed with flavor packets.

Frank wondered how a frozen drink would taste. One cold night, he left a glass of flavored soda outside with a wooden stirring stick in it. The soda froze. Frank took his creation to school, and his classmates said it tasted good.

When Frank grew up, he made and sold “Ep-sicles.” His kids suggested he change the name to “Popsicles.” The rest is history.

Activities:

1. How many words can you make from the letters in Popsicle? Make a sentence with each new word.

2. Do you like popsicles? What is your favorite flavor of popsicle? Have you made popsicles by yourself? If not, try it. Then watch the video to explore some yummy and healthy popsicle recipes. 

Read & Explore 83: How to Make a Kite?

Do you play kites? Kites have been a toy for thousands of years. They come in a variety of designs. The wide winged bird, the long-tailed dragons, the spinning metallic stars, the cartoon characters…. They dance with your hands in the sky! Do you wonder how to make kites by yourself? Actually, it is quite simple. You’ll need:

two lightweight, smooth sticks, one 3 feet long, the other 2 feet;

a large plastic trash bag, cut open;

a long strip of lightweight cloth or plastic for the tail;

scissors; strong tape; a very long string

Then follow these steps:

Step 1: Form a cross shape with the sticks. Wrap tape around the sticks where they meet.

Step 2: Cut off a 4-foot piece of string. Tape each end of the string to each end of the long stick. This string is called the bridle. Tie one end of the rest of string to the middle of the bridle.

Step 3: Lay the cross on the open plastic bag. Cut a diamond shape around it. Make sure to cut the diamond shape wider than the ends of the sticks.

Step 4: Fold the corners of the diamond over the ends of the sticks. Tape the corners tightly to the sticks.

Step 5: For a tail, tape the strip of cloth or plastic to the bottom of the kite.

When you are ready, remember to choose an open, safe place to fly your kite. Don’t fly your kite near power lines. Keep away from trees, roads, and airports. Don’t fly a kite in the rain or when you hear thunder. Be sure nothing is on the ground to trip over. Have a fun!

Activities:

1. Find ten words that rhyme with kite. Then make a story with the new words.

2. Besides the diamond shape, can you make other shapes of kites? Have a try. Then watch the video to learn interesting explanations about Benjamin Franklin and his kite.