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Latest From Around The Museum

As the anniversaries of Operations Barbarossa and Bagration approach, it is an opportune time to reexamine the immeasurably brutal war between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

At this free daylong public symposium, guests heard from leading historians on the challenges, battles, and victories that followed the June 6 Allied landings and made the liberation of Europe from Nazi oppression possible.

On June 6, 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt's usual "fireside chat" would be replaced with a joint prayer with the American people.

On June 5, 13,400 American paratroopers boarded C-47 aircraft for the largest airborne operation in history. Problems began as they crossed into France.

The 16th International Conference on World War II, a program of the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy at The National WWII Museum, was presented by the Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of Pritzker Military Museum & Library, with additional support from The Gen. Raymond E. Mason Jr. Distinguished Lecture Series on World War II Endowment Fund.

During this webinar, Linda Hope, daughter of Bob Hope, and The National WWII Museum will discuss her father's legacy by examining some of the letters he received, emphasizing how this translates to current classrooms and how letter writing can still make an impact on active military communities today.

Join us for an engaging evening with Z. Anthony Kruszewski-an eyewitness to the war in Europe, an extraordinary man, and leading intellectual in the Polish-American community.

Jack Glass describes his experiences aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons in August 1942.

A PODCAST SERIES FROM THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM

Making Masters of the Air

Join hosts Kirk Saduski and Donald Miller each week for The National WWII Museum's Making Masters of the Air podcast presented by Boeing to dive deeper into the making of Masters of the Air and explore the history behind the Apple TV+ series. New podcast episodes available Fridays.

The US Freedom Pavilion will be closed on July 22, 2024.
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The 16th International Conference on World War II, a program of the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy at The National WWII Museum, was presented by the Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of Pritzker Military Museum & Library, with additional support from The Gen. Raymond E. Mason Jr. Distinguished Lecture Series on World War II Endowment Fund.

During this webinar, Linda Hope, daughter of Bob Hope, and The National WWII Museum will discuss her father's legacy by examining some of the letters he received, emphasizing how this translates to current classrooms and how letter writing can still make an impact on active military communities today.

Join us for an engaging evening with Z. Anthony Kruszewski-an eyewitness to the war in Europe, an extraordinary man, and leading intellectual in the Polish-American community.

Join us for an engaging conversation about Sir Rana Mitter's two masterful works, Forgotten Ally and China's Good War: How World War II Is Shaping a New Nationalism.

Jack Glass describes his experiences aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons in August 1942.

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The National WWII Museum in New Orleans tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world - why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today.

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Is the example, educating, questioning, interrupting or echoing?

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Is the example, educating, questioning, interrupting or echoing?

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World War 2 ended with the unconditional surrender of the Axis powers.

VE Day and street parties | V-J Day

Germany surrenders

On 8 May 1945, the Allies accepted Germany's surrender, about a week after Adolf Hitler had committed suicide.

VE Day - Victory in Europe Day

VE Day - Victory in Europe celebrates the end of the Second World War on 8 May 1945.

8 May 1945 - Winston Churchill announced VE Day - Victory in Europe. This day marks the end of WW2 in Europe.

Street parties were held all over Britain to celebrate the end of the war

1945 Hailsham Road street party, Tooting, London

But ........

Even though the war was officialy at an end in the Far East the war raged on, claiming more lives.

Until ......

Japan surrenders
Japan, did not surrender at the same time as Germany. It was able to hold out for another few months. Atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9 respectively. After that the Imperial government sought the Emperor's personal authority to surrender which he granted. He made a personal radio address announcing the decision.

V-J Day - Victory in Japan Day.

15 August 1945 - Japan surrenders to the Allies V-J Day (Victory in Japan)

2 September 1945 - Having agreed in principle to unconditional surrender on 15 August 1945, Japan formally surrenders, ending World War II throughout the rest of the world .

The surrender was signed on 2 Sept. 1945 aboard the battleship U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

Have a look at our timeline to see what events led up to the end of the war

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World War 2 ended with the unconditional surrender of the Axis powers. VE Day and street parties | V-J Day Germany surrenders On 8 May 1945, the Allies accepted Germany's surrender, about a week after Adolf Hitler had committed suicide.

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

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Technology in Sport - Athlete performance

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Technology in Sport - Athlete performance

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Technology is used to enhance athletes' performances at all stages - before, during and after events. It may be used by the athletes' support teams, such as coaches, medics and technicians, as well as by the athletes themselves. For example:

health, wellbeing and fitness:

technique and tactics:

performance analysis software shows body movements in slow motion

game analysis software tracks team, ball and opposition movements

on wheelchair basketball chairs improve turning

smaller, turbo engines in Formula 1 cars are more fuel efficient

clothing and footwear:

cricket helmets are lighter, better ventilated and more affordable

track shoes are lighter and have greater grip for cornering

facilities and playing surfaces:

fourth generation (4G) pitches can be used whatever the weather, all year

artificial snow allows winter sports to take place anywhere in the world

Blade runners

A running blade is a prosthetic leg that transfers energy created by the runner on to the track. It consists of a customised socket that fits the athlete's stump, a knee joint and a carbon fibre running blade. The blades reproduce the action of the ball of the foot during running. They are fitted with spikes to increase friction with the track.

The blades were first designed in the 1970s but have developed enormously and can cost £5,000. Athletes may use one or two blades depending on whether they are a single or double amputee and blade lengths differ to suit each athlete. The International Paralympic Committee measures all blades before competition to ensure athletes do not have an unfair advantage but there is still some controversy over blade lengths.

Technology plays an important part in monitoring and analysing the performance of athletes, identifying their strengths and areas for improvement, as well as their fitness. Technology is also used for collecting and analysing data, which can help to improve fitness, improve skills, prevent injuries, and help to win matches by adopting a different strategy.

See also Observing and analysing performance .

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Athlete performance - Technology in sport - WJEC - GCSE Physical Education Revision - WJEC - BBC Bitesize

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Learn about and revise technology in sport with this BBC Bitesize GCSE PE (WJEC) study guide.

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

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Do Horses With Broken Legs Have to Be Shot?

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Do Horses With Broken Legs Have to Be Shot?

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Back in the Wild West, a horse with a broken leg might have spent its final seconds staring down the barrel of a cowboy's gun. Horses were commonly shot after breaking their legs because they had a small chance of successful recovery. Even today, horses are often euthanized after a leg break.

Here's why: It's difficult for a horse's leg to heal due to a combination of factors. Their legs must absorb considerable shock as their powerful bodies gallop at high speeds. Horses engage in a lot of physical activity, and the consequences of this behavior can eventually lead to deteriorated leg bones and increased opportunities to fall.

Another thing to consider is how many leg bones horses have. Out of the 205 bones that make up a horse's entire body, 80 of them are located in its legs [sources: O'Brien and Sellnow]. The complex system of joints, bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, lubricant, laminate and hooves that contribute to a horse's amazing speed can also be the cause of its downfall. What's more, 58 percent of a horse's weight rests on its front legs - that's why most of its injuries occur there [source: Swann Equine Osteopathy].

Many problems can affect horses' legs, like inflammation, osteoarthritis, joint issues and diseases and of course, broken bones. Recovery is further complicated because horses can't lie down the entire time they recuperate. Horses are programmed to stand a good portion of the time - including while they sleep. As a prey species, they must be ready to flee as fast as possible, which is why horses stay on their toes (or hooves to be more accurate) [source: Tikkanen].

However, euthanasia is not always a certainty anymore. New surgical techniques and technology offer options that were once elusive to a horse in such a situation.

Can You Fix a Horse's Broken Leg?

Though horses are still frequently euthanized after breaking a leg, today's procedure is usually accomplished in a more humane manner, like with an intravenous injection of barbiturates, performed by a veterinarian [source: Nessom]. (The American Association of Equine Practitioners does say a gunshot to the brain is acceptable, preferably with prior sedation.)

And it's not just racehorses that sustain leg injuries - tiny ponies can, too. In addition to kicks and crashes, simple accidents like missteps can cause serious breaks and injuries. Fatigue and the musculoskeletal structure of the horse itself can also be factors. Hard-to-diagnose preexisting issues such as strained tendons, hairline fractures and microfractures can also contribute to broken bones.

If the worst should happen and a horse breaks its leg, there are a number of factors that help determine if a vet can fix a horse's broken leg and bring the animal back to good health [source: Equnews]. Some questions an owner with an injured animal needs to ask include:

How bad is the break? The type of break makes a big difference in determining whether a horse will be able to recover successfully. Horses suffer fractures along a wide spectrum of severity. For instance, having an incomplete fracture involves the bone cracking, but not entirely breaking. This is easier to deal with than a complete fracture, which can result in the bone shattering. Many horses with incomplete fractures can recover. Extensive damage and multiple breaks are closely linked with the possible need for euthanasia. Whether or not the bone fragments protrude through the skin is also a consideration because exposed bone can increase the chance of complications, as we'll discuss below.

How old is the horse? Younger horses generally stand a better chance at recovering from a broken leg because their bones are still growing. These horses are usually lighter and put less weight on the injury.

Where is the break? Bones in different areas of the leg have different degrees of success when it comes to healing. As an example, a break in the lower leg can be difficult to mend because horses have fewer blood vessels there. The recovery process can take even longer if one of the horse's larger bones break.

However, there are some new techniques for treating horses. For example, in 2016, University of Saskatchewan researchers debuted a robotic lift system designed to help horses better recover from fractures and related surgeries. The technology helps to more evenly distribute weight so that the affected area can heal [source: Williams]. Also, experts in the field continue to refine surgical procedures, such as the double plate fixation method, which has shown significant success in recent years. Unfortunately, it is expensive and many vets are unaware of the procedure or hesitant to subject horses to a lengthy recovery [source: Preigh].

You might be asking, "Even though it's difficult for a horse's broken leg to heal, why not let nature run its course and decide whether the horse will live or die?" We'll explain why this is not a good idea next.

Complications of Treating a Broken Leg

Even if a horse owner decides to give the broken leg a chance to heal, there are a number of things that can go wrong during the recovery process. Several painful conditions can develop during the rehabilitation process. Some people consider euthanizing the animal more humane than letting it live and suffer.

You usually can't save the horse's life just by amputating the broken leg. Horses aren't like dogs, which can usually live a fairly active lifestyle on three legs. Horses are heavier and this weight can cause problems for the other hooves. They also must be able to get up and down from a lying position, and that's impossible with three legs, given their weight distribution.

Unfortunately, few horses can adjust to prostheses. Horses must be in good overall health, be able to adapt to new situations and have an owner that's willing to spend his or her time and money on follow-up prosthesis treatments. Size and type/location of the injury also make a big difference in prosthetic success [source: Henry].

There are many complications of treating a broken leg. Here are a few examples of some of the issues that can affect recovery:

Weight: Most horses are heavy animals and their legs and hooves are small in comparison. Favoring a broken leg often forces the healthy legs to bear more than their share of the weight, and this - along with other factors - can increase the chances of developing crippling conditions like laminitis and abscesses [source: American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP)]. The exact cause of laminitis (an inflammatory disease of the material connecting the hoof to the leg bone, which can lead to their separation) is unknown, but painful laminitis greatly increases the likelihood of euthanasia. Slings that wrap under the abdomen and hold the horse up (taking the weight off the legs) are commonly used for short periods of time but can't prevent laminitis. Slings can be uncomfortable, cause bedsores and lead to serious gastrointestinal problems. If a sling is used for too long, the healed leg can't bear the horse's weight properly and laminitis could still develop. The weight of a horse must be evenly dispersed on all four legs [source: Young].

Movement: Horses are animals that like to move and there's a big risk they might reinjure themselves at some point during the healing process. A horse with a more relaxed disposition that doesn't mind having its movement restricted, usually has a better chance of properly healing.

Infection: Open fractures are often complicated by infection, which can be further complicated depending on where the infection is located. Because horses don't have muscles below their hock joints (similar to the human ankle), there aren't many blood vessels to carry antibodies to the site of infection, thus making it difficult to treat [source: Carson]. This fact makes giving a horse antibiotics difficult as well. Giving a horse enough antibiotics to be effective can kill the horse's natural intestinal microorganisms and interact with important pain medication [source: Equine Medical Care].

Pain: Overwhelming pain is a double-edged sword when it comes to horses. Pain needs to be treated, but you run the risk of overmedicating the horse. If the horse feels totally pain-free, there's a good chance the animal might reinjure its leg. The severity of pain from common postoperative complications, such as laminitis, lies at the root of a decision to euthanize.

Cost: The long and complicated process of bringing a horse back to good health can be expensive, and there's no guarantee it'll work. Besides being cost-prohibitive, rehabilitation can be hindered by an absence of available facilities that can treat severely injured horses and a general lack of knowledge.

Originally Published: Jul 16, 2008

Horse Broken Leg FAQ

Can a horse recover from a broken leg?

Horses have a very small chance of recovering from a broken leg due to a combination of factors. For example, a horse is more likely to recover from an incomplete fracture than a complete fracture. Similarly, the younger and smaller the horse, the better its chance of recovery is. Bones in different areas of the leg also have varying chances of recovery.

Do you have to euthanize a horse if it breaks its leg?

Often the only humane option after a horse breaks its leg is to euthanize it. This is because horses have heavy bodies and delicate legs, and broken leg bones are usually shattered making surgery and recovery impossible.

Why do they put horses down because of a broken leg?

There are many reasons why horses have to be put down as a result of a broken leg. The most common reason is that the majority of times, the horse has shattered their leg bone, making surgery impossible. If surgery can be done, there are still significant risks. Horses spend the majority of their time standing (even when they sleep) and they have a very high flight risk, both of which increase the risk of re-injury during the healing period. Also, 60 to 65 percent of their weight is on their front legs, increasing the chance of developing crippling conditions like laminitis and abscesses during recovery. Other factors include severe pain, infection and the high cost of treatment.

How are horses euthanized on the track?

Today's procedure of euthanizing a horse on the racetrack is more humane than the old shooting method. Horses with a broken leg are euthanized by a licensed veterinarian using an intravenous injection of barbiturates.

Do horses break their legs easily?

Leg injuries, especially broken bones and joint issues, are common among horses. Between 60 and 65 percent of a horse's weight rests on its front legs and the leg bones are quite fragile compared to the body weight of a horse. Also, 80 of the 205 bones in a horse's body are located in its legs, increasing the likelihood of injuries in the region. Overall, between regular movement like cantering and galloping and activities like jumping, a horse's legs undergo a lot of stress.

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Do Horses With Broken Legs Have to Be Shot?

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Back in the Wild West, a horse with a broken leg might have spent its final seconds staring down the barrel of a cowboy's gun. Horses were commonly shot after breaking their legs because they had a small chance of successful recovery. Even today, horses are often euthanized after a leg break.

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

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How Widespread Is Racism In Football? | Shame In The Game

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Prince William 'deeply concerned' after children 'racially abused' during football matches

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Prince William 'deeply concerned' after children 'racially abused' during football matches

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Prince William has written to a grassroots football club condemning the racism its players and coaches have faced.

The heir to the throne, who is president of the Football Association, said he was "deeply concerned" by their experiences and that those involved "must be held accountable".

Alpha United Juniors, a team based in Bradford, first spoke out in November, revealing how for years players as young as seven, have been on the receiving end of slurs and even threats of violence from the sidelines.

In the letter, seen by Sky News and sent on his behalf by a private secretary, Prince William confirmed he had contacted the FA about the claims.

"Racism and abuse has no place in our society," he wrote.

"Abhorrent behaviour of this nature must stop now and all those responsible be held to account."

Mohammed Waheed, the chair of Alpha United, wrote to Kensington Palace in January, claiming he had contacted the FA on multiple occasions.

The prince responded to his letter last month, with Mr Waheed deciding to go public because he was unhappy with West Riding FA's investigation process.

He also revealed he had been contacted "by about 40 clubs" across the country since speaking to Sky News.

A West Riding FA spokesperson said: "We strongly condemn all forms of discrimination and we will always do our utmost to hold perpetrators to account.

"In order for us to gather evidence, raise charges, and issue sanctions against perpetrators, we require witnesses to engage with our judicial process. Despite our best efforts, the club did not support this process."

West Riding FA also says it is investigating examples of racism flagged up by the club.

Alpha United Juniors dispute this, however, arguing they have provided the evidence needed for the investigations and that it is uncomfortable with parts of the process that could compromise the anonymity of its players.

The pressure on the FA is not just coming from Kensington Palace, but also from Westminster.
Read more:
Spurs footballer Heung-Min Son subjected to 'utterly reprehensible' racist abuse
Man apologises in court for racially abusing Brentford striker Ivan Toney online

Bradford West MP Naz Shah wrote to the FA's chair Debbie Hewitt asking her to investigate the issue immediately.

Ms Shah told Sky News: "You've got a child being called the P word and another the black B word and other names, that is not okay for anybody in society, there is no place for racism.

"We have made pledges and to show racism the red card, where are those pledges when it comes to grassroots football?"

Ms Shah also disputes West Riding FA's assertion that Alpha Juniors have not complied with its investigations process.

She says when she wrote to the body, it accepted it had been provided with evidence of racism from the club.

"It's a contradiction," she said. "You've seen the footage, which is racist, why can't you investigate? What does it take for the FA to sit up and take notice."

Another voice calling for change is Mickey Ambrose, a former footballer who is co-chair of the People's FA, a campaign to reform the Football Association.

He says more diversity in leadership positions at the governing body will help stamp out racism at all levels.

"There is no diversity, it's jobs for the boys," said Mr Ambrose. "In a place like Bradford, there's no chance of having issues like this dealt with quickly.

"We need an open democratic FA and one that comes under the Freedom of Information Act."

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Prince William 'deeply concerned' after children 'racially abused' during football matches

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Prince William has written to a grassroots football club condemning the racism its players and coaches have faced. The heir to the throne , who is president of the Football Association, said he was "deeply concerned" by their experiences and that those involved "must be held accountable".

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Racism in Football - We're not born racist

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Racism in Football - We're not born racist

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Racism in Football: We're not born racist | Newsround | CBBC

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Racism in football: Hear my story | Newsround

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If you've ever been around horses, you know that they come in various colors. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself why? Or which colors are the most common? In this blog post, we'll take a look at the most popular horse colors and what might cause them.

The most common horse coat colors are Sorrel, Bay, Palomino, Dun, Dapple gray, Buckskin, Roan, Paint, Appaloosa, Gray, Chestnut, and Black. Each color is unique and can be caused by different combinations of genes. The gene that affects the color of a horse's coat is the melanocortin-1 receptor gene (MC1R).

Every horse has specific genetic markers that determine the color. For example, a bay horse has a black mane, tail, and lower legs; a buckskin has a light brown coat with a black mane and tail, etc. Here are pictures of the 12 most common horse colors.

Pictures of the most common horse colors.

1. Sorrel coat colors

Origin of Sorrel term

Sorrel is likely a reference to the red color found in the sorrel herb. Sorrel herbs are plants with bright green leaves and dark copper-red stems and veins.

But the first uses of "sorrel" as a term describing horse coat colors trace back to the mid-14th century and is likely from Od French sorel for sor "yellowish-brown."

Sorrel color description

Sorrel horses are entirely copper-red, including their coat, mane, and tail. It's the standard chestnut horse to most people. However, in the western horse world, these animals are sorrel horses.

Sorrel genetics

Sorrel horses are red. Because red is recessive, they must carry two copies of the red factor ( e) allele. When an animal has a gene with identical alleles, they are homozygous.

The A agouti gene only affects black pigments, so it isn't visible in a Sorrel horse's coat. Though the agouti gene isn't visible, a Sorrel can carry the gene and pass it to its progeny.

Breeds with Sorrel coat colors

Popular breeds with Sorrel coat colors include Thoroughbred, Belgian draft horses, Tennesse Walking Horse, and Quarter horses. Sorrel coloring is prevalent in most breeds.

2. Bay coat colors

In my experience, bay horses are clearly the most common horse color, followed by chestnut. For example, I own nine horses; of the nine, seven are bay. In addition, according to thequeenscup.org, 90 percent of registered Thoroughbred racehorses are either bay, dark bay, or brown.

Origin of Bay term

Bay can be a body of water or a type of window. But when used by equestrians, it describes a specific horse coat color and pattern.

The earliest use of bay to describe a horse's coat color traces to the 14th century. It has Anglo-French origins and is from the Latin word , meaning "chestnut-brown."

Bay color description

Bay horses have reddish-brown coat colors with black points and black skin. "Points" are a horse's mane, tail, ear edges, and lower legs. There are many shades of the bay, such as blood bay and sand dun.

Color variations of bay horses

Bay genetics

Bay horses are black-based and have the black gene ("E"), also known as an extension; this is needed to produce black pigment. An agouti gene influences the black gene ("A").

The agouti gene controls the distribution of black pigments to the horse's points. Bay horses are expressed genetically as either E/Aa or E/AA.

Horse breeds that have Bay coloring

Bay is a primary horse color and is found in almost every breed. They are common in Thoroughbreds, Clydesdales, Standardbreds, and Quarter horses.

3. Palomino coat colors

Origin of Palomino name

Palomino horses are mentioned throughout history but by various names, such as the golden horse and golden dorado. The first use of Palomino to describe these beautiful animals' coloring is relatively new compared to Sorrel and Bay.

The earliest use of Palimino I saw occurred in the late 19th century. Palomino is Spanish and translates in English to "young dove." Young dove is an apt description based on Palomino's cream-colored coat.

There's also a Royal Palomina family in Spain, and some horse enthusiasts claim this family is the genesis for the horse's nomenclature, which may be correct. The etymology of Palomino is Latin palumbinus, which translates to "wood pigeons."

Palomino color description

Palomino is a beautiful horse coloration typically characterized by a golden body with a white mane and tail. The exact shade of gold can vary from horse to horse, but it is usually a light to medium shade.

Palominos may have evolved in the deserts of the middle east. Scientists theorize that the horses' light-colored coats camouflaged them from predators and protected them from the blazing sun.

The Palomino color is actually caused by a genetic mutation, and it can occur in any horse breed. However, it is most commonly seen in American Quarter Horses. The palomino horse has been around for centuries, and its striking appearance has made it a popular choice for equestrians.

Variations of Palomino coat colors

Light Palomino

Golden Palomino

Chocalote Palomino

Pearl Palomino

Champagne Palomino

Palomino genetics

Palominos have a chestnut base and a cream dilution gene. The genotype ee creates a chestnut base coat color, and the genotype C Ccr at the C locus dilutes the red coloring in the chestnut to yellow pigment.

There are many variations to the basic Palomino genetics; some variances create deeper gold and yellow coloring in the horse's coat. To increase the chances of producing a Palomino foal, cross a Palomino with a cremello or Perlino.

Palomino breeds

Many breeds have Palomino coloring; however, quarter horses have the vast majority of horses with Palomino coloring. It's believed that more than 50 percent of all Palominos worldwide are quarter horses.

4. Dapple Gray coat colors

Origin of the Dapple Gray name

Dapple gray horses have gray coats with dark rings across most of their body. The circles are dapples. Thus the name is a description of the color pattern.

Dapple gray color description

As stated above, a dapple gray is a horse with a gray coat displaying dark circles over lighter hair. The dapples typically cover most of the horse's body and produce a unique and beautiful pattern.

Dapple gray genetics

Dapple gray horses have a standard gray genetic base. This means they have a dominant gray gene that dilutes the base coat color gene. It's not a stand-alone color gene.

Genetically created dapples are caused by the deactivation of the dominant gray gene in certain spots on the horse's coat. This type of dappling is called "true dapples."

A horse may exhibit "bloom dapples," which look similar to a true dapple. Bloom dapples result from good conditioning and a proper diet, not genetics. Bloom dapples come and go, but true dapples are always present.

Breeds with dapple-gray horses

Dapple gray is standard in many horse breeds, with gray horses and grays typical in most breeds. Lipizzaner, Andalusians, and Percheron are horse strains with the majority of gray coloring.

