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John F. Kennedy

TFK Library

John F. Kennedy

September 6, 2018

John F. Kennedy (May 29, 1917—November 22, 1963) was the 35th president of the United States. While in office, he led the country though several international crises. He also worked to achieve major civil rights reforms and promoted public service.…

Media Literacy

Making Sense of the Media

August 31, 2018

Students at Capital Preparatory Magnet School, in Hartford, Connecticut, are watching a video of a basketball drill. “Keep track of how many passes the players dressed in white make,” Marcus Stallworth, a media-literacy educator, tells them. Many of the kids…

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United States

In Memory

August 31, 2018

The flag atop the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C., flew at half-mast last week in honor of Senator John McCain, of Arizona. McCain died on Saturday, August 25, after being diagnosed with brain cancer a year ago. He was 81. …

Health

In the Moment

August 31, 2018

Ten fifth graders are sitting on a bright-blue rug in a classroom at P.S. 54, a public elementary school in Brooklyn, New York. When their teacher, Adrienne Heim, strikes a bell, they take a deep breath. The kids are practicing…

Time Off

Down to a Science

August 31, 2018

Science lovers, unite! At the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), around 1,700 science-obsessed kids from nearly 80 countries set out to make a difference in the world—and win big. The new documentary Science Fair follows nine of…

Time Off

A Donkey's Tale

August 31, 2018

The title character of the new book Saving Winslow is a sickly, newborn miniature donkey. Winslow is adopted by Louie, a 10-year-old boy who vows to nurse the creature to health. The book’s author, Sharon Creech, got the name—and…

World

Toppled Trees

August 31, 2018

There was once a tree in South Africa so wide it could fit 60 people inside its hollow trunk. The tree reached 62 feet into the sky. It was more than 1,100 years old. But recently, that tree and others…

Environment

Toxic Waters

August 31, 2018

A toxic algae bloom, or red tide, has killed thousands of animals off Florida’s Gulf Coast and driven people away from beaches. It is the worst red tide in Florida since 2006. Red tides occur when algae, a type of…

Technology

Building to the Beat

August 30, 2018

When Mike Ford was a kid, he dreamed of being a car designer. But when he was 11, things changed. That’s when he went to a car-design program and ended up learning about architecture instead. “As a youngster, I was…

United States

A New Trade Deal

August 29, 2018

President Donald Trump is working to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). NAFTA is a trade agreement between Canada, Mexico, and the United States. It took effect in 1994. NAFTA allows for free trade in North America. It…

Time Off

Back-to-School Gear Guide

August 29, 2018

Back-to-school season means new gear to get you through the year. Here’s a collection of new products that will make heading to class a little more enjoyable. Totally Middle School A new school year can be scary. Totally Middle…

Polar Bear

TFK Library

What is Global Warming?

August 28, 2018

Earth’s climate is changing at an unprecedented rate. As a result, storms and droughts are becoming more intense. Temperatures are rising. Polar ice caps are melting. This is causing oceans to rise. Low coastal areas are flooding. Animals are losing…

United States

Farewell to a Senator

August 27, 2018

The flag atop the U.S. Capitol building is flying at half-mast today, in honor of Senator John McCain, of Arizona. McCain passed away on Saturday, August 25, after a yearlong battle with brain cancer. He was 81. Leaders from both…

Time Off

TFK Kid Reporter Summer Book Reviews

August 24, 2018

TFK Kid Reporters Benje Choucroun, Christopher Nguyen and Nolan Watson review two of the summer's exciting new books. Book Title: Peeves Author: Mike Van Waes Reviewed by TFK Kid Reporter: Benje Choucroun Genre: Science Fiction Number of pages: 336 …

luminous mushrooms

TFK Library

What Is Bioluminescence?

August 24, 2018

Fireflies twinkle in a field. Mushrooms illuminate a dark forest. Colorful sea creatures light up the ocean. These natural light displays come from bioluminescent creatures. Bioluminescent organisms can produce their own light. Bioluminescence is a chemical reaction. It takes place…

Video

United States

Animals Go Free

August 22, 2018

Do you pay attention to the packaging of your favorite foods? Many people do. Sometimes, they see things they want to change. Take Nabisco’s popular Barnum’s Animals Crackers. The snack company began making the crackers in 1902. For more…

TFK Library

What Are Magnets?

August 21, 2018

What do compasses, fans, and high-speed trains have in common? They all use magnets to function. Magnets are rocks or metals that create a powerful, invisible field. This field attracts other magnets and certain metals. The presence of a magnetic…

World

Korean Reunions

August 20, 2018

Dozens of elderly South Koreans are crossing the armed border between the Koreas this week. They are meeting for three days with relatives in North Korea. On August 20, a South Korean woman named Lee Keum-seom, 92, met with her…

TFK Library

What Are Storms?

August 16, 2018

A storm is a powerful disturbance of the atmosphere. Thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes are storms. Storms are a common event on Earth and other planets, too. There are about 16 million thunderstorms worldwide each year. That is according to the…

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