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What is gender? The answer might depend on who you are and where you're from!

What do people mean when they say "gender"? One possible answer is that they're talking about grammar. In some languages, nouns are assigned a gender and other words in a sentence must agree with that gender. You may have noticed how nouns in Spanish begin with la or el. That is a word that tells us what gender the is, masculine ( el) or feminine ( la). Languages like Spanish or French have two genders; others, like Russian or German, have three. Nouns in those languages can be masculine, feminine, or .

It's fun to learn new languages, but when most people talk about "gender," they aren't talking about grammar. Many times, they're asking about a new baby: "Do you know the gender yet? Are you having a boy or a girl?" Or, they might be asking: "Is this a girl's sport, or is it open to both genders?" Here, gender usually means boy or girl-male or female. In fact, what most people mean when they say gender is actually sex. We can think of sex as how your body is made: from what chromosomes you have to what body parts you have. For a baby, ultrasounds or blood tests can help us know their sex before they are born.

Gender is a little more complicated than what tells us, because gender is partly decided by our . How can that be? Think about when you meet a new friend at the park or at school. How do you know if they are a boy or girl? You might look at their hair or their clothes, what kind of jewelry they wear. You might look at what toys they play with and what they like to do. All of these things can be clues to their gender. You might guess that someone wearing a dress and playing with a doll is a girl. That is because it is a gender in many communities: that girls wear dresses and play with dolls. Of course, because something is a gender does not mean that everyone follows it-just that it is what is usually done or what people expect. We learn these patterns in our by living in it, so we automatically "know" what our 's gender norms are. It can be hard for kids who don't fit into gender norms, or what we usually expect from a girl or boy in our . Have you ever liked something that others said you weren't "supposed to" because of your gender? How did it make you feel?

Of course, there isn't just one in the world. There are many, many different cultures. There may be many different cultures even in the same country! That means that things like gender, that depend on your , are different in different places or in different groups. Many believe that there are two genders: male and female, boy and girl. In some cultures, or in some places, people believe that there are more than two. For example, some Native American or Indigenous people believe that there are three or four genders. People that don't fit into "girl" or "boy" are often called "two-spirit." The idea of two-spirit people are part of many Indigenous cultures' gender norms. In India's Hindu , there is a third gender as well. Hindu people who are third gender are called hijra, and they have been an important part of Hindu for over 2,000 years!

Even in the same , gender norms don't always stay the same. Otherwise, we would all act and dress the same as our ancestors did in the distant past! It used to be a gender that girls and women did not wear pants. That has changed, and many others have as well. Can you think of gender norms that have changed, or might change in the future? Are there any gender norms you would like to change?

CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.4, CCRA.L.5, CCRA.W.1, CCRA.W.2, CCRA.W.3, CCRA.W.4, CCRA.W.6, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.SL.2, CCRA.SL.3, CCRA.SL.4, CCRA.SL.5, C3.D2.His.2.3-5, C3.D2.His.5.3-5

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What is gender? The answer might depend on who you are and where you're from! What do people mean when they say "gender"? One possible answer is that they're talking about grammar. In some languages, nouns are assigned a gender and other words in a sentence must agree with that gender.

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Pollution is when gases, smoke and chemicals are introduced into the environment in large doses that makes it harmful for humans, animals and plants. Some forms of pollution can be seen, some are invisible.

Our Earth has an atmosphere that's made up of different gases. The amount of gases on our atmosphere is just right to encourage life on our planet. We breathe the air and we thrive on it. Because of our advances in technology, we are introducing new chemicals into our atmosphere, causing an imbalance. The most popular effect of this imbalance in nature is Global Warming.

Read More: Global Warming Definition for Kids

The Different Kinds of Pollution

Air Pollution - The vehicles that we use to get around such as cars, planes and trucks contribute to air pollution. These vehicles use fossil fuels, like gas, to power its engines. If you notice the smoke that comes out of our vehicles, what you are seeing is carbon dioxide. Due to the large number of vehicles in the world today, we are adding too much carbon dioxide to our atmosphere, causing the planet's temperature to rise. This is the concept behind global warming.

But the toxic smoke coming out of our vehicles is just a small part of our air pollution problem today. Factories which are used to produce many of the consumer products we enjoy every day also give off toxic substances that pollute our air.

Not only does air pollution cause smog, it also causes sickness such as asthma and other respiratory diseases.

Land Pollution - Can you imagine how much trash is produced by 7 billion people? Did you ever think about where the trash goes? Some of the stuff that we throw away are toxic to our environment, like plastic. They contain chemicals that can leak into the ground and contaminate the water we drink. These chemicals can even reach our oceans, rivers and lakes. This is the reason why you should practice the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. We are encouraged to minimize the waste that ends up in the landfills so we won't contaminate our environment. If we really need to throw out our stuff, we should do so properly by bringing them to recycling centers where they can use the materials to make other new products. This is effective way to manage our waste and keep them from reaching our landfills.