5. Dun coat colors

Origins of Dun term

Dun is an Old English word with a Germanic origin. It was likely a reference to dusk and evolved to mean dingy brown. It may also have its roots in Gaelic. The Gaelic word donn means "dull; dark brown; dark."

The earliest use of "dun" to describe a horse is in the late 14th century. Reference to "dun horses" is used by both Shakespeare and Chaucer.

Description of Dun color pattern

Dun horses have a dull yellow or tan coat with dark points and primitive markings. Points are the mane, tail, ear tips, and lower legs, while primitive markings are dorsal stripes, horizontal stripings on the upper legs, and sometimes a line across the withers.

All Dun horses have a clean, crisp dorsal stripe, and most have dark-tipped ears. Distinguishing a dun is tricky because countershading, sooting, or other color modifications mimic dun color patterns.

Various shades of Dun Color

The most common dun is tan with black points (classic dun), but there are many variations and different colored dun horses.

Dun Color Genetics

A dilution allele gene creates dun color coat patterns. The gene lightens the base coat of a horse but doesn't affect the primitive markings or points. Every dun horse has at least one parent with a dun gene.

The dun gene is dominant and illustrated by "D." Dominant genes always affect the animals' color patterns. The dun dilution creates colors ranging from light shades of yellow to dark gray and many variations in between.

Breeds with Dun horses

The dun pattern was prevalent in ancient wild horses to camouflage against predators. However, the color pattern in domestic horses is not seen as frequently.

Like their ancestors, wild breeds such as the Przewalski's horses, Tarpan and Konik, are predominately duns. Not all domestic breeds carry dun marking, but the markings are found in many such as Quarter horses, Icelandic, Norwegian Fjords, and others.

6. Buckskin coat colors

Origin of the term Buckskin

First used in the 13th century, buckskin was used to describe the skin of a buck. By the late 18th century, the term was used to describe a kind of soft leather made from deer hides.

Buckskin was also a nickname for the Continental troops in the American Revolution because they often wore clothing similar to the Native Americans made from deer hides. I'm not able to locate the earliest use of the term buckskin to describe a horse.

Description of Buckskin horses

A standard Buckskin horse is the color of deer, faded tan with a black mane, tail, and lower legs. However, there are variations in the coat colors from a light creamy yellow to dark golden.

Various shades of Buckskin

Buttermilk Buckskin

Dusty Buckskin

Sooty Buckskin

Standard Buckskin

Silver Buckskin

Brown Buckskin

Golden Buckskin

Buckskin Genetics

Buckskin coat colors are created by a single creme dilution gene acting on a bay color base. Bay horses have a black base with an agouti gene directing black pigments to the horses' points.

The creme dilution gene tones down the base coat colors but doesn't affect the agouti gene direction of the black pigments to the points. The combination of genes results in a tan horse with black points.

Breeds with Buckskin coloring

Buckskin is a common coloring in many breeds, such as the American Quarter Horse, the Andalusian, Morgan, Tennessee Walking Horse, and many pony breeds.

However, some horse registries don't accept buckskin-colored horses. For example, Arabians, Friesian, and Shire horse associations are a few that find buckskin unacceptable coat colors.

7. Roan coat colors

Origin of the term Roan

Roan first used to describe horse color coats traces to the mid-16th century. The term is based on French meaning "reddish-brown," or possibly Germanic, and they used "reudh" to describe red horses.

And finally, in Spanish, "Roano" is a name for a boy or used to describe a person with reddish-brown skin. In Spanish literature, "Roano" is sometimes translated into English as the color of a red horse.

Description of the Roan pattern

Roan horses have dark coat colors interspersed with individual white hairs. Typically their faces and lower legs remain solid color. The influence of white hair mixed evenly with the base color creates a frosted appearance.

Various Roan coat colors

Roan Genetics

A Roan horse coat is created by the presence of a roan gene (R), mutating a horse's base coat color. It is a dominant Rn allele, and when paired with the "e" chestnut, it results in a red roan horse.

When the roan gene influences the "E" black gene, the outcome is a blue roan, and if it's present in a bay, it produces a bay roan.

Breeds with Roan coat colors

The Roan color pattern is in many horse breeds. They are common in the American Quarter Horse, Paso Fino, and Belgian breeds. However, Thoroughbred and Arabian associations do not permit the registration of Roan-colored horses.

8. Paint coat colors

Origins of Paint name

The noun " paint " originated in 13th century English from Old French peintier, "to paint," from the Latin word pingere of the same meaning.

Horses we know as modern Paint horses were originally called spotted horses and pintos. It wasn't until 1962, when The Paint Association was formed, that they defined Paint horses.

Paint horse description

Paint Horses come in many color combinations of white and other colors, such as chestnut, bay, black, sorrel, palomino, gray, or roan. No two paint patterns are precisely the same; colors vary, as do the shapes and locations. The designs are infinite, much like fingerprints.

Paint patterns

Paint horse genetics

Tobiano is the only spotting pattern that is created by a single gene, symbolized by TO. It restricts the pattern of white hair with any coat color and has underlying pink skin.

Overo is an umbrella term that includes three genetically distinct paint patterns: frame overo, sabino, and splashed white. Not a lot is understood about the genetics that creates overo patterns.

But it's widely accepted that one or more dominant genes influence their patterns. However, this is still a theory because it's also possible that one gene and a modifier create the pattern.

Horse breeds with Paint coat patterns

The American Paint Horse is a breed, but it can also be registered as an American Quarter Horse in certain situations. There are also breeds, such as Clydesdales, with patterns similar to paints.

9. Appaloosa coat colors

Origin of the name, Appaloosa

Appaloosa horses likely were named after the Palouse River in Idaho. The settlers called the horses from the Nez Perez region Palouse horses, and eventually, the name morphed into Appaloosa.

In Louisiana, we have a town called Opelousa, which translates to the "black body" from Choctaw. Although Opelousa and Appaloosa sound similar, it's not likely to be the basis for the animal's name.

Description of Appaloosa horses

Appaloosa horses' coat colors are a combination of base color and an overlaid white spotting pattern. The most familiar design is a white spotted pattern over the horse's haunches.

In addition to a distinct coat color pattern, Appaloosa horses share other characteristics such as striped hooves, mottled skin, and white sclera noticeable in their eyes.

Various Appaloosa Coat Patterns

Blanket - Solid white area over the hip area with a contrasting base color.

Spots - Large dots of white or dark colors over all or a portion of its body.

Blanket With Spots - A white blanket combined with dark spots on the white. The spots are typically the base color.

Roan/Marbleized - White and dark hair mixed, creating the appearance of white flecks in the coat.

Roan Blanket - A roan pattern over a section of the body, typically the hip area.

Roan Blanket With Spots - A roan blanket with white and dark spots in the affected area.

Solid - An acceptable base color without contrasting the Appaloosa pattern but with mottled skin and another breed characteristic.

Leopard pattern: Predominately white body covered with dark spots creating the appearance of a leopard.

Snowflake: A dark coat with white dots, predominately over its haunches.

Appaloosa genetics

Two genes must be present to create an appaloosa pattern. The Leopard Complex LP allele gene controls the existence or absence of appaloosa characteristics, and the other gene is a modifier of the color pattern.

The extent of the Appaloosa pattern is determined by the number of LP alleles and the presence of modifying alleles. Horses that carry one LP allele will show some Appaloosa characteristics.

Horse breeds with LP allele genes

The LP gene is considered the Appaloosa gene, but other breeds carry the LP allele, such as the Knabstrupper, Pony of Americas, Andalusian, and Paso Fino.

10. Chestnut coat colors

Origin of the term Chestnut

Chestnut horse color is a reference to the dark, reddish-brown color seen on chestnut trees' fruit. It's from Middle English chesten, and Old French chastaign, both with roots in Latin.

Chestnut is used in the 14th century to describe a specific tree, but I found the earliest use to describe a horse's color was in the mid-1800s.

Description of Chestnut horses

Chestnut horses have red coats, manes, and tails of the same or lighter hues. They have no black hair and range from a light red, like peach, to a deep dark red, almost black.

Chestnut variations

Liver chestnut: These are the darkest chestnuts; some are so dark they could be mistaken as black.

Flaxen chestnut is any chestnut horse with manes and tails that are straw-colored or lighter than the body color.

Sorrel: Reddish-copper-colored coat. It's the most common chestnut shade.

Light chestnut: is a term used to describe a pale chestnut, with the mane and tail the same color.

Chestnut Genetics

Chestnut horses have an extension locus (E). This gene halts the production of black pigments and causes the production of red pigments. The chestnut extension gene has three alleles: E⁺, e, and e a.

Horse breeds with Chestnut coloring

Chestnut is one of the most common equine colors and is present in almost all horse breeds. Some horses, such as the Haflingers, are exclusively chestnut, and others, like the Belgian, are predominantly chestnut.

11. Gray coat colors

Origin of Gray

Gray is Old English from græg. The spelling difference between the U.S. (gray) and British (grey) arose in the 20th century. Reference to "gray" horses traces back many centuries.

Description of gray horses

A gray horse can be born any color and progressively turn gray. Most horses are almost entirely white by six years old. Gray horses have dark skin, which differentiates them from white horses. White horses have pink skin.

Variations of Gray Coat Colors

Steel Grey/Iron Grey: A horse with white and dark hairs evenly intermixed, creating its dark gray appearance.

Dapple Grey: A horse with a gray coat overlaid with lighter rings of gray hairs across the animals' entire body.

Fleabitten Grey: A light gray horse with dark flecks of hair throughout its coat.

Rose Grey: A gray horse that was born bay or chestnut and is in its early stages of graying. The condition creates a rose hue.

Gray horse genetics

A dominant gray gene (G) creates a horse's gray coat. The impact of this dominant always changes the base color coat to gray. The gray gene isn't a color gene but rather a dilution gene.

As a horse grows older, the color dilution continues to lighten the animal's hair color but doesn't change a horse's skin or eye color. However, there are instances of depigmentation of the skin around the eyes, mouth, and anus.

Horse breeds with Gray coat colors

Most horse breeds, including Arabians, Thoroughbreds, and American Quarter horses, display gray coat colors. However, some breeds, such as the Andalusian, Lipizzan, and Camargue horses, are predominantly gray.

12. Black coat color

Origin of Black

The original meaning of the Old English blac meant colorless and was used to refer to people without color, like an albino, used similarly to blanc. It wasn't until the 1500s that black meant dark or the color of night.

Description of Black horses

Black is a hair coat color without any other colors except for black. Black is considered a unique equine color, and most horses thought of as " black " have dark brown or bay coats underneath.

Black horse genetics

A black horse must have one copy of the dominant "E" allele and two copies of the recessive "a" allele. It has no other dominant genes nor dilution or modifying genes.

The dominant "E" instigates the production of black pigment, and the recessive "a" controls the color distribution; an even distribution of black pigmentation is a true black horse.

Black horse breeds

Black horses are rare; however, in some breeds, the animals are almost exclusively black, for example, Friesian and Mugese. It's also not unusual for Fell ponies, Andalusians, or Dales ponies, to be black.

Base pigments

Horses' coat colors are derived from one of two possible base pigments: red or black, which means that every horse has a gene for either of these pigments. Bay is also considered a base color by some people.

Extention genes control the production of red or black pigments. So in basic terms, every horse coat color starts with a red or black base, and modifications or dilutions of the base create various coat colors.

These new colors are identified by terms typically unique to the description of horse colors, such as bay, sorrel, chestnut, and roan, to name a few.

Conclusion

The genetics behind horse coat colors are important for any horse owner to know. Understanding the heritability of color can benefit your breeding decisions.

With this guide in hand and some basic understanding of the science behind it all, we hope you feel more comfortable with your decision-making process when it comes to horses!

If you're looking specifically into the best coat colors or want to learn about rare equine colors, check out my helpful article on the topic here: Horse Colors: The Best and Rarest.
Below is a helpful YouTube video about horse coat colors and markings.
FAQs

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12 Most Common Horse Colors: Patterns, Markings, & Pictures

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If you've ever been around horses, you know that they come in various colors. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself why? Or which colors are the most common? In this blog post, we'll take a look at the most popular horse colors and what might cause them.

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Encourage a bond with your horse while grooming. Taking care of your horse's coat, hooves and hair provides an opportunity for you to check for injuries or irritations. Ideally, grooming should occur daily, but it's a must before and after riding. Grit beneath the saddle or girth or cinch will be uncomfortable for your horse and could cause saddle or girth sores.

Preparing to Groom Your Horse

Gather and arrange your grooming tools in a convenient, safe place. A wide bucket may be cheapest and easiest to put your brushes in, although there are lots of grooming boxes on the market that keep your tools organized and handy.

Don't set your bucket or box too close to your horse where he could knock it over, or where you might trip over it as you move around your horse. Tie the horse securely and safely with cross ties or with a quick-release knot.

Equipment / Tools

Curry comb or grooming mitt

Body brush with fairly stiff bristles

Mane and tail comb (plastic causes less breakage than metal)

Fine soft bristled finishing brush

Hoof pick

Scissors or clippers (optional)

Materials

Clean sponge or soft cloth

Grooming spray (optional)

Hoof ointment if recommended by your farrier (optional)

1. Clean Your Horse's or Pony's Hooves

Slide your hand down the left foreleg. Gently squeeze the back of the leg along the tendons just above the pastern and say "up," "hoof," or whatever word your horse responds to.

Hold the hoof and with the hoof pick pry out any dirt, manure, or grit lodged in the frog or sole of the foot. Check for any injury and signs of thrush, grease heel, or other problems, and take note of any cracks in the wall of the hoof, so you can consult with your veterinarian or farrier as to what should be done. Gently place the foot back down on the ground and continue until all four feet are done.

2. Curry Your Horse or Pony

Starting on the left side, or "offside," use your curry comb or grooming mitt to loosen the dirt in your horse's coat. Remove any mud, grit, dust, and other debris before trying to put a real shine on your horse's coat.

Curry in circular sweeps all over the horse's body, but be careful over the bony areas of the shoulders, hips, and legs. Many horses are sensitive about having their bellies and between the back legs brushed (although some love it). If your horse reacts by laying back his ears or swishing his tail in agitation, he is telling you that the brushing is too vigorous.

While currying, look for any skin lesions or wounds. If you find anything, assess the injury to decide if you want to treat it yourself or if you need a veterinarian.

3. Comb out the Tangles

A flowing, shiny mane and tail are a joy to behold. Get that full, healthy look by being gentle and patient as you groom your horse's mane or tail.

Start with a mane comb or brush at the bottom of the strands and brush downward in sections until you can smoothly comb from the top to the bottom. When brushing the tail, stand to one side and pull the tail gently over to you, making sure you are out of the way should the horse kick.

A grooming spray that detangles hair is nice to have, as it makes brushing out the long strands easier while cleaning, shining and protecting the hair. A grooming spray may also help prevent the hairs from tangling too much between groomings.

4. Use the Body Brush to Whisk Away Dirt

After currying the body to get rid of the coarser dirt, it's time to go to work with a body brush. This longer-bristled, stiff brush will get rid of what the curry comb missed.

With the body brush, whisk out the dirt brought to the surface. Start on one side and move around the horse brushing in sweeping strokes following the direction of the hair growth. Some people find the body brush is more useful for cleaning the legs than the curry comb. This is a good time to check for lesions and skin irritations on the legs, knees, and pasterns like small cuts and nicks, or perhaps even problems like grease heel.

5. Use the Finishing Brush

A finishing brush, which has shorter, softer bristles, helps to bring out the shine on your horse's coat and can be used on your horse's or pony's face if you don't have a special brush just for that.

Gently whisk away dust from the broader areas on your horse's face, ears, and throat. With sweeping strokes, whisk away any dust missed by the body brush. The finer bristles help smooth out the body hair and leave your horse looking more finished and glossy.

When you think you are done, apply a grooming spray. Depending on the type, these can provide sun protection and add shine to your horse's coat, but they aren't necessary.

Tip

If you plan to ride after grooming, you must be aware that some grooming products may make the hair slippery and could cause your saddle to shift. Try to avoid application to the saddle area.

6. Clean the Ears, Eyes, Muzzle, and Dock Area

So far, you have cleaned up your horse's body, mane, and tail -now it's time for detailing. With a damp sponge or soft cloth, wipe around the horse's eyes and muzzle and clean away any dirt or chaff. You may prefer a soft cloth, as it can be more easily laundered between uses.

At this point, check your horse's eyes. A bit of tearing at the corner of the eye is not uncommon, but take note of excess tearing, redness, or swelling. Eye infections need to be treated promptly.

Check ears for lodged seed heads or dirt. Some horses are fussy about having their ears handled, so go slowly and be careful not to pinch or pull hairs. Eventually, your horse may come to love having its ears groomed. When you are done with the face, use the cloth to wipe around the dock and tail head.

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Encourage a bond with your horse while grooming. Taking care of your horse's coat, hooves and hair provides an opportunity for you to check for injuries or irritations. Ideally, grooming should occur daily, but it's a must before and after riding.

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It's no secret that the automobile changed the world. What was it like to travel before cars and trucks were around? People relied on boats and trains to go long distances. With automobiles came new freedom to travel where and when they wanted.

As more people started buying cars in the early 20th Century, road trips became more popular. However, as is often the case, that new freedom wasn't equal. It quickly became clear that travel was less convenient -and often dangerous-for Americans of color.

Due to Jim Crow laws that segregation, people of color had to be very careful about where they stopped on long road trips. The danger was especially real for Black Americans. They often bore the of racist .

In America, segregation is often remembered as a southern problem. In reality, though, it wasn't limited to the South. Throughout the U.S.A., Black Americans were turned away from hotels, restaurants, and other public places. Even scarier was the rise of sundown towns. These were places where people of color were told to leave before dark or face life-threatening .

That's where the topic of today's Wonder of the Day came in. The Negro Traveler's Green Book, called the Green Book for short, was a travel guide. It listed businesses that welcomed Black Americans. People used the book to find hotels, restaurants, and other places to stop along their .

How did the Green Book come about? It started with a man named Victor Hugo Green. He was a postal worker who lived in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. Green knew about the troubles people of color faced. He wanted to do something to change it. by similar books that helped Jewish travelers, he wrote the first Green Book in 1936.

Green started with an area he knew- New York City. He drew on his own experience and took input from fellow Black postal workers. Using this, he built a list of businesses that welcomed people of color. The first Green Book was a hit. Soon, people from other places were asking to help.

The scope of the Green Book grew quickly. By 1949, it covered not only the continental U.S.A. but also Bermuda, Mexico, and Canada. Travelers of color found it very useful in planning safe and successful trips.

Victor Green didn't stop there. He also started a travel agency. Called the Vacation Reservation Service, it scheduled activities for travelers at Black-owned businesses. This service helped travelers of color, and it also promoted Black entrepreneurs and their businesses.

The Green Book was very successful. However, Victor Green looked forward to a day when it wouldn't be needed. Sadly, that day didn't come in his lifetime. Green passed away in 1960. The Green Book continued under the of his wife, Alma. A few years later, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed segregation everywhere in the United States. This was a big step toward racial equality. Soon after, the last edition of the Green Book was printed in 1966.

Segregation may be illegal today, but people are still working hard to racism everywhere. How can you help? Do your best to make all people feel welcome in public places. If you see someone being treated unfairly, tell a trusted adult. It's important for everyone to do their part in building a more equal world!

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We hope you're ready to hit the road with today's Wonder of the Day!

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It's cold. It's icy. It's home to penguins, blue whales, and albatrosses. And, of course, it's one of the seven continents of the world. That's right! Today's Wonder of the Day is all about Antarctica.

For centuries, Antarctica has captivated people around the world. Explorers sought to travel there-and crossed treacherous waters full of ice to do so. Scientists have studied weather, wildlife, and geology there for decades. Today, many experts are sharing what the world's coldest continent can teach us about climate change.

On average, Antarctica's ice sheet is about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) thick. In different areas, the ice is as thick as three miles (4.8 km) or as thin as one mile (1.6 km). The ice of Antarctica is the result of thousands of years of snow. In the last few decades, though, scientists have reported that the ice is melting.

How quickly is Antarctica melting? That's a difficult question to answer. The loss of ice in Antarctica has not been . That means it isn't a steady decrease. In fact, the rate of melting can vary greatly from year to year. Still, scientists warn that the continent's ice sheet is shrinking.

Experts say the melting of Antarctica's ice sheet is caused by rising temperatures around the globe. Climate change is warming the world's oceans and affecting the currents of the Earth's oceans. These currents are bringing more warm water to Antarctica than ever recorded.

West Antarctica is the region most affected by these warm waters. Much of it sits below sea level. This puts it at an increased risk from the warming ocean. Warm seawater flowing beneath the area is also speeding up the melting process. Many experts are especially concerned about West Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier. It is melting at an alarming rate.

Maybe you're WONDERing why all of this matters. After all, most people live far away from Antarctica's melting glaciers. However, as scientists warn, changes on any continent can affect the rest of the world. In fact, the melting ice in Antarctica could have an global impact.

Today, the planet is warming at a rate that alarms scientists. If this continues, melting ice in Antarctica could lead to a rise in sea level. Depending on human actions to curb climate change, this could have varied results. Antarctica's melting ice sheet could cause the seas to rise between three and six inches by 2100.

That may not sound like much. However, the effects of such a rise could cause major problems. It will increase flooding, especially in areas near the shore. A large rise in sea level could even make some regions uninhabitable . This could cause millions around the world to become climate refugees.

Can humans stop Antarctica from melting? Probably not-but experts do believe people can slow the process. Currently, 192 nations and the European Union are part of the Paris Agreement, which seeks to lower global carbon . Its goal is to limit global warming to between 1.5 and 2°C until the end of the 21st century..

If nations meet this goal, it will slow the melting of the Antarctic ice sheet. How can you help? Pay attention to your carbon footprint. Talk with your family about ways to reduce your use of fossil fuels. And, perhaps most importantly, reach out to your representatives. Only changes on a large, global scale can truly make a difference for Antarctica.

NGSS.ESS2.A, NGSS.ESS2.C, NGSS.ESS2.D, NGSS.ESS2.E, NGSS.ESS3.C, NGSS.ESS3.D, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.L.1, CCRA.W.2, CCRA.SL.3, CCRA.L.2, CCRA.SL.2, NCAS.A.1, NCAS.A.2, NCAS.A.3

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This Wonder of the Day calls it as ICY it!

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Today's Wonder of the Day was inspired by Ryan. Ryan Wonders, " Will the human race ever go extinct? " Thanks for WONDERing with us, Ryan!

Save the whales! Protect the pandas! Such cries are common among conservationists looking to raise and inspire protection of a variety of vulnerable and endangered species.

If you love animals, it's easy to with these . After all, who would want pandas or whales to go extinct? Since they're animals, they can't exactly themselves to for their .

While it's important to support conservation for vulnerable and endangered animals, there's another species you may want to pay attention to: Homo sapiens. That's right! Human beings...you and me.

Sound far-fetched? With over seven billion human beings on Earth today, the thought of humans ever becoming extinct might seem a little mind-boggling.

There are some scientists, though, who worry that it's a possibility . Let's take a closer look at some of the things they're worried about.

From a purely scientific standpoint , experts point out that most species survive about one million years before going extinct. Scientists believe the Neanderthals survived for about 300,000 years, while human ancestors Homo erectus survived for approximately 1.6 million years.

Modern human beings obviously have a great chance to beat those , given our intelligence and advances in technology. Scientists estimate modern humans have been around about 200,000 years, so that should give us at least another 800,000 years.

Other scientists believe we could be here another two million years...or even millions of years longer. On the other hand, some scientists believe we could be gone in the next 100 years. What do they think could do us in?

Those who hold a of humanity's future point to all kinds of threats: nuclear war, a global pandemic (such as a deadly virus), asteroids and meteoroids crashing into Earth, biological weapons, climate change, overpopulation , and the list goes on and on.

Could any of these things really wipe out all of humanity? Maybe. Scientists believe that there have been five previous mass extinctions throughout Earth's history, caused by things such as climate change, volcanoes, and meteoroids that have crashed into Earth.

Some scientists believe we may actually be in the midst of a sixth mass extinction right now. Why? Current extinction rates are, by some estimates, 100 times higher than normal right now. With species disappearing faster than usual, our current rates of climate change, overpopulation , deforestation, and pollution could be pushing us toward the brink of another mass extinction.

So is there any hope for human beings? Of course, there is! Human beings number in the billions. We are spread all over Earth in all sorts of habitats and climates. We are extremely intelligent and adaptable.

Even in the face of various threats, it would take a lot to wipe us out completely, especially if we manage to establish colonies on other planets one day. Even if human beings become extinct one day, it won't be in your lifetime!

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Today's Wonder of the Day was inspired by Ryan. Ryan Wonders, " Will the human race ever go extinct? " Thanks for WONDERing with us, Ryan! Save the whales! Protect the pandas! Such cries are common among conservationists looking to raise and inspire protection of a variety of vulnerable and endangered species.

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A new ZSL-led study spotlights vital role of conservation zoos in saving 'extinct in the wild' species.

A ground-breaking study led by ZSL has confirmed the astonishing potential for conservation zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and seedbanks across the world to bring animals and plants back from extinction.

Published today (Thursday 23 February) in the prestigious journal Science - the world's leading outlet for cutting-edge science - the research is the first to comprehensively evaluate the 95 'extinct in the wild' animals and plants that, since 1950, have survived only in the care of zoological and botanical institutions - after being driven to extinction in the wild, largely as a result of human-driven activities such as habitat destruction.

The paper outlines how immense collaborative efforts by these conservation organisations - working alongside governments and partners responsible for wild habitats - have combined to prevent extinction and allow some species to successfully reclaim their wild status.

But, it warns, existing solely under human care is not a secure place for these species, revealing how close we are to forever losing many more.

Lead author Donal Smith at ZSL's Institute of Zoology, said: "Without these dedicated organisations and their conservation efforts, we would have already lost species like scimitar-horned oryx, several Polynesian tree snails, and the yellow flowering toromiro. Thanks to decades of tireless work saving species, we have the opportunity to re-establish more populations in the wild; it's imperative that conservation zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens and seedbanks are given the financial - and inter-governmental - support to do so."

Experts at ZSL's conservation Zoos, London and Whipsnade, work with 16 of the 38 currently extinct in the wild animal species - more than any other zoo in the UK - and have a long history of working with others. Through collaborative breeding programmes, fieldwork and research, ZSL has already worked alongside many partners to return a number of extinct species to their wild habitats, such as Partula tree snails to the islands of French Polynesia and the scimitar-horned oryx to Chad - and has plans to return the colourful sihek (Guam kingfisher) to the wild later this year.

"But despite heroic efforts, failures are about as common as successes," added Donal. "Cases like the Catarina pupfish, sadly lost forever in 2012, remind us how fragile this space can be - whereas the European bison, once restricted to a small population under human care, is now thriving in the wild, offering an inspirational example of what pioneering conservation work can achieve."

One area that must be recognised for all extinct in the wild species is how variable their extinction risks are; despite all being found only under human care, some species have only a handful of individuals left, while others have several thousand.

Protecting species is central to ZSL's mission and purpose, and this crucial new scientific research will contribute to the long-term protection of important extinct in the wild species. John Ewen, researcher at ZSL's Institute of Zoology and senior author of the study, explains: "Each extinct in the wild species is unique in how secure it is from extinction, so saving them requires specific actions tailored to each species.

"Contrast for example the high risk of extinction for the Socorro dove, in zoos for nearly 100 years with a current population of just 162 birds, to the more secure situation for species like the scimitar-horned oryx where the zoo population size is in the thousands and successful reintroductions are progressing well only 16 years after extinction in the wild."

John explains: "We have the ability to protect and save all of these species, but successful recoveries are made easier when we have more individuals in breeding programmes and a faster turnaround between loss from the wild and their return to it."

ZSL's Director of Conservation and Policy Andrew Terry and study co-author said: "This study demonstrates how powerful conservation work can be in protecting species and tackling the biodiversity crisis, even in the most extreme cases. Alongside being led by science and managed by experts, its vital that these conservation breeding and release programmes are supported by funders and policy makers. We've proven how positive the outcomes can be for extinct in the wild species - we now need to see more investment in them."

The paper also highlights the divide between animal and plant species, with more attention to translocating animals over plants, despite both being equally represented as extinct in the wild; of the 12 species for which wild populations have already been re-established, only two are plants, reflecting the fact that currently only 23% of extinct in the wild plant species have undergone translocation attempts, compared to 67% of animal species.

Sarah Dalrymple, at Liverpool John Moores University and study co-author explained: "There are several reasons why extinct in the wild plant species might be less frequently the focus of translocations, including a lack of suitable individuals for planting and changes to their original habitat. However, attitudes are shifting, with more emphasis on botanic gardens working together and finding suitable wild homes away from the site of origin, offering great hope for future plant recovery."

Axel Moehrenschlager, Chair of the IUCN SSC Translocation Specialist Group and study co-author said: "It will take Herculean collaborative action to return all extinct in the wild species to the wild, which is what all zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and seedbanks globally would ultimately like to see. As the world addresses the threats of climate change and habitat loss, these organisations will continue to play vital roles in preventing further biodiversity loss and ultimately driving species recovery."

ZSL believes nature can recover, and that conservation is most effective when driven by science. We call for science to guide all global decisions on environment and biodiversity and build a healthier future for wildlife, people and the planet.
Support ZSL's world leading, collaborative science and conservation work

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Conservation zoos have powerful potential to reverse extinction | ZSL

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A ground-breaking study led by ZSL has confirmed the astonishing potential for conservation zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and seedbanks across the world to bring animals and plants back from extinction.

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Over the years Zoos SA has been involved in a wide range of conservation programs. Our efforts have spanned the globe and include captive breeding, habitat restoration, biological surveys, contributing to insurance populations, studies in reproductive biology, conservation education, corporate and community fundraising, wildlife disease management, translocation and community development to foster alternative livelihoods.

Zoos SA has been at the forefront of an animal breeding technique called cross-fostering to save endangered wallaby species. Cross fostering involves transferring the pouch young from a threatened species into the pouch of a surrogate mother from a similar common species. This enables the mother to be freed up to produce another pouch young and increase the amount of offspring one particular female can produce in a year.

Our cross-fostering and reintroduction work has enabled staff, students and partner organisation gain valuable skills, helped Zoos SA gain a reputation as a conservation organisation and importantly deliver a range of conservation outcomes both within the zoo and beyond our gates. Since the reintroduction of Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies into the Aroona Sanctuary in 1996 much has been learnt and conservation has been an increasing focus for Zoos SA.

Working with community is a key feature of Zoos SA conservation work. Zoos SA recognises the fundamental front line role that communities play in species and habitat conservation, which is demonstrated in the community engagement approach that all of our conservation projects take.

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Conservation Zoos SA - Our efforts have spanned the globe

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Over the years Zoos SA has been involved in a wide range of conservation programs. Our efforts have spanned the globe and include captive breeding, habitat restoration, biological surveys, contributing to insurance populations, studies in reproductive biology, conservation education, corporate and community fundraising, wildlife disease management, translocation and community development to foster alternative livelihoods.

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Since approximately 1250 B.C., when ancient Egyptian records describe birds, lions, and giraffes in captivity, zoos have entertained millions with exotic animals behind bars. Today, with species threatened and habitats disappearing worldwide, zoos are playing a new role in conservation. But are they really achieving what they claim? A growing number of critics argue no.

According to the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), there are over 10,000 zoos worldwide. In the U.S. alone, the Department of Agriculture licenses 2,400 "animal exhibitors," of which 212 are members of the AZA, an organization that requires high standards of animal care, science, and conservation.

Accredited zoos are expanding their efforts far beyond keeping animals alive in captivity. No longer simply modern-day arks, many zoos have become strongly proactive in conserving wild animals, reintroducing endangered species, and restoring habitats. Last year, AZA zoos carried out 2,230 research and conservation projects, half of which were field projects in over 80 countries. Many of these projects were partnerships with over 575 nonprofit, governmental, and private organizations.

The Toledo Zoo has been working with the Nature Conservancy for a decade to link its Karner blue butterfly breeding program with the restoration of the butterflies' habitat in the oak savannas of Ohio. The Minnesota Zoo's "adopt-a-park" program donates resources to help save some of the last Sumatran and Javan rhinos on Earth.

As important as conservation is, so is education. People look to zoos as learning centers. According to a 1992 Roper poll study, zoos and aquariums were the third most trusted messenger of wildlife conservation and environmental issues, trailing only National Geographic and Jacques Cousteau.

"I see the conservation education efforts of zoos and aquariums becoming more essential in the future as the trends toward urbanization increase [and interactions with wildlife decrease]," says Michael Hutchins, Director of Conservation and Science for AZA. New studies and innovative measures are being undertaken to move education beyond often-ignored signposts by animal enclosures.

At the Bronx Zoo's Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit, visitors use touch-screen computers to choose which animal in the real African Congo their admission fee will go towards saving. Since the exhibit opened in 1999, more than U.S. $3 million of those admission fees have been used for the zoo's conservation projects in central Africa. Heralded as a model exhibit, it allows visitors to learn practical information and to put this knowledge to use.

The Bronx Zoo, along with four other New York City zoos and aquariums, is part of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The WCS is considered a world leader in designing innovative exhibits and effective environmental programs that reach an international audience, with conservation projects in 53 countries.

The Critics

While conceding that zoos have become more proactive and benevolent in their efforts, critics still feel that "good zoos" are in the minority. Among the 2,400 animal enclosures licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only 212 are under the strict regulatory umbrella of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. The other 2,188 are not.

David Hancocks, a former zoo director with 30 years' experience, estimates that less than 3 percent of the budgets of these 212 accredited zoos go toward conservation efforts. At the same time, they point to the billions of dollars spent every year on hi-tech exhibits and marketing efforts to lure visitors. Many zoos not affiliated with the AZA spend nothing on conservation.

Conservation efforts aren't always successful. Benjamin Beck, former associate director of biological programs at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., found that in the last century, only 16 of 145 reintroduction programs worldwide ever actually restored any animal populations to the wild. Of those, most were carried out by government agencies, not zoos.

"Zoos, overall, are still menageries," said Rob Laidlaw, a captive wildlife specialist and executive director of ZooCheck, an organization he founded to help ensure captive animals receive proper care. Overall, he believes, there are too many animals in too little space. "Zoos keep animals alive, but they can't maintain all of the behavioral or social aspects of these species in their current enclosures."

When it comes to education, Hancocks points to studies saying visitors leave zoos feeling uninspired and uneducated. Rather than walking out determined to help save wildlife, they go away disenchanted. He wonders if this indifference is due in part to outdated animal enclosures, inadequate space, and the poor quality of "natural" habitat exhibits, such as a reliance on artificial-looking synthetic rocks.

"Zoos have painted themselves as saviors of the wild," says Hancocks. "I fear this has instilled a false sense of security in the public mind. Many people now believe they don't have to worry about saving animals, because zoos are doing the job."

"Uninventing" Zoos

Both sides agree that zoos can be peerless tools for conservation and education. Both Hancocks and Hutchins would like to see zoos enact greater conservation measures in the wild and become more "ecosystem-based," with larger enclosures and more natural vegetation and surroundings. Highlighting local ecosystems is also highly stressed.

However, they diverge when it comes to making this happen. Hancocks says zoos need to "uninvent" themselves into new institutions. Most important, he says, they need to rid themselves of outmoded, display-only attitudes and establish new priorities.

"Sadly, too many zoos are playing the fiddle while forests are cut and burned," says Hancocks. "They are putting their creativity into self-congratulatory messages rather than into tackling the big, bad, really ugly problems that exist in the wild."

Hutchins, on the other hand, believes that institutions are "right on track," adding that "most if not all [AZA institutions] would like to move towards this ideal conservation movement, if they had the resources." As always, changes of this magnitude require significant funding, a difficult mission in times when public funding is dwindling.

Hutchins believes that as zoos' priorities continue to evolve, so will their funding. He cites a study done at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo which found that conservation, research and educational programs offered the best opportunities for attracting new funders. As the public increasingly views zoos as protectors of wildlife, they want to see their money going towards the preservation of a habitat or species in the wild, not just the construction of a new building.

"Today, more than ever, zoos need to think harder [about] why they are there and what role they will fill in conservation, education, and research," Hutchins adds. "Millions of dollars go to house artwork in museums, but there are more Rembrandts in the world than there are Siberian tigers."

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Critics Question Zoos' Commitment to Conservation

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Zoos have acted as safe havens for many endangered species. But many critics call 'foul', saying zoos have stepped far beyond conservation.

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Have you ever witnessed bullying? Unfortunately, it's all too common. Each year, many kids-and even adults-find themselves on the receiving end of harmful treatment and intimidation . In recent years, cyberbullying has made the problem even worse.

Being bullied is a terrible experience. That's why it's important for everyone to be on the for this type of behavior. However, even when you see another person being bullied, it's difficult to know what to do. When should you ? How should you ? What if something bad happens?

A person who an event but doesn't take part in it is called a bystander. Often, people become bystanders when another person is being bullied. They may be unsure of how to stop what's happening, or they could be afraid of becoming a . But there is another : Instead of being a bystander, you can become an upstander.

What is an upstander? It's a person who speaks or acts to for a person being bullied. Upstanders may also speak up to a particular cause they care about. People can be upstanders whether they're acting in person or online.

How can you be an upstander? First, be a friend. If you see a person being bullied, offer them . Just standing or walking next to the person can stop a bully. It also helps to make friends outside of your regular circle. Invite others to sit with you at your lunch table or to play a game at recess.

Upstanders also instances of bullying. They can do so by refusing to gossip or spread rumors about others. They also by giving the bullied person a reason to walk away from what's happening. If you see a person being bullied, offer a distraction or safe escape. Then, check on the person who experienced bullying to see if they need further .

Another way to be an upstander is to speak up. This can be difficult and even scary. However, telling the bully to stop is sometimes all it takes to end a bad situation.

If you watched the video in today's image and video gallery, you heard testimony from Paul Parks. He described a time when, as a young boy, he acted as an upstander. Paul protected his friend, Maurice, at school from other kids who wanted to physically attack him.

Striving to be an upstander is important. However, it's also important not to put yourself in harm's way. If the situation seems dangerous, find an adult or authority figure who can help. This can make as much of a difference as interrupting or speaking up. Don't worry, this isn't the same thing as tattling. If you see someone being bullied, you can be an upstander by telling a teacher, parent, or another adult.

Have you ever seen an upstander in action? Maybe you're already one yourself! Another great way to fight back against bullying is to talk with your friends and family members. You can help them become upstanders instead of bystanders, too. Together, you can make a big difference in your school and community.

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Have you ever witnessed bullying? Unfortunately, it's all too common. Each year, many kids-and even adults-find themselves on the receiving end of harmful treatment and intimidation . In recent years, cyberbullying has made the problem even worse. Being bullied is a terrible experience.

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Today's Wonder of the Day was inspired by Michael from Cypress. Michael Wonders, " what is clickbait and how do people use it? " Thanks for WONDERing with us, Michael!

"Ten Tips for Cutting Homework Time in Half-Number 7 Will Shock You!"

"Learn the Fail-Proof Trick for Getting Any Caregiver to Let You Stay Up Past Bedtime."

"Just One Click Gets You a Free Ice Cream Cone."

If you spend much time at all online, you'll see like these sooner or later. They might make you curious. They promise information that seems too good to be true. But think before you click! These articles are more than likely clickbait.

What is clickbait? It's a misleading headline that draws you in by to emotion or curiosity. After clicking, you'll quickly realize the article isn't at all what it claimed to be. It might contain information that's only slightly connected to the headline. Worse yet, it could be full of misinformation from non-credible sources.

Even worse, clickbait helps spread fake news. When people see a headline that excites or interests them, they're likely to share it on social media. They may read the article and not realize it contains misinformation . Some might not even click and read the article. They simply believe what the headline says and want to share it with others. This allows clickbait to travel far and wide, carrying misinformation with it.

It's also important to hover over any link before clicking it. This will allow you to see where the link will take you. While a lot of clickbait is harmless, some will take you to dangerous sites. Never click a suspicious link.

Have you ever been tempted by clickbait? Most people have at one time or another. After all, that's what these are supposed to do! Remember to think before you click and you'll be more likely to annoying clickbait articles in the future.

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Today's Wonder of the Day was inspired by Michael from Cypress. Michael Wonders, " what is clickbait and how do people use it? " Thanks for WONDERing with us, Michael! "Ten Tips for Cutting Homework Time in Half-Number 7 Will Shock You!" "Learn the Fail-Proof Trick for Getting Any Caregiver to Let You Stay Up Past Bedtime."

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Do you like using social media? When it comes to keeping up with what your friends are doing, do you turn to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, or Twitter? You need to be , though. Social media can be addicting!

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Playing videogames is a popular activity, with 70 percent of youth under the age of 18 playing videogames. Some games are solitary or single-player games; others are multi-player. Multi-player games - whether they are played on a computer, game console, handheld system, smartphone, or tablet - allow users to play with people they know in person and others they meet online. In fact, 65% of video game players of all ages say they play with others. There are many types of videogames: role-playing games, action games, shooter games, sport games, fighting games. There are also educational games like sandbox/build/construct games, puzzle games, and others.

Benefits of Online Gaming

Playing videogames can positively impact a players' cognitive, emotional, and social skills. It can also help children and teens enhance their problem-solving and strategizing skills. Multi-player team games may help youth learn how to cooperate with others. Youth who play videogames may also improve their motor skills and creativity. Videogames also offer players a space to work out their emotions, and can boost a player's mood and ease anxiety. Gaming can also be a place to make new friends and socialize.

Risks of Online Gaming

While gaming has the potential for positive benefits, it is also a place where cyberbullying can happen. If someone is not performing well in a game, other players may curse or make negative remarks that can turn into bullying, or even exclude the person from playing together.

Anonymity of players and the use of avatars allow users to create alter-egos or fictional versions of themselves, which is part of the fun of gaming. But it also allows users to harass, bully, and sometimes gang up on other players. When players are anonymous, it can be difficult to hold them accountable when they bully others and use the game as a tool of harassment. Some players may use the game as a means to harass others or to get their personal information, like usernames and passwords. They can even make others' personal information available online through a tactic called " doxing." Doxing can compromise not just a child's information, but their parent's information as well, and can make them targets of bullying and harassment.

Gamers often use online gaming communities and social media to connect with other players, learn tips and tricks, share strategies, create teams/guilds, and connect while they play or watch others play. These types of online communities are also a place where cybercriminals may seek to cause harm - for instance, by posting links that appear to be game-related but are truly computer viruses or malware (software designed to disrupt, damage or gain access to a computer) or where predators may seek access to children.

Prevent Cyberbullying for Gamers

Gaming can be a fun, safe and positive environment for all. Parents can help prevent cyberbullying of their children who play video games by:

Playing the game with your child or observing the game to understand how it works and what a child is exposed to in the game.

Checking in periodically with your child about who is online, playing the game with them.

Knowing which gaming communities, and social media, and apps your child uses while gaming and their security risks which you can research online.

Helping your child set the privacy and security settings for their games and apps.

Teaching children about safe digital behavior, including not clicking on links from strangers; not downloading bots (software for automated tasks) or clicking on links in gaming forums; not sharing personal information like emails, phone numbers, addresses, and passwords; not participating in bullying behavior of other players; and what to do if they observe or experience cyberbullying.

Establishing rules about how much time a child can spend playing video games.

Keeping an open line of communication about your child's digital life.

There are things that gamers can do if they are experiencing cyberbullying or see it happen to others while gaming:

Tell the player who is bullying to stop.

Block the player who is bullying from the game and de-friend them on social media and in gaming communities.

Report the player who is bullying to the game group, team, platform, community, or developers.

Take a break from playing the game.

Tell a parent or trusted adult and get some support.

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Playing videogames is a popular activity, with 70 percent of youth under the age of 18 playing videogames. Some games are solitary or single-player games; others are multi-player. Multi-player games - whether they are played on a computer, game console, handheld system, smartphone, or tablet - allow users to play with people they know in person and others they meet online.

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While Germany had surrendered, the continued. One of the most significant events of World War Two happened in 1945. This was the dropping of on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by American forces.

The decision to drop the atom bomb was taken by President Harry S. Truman, who had replaced Franklin Roosevelt following his death in April 1945. On 6 August 1945, Truman ordered an atom bomb to be dropped on the city of Hiroshima. It was dropped by a bomber plane named the Enola Gay. It is thought that at least 140,000 people were killed, of a total population of around 350,000.

When the atom bomb was dropped:

The temperature at the centre of the explosion reached 3000ºC - 4000ºC - three times hotter than volcanic lava.

Everything within a mile of the centre of the blast was flattened.

Fires spread and around 67 per cent of Hiroshima's buildings were destroyed.

Three days after the atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, a second one was dropped on the city of Nagasaki by a bomber plane called Bockscar. A further 74,000 people, at least, were killed. The Japanese Emperor, Hirohito, announced that Japan would surrender on 15 August. They formally signed a surrender agreement on 2 September.

This brought World War Two to an end.

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Find out about World War Two with BBC Bitesize History. For students between the ages of 11 and 14.

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In September 1939, Britain entered into what would become the world's most devastating war to date. Learn all about the events that changed the lives of millions in our World War 2 facts....
World War 2 facts

1. World War 2 was a battle between two groups of countries

- the " Allies" and the " Axis ". The major Allied Powers were Britain, France, Russia, China and the United States. The major Axis Powers were Germany, Italy and Japan.

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2. Before World War 2 began, Germany was ruled by a man named Adolf Hitler

Together with the Nazi Party, he wanted Germany to rule Europe. To gain more land and power, on 1 September 1939 German troops invaded Poland. After Hitler refused to stop the invasion, Britain and France declared war on Germany - World War II had begun.

3. During the course of the war, German forces advanced through Europe.

Did you know that we have a FREE downloadable Second World War primary resource? Great for teachers, homeschoolers and parents alike!

4. Millions of Germans were imprisoned and killed because they didn't fit the image of the 'perfect' German

Hitler wanted to create what he thought was the "best" and strongest race - and to the Nazi Party, this excluded certain groups, such as Jews, Gypsies and those with physical and mental disabilities. In an attempt to eliminate a "racial enemy" outside of Germany, such groups were also persecuted in the countries invaded by German forces.

5. The group most heavily targeted by the Nazis were the Jews

Around six million Jewish people were killed during World War 2 in one of history's most terrible events - the Holocaust. Racist in his views, Hitler blamed Jewish people for Germany losing World War I and claimed they were dangerous to German people and society.

6. Around the same time that Germany fought for power in Europe, Japan wanted to control Asia and the Pacific

In 1937 (before World War 2 had officially begun) under Emperor Hirohito, Japan attacked China, bringing the two nations into years of conflict.

7. The US didn't join the war until 1941, when Japan attacked the United States

- at their Naval Base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. On 8 December 1941 (the very next day), the US declared War on Japan and, in turn, its German allies.

8. Some countries remained 'neutral' in World War 2

Such countries were Spain, Sweden and Switzerland - who chose not to join either side.

9. The Germans surrendered on 8 May 1945

In 1944, an Allied army crossed from Britain to free France from Nazi rule. One year later, Allied armies invaded Germany, forcing the Germans to surrender. After nuclear attacks on Japan's major cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan also surrendered to Allied forces in August the same year. World War 2 had ended.

10. Around 64 million people died in World War 2

- that's more than the entire population of the United Kingdom.

Find out more about the countries involved in World War 2 with our Germany, Japan and USA facts. Plus, learn about the life of Anne Frank, a young German girl who wrote a world-famous diary...

*Yugoslavia was a country established in 1918 in south-east Europe, which included modern-day Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

*USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, or the Soviet Union) was a former country which included modern-day Russia, Ukraine and Estonia, as well as other socialist states.

What did you think of our World War 2 facts? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

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Learn astonishing World War 2 facts with Nat Geo Kids. When did the war start? Who fought in in the war and why? How did it change the course of history?

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Kids learn about the causes of World War II including fascism, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, the Treaty of Versailles, appeasement, the Great Depression, and Japanese expansion.

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Fun Kids - the UK's children's radio station

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You might think sport is the opposite of science or engineering! It's running races - or jumping... or swimming, playing ball games or lifting weights. So how are they connected?

Engineering is all about solving problems, making things work better - inventing and developing new technology - and think about how much technology there is in sport. Think about a stadium. Venues are very much part of the experience of sport - they have to work for the competitors and the spectators - after all no one wants to be stuck behind a post - you need a good view. Engineers are working with amazing new materials and processes to come up with really smart and sustainable new buildings.

And venues are packed with technology. There's scoreboards, video screens and cameras. And if you look at the athletes they're wearing high spec clothing and trainers - very different to what athletes in the past would have worn.

And imagine how hard they've trained to get here - using fitness machines, wearables - like fitness trackers, and computers to monitor their progress and equipment or clothing that can take readings. Technology helps athletes perform better than ever, and train more safely.

And it's not just smart watches. Professional athletes have smart suits, smart glasses, helmets, golf clubs - almost anything! They're already a part of essential gear.

Technology also helps to keep score. Cameras, monitors and even lasers are used to capture the athlete's times and establish who's taken the gold. In football you can get sensors on pitches to check exactly where the ball lands - to help referees and officials make more accurate decisions and lead to a fairer match.

Competitors might still complain to the referee - but it's a bit harder to complain to a computer!

Although people will always play and watch sports for the love of it, and might not notice - or care about high tech trainers or posh venues, technology can make things much more exciting - faster races - closer finishes and a better experience for competitors and supporters alike.
Here are just some of the cool advances in sports technology that have changed the game for competitors and spectators.
Titanium Golf Clubs

Developed in the 1990s these light and tough clubs allowed players a larger sweet spot and a faster swing.

Composite Tennis Racquets

Tennis racquets of the past were wooden - heavy and stiff and not very flexible. Lighter sturdy composite materials, introduced in the 1980s have allowed for more spin, harder hitting and more control.

Lighter, Flatter Track Shoes

Even small changes to a shoe can lead to a few second's advantage. Through years of testing and experience, athletes and sports scientists have worked to find the perfect blend of light-weight shoes with optimal grip that allows you to hit the corners harder and faster. Usain Bolt uses synthetic microfibers and smoother spike plates to help him get the job done.

Goal-Line Technology

Used in a variety of pitch sports, overhead camera, referees can consult instant replay to decide whether or not the ball has crossed the goal line.

LZR Swimsuits

LZR Racers were the high-performance, form-fitting bodysuits that nearly swept the Beijing Olympics in 2008. A whopping 98 percent of the swimmers who medalled that year were wearing an LZR suit, and after only one year in competition, it had already helped break 97 world records. They were subsequently banned for giving competitors an unfair advantage.

KERS

KERS, used in Formula 1 racing works by collecting all of the heat you build up from hitting the brakes and then storing that power to boost acceleration later on.

Derailleurs

We are used to using gears on our bikes but until 1937 cyclists did not have this luxury. In fact they had to switch out the wheels for challenging climbs. Derailleurs - or gears helped to transform the sport.

The Golf Ball

The humble golf ball has undergone many changes over the years - the dimpled finish of the balls today was developed to help improve distance and accuracy.

Carbon Fibre Skis and Snowboards

Carbon fibre sets itself apart from the others for its weightless feel and enhanced durability, and is the big favourite among top free skiers and boarders. Previously metals and wood were the materials used - not nearly as flexible and light.

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So what's sport technology anyway? - Fun Kids - the UK's children's radio station

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You might think sport is the opposite of science or engineering! It's running races - or jumping... or swimming, playing ball games or lifting weights. So how are they connected? Engineering is all about solving problems, making things work better - inventing and developing new technology - and think about how much technology there is in sport.

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Check out the bottom of the webpage for conservation action.

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Check out the bottom of the webpage for conservation action.

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Helping people and wildlife live better together

We're ZSL - an international conservation charity driven by science, working to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world by protecting critical species, restoring ecosystems, helping people and wildlife live together and inspiring support for nature.

We've been building stronger connections to wildlife for 200 years. Through our leading Zoos, our innovative conservation work in the field and through the Institute of Zoology, a centre of research excellence, we are passionate advocates for nature and won't stop until we have created a world where wildlife thrives.

Stand up for nature

Climate change and human activity have pushed our precious planet to its limit causing devastating habitat and species loss. When nature loses, we all do.

Urgent action to help people and wildlife live better together, is the only way to save the natural world we love and depend upon. We believe nature can recover - that's where ZSL comes in, and where you can play your part.

Making a difference for wildlife

Together we have the power to restore wildlife globally. We are collaborating with communities, conservationists and scientists across the world to make a meaningful impact for wildlife everywhere. Our insight and evidence-based approach achieves positive change and powers sustainable solutions that work for wildlife, people and the planet.

Our online shop

The perfect animal gifts

Gifts for wildlife lovers

Every purchase through the online shop directly supports ZSL. You help to fund our science and conservation projects and allow us to look after the animals in our care at our conservation Zoos.

Join the fight for wildlife

Whether it's rescuing pangolins from the clutches of the illegal wildlife trade or replanting over one million mangrove trees, stay up to date with our progress restoring wildlife globally.

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ZSL | A science-driven conservation charity

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We're ZSL - an international conservation charity driven by science, working to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world. Become a supporter today.

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When you're getting into riding, whether casually or training for shows, you will be introduced to the task of grooming a horse. This is the care routine that all riders should carry out to inspect and clean their horse on a regular basis, ensuring they're happy and healthy.

Grooming is somewhat of a rite of passage for new riders, as you learn why it's important to care for your horse's wellbeing and hygiene. It also plays a big role when getting them ready for events, as you want them to feel relaxed and look their best.

However, when you're a beginner, it can be difficult to know where to begin when it comes to horse grooming. In this guide, we'll investigate the benefits of grooming before helping you to put together your grooming kit and taking you through how to groom a horse step by step. We'll also provide tips for washing and grooming a horse for a show.

Why groom a horse?

Regularly grooming your horse is an essential part of equestrian care. It's a chance for you to connect with your horse and make sure that they are healthy, happy, and ready to go for a riding session. The reasons for grooming a horse don't end there, however, as you'll see from the benefits that we've listed below.

Reasons for grooming a horse

Grooming is natural for horses: When horses are living outside in a herd situation, they groom one another naturally, but stabled animals don't see this benefit. Therefore, you will be replicating an essential process for your horse and probably doing an even better job.

Improves skin and coat health: By brushing your horse during grooming, you are stimulating blood flow to the skin, which helps to keep the skin in good condition. You are also promoting the release of essential oils that result in a lustrous coat. In addition, you will be massaging large muscle groups to keep them relaxed and supple.

Decreases the chances of skin issues: By regularly cleaning your horse's coat and hoofs, you will be helping them to avoid health issues like thrush, rain rot, and scratches.

Ensures chafing does not occur beneath tack: When you groom your horse before riding, it ensures that their coat is clean, which, in turn, reduces the chances of chafing once you put on their tack and head out. This means that their riding session will be nice and comfortable.

Allows the rider to spot the first signs of serious health issues: Spending time grooming your horse on a regular basis means that you will be much more likely to spot potentially serious health issues or injuries before they become a major problem. You can then seek veterinary care while the condition is easily treatable.

Increases the bond between horse and rider: For a herd, grooming is a social action that sees the horses caring for each another. By performing it yourself, you will begin to develop a real sense of trust between you and your horse as they become comfortable being in your presence. This will have benefits for your riding, too, as your horse will gradually become more responsive to your instructions.

Improves their mood and wellbeing: Like humans, horses are emotional animals, and a grooming session can help them to relax and feel happier. A horse that is in a good mood is always going to be a better ride than one that's feeling scared or stressed.

It's an opportunity to run through some exercises: Depending on your schedule, you may not have time to ride every day. However, a time-efficient grooming session can give you an opportunity to practise standing ground exercises with your horse, such as neck flexions, carrot stretches, or leg extensions, which can boost flexibility and balance.

It's good exercise for you: While grooming has many benefits for your horse, it will also deliver a healthy workout for you. Brushing every inch of a horse's coat can take a bit of effort, so you'll also experience a nice health and fitness boost.

How often should you groom a horse?

Many people aim to groom their horse at least once per week, which is usually enough to keep them happy and healthy, or before each ride, which ensures that their horse is relaxed and comfortable before heading out. However, there is no precise answer to how often you need to groom, and you may get different answers depending on who you ask. How often you groom your horse may also affected by considerations like your own schedule and how your horse is stabled.

On the other hand, if your horse lives outside in a herd environment, where they will be able to roll on the ground, brush up against trees, and benefit from mutual grooming from other horses, you may find that you only need to tend to them before a ride. In this scenario, you may only need to pay most attention to areas where the tack will sit on the horse to ensure they are comfortable.

It's also vital that you don't overgroom your horse, especially in the winter if they aren't clipped and spend a lot of time outside, as this can strip their coat of natural oils and reduce its waterproofing abilities. This can put them more at risk when they aren't rugged and spending time outdoors.

What do you need in a horse grooming kit?

You will need to make sure you have the right horse grooming kit to ensure your horse is well looked after. Each tool is designed for a specific purpose, so it's important to know what they are so that you can use them correctly. The result will be a well-groomed horse that's healthy, relaxed, and ready for a good riding session.

Horse grooming brushes and equipment checklist

To help you out, we've put together a list of horse grooming brushes and equipment and their uses. We've broken this list into essential items, which you'll need on a regular basis and should be the first tools you purchase, and occasional items, which you will need less frequently or seasonally. You'll also find helpful pictures of horse grooming tools to help you identify them properly.

The essential kit

Curry comb

What is it? A curry comb is a short-toothed horse grooming comb made with rubber or plastic that is used to rub or "curry" the horse to loosen hair, dirt, and other particles, as well as stimulating the skin for healthy blood flow and the production of natural oils. There are also metal curry combs used for tougher tasks and brush cleaning purposes.

How is it used? The curry comb typically has a handle on its reverse that the rider's hand can slip into in order to perform the circular motion needed to dislodge debris. It can also be used in quick, short motions following the direction of the hairs.

Where is it used? All over the horse's body but not on legs or the head.

Dandy brush

What is it? A dandy brush is a horse grooming brush that has long, stiff bristles in order to remove the dirt, hair, and other debris that has been brought up by the curry comb. These brushes are most commonly made with plastic bristles, though more expensive versions can have natural bristles, such as rice stems.

How is it used? The dandy brush is used in short strokes in the direction of the horse's hair growth except for the flanks, where the hair grows in a different pattern. Some dandy brushes can have water applied to them and be used as water brushes to wet down hair.

Where is it used? All over the horse's body but not the legs or the head.

Body brush

What is it? A body brush is a soft-bristled horse grooming brush used to remove particles and grease from the coat, as well as to provide a soothing sensation to the horse. These brushes are made with either natural fibres, like horsehair, goat hair, or boar bristles, or from soft, synthetic fibres. There are also versions that are smaller and designed for use on the face.

How is it used? The body brush is used with long, sweeping strokes to smooth the coat and bring natural oils to the surface. Usually, these brushes need to be rubbed against a metal curry comb regularly to remove dust, so it doesn't find its way back into the horse's coat.

Where is it used? These soft brushes can be used all over the horse's body, though a smaller brush may be required to carefully tend to the face.

Metal curry comb

What is it? Metal curry combs are similar in design to plastic curry combs but are made with metal for a tougher finish. They still have rows of serrated teeth and a handle.

How is it used? The main reason they are essential is because they are used to clean other grooming brushes due to the effectiveness of their blades at removing debris from fibres. It's chiefly for this purpose you'll need one in your kit.

Where is it used? A metal comb can be used to remove dirt from brushes by moving their bristles brushes across its teeth.

Mane brush or comb

What is it? A mane brush and comb are two horse grooming tools used to groom a horse's mane so that it doesn't get tangled or matted, or even to style it. Horses with shorter pulled manes will typically require a mane comb, which is wide toothed and made with metal or plastic. Longer lengths will need a mane brush that is quite similar to a human hairbrush in its design.

How is it used? Mane brushes are quicker to use as they can be utilised in a sweeping motion that quickly flattens the hair. A mane comb, on the other hand, needs to be gently dragged through the hair and can be used to thin the mane, by using a technique called mane pulling, in preparation for plaiting.

Where is it used? The horse's mane - although many people use a body brush for day to day grooming purposes

Sponge

What is it? A soft sponge used to clean in and around the more delicate areas of a horse and to wet down and wash large areas of the body and the legs. It can also be used to clean wounds.

How is it used? The sponge is dampened and then applied to the horse. Delicate areas will require a small sponger and gentle motions, while washing down bigger areas can be done with a large sponge and broader actions.

Where is it used? A small, soft sponge should be used to clean the face, especially around the eyes, nose, ears, and lips. A separate small sponge should be used to wipe down the dock and groin. The body and legs can be tackled with a larger sponge.

Stable rubber

What is it? A linen or terrycloth (or similar) grooming towel or sheepskin mitt.

How is it used? A stable rubber is typically dampened and used to give the horse's coat a final polish after grooming. One can also be used to absorb moisture when drying or after a ride to remove any sweat, although the latter can also be performed with a sweat scraper.

Where is it used? The stable rubber can be used all over, though care should be taken around the face and other sensitive areas.

Hoof pick

What is it? A hoof pick is a hooked tool with a handle, usually made of metal or plastic, used to remove dirt, mud and stones that get packed into the sole of a horse's hoof. They can also be used to remove hard-packed snow during the winter.

How is it used? The horse's foot is lifted so that the bottom of the hoof is reachable, then the rider picks out the trapped debris from heel to toe. All four hoofs are cleaned before and after riding.

Where is it used? On the underside of the horse's hoof.

The occasional kit

Water brush

What is it? A water brush is a soft-bristled horse grooming brush used to apply water to the horse. As it isn't always necessary to apply water to the coat, you'll likely need these occasionally.

How is it used? The water brush is used to dampen the coat, mane, or tail of a horse for a quick wash down or to flatten unkempt hair.

Where is it used? It can be used to dampen any part of the horse's body, though a sponge should be used for the face and other sensitive areas.

Sweat scraper

What is it? A sweat scraper is a horse grooming tool used for removing sweat or excess moisture from a horse's coat. The most common types of scraper use a rubber blade either in an arc shape with a handle or in the form of a straight wand. Some models of shedding blades have a flexible sweat scraper function.

How is it used? A sweat scraper is used in a scraping motion across the horse's coat, not unlike the action used when cleaning windows with a squeegee. This will remove the sweat or moisture trapped in the coat after exercise or washing.

Where is it used? It can be used across the horse's body, but not the legs or head.

Shedding blade

What is it? A shedding blade removes loose hair from the horse's coat during the season where their winter coat is being shed. A popular shedding blade design is a long, flexible metal blade with short, dull teeth. It has handles at either end that can be joined so the blade is looped for storage. Many shedding blades have a non-serrated side that can double up as a sweat scraper. There are now more options, without metal teeth, which should be considered if your horse has particularly sensitive skin.

How is it used? The shedding blade is designed to be dragged over the horse's winter coat in spring, where the teeth will pull out the loose winter hair and leave the summer coat. It can also be used year round to remove encrusted mud from your horse. As the blade is metal, it should be used with the utmost care to avoid injuring the horse.

Where is it used? The blade can be used on the horse's body, but bony areas (as well as the head and legs), should be avoided.

Fly spray

What is it? Fly spray is a specially formulated spray to repel flies from your horse through the spring and summer months when they become bothersome.

How is it used? The spray is applied to your horse's coat after grooming to ensure they will not be annoyed, bitten, or infected by flies when outdoors.

Where is it used? The spray can usually be applied across your horse's body and legs, but the face is usually avoided due to the sensitivity of the eyes and mucous membranes.

How to groom a horse, step by step

Now that you know what you will need in a horse grooming kit, you can begin to learn the process of how to groom a horse. Here, we've put together a step-by-step guide horse grooming that will take you through the basics of a daily grooming routine. By following these stages, you can ensure your horse is happy and healthy, as well as looking their best.

1. Tie up your horse

Before you start your horse grooming routine, it's best to tie them up to a post or beam to ensure that they stay in place. Even if your horse usually stays in one spot, they may shift their weight or move their feet during grooming, so it's best to take this precaution.

Try to tie their lead rope to somewhere that's above the height of their withers (shoulders) and only use a quick-release knot, also known as a "highwayman's hitch" (you can find an easy tutorial here from Animated Knots). Ideally, your lead rope should attach to a piece of baling twine, attached to the beam or fence (or similar), as in an emergency, should the horse pull and get spooked, the twine can be broken.

2. Clean your horse's hoofs

To start, you need to pick up your horse's foot so that you can access it with your hoof pick. Stand at their side facing in the opposite direction to them and adjacent to the leg you want them to lift. Have your hoof pick ready in the hand furthest from them. Run your other hand down their foreleg until you are cupping the hoof, and slowly lean in until they shift their weight, which hopefully causes them to pick up their foot. If this doesn't work, you can try gently squeezing the tendons above their pastern (the sloping part between hoof and fetlock).

Next, keeping the lifted hoof supported in your hand, use the hoof pick to gently remove any debris that is stuck to the bottom of their foot. Work from the back to the front, which will ensure you do not accidentally jab your horse's leg, foot, or yourself, and clean out any dirt from around the frog (the fleshy "V"). If your horse is shoed, pick around the inside of the shoe to remove any pebbles, or, if your horse is barefooted, clean around the area where the bottom of the hoof meets the edge.

When you've got the hoof clear of debris, take a moment to check for any signs of injury or illness. A common problem is thrush, most obviously signified by a dark discharge from the frog area. Inspect the wall of the hoof (raised edge) for any cracks that may need attention from your farrier. Then, you can gently place your horse's foot back on the ground and move onto the next one.

3. Curry your horse

With all of your horse's hooves picked and inspected, it's time to pay attention to their body. Start by using your curry comb to loosen the dirt in their coat. As you go over their coat, you should see dirt particles rise up from the skin for easier brushing later.

Begin on their left side, working from ear to tail, avoiding the head, mane, tail, and lower legs, and taking care when going over bony sections of the shoulders, hips, and legs. Use circular motions, applying gentle pressure to dislodge any unwanted particles. Should your horse flatten their ears or swish their tail, they're indicating their discomfort, so ease off and curry more gently. Use the opportunity to check for any skin lesions or wounds as you go.

4. Brush away dirt and debris

Now you've dislodged all the dirt from your horse's skin, it's time to brush it off. So, grab your dandy brush and use short flicking motions to whisk away the debris from their coat. You'll need to cover the same areas you've just gone over with the curry comb, still avoiding the head, mane, tail, and lower legs. Begin at the neck and work your way around the horse, following the direction of hair growth.

5. Use a body brush to add shine

The last brush you'll be using on your horse's coat is the body brush, which has softer bristles that are perfect for adding a luxurious shine. Thanks to this gentler touch, it's safe to use this brush on your horse's head and legs, though you might need to use a smaller body brush for the face.

Starting at the head, work your way along the body and then down the legs. Use long, sweeping strokes in the direction of hair growth to whisk away any particles left by the dandy brush and to smooth down the hairs. Take care to use shorter sweeping strokes on the lower legs just to make sure that your horse is nice and comfortable.

6. Pay attention to sensitive areas

After grooming your horse's coat, you'll need to clean the sensitive face and dock (under tail) areas. Use a dampened sponge or stable rubber cloth to gently wipe around their eyes, ears, and muzzle, taking extra care not to cause discomfort. It's also worth checking for any signs of eye infections, like excessive tearing, swelling, or redness, as well as checking your horse's ears for lodged dirt or seeds. Be careful when cleaning or handling the ears, as some horses are very sensitive.

Next, you'll need to wipe your horse's dock area beneath the tail. Be sure to use a different sponge or cloth for this area for hygiene reasons, and take care to be very gentle with this sensitive area.

7. Comb through the mane and tail

To get a flowing, shiny mane and tail, you'll need to carefully detangle and comb them. Begin by working through the worst snags in the mane with your fingers, getting them separated as best as possible. Then, use your mane brush to straighten out the hairs, working on small sections at a time and from the bottom upwards. An effective method is to gently grasp the top of the area you're working on with one hand and run the brush or comb through the hairs with the other. This should avoid any tugging.

When you are doing the same with the tail, you need to stand slightly off to the side, pulling the tail gently towards you. This will ensure that you're out of kicking range should your horse get spooked. Depending on the condition of your horse's tail, you can also consider using a stiff-bristled brush to brush through the mane and tail.

How to wash and groom a horse for a show

A regular grooming routine should keep your horse well turned out on a day-to-day basis, but if you intend to start eventing or enter dressage or showjumping competitions, you will probably want to give your horse a more thorough wash and groom before the show.

This process will probably be a bit more thorough than your regular horse grooming routine, and will likely involve bathing your horse, and maybe plaiting their mane and tail. To get you started, we've provided a few tips on getting your horse looking their best.

How to wash a horse

At its most basic, bathing a horse can involve wetting down their coat with a hose or sponging them down, which can often be enough to clean mud or grime. It's also common for them to be hosed to cool them down after a heavy workout. But, as horses do not naturally seek out running water, you may have to train them to accept washing or introduce it gradually, especially if using a hose.

However, if you are going to enter them into a show, you'll probably want to give them a thorough scrub and shampoo to ensure their coat is pristine. Before you get started, you will need to assemble a few items to make sure you can do a good job:

A few large sponges

A scrubbing mitt

An equine-friendly shampoo

An equine-friendly mane & tail conditioner

A sweat scraper

A few large towels

A hose

A large bucket

When choosing a shampoo, there are a couple of things to consider. Firstly, like humans, horses have allergies, so before applying it to all of their coat, you will want to do a patch test on their skin to see if a shampoo can be used safely. If there's not a reaction after one day, you can go ahead.

Additionally, non-conditioning soaps have a tendency to dry out the skin, which can become an issue when tack rubs against their coat. So, try to use a conditioning shampoo if possible, and don't leave it to sit on your horse's skin for a long time.

1. Rinse your horse

Before you start the wash, be sure to curry and brush any debris from your horse's coat. Next, either start up your hose pipe or fill a bucket with moderately warm water so the wash will be comfortable. Then, you can begin to rinse the coat with the hose or apply water with a sponge for a pre-rinse. Start at the feet and work upwards and outwards, taking care to avoid the head. You can then apply water to the underside of their body, under the tail, and between the legs, before finally wetting the mane and tail.

2. Lather your horse

Now, we can create the shampoo lather. Empty your bucket if you've been using it for the rinse, and refill it with more warm water and drop in a sponge. Add shampoo and swirl until the water starts to foam to create suds, then apply the sponge to your horse's coat in a circular motion from the neck backwards, then move onto the legs and underside. Soap up a second sponge and use it for the under-tail area.

Next, you can shampoo the mane and tail. You can apply some soap to your hand and use it to work through the mane, wetting it enough to work up a lather. The easiest way to wash the tail is to dunk it in the bucket of soapy water and then work through the hairs root to tip. Lastly, get a scrubbing mitten and go over the whole body, making sure the shampoo is scrubbed in.

3. Rinse again

Following the same process described in step one, start to rinse of all the suds once they have been scrubbed in. Take care to wash away any shampoo residue from the coat, particularly the stomach and back, as leftovers can be irritating to your horse. Gently rinse the mane and tail, making sure there is no residue left behind. At this point, you may wish to add some mane and tail conditioner to your horse's mane and tail to avoid breakages and keep them soft and silky. Leave this in, whilst you finish sponging your horse's head, to get the benefit of the conditioner soaked in.

4. Wash the head

To wash your horse's head, apply some fresh warm water to a sponge and wring it out so it's not too saturated, then gently wipe down the head and face, avoiding the eyes. Repeat the process with a soapy sponge, then repeat yet again with the water sponge for a rinse. You should also rinse the mane and tail out if you have used conditioner.

5. Dry your horse

Lastly, you'll need to dry your horse. While they will of course dry out naturally, it's important to let them feel as comfortable as possible after washing. Begin by using your sweat scraper to scrape your horse's body, following the direction of hair growth from the neck backwards. This motion is very much like as if you were using a squeegee on a window and will remove most of the excess water. Use a dry sponge to absorb moisture from the legs and other delicate areas, as they're too sensitive for the scraper. You can then gently pat towel-dry the head, ears, body, and legs.

Can you please reword this sentiment: After the horse is just slightly damp, you want to let him completely dry off. First, you should walk him for about ten minutes just to get his circulation going and to warm his muscles up. After that, if it's a warm, sunny day, you can turn him out. If it's cold outside, very windy or cloudy, then put a light, breathable blanket on him and keep him inside.

How to style a horse's mane and tail for a show

When you're entering an event, dressage, or showjumping competition, one of the first things the judges and audience will notice about your horse is the look of their mane and tail. That's why many competitors put lots of effort into making sure they are conditioned and styled to perfection.

When it comes to choosing a conditioner, you can choose one that's applied and rinsed out when the hair is damp or a leave-in product that is simply combed through. Some people use a combination of both, topping up with leave-in conditioner on the night before or morning of the event.

To apply a wash conditioner, you should do so whilst washing your horse. For most products, you will comb the conditioner in from root to tail and leave it in for around 15 minutes before rinsing it out. If your horse has particularly dry hair, you will need to apply the conditioner more often. A leave-in conditioner is typically found in a spray format and can be applied after your horse has been bathed.

Lastly, you'll have the option of plaiting your horse's mane and tail for competition. This is done by many dressage riders as they think it enhances their horse's appearance, but it isn't compulsory. It's advisable to experiment with different plaits in advance of any show so you can work out if you like the look on your horse or not.

Traditionally, horses with plaited manes and tails receive an odd number of plaits, most commonly 11 or 13 to get a good length. However, bear in mind that the more you add, the longer your horse's neck will appear, so it's worth taking their body shape into account and choosing the right amount.
More questions on grooming?
Why not take a look at our recent series Alan Davies Masterclass with NAF - where super groom to the stars, Alan, takes us through some of the questions he gets asked frequently. Including mane and tail care, haynets and feeding routines.

Grooming is essential for keeping them healthy and happy and for deepening your bond. We hope this guide to horse grooming has given you a good idea about what horse grooming tools you need and how to them properly, as well as the best method.
If you would like to find out more about equestrian care and sports, you'll be happy to know we have tonnes of great programmes at Horse & Country, including training and learning videos, sports coverage, and entertainment and documentaries. Consider subscribing to our service to get access to a whole library of excellent equestrian content.

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Horse grooming 101: A guide for beginners

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When you're getting into riding, whether casually or training for shows, you will be introduced to the task of grooming a horse. This is the care routine that all riders should carry out to inspect and clean their horse on a regular basis, ensuring they're happy and healthy.

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Imagine you've entered a project in your school's science fair. The grand prize? It's a big trophy-the tallest one you've ever seen! You worked hard for weeks on your project. Finally, on the day of the science fair, you're awarded second place.

That's great! Sure, the trophy for second place is smaller, but it's nice to have your hard work recognized . You congratulate the first-place winner and are ready to head home.

But wait! You hear that the science fair judge was the parent of the kid who won first place. That doesn't sound right, does it? How could that judge be expected to choose a winner fairly? Surely they had a bias in favor of their own child!

Bias is the to believe that some people, ideas, or things are better than others. It's important to remember that everyone has biases. That's why it's necessary to be of your own biases. You need to know when they might influence a decision. Otherwise, bias can lead people to treat others unfairly.

Where does bias come from? In most cases, biases form because of the human brain's to categorize new people and new information. To learn quickly, the brain connects new people or ideas to past experiences. Once the new thing has been put into a category, the brain responds to it the same way it does to other things in that category.

Here's an example. Have you ever eaten a vegetable you didn't like? Many people have! Was it broccoli? Cauliflower? Maybe peas? Whatever it was, your brain remembers that it was a vegetable and that you didn't like it.

So, what happens when a family member puts a new vegetable on your plate? Whether it's asparagus, bell pepper, or carrots, your brain puts it in its vegetable category. And your brain remembers that you didn't like that other vegetable. It will tell you to be of this one, too. The bias you've formed will make you less excited to try it-just because it's a vegetable!

Brains do the same thing with people. They can categorize people in all sorts of ways-by race, gender, orientation, age, nationality, hair color, anything! This is how people form stereotypes . The brain puts people with similar in the same category. Then, it tries to tell you that everyone in that category must be the same.

You probably already know stereotypes can be dangerous. They can cause people to have unfair biases against people who are different from them. They can also make people less likely to seek out new experiences or listen to new ideas.

If you watched the video in today's image and video gallery, you heard testimony from World War II veteran Leon Bass. He shared his experience dealing with bias and discrimination as a Black college student after the war. Bass became the first person in his family to go to college. However, he was denied the right to live in the school's dormitory due to discrimination based on the color of his skin. The racism Bass faced is just one example of how bias can lead to unfair laws and the mistreatment of people.

Biases aren't always obvious. Most people have biases. These are unconscious attitudes that influence their feelings and actions. Becoming of biases is difficult. But it's an important step toward treating others fairly.

Remember, everyone has biases-you, your friends, and even your family members! They're formed by normal brain functions. That's why all people should work to understand their own biases. Don't let biases influence you to treat others unfairly.

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What is "Bias" and Why Do People Have It?

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Imagine you've entered a project in your school's science fair. The grand prize? It's a big trophy-the tallest one you've ever seen! You worked hard for weeks on your project. Finally, on the day of the science fair, you're awarded second place. That's great!

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The Holocaust was one of the most and terrible events in human history. It began in January 1933, when the Nazi party was elected to power in the Weimar Republic (Germany between World War I and World War II). It ended in Nazi Germany's defeat at the end of World War II in 1945.

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Have you ever heard someone call the United States "melting pot"? It's a common saying. It means America is home to many different people. In a melting pot, people with different cultures work and live side-by-side. Their differences help make the country stronger. However, the U.S. hasn't always looked much like a melting pot.

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Have you been WONDERing with us for a while? If so, you may already know a thing or two about climate change. Maybe you've read about the effects of fossil fuels. Maybe you've learned about your own carbon footprint. Perhaps you've even found yourself asking: Is there a way to carbon ?

When people talk about carbon in the atmosphere, they're referring to carbon dioxide. That's a gas that traps heat and keeps it close to the Earth. While this is important for keeping the planet warm enough for life, too much carbon is a problem. It contributes to rising temperatures and other climate issues.

Many everyday activities cause carbon . Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have created a great deal of carbon. Today, nearly a third of carbon are caused by transportation. Other top causes are electricity, agriculture , and industry.

In recent decades, humans have worked hard to slow carbon . They've built wind farms and electric cars. People have driven less, switched to LED bulbs, and used less electricity at home. However, experts still say it isn't enough.

How can we the worst impacts of climate change? Most experts believe humans need to some of the damage that's already been done. That means finding a way to absorb carbon from the atmosphere. Luckily, there are already a few of doing so.

One way to remove carbon from the atmosphere is to better care for Earth's forests. Trees are major consumers of carbon dioxide due to photosynthesis. However, many have been lost to deforestation . By restoring forests, humans can remove some carbon from the air.

Farms and gardens can also make a difference by adding carbon to soil. Practices like using and planting cover crops can help with this. Scientists are also working to develop plants that grow deeper roots. This would make crops more to drought and more likely to add carbon to the soil.

Another solution lies in developing technology that can remove carbon from the air. It's called direct air capture (DAC). This involves creating machines that can scrub carbon from the atmosphere and store it for use elsewhere. The stored carbon could be used in farming and gardening. It may also be used to create new rocks or .

Technology similar to DAC is already in use. It's called BECCS (bio-energy with carbon capture and storage). Instead of removing carbon from the air, though, it captures the gas at the source. BECCS catches carbon from industry and transportation and stores it for future use.

Most experts say that both removing carbon from the air and cutting practices that cause are necessary. If humans are able to do so, they may the worst effects of climate change.

What do you think? Which of these solutions sound most promising? Stopping climate change requires many people to work together. Perhaps you have an idea of your own!

NGSS.ESS3.D, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.SL.4, CCRA.L.1, CCRA.W.3, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.L.2

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Have you been WONDERing with us for a while? If so, you may already know a thing or two about climate change. Maybe you've read about the effects of fossil fuels. Maybe you've learned about your own carbon footprint. Perhaps you've even found yourself asking: Is there a way to carbon ?

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Saving wildlife, together

As human populations grow on our planet, wildlife everywhere is under increasing threat of extinction.

Perth Zoo exists to protect endangered species and to reconnect people to nature. In a very meaningful way, the animal residents at Perth Zoo are inspiring ambassadors for wildlife in need of preservation everywhere. And, every time you come and visit the animals in our care, you are helping to support the vital conservation work we do.

Breeding for Conservation

Zoos are uniquely positioned to establish thriving breeding programs with the animals in our care - for release to the wild or to maintain genetic diversity within zoo insurance populations.

Research

Perth Zoo has fostered research for decades. We collaborate with various universities and external researchers to increase collective knowledge of the natural world.

Veterinary Services

You may not see the work of the veterinary department when you visit Perth Zoo but it plays a very important role behind the scenes.

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Saving wildlife, together As human populations grow on our planet, wildlife everywhere is under increasing threat of extinction. Perth Zoo exists to protect endangered species and to reconnect people to nature. In a very meaningful way, the animal residents at Perth Zoo are inspiring ambassadors for wildlife in need of preservation everywhere.

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Will Men and Women Ever Be Paid the Same in Sport? | Good Morning Britain

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🇺🇸 US women's football team players sue over gender discrimination | Al Jazeera English

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Fungi: Why Mushrooms Are Awesome | Biology for Kids

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Research News
Russell Shor, GIA

Artisanal miners work a deposit near Ghana's Birim River.

Akwatia, Ghana, is a town built by diamonds. Rows of low, corrugated rooftops branch out from the old town center. On the outskirts, where the small-scale farms begin, an occasional mansion rises beside the highway. Some of these mansions are owned by the lucky ones-diggers who found a cache of large diamonds. Most belong to the concession holders who take a cut from the finds of thegalamsey, the local name for artisanal diggers who work the river banks.

A half century ago, Akwatia was one of the most productive diamond spots on the planet. Diamonds were discovered at the nearby Birim River in 1920, when the nation was a British colony called the Gold Coast. By the end of that decade, production neared a million carats yearly, doubling by 1935.

View Gallery

The Birim River remained one of the world's most productive sources through Ghana's independence in 1957, until the late 1970s when the richest areas were mined out and the aging mining equipment was unable to efficiently process smaller, lower-quality stones. Today, that is most of what the artisanal diggers recover: Of the 301,000 carats mined and exported each year, the vast majority are darker stones smaller than 0.10 ct.

In the late 1980s, the government allowed the small-scale miners to work areas along the 40-mile diamond-bearing stretch of the Birim River, an area unsuitable for mechanized mining. While some miners have registered, in compliance with government requirements, about 75% have not.

In 2012, an investor group announced a $100 million plan to revive mechanized mining at Birim River. Still, the government and investors have pledged to maintain concessions for the artisanal diggers who now sustain the economic life of the region.

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Research News Russell Shor, GIA Akwatia, Ghana, is a town built by diamonds. Rows of low, corrugated rooftops branch out from the old town center. On the outskirts, where the small-scale farms begin, an occasional mansion rises beside the highway. Some of these mansions are owned by the lucky ones-diggers who found a cache of large diamonds.

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Obuasi, GhanaKwaku Asare grabbed his machete and trekked through the bush to his cocoa farm-through winding pathways and hills, past ominous pits of muddy water, and underneath the low-hanging canopy of dried cocoa leaves. But the trees were bare. A few rotting cocoa pods littered the ground, while other stunted pods refused to ripen on the branches.

"When the Chinese came, they told me that my plants were not yielding anymore because there was so much gold under the soil," Asare said. After a few years of low production, he sold his 14 acres to a group of small-scale gold miners, also called galamsey miners, with a Chinese sponsor. The money is gone now and Asare's land is poisoned.

Kwaku Asare's story is not uncommon in Denkyira Asikuma, a small farming village nestled amongst cocoa plantations outside of Dunkwa in Ghana's Central region. At least 30 cocoa farmers in the village have sold their land to miners who quickly excavated, pumped in water and chemicals, and abandoned their pits when the work was done or when soldiers chased them away.

Gold mining has always been a part of Ghana, from the ornate jewelry of the Ashanti kings to British colonization. In the last several years, however, largely unregulated galamsey mining has ramped up-due in part to Chinese investors who bring sophisticated equipment and a lagging economy that makes the prospect of striking gold too sweet to pass. These often illegal operations can result in contaminated water, deforestation, and a rise in violent crime. ( Learn more about the real price of gold.)

Illegal gold mining in Ghana further exacerbates a volatile cocoa market. In 2014, experts predicted a global cocoa shortage by 2020. However, cocoa production statistics have been unpredictable since then, according to the most recent data from the 2015-16 growing season. That year, there was a cocoa surplus, attributed to a prolonged rainy season. Recently, the price of the bean has plummeted to historic lows on global commodity exchanges- negatively impacting the profits of West African cocoa farmers.

In 2011, Ghana produced a record-setting amount of cocoa, weighing in at over one million tonnes. Since then, as illegal mining steadily ramped up, cocoa production has trended downwards, with a drop to 740,000 tonnes in 2015.

"Galamsey is the biggest threat to cocoa production," Pomasi Ismael, the chairman of a cocoa buyers collective, told local media recently.

Several other factors have been blamed for the volatile nature of the cocoa market, most notably climate change, which can usher in an extremely dry season one year and excessive rain the next. Deforestation from illegal gold mining may speed up such effects.

Gold and cocoa are both integral parts of Ghana's economy and national identity, yet the two resources' coexistence has contradictions. Cocoa was first planted in Ghana in the 1870s, and the former Gold Coast colony became the largest exporter of the chocolate-making beans for the next century, until neighboring Ivory Coast surpassed them. Two decades after the arrival of cocoa, the legal Obuasi gold mine was founded. Closely regulated, the big industrial operation transformed a small Ashanti village into a cosmopolitan city with tennis courts and golf clubs. For decades, miners toiled underground in the sprawling complex. Today, the mine is no longer producing gold and galamsey miners have quickly filled the void, wiping away cocoa farms in their path.

Ghana's government has struggled to balance the economic boon of small-scale mining with environmental and safety protections. The Small-Scale Gold Mining Act of 1989 implemented a system for obtaining small-scale mining licenses. These initial galamsey workers were groups of nine or less artisanal miners working by hand to dig, pan, and wash gold. In 2006, an updated law stipulated that only Ghanaian citizens could receive mining licenses and required permits from the country's Environmental Protection Agency and Forestry Commission. Although some small-scale mining operations therefore do have legal permits, many of them don't, and many partake in illegal activities such as employing foreigners or crews of hundreds, using mercury, or using heavy machinery. To many in the country, the term galamsey has thus now become synonymous with criminality.

The Conflict's Ground Zero

The single-lane highway from Obuasi to Dunkwa is lined on both sides with a string of excavating machines and gold-washing outposts. Immediately after passing the town's tollbooth, signs advertising gold dealers and mining equipment-in both English and Chinese-crowd the streets, vastly outnumbering the fading billboards for cocoa fertilizer.

Dunkwa sits on the Offin River, a tributary of the Pra River, which is one of the largest river systems in Ghana. In the last few years, these water bodies have turned an alarming yellow color, due to chemical wastewater from illegal gold mining, unrecognizable from their former resilient blue.

The area covered by the Pra River Basin-including parts of Ghana's Central, Western, and Ashanti regions-is the country's cocoa heartland. It also holds the highest concentration of gold deposits. Ghana is the world's second largest cocoa exporter, contributing 20 percent of the world's supply. More than 70 percent of cocoa beans come from West Africa.

It's unlikely that Kwaku Asare's cocoa farm was spoiled due to the gold underneath its soil, as the miners claimed. It's much more likely that his cocoa crops were negatively affected by the increase of galamsey activities in the area, which can poison waterways with heavy metals and chemicals like lead, mercury, and cyanide, as well as unpredictable rainy and dry seasons attributed to climate change.

The Mercury Connection

Over 5,000 people work at the Adumanu galamsey site, most of them without legal permits, according to Joseph Owusu Sekyere, who owns several pits. Just a few miles outside of Obuasi, the yellow holes filled with brackish water are ubiquitous.

Massive amounts of stones are crushed into sand and washed at these sites, which take water from nearby river systems and deposit wastewater back into them.

"We use mercury to get the gold," Sekyere said. "I've heard of people using cyanide and other chemicals to process stones, too."

In 2014, Ghana was one of 18 countries to sign the Minamata Convention on Mercury at the UN General Assembly, with the intention of minimizing mercury exposure to the population. However, mercury use in galamsey mining continues. The Minerals Commission of Ghana focuses on maintaining the environmental standards of larger companies, while small-scale operations often fall through the cracks. Last year, the government declared a "war on galamsey"-arresting a few miners and making showy displays of destroying some equipment-but many operations continue.

Mercury exposure is especially harmful to children and teenagers, who often work at galamsey sites and handle the liquid metal with their bare hands. Mercury poisoning also affects people who live near galamsey sites through drinking water and fish consumption. Neurological disorders are associated with mercury poisoning, and it is particularly harmful to pregnant women. Additionally, it can wipe out entire plant populations and stunt crop growth, including cocoa.

Years ago, urban residents traveled to the villages surrounding Obuasi and Dunkwa for fresh fish and bountiful produce. Nowadays, people in Obuasi say many villagers are forced to come to town to buy food because they can't sustain their farms.

Deadly Work

Further into the galamsey site at Adumanu, past a makeshift market and through a forest, the landscape is pockmarked with holes. They are less than three feet wide but stretch up to 2,000 feet into the belly of the Earth. The dangers of mercury poisoning are often not the most immediate concerns here.

"The first day I went underground I thought that I wouldn't come out again. I cried the whole time," said Boakye Andrews, a galamsey miner. "Look at it this way: 10 or 15 MTN poles [cellphone towers] stuck on top of each other. That's how deep we go."

Five hundred or more workers descend into the Adumanu pits daily. They chisel stones and bring up heavy sacks through an assembly line. Some workers stay underground for a few days, others for over a month, bringing along water, rice, and cooking oil. Frequently, galamsey workers die underground due to flooding or unsafe use of dynamite.

"Anytime somebody dies [underground], the person will blast into pieces," Andrews said. "If you are about 20 and five die on the spot, you still keep on working because the gold has to come up to the surface. So you ignore the accident and keep working. He's dead. You can't do anything about it."

Although news reports of galamsey accidents, often with fatalities in the teens, were frequent throughout last year, the true death toll remains unknown. In 2010, one mining accident near Dunkwa killed an estimated 150 miners. Most deaths are not officially recorded because family members are ashamed or worried about prosecution.

Andrews started working in galamsey when he was 19, almost a decade ago, but was raised with mining long before that. His father worked at the big Obuasi mine, then called AngloGold Ashanti, in its heyday. He passed away when Andrews was eight years old.

"I grew up in Obuasi," he said. "When I was young, every time I saw them doing this galamsey work I said ah...what's wrong with them? When it came to my turn, I realized that it wasn't their fault, because they were not getting help from anywhere."

Violent Occupation

The Obuasi mine, which has changed ownership several times since its founding in 1897, has always been the lifeblood of the city. Until the late 2000s, Obuasi was one of the most affluent towns in Ghana, boasting a sports club with swimming pool, tennis courts, and cricket pitch, as well as a first-class hospital and school-all funded privately by the mine. The town was cosmopolitan and diverse. The children of European mine workers attended the same schools as Ghanaians.

Young people like Andrews had always assumed they would work for the company in some capacity, just as their parents did. However, in 2014, AngloGold Ashanti suspended gold production in Obuasi due to financial constraints, laying off more than 90 percent of its workforce and spending $210 million on severance packages. The entire economy of the city fell into decline. Signaling a possible upturn, this winter, AngloGold Ashanti announced that they would resume gold production at the Obuasi mine in 2019. But there is a steep climb to rebuild Obuasi's former economic glory.

In the time since the mine's decline, some former miners turned their skills to galamsey work, even if they couldn't secure legal permits. One example is Owusu Sekyere, the pit owner at Adumanu, who had worked for AngloGold for over 20 years.

In January 2016, illegal miners stormed the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine, capturing control of the intricate tunnel network that snakes under the city, a mile below the surface. On the second day of the incursion, an AngloGold senior manager was killed. The Army was eventually called in, which clashed with the miners for weeks. By the end of the occupation, at least 175 galamsey miners had died.

"It's common knowledge in the country... we all know that the illegal mining activity has been on the increase," said Eric Asubonteng, the managing director of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine.

While AngloGold Ashanti's mining activities were under strict regulations from Ghana's EPA and Minerals Commission, illegal miners often go unregulated, he said.

"Our impact on the environment is not something we should be putting in the same box or bracket as the illegal miners," Asubonteng said. He added that even water discharged from the underground mine has to get treated. "But we don't have any way or any approach to regulate the illegal miners. Then all our efforts come to nil."

In the course of their occupation, illegal miners damaged water treatment and electrical infrastructure in AngloGold's Obuasi mine, setting them back at least a year in feasibility studies and much further in terms of investor confidence, according to Asubonteng. This was critical at a time when the mine was looking for new investors to resume full operations-which could help revive the economy in Obuasi.

A month after the invasion, AngloGold Ashanti surrendered 60 percent of its land concession to the government of Ghana. Some of that land, already identified to be rich in gold, was officially leased to galamsey miners in an effort to regulate their operations. It remains unclear how environmental regulations are being followed on these newly legal sites, although anecdotal evidence suggests bribes may be favored over inspections.

Looking Ahead

Meanwhile, members of COCOBOD, Ghana's government-owned singular cocoa exporter, and cocoa farmer unions have publicly criticized galamsey as the single biggest threat to cocoa farming in the country. They point out that cocoa exports have long been closely tied to the country's economic status, so much so that cocoa beans are emblazoned on its currency.

"What's happening in terms of illegal mining in Ghana-let's think beyond Obuasi-is something that if we are not careful will get to a point that we will lose it totally," Asubonteng said. "The damage caused by illegal miners in terms of environment, in terms of child labor, in terms of the impact on health of communities, the impact of law and order is significant.

"It has already impacted us, it's not something we'll have to wait till ten years before we see the impact."

Ghana's galamsey crisis has yet to affect global chocolate prices in a noticeable way, but the future implications may be seen in the current reality of Kwaku Asare's cocoa farm. His 14 acres of once-vibrant cocoa trees, and that of at least 30 farmers in his village and exponentially more farmers in the region, have been replaced with scars on the Earth.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Ghana's Illegal Galamsey Gold Mining Affecting Cocoa Farmers, Chocolate Supply

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Obuasi, GhanaKwaku Asare grabbed his machete and trekked through the bush to his cocoa farm-through winding pathways and hills, past ominous pits of muddy water, and underneath the low-hanging canopy of dried cocoa leaves. But the trees were bare. A few rotting cocoa pods littered the ground, while other stunted pods refused to ripen on the branches.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Obuasi, GhanaKwaku Asare grabbed his machete and trekked through the bush to his cocoa farm-through winding pathways and hills, past ominous pits of muddy water, and underneath the low-hanging canopy of dried cocoa leaves. But the trees were bare. A few rotting cocoa pods littered the ground, while other stunted pods refused to ripen on the branches.

"When the Chinese came, they told me that my plants were not yielding anymore because there was so much gold under the soil," Asare said. After a few years of low production, he sold his 14 acres to a group of small-scale gold miners, also called galamsey miners, with a Chinese sponsor. The money is gone now and Asare's land is poisoned.

Kwaku Asare's story is not uncommon in Denkyira Asikuma, a small farming village nestled amongst cocoa plantations outside of Dunkwa in Ghana's Central region. At least 30 cocoa farmers in the village have sold their land to miners who quickly excavated, pumped in water and chemicals, and abandoned their pits when the work was done or when soldiers chased them away.

Gold mining has always been a part of Ghana, from the ornate jewelry of the Ashanti kings to British colonization. In the last several years, however, largely unregulated galamsey mining has ramped up-due in part to Chinese investors who bring sophisticated equipment and a lagging economy that makes the prospect of striking gold too sweet to pass. These often illegal operations can result in contaminated water, deforestation, and a rise in violent crime. ( Learn more about the real price of gold.)

Illegal gold mining in Ghana further exacerbates a volatile cocoa market. In 2014, experts predicted a global cocoa shortage by 2020. However, cocoa production statistics have been unpredictable since then, according to the most recent data from the 2015-16 growing season. That year, there was a cocoa surplus, attributed to a prolonged rainy season. Recently, the price of the bean has plummeted to historic lows on global commodity exchanges- negatively impacting the profits of West African cocoa farmers.

In 2011, Ghana produced a record-setting amount of cocoa, weighing in at over one million tonnes. Since then, as illegal mining steadily ramped up, cocoa production has trended downwards, with a drop to 740,000 tonnes in 2015.

"Galamsey is the biggest threat to cocoa production," Pomasi Ismael, the chairman of a cocoa buyers collective, told local media recently.

Several other factors have been blamed for the volatile nature of the cocoa market, most notably climate change, which can usher in an extremely dry season one year and excessive rain the next. Deforestation from illegal gold mining may speed up such effects.

Gold and cocoa are both integral parts of Ghana's economy and national identity, yet the two resources' coexistence has contradictions. Cocoa was first planted in Ghana in the 1870s, and the former Gold Coast colony became the largest exporter of the chocolate-making beans for the next century, until neighboring Ivory Coast surpassed them. Two decades after the arrival of cocoa, the legal Obuasi gold mine was founded. Closely regulated, the big industrial operation transformed a small Ashanti village into a cosmopolitan city with tennis courts and golf clubs. For decades, miners toiled underground in the sprawling complex. Today, the mine is no longer producing gold and galamsey miners have quickly filled the void, wiping away cocoa farms in their path.

Ghana's government has struggled to balance the economic boon of small-scale mining with environmental and safety protections. The Small-Scale Gold Mining Act of 1989 implemented a system for obtaining small-scale mining licenses. These initial galamsey workers were groups of nine or less artisanal miners working by hand to dig, pan, and wash gold. In 2006, an updated law stipulated that only Ghanaian citizens could receive mining licenses and required permits from the country's Environmental Protection Agency and Forestry Commission. Although some small-scale mining operations therefore do have legal permits, many of them don't, and many partake in illegal activities such as employing foreigners or crews of hundreds, using mercury, or using heavy machinery. To many in the country, the term galamsey has thus now become synonymous with criminality.

The Conflict's Ground Zero

The single-lane highway from Obuasi to Dunkwa is lined on both sides with a string of excavating machines and gold-washing outposts. Immediately after passing the town's tollbooth, signs advertising gold dealers and mining equipment-in both English and Chinese-crowd the streets, vastly outnumbering the fading billboards for cocoa fertilizer.

Dunkwa sits on the Offin River, a tributary of the Pra River, which is one of the largest river systems in Ghana. In the last few years, these water bodies have turned an alarming yellow color, due to chemical wastewater from illegal gold mining, unrecognizable from their former resilient blue.

The area covered by the Pra River Basin-including parts of Ghana's Central, Western, and Ashanti regions-is the country's cocoa heartland. It also holds the highest concentration of gold deposits. Ghana is the world's second largest cocoa exporter, contributing 20 percent of the world's supply. More than 70 percent of cocoa beans come from West Africa.

It's unlikely that Kwaku Asare's cocoa farm was spoiled due to the gold underneath its soil, as the miners claimed. It's much more likely that his cocoa crops were negatively affected by the increase of galamsey activities in the area, which can poison waterways with heavy metals and chemicals like lead, mercury, and cyanide, as well as unpredictable rainy and dry seasons attributed to climate change.

The Mercury Connection

Over 5,000 people work at the Adumanu galamsey site, most of them without legal permits, according to Joseph Owusu Sekyere, who owns several pits. Just a few miles outside of Obuasi, the yellow holes filled with brackish water are ubiquitous.

Massive amounts of stones are crushed into sand and washed at these sites, which take water from nearby river systems and deposit wastewater back into them.

"We use mercury to get the gold," Sekyere said. "I've heard of people using cyanide and other chemicals to process stones, too."

In 2014, Ghana was one of 18 countries to sign the Minamata Convention on Mercury at the UN General Assembly, with the intention of minimizing mercury exposure to the population. However, mercury use in galamsey mining continues. The Minerals Commission of Ghana focuses on maintaining the environmental standards of larger companies, while small-scale operations often fall through the cracks. Last year, the government declared a "war on galamsey"-arresting a few miners and making showy displays of destroying some equipment-but many operations continue.

Mercury exposure is especially harmful to children and teenagers, who often work at galamsey sites and handle the liquid metal with their bare hands. Mercury poisoning also affects people who live near galamsey sites through drinking water and fish consumption. Neurological disorders are associated with mercury poisoning, and it is particularly harmful to pregnant women. Additionally, it can wipe out entire plant populations and stunt crop growth, including cocoa.

Years ago, urban residents traveled to the villages surrounding Obuasi and Dunkwa for fresh fish and bountiful produce. Nowadays, people in Obuasi say many villagers are forced to come to town to buy food because they can't sustain their farms.

Deadly Work

Further into the galamsey site at Adumanu, past a makeshift market and through a forest, the landscape is pockmarked with holes. They are less than three feet wide but stretch up to 2,000 feet into the belly of the Earth. The dangers of mercury poisoning are often not the most immediate concerns here.

"The first day I went underground I thought that I wouldn't come out again. I cried the whole time," said Boakye Andrews, a galamsey miner. "Look at it this way: 10 or 15 MTN poles [cellphone towers] stuck on top of each other. That's how deep we go."

Five hundred or more workers descend into the Adumanu pits daily. They chisel stones and bring up heavy sacks through an assembly line. Some workers stay underground for a few days, others for over a month, bringing along water, rice, and cooking oil. Frequently, galamsey workers die underground due to flooding or unsafe use of dynamite.

"Anytime somebody dies [underground], the person will blast into pieces," Andrews said. "If you are about 20 and five die on the spot, you still keep on working because the gold has to come up to the surface. So you ignore the accident and keep working. He's dead. You can't do anything about it."

Although news reports of galamsey accidents, often with fatalities in the teens, were frequent throughout last year, the true death toll remains unknown. In 2010, one mining accident near Dunkwa killed an estimated 150 miners. Most deaths are not officially recorded because family members are ashamed or worried about prosecution.

Andrews started working in galamsey when he was 19, almost a decade ago, but was raised with mining long before that. His father worked at the big Obuasi mine, then called AngloGold Ashanti, in its heyday. He passed away when Andrews was eight years old.

"I grew up in Obuasi," he said. "When I was young, every time I saw them doing this galamsey work I said ah...what's wrong with them? When it came to my turn, I realized that it wasn't their fault, because they were not getting help from anywhere."

Violent Occupation

The Obuasi mine, which has changed ownership several times since its founding in 1897, has always been the lifeblood of the city. Until the late 2000s, Obuasi was one of the most affluent towns in Ghana, boasting a sports club with swimming pool, tennis courts, and cricket pitch, as well as a first-class hospital and school-all funded privately by the mine. The town was cosmopolitan and diverse. The children of European mine workers attended the same schools as Ghanaians.

Young people like Andrews had always assumed they would work for the company in some capacity, just as their parents did. However, in 2014, AngloGold Ashanti suspended gold production in Obuasi due to financial constraints, laying off more than 90 percent of its workforce and spending $210 million on severance packages. The entire economy of the city fell into decline. Signaling a possible upturn, this winter, AngloGold Ashanti announced that they would resume gold production at the Obuasi mine in 2019. But there is a steep climb to rebuild Obuasi's former economic glory.

In the time since the mine's decline, some former miners turned their skills to galamsey work, even if they couldn't secure legal permits. One example is Owusu Sekyere, the pit owner at Adumanu, who had worked for AngloGold for over 20 years.

In January 2016, illegal miners stormed the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine, capturing control of the intricate tunnel network that snakes under the city, a mile below the surface. On the second day of the incursion, an AngloGold senior manager was killed. The Army was eventually called in, which clashed with the miners for weeks. By the end of the occupation, at least 175 galamsey miners had died.

"It's common knowledge in the country... we all know that the illegal mining activity has been on the increase," said Eric Asubonteng, the managing director of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine.

While AngloGold Ashanti's mining activities were under strict regulations from Ghana's EPA and Minerals Commission, illegal miners often go unregulated, he said.

"Our impact on the environment is not something we should be putting in the same box or bracket as the illegal miners," Asubonteng said. He added that even water discharged from the underground mine has to get treated. "But we don't have any way or any approach to regulate the illegal miners. Then all our efforts come to nil."

In the course of their occupation, illegal miners damaged water treatment and electrical infrastructure in AngloGold's Obuasi mine, setting them back at least a year in feasibility studies and much further in terms of investor confidence, according to Asubonteng. This was critical at a time when the mine was looking for new investors to resume full operations-which could help revive the economy in Obuasi.

A month after the invasion, AngloGold Ashanti surrendered 60 percent of its land concession to the government of Ghana. Some of that land, already identified to be rich in gold, was officially leased to galamsey miners in an effort to regulate their operations. It remains unclear how environmental regulations are being followed on these newly legal sites, although anecdotal evidence suggests bribes may be favored over inspections.

Looking Ahead

Meanwhile, members of COCOBOD, Ghana's government-owned singular cocoa exporter, and cocoa farmer unions have publicly criticized galamsey as the single biggest threat to cocoa farming in the country. They point out that cocoa exports have long been closely tied to the country's economic status, so much so that cocoa beans are emblazoned on its currency.

"What's happening in terms of illegal mining in Ghana-let's think beyond Obuasi-is something that if we are not careful will get to a point that we will lose it totally," Asubonteng said. "The damage caused by illegal miners in terms of environment, in terms of child labor, in terms of the impact on health of communities, the impact of law and order is significant.

"It has already impacted us, it's not something we'll have to wait till ten years before we see the impact."

Ghana's galamsey crisis has yet to affect global chocolate prices in a noticeable way, but the future implications may be seen in the current reality of Kwaku Asare's cocoa farm. His 14 acres of once-vibrant cocoa trees, and that of at least 30 farmers in his village and exponentially more farmers in the region, have been replaced with scars on the Earth.

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Ghana's Illegal Galamsey Gold Mining Affecting Cocoa Farmers, Chocolate Supply

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Obuasi, GhanaKwaku Asare grabbed his machete and trekked through the bush to his cocoa farm-through winding pathways and hills, past ominous pits of muddy water, and underneath the low-hanging canopy of dried cocoa leaves. But the trees were bare. A few rotting cocoa pods littered the ground, while other stunted pods refused to ripen on the branches.

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Four new crew members arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on March 3. They'll do six months of research. The crew is made up of scientists. They're from the United States, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sultan al-Neyadi is just the second person from the UAE to go to space. The four join 11 other people on the ISS.

The SpaceX capsule took off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on March 2. Docking was delayed for an hour. There was a problem with the capsule's docking hooks. The capsule hovered 65 feet from the ISS. Flight controllers had to make a software fix.

"I can't be happier than this, seeing old friends in space, gathering as a big family," al-Neyadi said, entering the station. "This is the essence of space exploration."

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Four new crew members arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on March 3. They'll do six months of research. The crew is made up of scientists. They're from the United States, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sultan...

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Sports have always been the ultimate unifier - transcending geographic borders, rising above partisan politics and enabling multiple audiences (and generations) to find alignment - the little-known secret behind this global unifier? Technology.

Technology influences how athletes train and compete, how fans engage and consume content and how world-class venues are constructed. Technology has been quietly transforming the world of sports for years, with investment in areas like esports continuing to rise, surpassing a total of $2.5 billion in VC funding in 2018 - and some estimates predicting the sports tech sector will reach $30 billion by 2024.

With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics less than a year away, a massive amount of investment and innovation are pouring into the sports technology industry ahead of this globally unifying event. But which technologies are making the biggest impact? Where are investors placing their bets? Which sports are at the forefront of the technology revolution and which factors are holding the industry back?

In an attempt to pull the curtain back on the sports tech industry, we conducted a survey, The Current State of Sports Technology, of industry experts, including investors, founders and professionals from teams, leagues and media properties, to answer these very questions. Below you'll find some key takeaways from our findings, pointing to the areas we believe the industry is headed in the year to come.

Fan engagement technologies, including live streaming and esports, are set to make the largest impact on sports in the next 12 months

When asked about which technologies would make the biggest impact on the sports industry in the next 12 months, an overwhelming 78% selected fan engagement technologies, such as live streaming, esports and content platforms, compared to technologies related to athlete performance (16%) and stadium experience (6%). Respondents also believe that this will hold true for the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

"Anticipating the next fan engagement trend is critical, whether you're a team, brand or media company," says Tom Masterman, global head of Publisher Sales at Genius Sports Media, a leading provider of sports data and technology solutions. "Tokyo 2020 will be a make-or-break event for startups as well as incumbent technologies."

Having worked on two Olympics at previous digital media companies, Masterman is aware of how quickly the Games come and go. "Among the questions that will keep many of us up at night include, 'Will fans adopt my tech? Is my sponsorship integration a good experience? Did I choose the right channel partners?' "

Top three technologies for investment: Media and content-related platforms; measurement platforms for data, analytics and biometrics; and esports

From an investment perspective, media and content-related platforms, esports and measurement platforms for data, analytics and biometrics were among the top three areas of interest. Other notable areas include athlete tech and performance optimization, in-venue technology, gambling and gaming and recovery health and home fitness. This is a powerful indication of where venture capital funding focus is trending, given that more than 50% of respondents, coming from a wide array of areas in the industry, identified themselves as investors.

"As investors, we see cyclicality in every industry except sports, which has the biggest consumer ecosystem. Sports had been a very traditional industry powered by legacy tech, but now with the advent of streaming, sports content media distribution is decentralized via social media platforms," says Gayatri Sarkar, managing partner at Hype Capital, who offered her take on this investment trend. "The sports market has the opportunity to be a multitrillion-dollar ecosystem with technological advances such as 5G, digital collectible trading and the rise of esports, which will fuel new market and social behavior.As the infusion of deep tech continues in smart venue, gambling, performance biometrics and many more sub verticals where data is the engine, we'll naturally see more and more deep tech investors entering the sports investment landscape."

Basketball and esports are at the forefront of technology

While esports is a likely leader in the use of technology, with 79% of respondents placing it in the top three category, basketball remains the top pick, with 87% placing the traditional sport at the forefront of innovation.

As a former NBA-er*, this comes as no big surprise. The league has always been known as a thought-leader in technology and innovation, and their dominance is what is driving the sport's tech-savvy DNA on a global level.

When talking to Tom Hunt, EVP, Business Operations at the Sacramento Kings about his take on innovation in the NBA, he placed technology as a top priority. "Golden 1 Center is one of the most technologically advanced and connected indoor arenas in the world, and serves as our 21 st Century communal fireplace," said Hunt. "We've been at the forefront of leveraging technologies such as AI, AR, blockchain and esports (Kings Guard Gaming/NBA 2K) to deepen connections to our brands while customizing and personalizing frictionless fan experiences remains core to our mission."

That being said, I'd make a bet that baseball-related technology will catch up very quickly. We've seen several startups currently working with baseball clubs - enhancing everything from a player's cognitive reactions to the ways in which your food is delivered to you at ballparks.

What's holding back sports tech adoption?

Respondents cited several factors holding back sports technology adoption, with the top three reasons, similar to many non-traditional technology sectors, being unqualified decision makers, risk aversion and cost.

While there's plenty of blame to go around (and everyone can assume a degree of responsibility), startups in the space need to validate their business model outside of a core sports stakeholder. They need to realize revenue from more than just sports teams, leagues and properties - organizations that have historically reinforced the leading responses to this question. More importantly, relationships with these audiences require long sales cycles and traditionally represent "cents on the dollar" in comparison to partnerships with other industry (e.g. brands) and non-industry (e.g. military, retail, airline, etc.) opportunities.

Parting thoughts

The sports tech industry has and continues to suffer from massive amounts of fragmentation. Whether it be by geography, industry area of focus or funding stage, sports tech startups are missing the community that it has enabled others to realize.

There is a historic opportunity to bring this community together, and when we do, the legacy that we create will be one of continued growth and opportunity - perpetuating the current influx of capital into the space and reinforcing the notion that sports are truly the ultimate unifier.
*I worked for the NBA for more than four years in Global Business Development.

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The future of sports tech: Here's where investors are placing their bets

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Sports have always been the ultimate unifier - transcending geographic borders, rising above partisan politics and enabling multiple audiences (and generations) to find alignment - the little-known secret behind this global unifier? Technology. Technology influences how athletes train and compete, how fans engage and consume content and how world-class venues are constructed.

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James Webb Telescope, traveling with a telescope

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James Webb Telescope, traveling with a telescope

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Astronomers Can See The Light Of The Big Bang: James Webb's Unbelievable Mission | Peekaboo Kidz

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Life Inside The International Space Station

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Satellites traveling in space, collecting information

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Satellites traveling in space, collecting information

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Sixty-six years ago, there was one human-built object in Earth's orbit: Sputnik, the world's first satellite. It was launched in October 1957. Try to guess how many human-made objects are circling the planet now. Ready?

The answer is 100 trillion. That's the number provided by a team of researchers writing in the journal Science. For years, a mass of junk orbiting Earth has been growing. It's a danger to spacecraft.

The researchers are calling for a global treaty treaty an official agreement between countries or parties (noun) My sister and I made a peace treaty and promised to quit fighting. . It would limit the amount of junk in space. Only a "legally binding treaty," they say, can "protect Earth's orbit."

SPACE FRONTIERS/ARCHIVE PHOTOS/HULTON ARCHIVE/GETTY IMAGES

High-Speed Danger

There are 9,000 active satellites in orbit, the scientists report. That could grow to more than 60,000 by 2030. The rest of that 100 trillion figure includes all kinds of junk: old booster rockets, bolts, metal flecks, and paint chips.

A tiny piece of debris can travel 17,500 miles per hour in space. The International Space Station is dotted with dents. Astronauts often take shelter in an attached spacecraft to wait out a passing swarm of space debris. If the station is severely damaged, they can bail out in a hurry.

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All of this debris will eventually fall toward Earth. It'll burn up in the atmosphere. But we're replacing the junk more quickly than it's falling.

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Finding a Fix

We've made a mess in space. It's a lot like the mess we've made in the oceans. Think of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It's a mass of floating junk twice the size of Texas. But we've had centuries to foul the oceans. It has taken just decades for us to do the same in space.

That's why the Science authors include experts in ocean plastic pollution. Heather Koldewey is a marine biologist. She works at the Zoological Society of London. She says cleaning up space has a lot in common "with the challenges of tackling environmental issues in the ocean."

ARNE DEDERT-PICTURE ALLIANCE/GETTY IMAGES

Koldewey and her coauthors see hope for space. They look to the effort to clean up the oceans. In March 2022, 170 countries signed a global plastics treaty at the United Nations. This was an agreement to dump less plastic in the oceans. There could be similar rules for how much debris a launch can create. Old satellites could be taken out of space. And technologies could be developed for cleaning up the rubbish. (See "Trash Collector.")

Coauthor Moriba Jah is an aerospace engineering professor. He works at the University of Texas at Austin. "Marine debris and space debris," he writes, are both a human-made "detriment detriment damage; harm (noun) Nutritionists say eating too much sugar is a detriment to our health. that is avoidable."

Trash Collector

DREW FEUSTEL-JSC

In 2018, scientists on the International Space Station tested the RemoveDebris satellite. In this picture, robotic arms push the device into space. It measures about three feet on each side. It uses a 3D camera. This tracks the location and speed of floating debris. The satellite fires a net to capture the junk. Then the junk falls and burns up in the Earth's atmosphere.

The test was a success. It might have brought the world a step closer to a safer orbit.

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Sixty-six years ago, there was one human-built object in Earth's orbit: Sputnik, the world's first satellite. It was launched in October 1957. Try to guess how many human-made objects are circling the planet now. Ready? The answer is 100 trillion....

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On April 20, SpaceX launched its first test flight of Starship, the biggest rocket ever built. The 400-foot-tall ship took off from a spaceport in southern Texas. No people were on board.

"I'm not saying it will get to orbit," SpaceX founder Elon Musk said, in March. "But I am guaranteeing excitement."

As it turned out, Starship did not get into orbit. The plan was for it to travel partway around the planet for 90 minutes. But four minutes after liftoff, the rocket exploded. Even so, just getting it off the launchpad was a success for SpaceX.

For now, the company is focused on getting a Starship rocket ready to take NASA astronauts to the moon by 2025. One could eventually take people to Mars.

SpaceX is changing the spaceflight business. Its rockets can be reused. This will make it less expensive to send people and satellites into space.

People gathered on a nearby island to watch the launch. For a few minutes, they got their excitement. As Starship took off, they screamed, "Go, baby, go!"
Stop and Think! Why is the Starship rocket newsworthy? How might it change the space business? What else would you like to learn about Starship?

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On April 20, SpaceX launched its first test flight of Starship, the biggest rocket ever built. The 400-foot-tall ship took off from a spaceport in southern Texas. No people were on board. "I'm not saying it will get to orbit,"...

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Doll test - The effects of racism on children (ENG)

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Animal lovers unite and join us in Wonderopolis today, as we learn about species fighting to stay on Earth…and out of history books.

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Do you have a pet? If you're like millions of kids around the world, you have some kind of at home that you enjoy spending time with. For many kids, this might mean you have a dog or a cat. Others might have a fish, a turtle, a guinea pig, or even a lizard.

Unless you're a very individual , though, you don't have a giraffe, a bobcat, an alligator, a whale, or a polar bear as a pet. Why is that? Wouldn't it be fun to have some of those really cool animals you see at the zoo as a pet at home?

For , people have taught animals to be their friends, helpers, and food. This is called "domestication" and it happened more than 11,000 years ago. Some animals-like dogs, cats, pigs, horses, sheep, goats, chickens, and cows-have been able to build relationships with people.

Experts think that there are six things an animal needs to have to be domesticated:

They need to be able to find enough food. If an animal is too picky and only eats certain things, it might not be able to live with people very well.

They must fast. People don't want to spend a lot of time feeding and taking care of an animal that takes ten years or more to grow up.

They need to be able to have young while living in a place like a house or a farm. If an animal needs a special area or special things to have babies, it might not make a good pet.

They need to be gentle by nature. Cows and sheep are good examples of animals that are usually . Wolves and zebras, on the other hand, tend to be aggressive by nature and are not good candidates to live around people.

They must not have strong flight tendencies. Deer, for example, tend to panic and flee when scared. As a result, deer do not generally make good pets. Sheep, on the other hand, can be scared easily, but they also have a flocking instinct which tends to keep them together in herds when nervous.

They need to know who is in charge. Most animals have a social structure and need a strong leader. Most domesticated animals, except for cats, are happy to accept a human in this role.

We usually pick animals to be our pets that we know and are good at living with people. Some animals, like lions, porcupines, crocodiles, and kangaroos, are not usually good pets because they might not be safe or happy living with people.

Sometimes people might have a pet that is not a common animal, like a fox or a deer. These are called "exotic pets" and they are wild animals that have been trained to live with people. Even though some people have these types of pets, it's not a good idea in general because they are not animals that can easily live with people.

While exotic pets may seem like they would be fun to have, they tend to require much more care, which can be quite expensive. They can also be dangerous, since even tamed animals can retain some of their wild characteristics, leading to the potential for them to harm humans.

Although it might seem like it would be fun to have a polar bear as a pet, you wouldn't want to keep your house as cold as your pet polar bear would need it to be. You would also get tired of the smell of fish from feeding it so often. In the end, you're better off sticking with a dog or a cat!

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Today's Wonder of the Day will try to tame the wild beast in all of us!

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History has rarely featured women. Few texts used in education cover women's history. Women have helped build nations. Their input and actions have been just as important as men's. Let's Wonder today about how and why we celebrate women's history! Before the mid-1850s, women could not or own property.

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You won’t want to miss today’s Wonder of the Day. It’s all the rage!

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Do you follow fashion? If so, you know how quickly can change. Clothing may be in style one day and outdated the next. How can anyone expect to keep up?

Once upon a time, fashion changed at a slower pace. Designers produced new styles and clothing lines four times a year-once for each season. However, since the rise of fast fashion in the last 50 years, all that has changed.

What is fast fashion? It's a way of making and selling clothing at a fast pace to keep up with changing . Fast fashion companies may new clothing weekly-52 times per year instead of the traditional four.

Fast fashion has both advantages and disadvantages. For example, these companies seek to clothing as cheaply as possible. This makes it possible to sell items at much lower prices. That means far more people can their products.

Besides making clothing more affordable, many fast fashion companies carry more sizes than traditional fashion lines. By being more , they draw a wider customer base. This also gives more people of all shapes and sizes the chance to themselves through fashion.

However, fast fashion has its downsides. The use of cheap materials means the clothing produced doesn't last long. After a few wears, it may become torn or damaged. Consumers then often the items, which end up in landfills.

Additionally, companies use many further resources to replace clothing as quickly as it sells. This increases the impact on the environment. In fact, experts estimate that fast fashion contributes up to 10 percent of all carbon emissions per year.

Besides cheap materials, fast fashion requires cheap labor. In many cases, items are made in parts of the world with few labor laws. That means fast fashion companies may workers, offering very low pay for long hours.

For many of these reasons, many people today do their best to avoid fast fashion. But how can you tell if a company is part of this industry? Pay attention to what the clothing you buy is made from. If it contains cheap materials like and nylon, it may be fast fashion.

It also helps to learn where clothes are made. From there, you can look into the company's labor practices. Does it pay low wages? Does it enough clothing to sell new items each week? If so, it is likely part of the fast fashion industry.

There are other ways to make a difference. Individuals can help by caring for their clothes. Follow cleaning instructions on clothing tags, and make repairs to damaged items instead of throwing them away. Thrift shopping and sharing clothes with others instead of buying new can also help.

Think about your family's fashion practices. Do you buy fast fashion? How about second hand ? Do you repair clothes or throw them away? Talk with a family member today about what you can do to slow down the effects of fast fashion.

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Do you follow fashion? If so, you know how quickly can change. Clothing may be in style one day and outdated the next. How can anyone expect to keep up? Once upon a time, fashion changed at a slower pace. Designers produced new styles and clothing lines four times a year-once for each season.

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If you like to post or tweet, then today's Wonder of the Day is for you!

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For the generations living in today's world, it's impossible to a life without the Internet. Yet just a few decades ago there was no Google with the answer to everything at your fingertips. There was no . If you wanted to call your friends, you had to pick up a home phone - with a - and hope they were home.

For older generations who remember those times, it's to see how things have changed. Along with the immeasurable of the digital world, though, came new dangers and problems that had never existed before in the world.

The omnipresence of the Internet in our lives has led many people to focus on a new : digital citizenship. At its most basic, digital citizenship is concerned with the appropriate, responsible use of technology. It includes ideas such as digital literacy, Internet , online , and ethics.

Although digital citizenship proponents often focus on teaching children how to stay safe and secure online, there's more to it than that. In addition to teaching children what not to do online, digital citizenship seek to show children how to use technology for good to contribute to and serve in their communities.

Today, the of digital citizenship has to encompass nine different elements: digital access, commerce, communication, literacy, , law, rights and responsibilities, health and wellness, and . Let's take a brief look at what each of these elements entails.

With regard to digital access, good digital citizens should seek to provide and expand digital access to everyone. Equal digital rights are essential for technology-driven societies to grow and flourish.

Along with access, however, comes responsibility. Technology users must be taught appropriate ways to purchase and consume electronic goods and services. They must also be counseled in how to communicate responsibly online. Many people are simply not prepared for a digital world in which you can talk to anyone anywhere at any time and buy or exchange goods and services without any personal contact.

As technologies evolve, we must focus on teaching children the skills they will need to succeed in a digital world. This can include teaching them how to use specific technologies. More importantly, technology education must involve a focus on information literacy, which includes how to search for and process information in a world characterized by information overload.

One of the most important focuses of digital citizenship is digital , sometimes known as netiquette. While children are often taught in school how to behave in person, they also need to be taught how to behave appropriately online, where they're often tempted to behave inappropriately because of the level of anonymity that the digital world often provides.

Part of learning how to behave online is to be aware of digital laws that apply specifically to online conduct. These laws can cover a broad variety of behavior, from hacking and illegally downloading music and movies to plagiarizing online content and identity theft.

The flip side of learning about digital laws is becoming aware of your own personal digital rights and responsibilities. Just like the rights you have as a citizen of a particular country, you also have similar digital rights, such as free speech and privacy. Children must learn how to protect those rights while also not infringing the rights of others.

Children must also be taught how to protect their physical health and psychological well-being in our new digital world. Online bullying and Internet addiction are real dangers. Likewise, physical harm can come in the form of eye strain and repetitive stress syndrome from too much time spent with electronic devices.

Finally, just like we have fire detectors in our homes and locks on our doors, we must learn to take similar necessary precautions in the digital world. Children must learn how to back up valuable information. They must also learn to protect themselves against identity theft and harmful computer viruses.

As the world becomes an increasingly digital place where technology infiltrates every aspect of our lives, we must prepare people adequately for the digital world they live in. In today's brave new world, being a good citizen means learning how to behave appropriately and responsibly both offline and online.

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If you're joining us in Wonderopolis today, you'd better be on your best online behavior!

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We were a day on the Wonderopolis the other day when we happened upon a sheep crying outside the :

Cow: What's wrong little sheep?

Sheep: I got stuck outside while it was raining and now all my is shrinking. I look ridiculous , and the other animals are making fun of me.

Cow: You look fine to me. I haven't heard anyone saying anything about you.

Sheep: They won't say anything to my face, but they all took pictures and now they're posting about it.

Cow: Really? Where? I'll ask around. Spider, what's going on here? Is this true?

Spider: I don't know. Let me check the web. Hmm...it looks like the uploaded a pic to InstaGoat, the posted about it on FerretBook, and several of the birds tweeted about it.

Cow: That's not right. Don't worry little sheep. I'll talk to them. They don't want to have a with me!

We were glad that the cow stood up for the little sheep, but it worried us that such an unfortunate event had occurred on the . Thanks to the Internet, it appears that there's no place that's completely safe from the threat of cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying occurs when people use technology to bully someone. This can take the form of embarrassment, harassment , threats, or other forms of behavior at specific people.

Given the wide variety of electronic devices, websites, apps, and social media outlets that exist today, cyberbullying comes in many forms. Texts, messages, posts, status updates, tweets, and uploaded pictures and videos are all tools cyberbullies use to hurt others.

Sometimes cyberbullying can be perpetuated unintentionally . Simply sharing a meme you find funny might hurt someone's feelings if they're the subject of or otherwise by the meme.

Cyberbullying has grown as a problem with the rise of technology. Since technology often allows users to do things anonymously - or at least not in person - some people who might not bully someone in person might feel to do so online.

To prevent cyberbullying, it's important for people to treat online behavior just like they would in-person behavior. Think about what you post and upload. How might it affect others? Would you do or say these same things in person? If not, don't do it online.

Due to the nature of technology, much of what gets shared online never truly goes away. For this reason, the effects of cyberbullying can be much more severe and lasting than bullying that occurs in person. Victims of cyberbullying might never know how widespread the damage is. Can the subject of a mean meme ever know how many times it has been seen if it goes viral?

If you or someone you know is being cyberbullied, what can you do to help? According to most experts, the first thing to do is tell an adult you trust. Speaking up and finding someone to help you can prevent cyberbullying from escalating into an even bigger problem.

While you allow adults to handle the incidents of cyberbullying you've identified, concentrate on your own reactions to them. It's best to ignore such incidents, refusing to respond or retaliate in any way that could simply make things worse.

Beyond dealing with specific instances of cyberbullying, choose to be a positive influence online. Share only appropriate photos, videos, and memes, Make only positive comments. Build people up rather than tear them down. Your positive influence can go a long ways toward showing others how to behave appropriately online!

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Join us in Wonderopolis today to learn more about being a good online citizen!

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You might know that diamonds, gold, and other jewels are rare, which makes them valuable. But have your ever wondered where diamonds come from - how they are actually made?

Thousands, millions and maybe even billions of years ago, extreme heat and pressure turned pure into colorless crystals 100 miles or more below the Earth's surface. Diamonds are the only made of only one : .

Eventually, activity brought diamonds closer to the Earth's surface. pipes - known as kimberlite pipes - push diamonds to the surface, cooling them along the way. Today, diamonds are mined in areas that have experienced activity in the past, as well as in gravel beds and ocean floors.

Diamonds were first discovered and mined in India over 2,400 years ago. Over time, diamonds were found in many other areas around the world, including many in Africa. In today's trade, Africa, Russia, Australia, and Canada produce the most diamonds.

As diamonds travel to the surface of the Earth, they occasionally mix with amounts of other minerals and take on a variety of colors. Completely colorless diamonds are very rare and expensive. Most diamonds have a bit of brown or yellow in them. Other rarer colors include blue, red, orange, pink, and green.

While these beautiful and popular gemstones may look like delicate glass, they are actually the hardest natural substance on Earth. While it's possible for diamonds to shatter or burn under extreme conditions, only a can scratch or cut another . In fact, diamonds take their name from the Greek word for " indestructible ."

Diamonds' tough natural properties make them popular in industrial settings, where they are used in all sorts of , such as drills and saws. Experts estimate that up to 80% of all diamonds are used for industrial purposes. Only about 20% of diamonds are gem quality and used for jewelry.

Since the 1950s, diamonds have also been produced by man. Duplicating the natural processes that occur deep below the surface of the Earth in laboratories, manufacturers learned to create their own diamonds for industrial uses.

Recently, however, some manufacturers have been able to produce gem-quality diamonds in the laboratory. "Grown" by man in a matter of days rather than millions of years, these man-made diamonds have the same chemical, physical and optical qualities of mined natural diamonds.

With differences invisible to the naked eye, special testing in a laboratory is often necessary to distinguish man-made diamonds from mined natural diamonds. While beautifully-colored stones are relatively rare in nature, man-made diamonds can be uniquely colored during the manufacturing process. Compared to natural stones, man-made diamonds are usually less expensive.

In case you're wondering why "diamonds are a girl's best friend," it probably has to do with the fact that diamonds are the most popular in the world. That popular saying came from the title of a song of the same name, first introduced in the original Broadway production of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Marilyn Monroe's version of the song from the film version of the Broadway show was named the 12th most important movie song of all time by the American Film Institute.

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You might know that diamonds, gold, and other jewels are rare, which makes them valuable. But have your ever wondered where diamonds come from - how they are actually made? Thousands, millions and maybe even billions of years ago, extreme heat and pressure turned pure into colorless crystals 100 miles or more below the Earth's surface.

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Do you love rocks? Most children enjoy finding and playing with interesting rocks. They can be found in all sorts of shapes and sizes. More importantly, they can also be found in a wide variety of beautiful colors. But exactly how do rocks get their colors?

Here on Earth, we live on a rocky planet. The continents themselves are massive slabs of stone. Mountain ranges jut into the sky all around the world. Even the sea floor consists of rocky bottoms.

Earth is just one of four rocky planets in our solar system. The others are Mercury, Venus, and Mars. The remaining planets - Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune - are made mostly of gas. Many of Earth's rocks are covered by grasses, forests, and bodies of water. On other planets and Earth's Moon, is all you see.

Earth's many rocks can take on a - of colors. From bright reds and oranges to browns and grays, Earth's rocks can a beautiful picture in nature.

All those colors are the result of the minerals that make up the rocks. Minerals are the building blocks of . Some rocks consist of just one type of , but most rocks contain a few different types of minerals joined together.

Scientists there are as many as 4,000 different types of minerals. Each has its own chemical composition , which helps to determine what it will be. A 's can also be affected by chemical impurities , interaction with other minerals, and environmental factors.

Like all objects, a 's depends upon which wavelengths of light it absorbs and reflects. The bonds within a generally determine which wavelengths of light will be absorbed and which will be reflected. Those wavelengths that are reflected back to our eyes determine the of the .

Some minerals have free electrons that will absorb certain wavelengths of light. Upon absorption , that extra energy may be emitted as another wavelength of light to get rid of the extra energy. If that combines with impurities or other minerals, its structure can change, thereby affecting what wavelengths of light are reflected and possibly changing its .

Minerals can take on different colors depending upon their internal structure. For example, the in your pencil and diamonds are both pure carbon. Differences in how they formed, however, gave them different structures, and thus very different colors and properties.

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Do you love rocks? Most children enjoy finding and playing with interesting rocks. They can be found in all sorts of shapes and sizes. More importantly, they can also be found in a wide variety of beautiful colors. But exactly how do rocks get their colors?

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Do you love puzzles? We do! Whether it's a crossword , a challenging Sudoku, or a simple word find, we always enjoy putting our brains to the test.

Of course, there are also puzzles that put your brains and your hands to the test. What are we talking about? The world-famous Rubik's , of course!

Way back in 1974, Hungarian professor of architecture Ernő Rubik created a three-dimensional with rows of blocks that would freely in multiple directions. Although some believe he created the to help his students understand 3D objects, he was actually trying to solve a structural problem: how do you create a with parts that move independently without the whole thing falling apart?

Rubik didn't realize he had created a until the first time he scrambled the and had to figure out how to get it back to its state. Can you imagine what his moment of discovery must have been like? If you've ever played with a Rubik's , you know what a challenging it can be. Imagine being the inventor and having to solve a you didn't realize you had created!

Rubik called his invention the Magic to start. He licensed the to Ideal Corp, who began to sell it in Germany, where it won the German Game of the Year special award for Best in 1980.

Since that time, the Rubik's , as it became known, has become the world's best-selling ever. How popular was it? Since 1980, experts estimate that over 350 million Rubik's Cubes have been sold. In fact, some experts estimate that one out of every seven people alive on Earth has played with a Rubik's at some point.

If you've ever seen a Rubik's , you know that each of its six faces is covered with nine stickers of one of six basic colors: red, white, blue, yellow, green, and orange. A special internal allows each face to independently . Once the faces are scrambled, solvers must figure out how to return the Rubik's back to its configuration .

The of the Rubik's is that it really needs no instruction. If you present a scrambled to someone who has never seen one, they still intuitively know what they need to do. However, actually figuring out how to solve the is nearly impossible without instruction from someone who has done it before. Perhaps that's why this maddening has captured the imagination of millions of people over the years.

The Rubik's has become a of the 1980s, the in which it reached its of popularity. It's still a popular today, though, and many people now compete in contests to see who can solve it fastest. To date, the world record for fastest solve time is held by American Collin Burns, who solved the Rubik's in a blazing 5.25 seconds!

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Do you love puzzles? We do! Whether it's a crossword , a challenging Sudoku, or a simple word find, we always enjoy putting our brains to the test. Of course, there are also puzzles that put your brains and your hands to the test. What are we talking about?

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Do you know anyone who has saved a life? What about millions of lives? Some believe that Alan Turing saved many millions of people during World War II. He wasn't a great doctor or a famous general-he was a mathematician! So, how did he do it?

Alan Turing was a British mathematician and logician. He lived from 1912 to 1954. When he was young, he studied mathematics at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom and at Princeton University in the United States. When he finished his PhD at Princeton, Turing came back to the UK and joined the Government Code and Cypher School. Codes and ciphers are two ways of making secret messages.

Every country keeps some things secret, or private, from other countries. But they also want to find out the secrets that other countries may have. Turing began working for the British government to help them discover secrets from other countries. It was a very important time to do this work because World War II was just beginning. Countries like Britain and their allies wanted to know secrets from Germany. If they knew secrets-like when Germany would attack a place-they could send out a warning and keep more people safe. They could even help stop an attack.

The German government used a special machine called Enigma to make their coded messages. Britain knew that if they could use Enigma also, they could "break" the German code and find out their secrets. With help from Polish and other British mathematicians, Turing broke the Enigma code. Later, he broke a different Enigma code the German U-Boats used. Then he learned how to break another code the Germans used. By 1943, the British could decode about two messages every single minute! Knowing so much about where the German army would be helped save many lives. Breaking the German code helped the Allies win World War II much sooner-and that's why some believe that Alan Turing may have helped save millions of lives!

After the war was over, Turing worked in a science laboratory. He was trying to make the first electronic computer. Another group of scientists beat him to it, so Turing joined them. He used another type of code to make the programming system. This software tells the computer what to do. He also wrote the first programming manual, which helped other scientists learn how to tell the computer what to do.

Turing helped make some of the very first computers. He was very interested in how computers work, and he wondered how "smart" computers could be. Could a computer really think the way people do? This is a question that scientists still wonder about today! Turing came up with a test to see if a computer can think the way a person does. This is called the "Turing test," and we still use it. Here's how the Turing test works: Let's say that you're chatting on a computer and someone answers you. Is that someone another person, or is it a computer? Most of the time we can easily tell if we're talking to another person. Sometimes it can be hard to tell! If enough people think that the computer is a person, that computer would pass the test. Scientists use the Turing test now to see how "smart" a computer can be. Some say that a computer has already passed the Turing test; others say that nothing has passed the test, yet.

Alan Turing was gay, and that was against the law in Britain at the time. After his arrest in 1952,Turing could not work for the government anymore. He could not work on breaking codes anymore. But he kept working as a scientist until he died in 1954.

In Britain, they stopped arresting people for being gay in 1967. Then, in 2009, the leader of the UK's government, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, apologized for how the government treated Alan Turing. He said, "We're sorry, you deserved so much better." In 2013, Britain's queen, Queen Elizabeth II, pardoned Turing. And in 2016, the British government passed a law called "Turing's Law." The law says that other men arrested for being gay would receive pardons, too.

Alan Turing was not always respected or treated well while he was alive. Now we know how his work saved lives during World War II. Most experts see him as one of the first computer scientists. Any time you use a computer or talk to a "bot" online, you can thank Alan Turing! The UK has found ways to thank Turing in recent years. You can find statues of him, and his picture is even on a £50 note. How would you thank him?

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Do you know anyone who has saved a life? What about millions of lives? Some believe that Alan Turing saved many millions of people during World War II. He wasn't a great doctor or a famous general-he was a mathematician! So, how did he do it? Alan Turing was a British mathematician and logician.

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During World War II many creative contributions in the areas of science and innovation happened. From medical wonders to items for fun and play, creative minds developed inventions still used today.

Can you guess one of the most unlikely helpers? If you said spiders, you would be correct! These eight-legged had a valuable purpose: spinning webs. The U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps spider web production shop collected threads to create crosshairs for weapons' and other aimed . Members of the Corps used black widow spiders. Even though these spiders could be lethal, they moved slower so they were easier to work with.

Who would have thought that melon mold would help make penicillin? Invented in 1928, the first trials for this life-saving drug took place in Great Britain, but because of money and inability to mass produce, Howard Florey, Ernst Chain, and Norman Heatley looked for support in the U.S. in 1941-before the U.S. entered the war. Before D-Day-June 6, 1944, the day U.S. soldiers landed in Normandy, France in the largest sea invasion in history-scientists made 2.3 million doses of penicillin which would treat and prevent infections from injuries during the invasion. And save many soldiers' lives. Since the war, people have been offered this life-saving medicine.

Another great invention from this time period is something that might satisfy your sweet tooth. When Forrest Mars moved to Great Britain to run the Mars Bar plant, he noticed the soldiers ate chocolate covered in a hard sugar shell. It kept chocolate from melting in warm climates or from body heat. Mars worked with Bruce Murrie, the son of a leader at Hershey. By the time U.S. soldiers joined the war, the candy went with them. What do you think they were called? M&Ms! They made the tasty treats for the public after wartime rationing of chocolate ended.

What happens when a torsion spring-a spiral coil used to make something twist-rolls off a desk? It walks down stairs and makes a "slinkety" sound! The Slinky became an unexpected toy and instant hit after demonstrations in a Philadelphia store in December, 1945 where the first 400 Slinkys sold in minutes. These springy toys helped provide hours of entertainment.

When Japan invaded Asia, the rubber supply of the U.S. was at risk. Chemists looked for other options. One of them was a stretchy substance that bounced 25 percent higher than rubber, considered a "solid liquid" like glass, and could break into pieces when hit. You could even copy comics onto the substance. How fun! Later, it was even part of the Apollo 8 mission-it helped keep tools in place during zero gravity! What do you think this accidental discovery was called? Silly Putty, of course!

People even used their creativity to help others and resist Nazi rule. If you watched the video from the USC Shoah Foundation in today's image and video gallery, you heard testimony from Vera Laska. During World War II, Vera joined the underground resistance while in her teens. She and her friend, both expert skiers in Czechoslovakia-now known as the Czech Republic-agreed to help two Frenchmen cross the mountains. During the war, Vera made a dozen trips-leading both Jews and non-Jews to safety. Vera and her friend even made a sled to transport many non-skiers fleeing to safety. However, in 1943, Vera's cover was blown. She became a political prisoner after her arrest and was to a concentration camp. Many women, like Vera, were part of resistance movements across Europe. These heroic women served as military nurses, pilots, resistance fighters, code breakers, and spies. They were vital to the Allied victory-but left many of their stories and contributions untold for decades.

What's one invention you would like to create to help others? What materials would you need? Who might you ask to help you?
Preserving memories are a vital part of the human experience, and USC Shoah Foundation's Visual History Archive contains over 55,000 testimonies from survivors and witnesses-using audio and video-to educate future generations about the Holocaust and other atrocities, in support of the Institute's mission to develop empathy, understanding, and respect through testimony so the next generation understands the importance of learning from the Holocaust and making the world a better place. Its IWitness platform contains many of these testimonies that were gathered using recorded interviews to tell the stories of survivors and witnesses.

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How Did Spiders Help the Allies Win World War II?

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Today's Wonder of the Day may make your head spin!

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Do you love trees? We do! And you should, too. Trees do all sorts of great things for humans. They take in carbon dioxide and release . They provide shade. They also give us places to build fabulous tree houses. What would we ever do without trees?

Some of the most important trees in the world live in rainforests. Even though the nearest one may be far away from you, they still help you every day.

There are two types of rainforests--temperate and tropical. The temperate forests are much cooler in temperature than the tropical ones. They also tend to be further from the . Temperate rainforests can be found in Chile, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. They also grow in parts of North America and Australia, among other places.

Tropical rainforests are very warm. They have many tall trees, plants and animals, warm climates, and lots of rain. They receive at least 80 inches of rain each year. Many receive an inch or more of rain every single day!

Tropical rainforests are found near the . The largest one in the world is the Amazon. It covers more than two million square miles of South America. Africa, Asia, Australia, and Central America also have rainforests.

All rainforests have a . That's a layer of branches and leaves at the tops of the tallest trees. The can easily be 100 feet or more above the ground.

Most plants and animals live in the rather than on the ground. And what a collection of life it is! Scientists believe that around half of the plants and animals on the Earth live in rainforests. Many of these are endangered and can only live in this habitat.

Unfortunately, our rainforests are shrinking. Every year, we destroy a section the size of the state of New Jersey. This destruction occurs for many reasons. People cut down trees for wood and to make room for farms or roads. Many groups fight this destruction because of the important role they play in our world.

Scientists sometimes call rainforests the "lungs" of Earth. Their millions of trees take in huge amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere . They make much of the humans and animals depend on. Without them, there would be less air to breathe!

Rainforests also help maintain Earth's . By taking in carbon dioxide , they help to reduce the greenhouse effect. This helps slow worldwide change.

Finally, rainforests help maintain the water cycle. Water produced there makes its way all over the world. As rainforests shrink, it affects Earth's water cycle. This leads to droughts in many areas around the world.

Are you WONDERing what you can do to help? One thing you can do is reuse and recycle wood and paper. You can also call and write your elected politicians, who have more say in how we treat our rainforests. There are also organizations you can join to help them, including the Save the Rainforests Foundation.

Rainforests are an important part of life on our planet. They provide us with many resources, from the we breathe to homes for many animals. Without them, the Earth could run into major problems.

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Do you love trees? We do! And you should, too. Trees do all sorts of great things for humans. They take in carbon dioxide and release . They provide shade. They also give us places to build fabulous tree houses. What would we ever do without trees?

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What actions are people taking? Log in with google to read article.

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What actions are people taking? Log in with google to read article.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Click and scroll to see what WWF are doing to help animals.

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Click and scroll to see what WWF are doing to help animals.

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Saving nature is at the very heart of what we do as WWF. For 60 years, we have made it our mission to find solutions that save the marvelous array of life on our planet by applying the best science available and working closely with local communities.

But our work is far from done. Humans are behind the current rate of species extinction, which is at least 100-1,000 times higher than nature intended. We've seen an average decline of 69% in species populations since 1970, according to WWF's Living Planet Report 2022.

And the impacts will reach far beyond the potential cultural loss of iconic species like tigers, rhinos, and whales.

The good news is we've also seen what's working. WWF has been part of successful wildlife recovery stories ranging from southern Africa's black rhino to black bucks in the Himalayas. And this, in turn, is helping to protect rich and varied ecosystems while ensuring people continue to benefit from nature.

This much is clear: we cannot afford to fail in our mission to save a living planet.
View All Species >

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Wildlife Conservation | Initiatives | WWF

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Saving nature is at the very heart of what we do as WWF. For 60 years, we have made it our mission to find solutions that save the marvelous array of life on our planet by applying the best science available and working closely with local communities.

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Prejudice and discrimination are and resulting that cause people to be treated differently. Many Christians today actively fight prejudice and discrimination in all their forms.
What is prejudice?
Prejudice comes from the words 'to judge before' . It means to form an unfavourable opinion or feeling about a person or a group of people without a full examination. In theory, it is possible for somebody to be prejudiced without anybody else knowing about it.
What is discrimination?
Discrimination is making a distinction against a person or thing based on the group, class or category they belong to, rather than basing any action on individual merit.

A simple distinction between prejudice and discrimination is that prejudice is to do with attitude , discrimination is to do with action .

Forms of discrimination include verbal slurs, failure to provide reasonable accommodation or access and hate crimes. Discrimination can be committed by individuals, groups or institutions.

Positive discrimination is where a particular group is given special privileges to compensate for a perceived disadvantage. For example, disabled people can often access parking spaces closest to a building's entrance.

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The causes and types of prejudice and discrimination - Contemporary issues in Christianity - CCEA - GCSE Religious Studies Revision - CCEA - BBC Bitesize

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Revision notes for CCEA GCSE Religious Studies - contemporary issues in Christianity.

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Welcome to Britannica School , a safe, up-to-date, and age-appropriate information resource for Primary, Middle and Secondary School.

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Systemic Racism - systems in place to continue racism. Log in with Google to read article.

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Systemic Racism - systems in place to continue racism. Log in with Google to read article.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Sports and racism.  Log in with google to see article.

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Sports and racism.  Log in with google to see article.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Newsela | Instructional Content Platform

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Newsela is an Instructional Content Platform that supercharges reading engagement and learning in every subject.

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Biography (nonfiction), 2,310 words, Level X (Grade 5), Lexile 960L Rosalind Franklin's Beautiful Twist tells the story of a brilliant but relatively unknown scientist, Rosalind Franklin. The book chronicles Rosalind's life and her work to discover the makeup and purpose of DNA, a blueprint for the building blocks of all living things.

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Informational (nonfiction) 1,359 words, Level V (Grade 4), Lexile 1160L

For more than seventy years women fought for their right to vote in the United States. Women and the Vote is a detailed account of the history and ultimate success of the women's suffrage movement. Historic photographs document the struggle of thousands of women to have a voice in a country and a government resistant to viewing women as equals. Students will gain insight into the tremendous impact of the Nineteenth Amendment in the United States.

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Informational (nonfiction) 1,359 words, Level V (Grade 4), Lexile 1160L For more than seventy years women fought for their right to vote in the United States. Women and the Vote is a detailed account of the history and ultimate success of the women's suffrage movement.

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https://jr.brainpop.com/artsandtechnology/art/colors/

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https://jr.brainpop.com/artsandtechnology/art/colors/

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Good article with history of video games

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Video games are electronic games played on a video screen (normally a television, a built-in screen when played on a handheld machine, or a computer).

There are many types, or genres, of these games: role-playing games; shooters, first-person shooters, side-scrollers, and platformers are just a few.

Video games usually come on CDs, DVDs or digital download. Many games used to come on cartridges. A specialised device used to play a video game at home is called a console. There have been many types of consoles and home computers used to play video games. Some of the first were the Atari 2600, the Sega Master System and Nintendo Entertainment System in the 1980s. Newer video game consoles are the Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and Wii U. The best selling video game console of all time is the PlayStation 2, made by Sony.

People can also use PCs to play games, which are sometimes called PC games. The older consoles do not have new games developed for them often, although console games are emulated for PCs (see emulator). This means that new computers can play many old console games along with games made just for new computers. Older games are often more popular emulated than when they were first on sale, because of the ease of download.

People can play portable video games anywhere. Mobile devices (running operating systems such as iOS or Android) also can download games, making them portable game machines. Mobile phones have many games, some of them using a mobile emulator for games from consoles.

Competitions of video game players are called electronic sports.

History of video games

The first video game ever is often said to be a computer game called . In fact, some ideas of video games can be found before people made Spacewar!.

In the 1950s, when the first computers began to be made, three people had some ideas to create the basis of actual video games. In 1951, Ralph Baer, an American engineer of Loral Electronics, tried to create "the best television", proposing to add a gaming module, but his employer did not like his idea. Even if his idea was never realized, he is the first man to have thought of the idea of video games, later creating the first video game console, the Odyssey. Later, in 1952, A.S Douglas, of the Cambridge University in the UK, made a video game on a computer in order to illustrate one of his speeches. The game, called , was a tic-tac-toe game, with two players (the person itself and the opponent, the computer) .In 1953, Willy Higinbotham made a game called Tennis For Two, similar to the later , to entertain visitors to Brookhaven National Laboratory.

One of the most famous and one of the earliest video games ever is called Space Invaders. Space Invaders was made in 1978 as a coin operated arcade game but a version has been made for almost every game console and home computer ever available.

Components of a video game

To distinguish from electronic games, a video game is generally considered to require a platform, the hardware which contains computing elements, to process player interaction from some type of input device and displays the results to a video output display.

Video games require a platform, a specific combination of electronic components or computer hardware and associated software, to operate. The term system is also commonly used. Games are typically designed to be played on one or a limited number of platforms, and exclusivity to a platform is used as a competitive edge in the video game market. However, games may be developed for alternative platforms than intended, which are described as ports; these also may be remasters - where most of the original game's source code is reused while art assets, models, and game levels are updated for modern systems - and remakes, where in addition to asset improvements, significant reworking of the original game and possibly from scratch is performed.

The list below is not exhaustive and excludes other electronic devices capable of playing video games such as PDAs and graphing calculators.

Computer game

Most computer games are PC games, referring to those that involve a player interacting with a personal computer (PC) connected to a video monitor. Personal computers are not dedicated game platforms, so there may be differences running the same game on different hardware. Also, the openness allows some features to developers like reduced software cost, increased flexibility, increased innovation, emulation, creation of modifications or mods, open hosting for online gaming (in which a person plays a video game with people who are in a different household) and others. A gaming computer is a PC or laptop intended specifically for gaming, typically using high-performance, high-cost components. In additional to personal computer gaming, there also exist games that work on mainframe computers and other similarly shared systems, with users logging in remotely to use the computer.

Home console

A console game is played on a home console, a specialized electronic device that connects to a common television set or composite video monitor. Home consoles are specifically designed to play games using a dedicated hardware environment, giving developers a concrete hardware target for development and assurances of what features will be available, simplifying development compared to PC game development. Usually consoles only run games developed for it, or games from other platform made by the same company, but never games developed by its direct competitor, even if the same game is available on different platforms. It often comes with a specific game controller. Major console platforms include Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo.

Handheld console

A handheld gaming device is a small, self-contained electronic device that is portable and can be held in a user's hands. It features the console, a small screen, speakers and buttons, joystick or other game controllers in a single unit. Like consoles, handhelds are dedicated platforms, and share almost the same characteristics. Handheld hardware usually is less powerful than PC or console hardware. Some handheld games from the late 1970s and early 1980s could only play one game. In the 1990s and 2000s, a number of handheld games used cartridges, which enabled them to be used to play many different games. The handheld console has waned in the 2010s as mobile device gaming has become a more dominant factor.

Arcade video game

An arcade video game generally refers to a game played on an even more specialized type of electronic device that is typically designed to play only one game and is encased in a special, large coin-operated cabinet which has one built-in console, controllers (joystick, buttons, etc.), a CRT screen, and audio amplifier and speakers. Arcade games often have brightly painted logos and images relating to the theme of the game. While most arcade games are housed in a vertical cabinet, which the user typically stands in front of to play, some arcade games use a tabletop approach, in which the display screen is housed in a table-style cabinet with a see-through table top. With table-top games, the users typically sit to play. In the 1990s and 2000s, some arcade games offered players a choice of multiple games. In the 1980s, video arcades were businesses in which game players could use a number of arcade video games. In the 2010s, there are far fewer video arcades, but some movie theaters and family entertainment centers still have them.

Browser game

A browser game takes advantages of standardizations of technologies for the functionality of web browsers across multiple devices providing a cross-platform environment. These games may be identified based on the website that they appear, such as with Miniclip games. Others are named based on the programming platform used to develop them, such as Java and Flash games.

Mobile game

With the introduction of smartphones and tablet computers standardized on the iOS and Android operating systems, mobile gaming has become a significant platform. These games may utilize unique features of mobile devices that are not necessary present on other platforms, such as accelerometers, global positing information and camera devices to support augmented reality gameplay.

Cloud gaming

Cloud gaming requires a minimal hardware device, such as a basic computer, console, laptop, mobile phone or even a dedicated hardware device connected to a display with good Internet connectivity that connects to hardware systems by the cloud gaming provider. The game is computed and rendered on the remote hardware, using a number of predictive methods to reduce the network latency between player input and output on their display device. For example, the Xbox Cloud Gaming and PlayStation Now platforms use dedicated custom server blade hardware in cloud computing centers.

Virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) games generally require players to use a special head-mounted unit that provides stereoscopic screens and motion tracking to immerse a player within virtual environment that responds to their head movements. Some VR systems include control units for the player's hands as to provide a direct way to interact with the virtual world. VR systems generally require a separate computer, console, or other processing device that couples with the head-mounted unit.

Emulation

An emulator enables games from a console or otherwise different system to be run in a type of virtual machine on a modern system, simulating the hardware of the original and allows old games to be played. While emulators themselves have been found to be legal in United States case law, the act of obtaining the game software that one does not already own may violate copyrights. However, there are some official releases of emulated software from game manufacturers, such as Nintendo with its Virtual Console or Nintendo Switch Online offerings.

Backward compatibility

Backward compatibility is similar in nature to emulation in that older games can be played on newer platforms, but typically directly though hardware and build-in software within the platform. For example, the PlayStation 2 is capable of playing original PlayStation games simply by inserting the original game media into the newer console, while Nintendo's Wii could play Nintendo GameCube titles as well in the same manner.

Early arcade games, home consoles, and handheld games were dedicated hardware units with the game's logic built into the electronic componentry of the hardware. Since then, most video game platforms are considered programmable, having means to read and play multiple games distributed on different types of media or formats. Physical formats include ROM cartridges, magnetic storage including magnetic tape data storage and floppy discs, optical media formats including CD-ROM and DVDs, and flash memory cards. Furthermore digital distribution over the Internet or other communication methods as well as cloud gaming alleviate the need for any physical media. In some cases, the media serves as the direct read-only memory for the game, or it may be the form of installation media that is used to write the main assets to the player's platform's local storage for faster loading periods and later updates.

Games can be extended with new content and software patches through either expansion packs which are typically available as physical media, or as downloadable content nominally available via digital distribution. These can be offered freely or can be used to monetize a game following its initial release. Several games offer players the ability to create user-generated content to share with others to play. Other games, mostly those on personal computers, can be extended with user-created modifications or mods that alter or add onto the game; these often are unofficial and were developed by players from reverse engineering of the game, but other games provide official support for modding the game.

Input device

Video game can use several types of input devices to translate human actions to a game. Most common are the use of game controllers like gamepads and joysticks for most consoles, and as accessories for personal computer systems along keyboard and mouse controls. Common controls on the most recent controllers include face buttons, shoulder triggers, analog sticks, and directional pads ("d-pads"). Similar control sets are built into handheld consoles and onto arcade cabinets. Newer technology improvements have incorporated additional technology into the controller or the game platform, such as touchscreens and motion detection sensors that give more options for how the player interacts with the game. Specialized controllers may be used for certain genres of games, including racing wheels, light guns and dance pads. Digital cameras and motion detection can capture movements of the player as input into the game, which can, in some cases, effectively eliminate the control, while on other systems such as virtual reality, are used to enhance immersion into the game.

Display and output

By definition, all video games are intended to output graphics to an external video display, such as cathode-ray tube televisions, newer liquid-crystal display (LCD) televisions and built-in screens, projectors or computer monitors, depending on the type of platform the game is played on. Features such as color depth, refresh rate, frame rate, and screen resolution are a combination of the limitations of the game platform and display device and the program efficiency of the game itself. The game's output can range from fixed displays using LED or LCD elements, text-based games, two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphics, and augmented reality displays.

The game's graphics are often accompanied by sound produced by internal speakers on the game platform or external speakers attached to the platform, as directed by the game's programming. This often will include sound effects tied to the player's actions to provide audio feedback, as well as background music for the game.

Some platforms support additional feedback mechanics to the player that a game can take advantage of. This is most commonly haptic technology built into the game controller, such as causing the controller to shake in the player's hands to simulate a shaking earthquake occurring in game.

Related pages

Images for kids

After Pong, the Atari 2600 was the first game console to achieve widespread success and awareness.

A typical ESRB rating label, listing the rating and specific content descriptors for Rabbids Go Home.

Spacewar! is credited as the first widely available and influential computer game.

Pong was the first arcade game to ever receive universal acclaim.

The on-screen instructions from Will Crowther's 1976 game Colossal Cave Adventure.

Space Invaders was a popular game during the golden age. The game introduced many elements which would become standard in video games.

In Spanish: Videojuego para niños

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Some good information here.

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You love them. You play them on large- televisions special consoles. You play them on your smartphones. You play them on your computer. What are we talking about? None other than video games!

Today, video games remain as popular as ever. Each year, the video game industry in over $17 billion in . Gaming are always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in graphics and gaming experiences. A look back in time will reveal exactly how far video games have come.

So who invented the very first video game? Although it seems like a simple inquiry, the history of video game development is a complicated.

As early as the late 1940s, Thomas T. Goldsmith, Jr., and Estle R. Mann patented a device they called a Cathode-Ray Tube Amusement Device. It was an electronic device with users could use to play basic games. As you might guess, it didn't really resemble what we think of as video games today.

In 1958, William Higinbotham created an electronic game called Tennis for Two that could be displayed on an oscilloscope . His creation was a basic game, but again it wasn't a widely-available game that could be played easily by the .

The first video game wouldn't be invented until 1967 when an engineer named Ralph H. Baer created the first of what would eventually become the Magnavox Odyssey, the world's first video game . Baer, often known as the "Father of Video Games," was the first person to create a system that transformed electronic into pictures on a television a raster pattern...or what we now know as a video game.

The original Magnavox Odyssey featured a few simple games, such as a chase game, checkers, and a shooting game using a rifle peripheral device. The system came with two controllers, as well as a few other accessories usually associated with board games. It was a huge success, selling over 700,000 in its first three years of production.

As video games made their way into homes, their popularity skyrocketed and others soon began to develop competing systems. Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney created Atari Computers in 1972. In 1975, Atari released Pong as a home video game, leading to a huge increase in the popularity of video games.

Since those early years, many different types of video games and consoles have come and gone. Today, Microsoft's Xbox and Sony's Playstation remain the two most popular video game consoles, while children and adults alike still enjoy playing video games on their computers and smartphones.

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You love them. You play them on large- televisions special consoles. You play them on your smartphones. You play them on your computer. What are we talking about? None other than video games! Today, video games remain as popular as ever. Each year, the video game industry in over $17 billion in .

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Selassi is based in Accra and would be a great person to interview about cocoa and chocolate in Ghana.

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The creative force behind Midunu is Chef Selassie Atadika who from a young age, could be found in the kitchen, grinding 'pepe', not too far from her mother's apron strings. This culinary interest, from her Ghanaian roots, has evolved through time spent and meals sampled in the US, Europe, and countless countries in all the corners of Africa. After years of self-teaching in the culinary arts, she completed course work at the Culinary Institute of America. A founding member of Trio Toque, the first nomadic restaurant in Dakar, Senegal, she has brought her innovative approach to African cuisine back home to Ghana to introduce them through Midunu, a nomadic dining concept featuring what she calls New African Cuisine.

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The creative force behind Midunu is Chef Selassie Atadika who from a young age, could be found in the kitchen, grinding 'pepe', not too far from her mother's apron strings. This culinary interest, from her Ghanaian roots, has evolved through time spent and meals sampled in the US, Europe, and countless countries in all the corners of Africa.

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November's UN climate conference, COP26, turned a spotlight on the climate crisis.

But in order to better understand the policies and impacts of global warming, it's useful to understand the science behind it.

I'm an atmospheric scientist who has worked on global climate science and assessments for most of my career.

Here are six things you should know, in charts:

Chart 1: Since 1960, CO2 levels have been steadily climbing

The primary focus of the negotiations at COP26 has been on carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that is released when fossil fuels - coal, oil and natural gas - are burned, as well as by forest fires, land-use changes and natural sources.

The Industrial Revolution of the late 1800s started an enormous increase in the burning of fossil fuels. It powered homes, industries and opened up the planet to travel. That same century, scientists identified carbon dioxide's potential to increase global temperatures, which at the time was considered a possible benefit to the planet. Systematic measurements started in the mid-1900s and have shown a steady increase in carbon dioxide, with the majority of it directly traceable to the combustion of fossil fuels.

Chart 2: CO2 stays in the atmosphere for hundreds of years

Once in the atmosphere, carbon dioxide tends to stay there for a very long time. A portion of the carbon dioxide released through human activities is taken up by plants, and some is absorbed directly into the ocean, but roughly half of all carbon dioxide emitted by human activities today stays in the atmosphere - and it likely will remain there for hundreds of years, influencing the climate globally.

During the first year of the pandemic in 2020, when fewer people were driving and some industries briefly stopped, carbon dioxide emissions from fuels fell by roughly 6 percent. But it didn't stop the rise in the concentration of carbon dioxide because the amount released into the atmosphere by human activities far exceeded what nature could absorb.

If civilization stopped its carbon dioxide-emitting activities today, it would still take many hundreds of years for the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to fall enough naturally to bring the planet's carbon cycle back into balance because of carbon dioxide's long life in the atmosphere.

Chart 3: When CO2 levels go up, so do global temperatures

Multiple lines of scientific evidence point to the increase in greenhouse emissions over the past century and a half as a driver of long-term climate change around the world. For example:

- Laboratory measurements since the 1800s have repeatedly verified and quantified the absorptive properties of carbon dioxide that allow it to trap heat in the atmosphere.
- Simple models based on the warming impact of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere match historical changes in temperature.
- Complex climate models, recently acknowledged in the Nobel Prize for Physics, not only indicate a warming of the Earth due to increases in carbon dioxide but also offer details of the areas of greatest warming.
When carbon dioxide levels have been high in the past, evidence shows temperatures have also been high. Based on Salawitch et al., 2017, updated with data to the end of 2020, CC BY
- Long-term records from ice cores, tree rings and corals show that when carbon dioxide levels have been high, temperatures have also been high.
- Our neighboring planets also offer evidence. Venus' atmosphere is thick with carbon dioxide, and it is the hottest planet in our solar system as a result, even though Mercury is closer to the sun.

Chart 4: Temperatures are increasing on every single continent

The rising temperatures are evident in records from every continent and over the oceans.

The temperatures aren't rising at the same rate everywhere, however. A variety of factors affect local temperatures, including land use that influences how much solar energy is absorbed or reflected, local heating sources like urban heat islands, and pollution.

The Arctic, for example, is warming about three times faster than the global average in part because as the planet warms, snow and ice melt makes the surface more likely to absorb, rather than reflect, the sun's radiation. Snow cover and sea ice recede even more rapidly as a result.

Chart 5: Rising temperatures = rising oceans

Earth's climate system is interconnected and complex, and even small temperature changes can have large impacts - for instance, with snow cover and sea levels.

Changes are already happening. Studies show that rising temperatures are already affecting precipitation, glaciers, weather patterns, tropical cyclone activity and severe storms. A number of studies show that the increases in frequency, severity and duration of heatwaves, for example, affect ecosystems, human lives, commerce and agriculture.

Historical records of ocean water levels have shown mostly consistent increases over the past 150 years as glacier ice melts and rising temperatures expand ocean water, with some local deviations due to sinking or rising land.

Chart 6: If we don't act, temperatures will keep increasing. So will rainfall

While extreme events are often due to complex sets of causes, some are exacerbated by climate change. Just as coastal flooding can be made worse by rising ocean levels, heat waves are more damaging with higher baseline temperatures.

Climate scientists work hard to estimate future changes as a result of increased carbon dioxide and other expected changes, such as world population. It's clear that temperatures will increase and precipitation will change. The exact magnitude of change depends on many interacting factors.

But there are a few reasons for hope

On a hopeful note, scientific research is improving our understanding of climate and the complex Earth system, identifying the most vulnerable areas and guiding efforts to reduce the drivers of climate change. Work on renewable energy and alternative energy sources, as well as ways to capture carbon from industries or from the air, are producing more options for a better-prepared society.

At the same time, people are learning about how they can reduce their own impact, with the growing understanding that a globally coordinated effort is required to have a significant impact. Electric vehicles, as well as solar and wind power, are growing at previously unthinkable rates. More people are showing a willingness to adopt new strategies to use energy more efficiently, consume more sustainably and choose renewable energy.

Scientists increasingly recognize that shifting away from fossil fuels has additional benefits, including improved air quality for human health and ecosystems.
Are we on track to limit global warming to only 1.5 degrees Celsius? The Climate Action Tracker explains the good news and the bad news for the planet:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Betsy Weatherhead PhD is an atmospheric scientist who has received a number of awards for her scientific work on weather, climate, stratospheric ozone, UV radiation and unmanned aircraft. She is proud to share a number of awards, including the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize as a member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for her contributions on understanding the Arctic climate. She has led a number of successful groups to develop programs and increase scientific activity in a number of areas (Arctic research, unmanned aircraft, renewable energy and weather forecasting). She has also brought together leaders from academia, public sector and private sector to identify a path for the U.S. to become significantly better at weather forecasting. She previously worked in the federal government and at Jupiter Intelligence, a company that advises on managing climate change risks. Currently she is working with the international community to understand trends in tropospheric ozone around the globe.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Tags: Climate Change, Environmental Science, Science

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The science everyone needs to know about climate change, in 6 charts

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But in order to better understand the policies and impacts of global warming, it's useful to understand the science behind it. I'm an atmospheric scientist who has worked on global climate science and assessments for most of my career.