Read More: Recycle Facts for Kids

Water Pollution - What will we do when we run out of clean water to drink? What will happen when the oceans, rivers and lakes are so polluted that all the fish and aquatic animals die? Water keeps us alive and it's very important for us to have clean drinking water. There was a time when we can safely drink from our faucets, but now, we don't know if the water is really safe to drink and we buy purified water in bottles.

Humans are the cause of water pollution, directly and indirectly. We mindlessly throw our trash in the ocean, not thinking about what that may cause. Ships that carry oil can have accidents, spilling all that toxic oil into the ocean, causing havoc in our marine ecosystem and polluting our waters. Do you know that there are areas in the Pacific Ocean where there are "islands of trash?"

We need to stop throwing our trash into the oceans and dispose of them properly on land.

Read More: Plastic Island Pacific Ocean

By knowing how our daily activities affect our environment, we can help reduce pollution in our own small way. Learn more about the state of our environment by browsing the articles on The World Counts: Stories

We only have one planet.... And we need to take care of it.

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Pollution is when gases, smoke and chemicals are introduced into the environment in large doses that makes it harmful for humans, animals and plants. Some forms of pollution can be seen, some are invisible. Our Earth has an atmosphere that's made up of different gases.

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Countries work together to reduce air pollution

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Countries work together to reduce air pollution

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What's the weather usually like where you live? Is it warm enough for you to in the Sun every day? Do you need to bundle up before going outside? Is it always rainy, or usually dry? You're describing the climate of your !

Climate is the usual weather of a place. While weather can change in a matter of hours, climate measures the weather over a long period of time. Most areas have pretty climates. Even though some years see more rainfall or cold weather than normal, the overall climate remains the same. However, sometimes climates change. Climate change the usual weather of an area. An area could go from very rainy to mostly dry. It could even go from warm to chilly! However the climate changes, it has a big on the lives of people who live there.

Climate change can also happen across the globe. It can be a change in the planet's temperature or a change in patterns of rainfall. Have you ever heard of the Ice Age? It was a time of extreme cold across the planet. Today, the opposite is happening. Instead of freezing, the Earth is warming. Its temperature has gone up about one degree Fahrenheit over the last century.

That may not sound like a big deal. After all, most of us wouldn't even notice a one-degree change in the weather outside. However, one degree worldwide has a big . The warming makes ice caps melt, sea levels rise, and crops die. It also causes poor air quality and of clean water in many places. Experts believe climate change even increases the number of natural disasters like wildfires.

What's causing the Earth to warm? Sometimes, the climate changes on its own. Things like our distance from the Sun can change the climate. Disasters like volcanic eruptions also have an effect. However, most scientists today say the rising temperature is caused by people.

Have you ever ridden in an automobile? Does your school run a heater during the winter? Do you cook food on a stove at home? These are all activities that add to climate change. When we burn coal, oil, and gas to create , we send gases into the atmosphere . Those gases trap heat and cause the planet's temperature to rise.

Are you WONDERing what you can do to help stop climate change? The best thing to do is to use less and water. Turn off lights and water when you're not using them. Walk instead of riding in cars when you can. It also helps to look for other sources. Many people already use solar and wind power, which can lower the use of coal, oil, and gas.

Whatever we do, we need to do it soon! Many scientists believe the rising temperature could ruin the Earth if we don't turn things around. Are you ready to save the world? Spread the word. Help your friends and family make choices that are good for the planet. It's the only home we have, so we need to take care of it.

NGSS.ESS3.A, NGSS.ESS3.B, NGSS.ESS3.C, NGSS.ESS3.D, CCRA.R.3, CCRA.R.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.W.2, CCRA.SL.1

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Is it hot in here, or is it just the Wonder of the Day?

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Where Is the World's Largest Pile of Trash?

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Where Is the World's Largest Pile of Trash?

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Do you recycle at home? If you don't, you may want to reconsider after reading through today's Wonder of the Day.

Have you ever stopped to WONDER where all that trash goes that you throw away? Sure, a garbage truck probably stops by your house once a week or so to haul away your garbage. But where does it go from there?

Your local garbage truck probably takes your trash to a nearby . This is a place where trash is buried. Over time, much of it will . Some items, though, such as plastic and styrofoam, can take hundreds of years to and break down.

Your local may be a huge pile of trash, but would you believe that the world's largest pile of trash isn't a at all? It's true! It's actually in the ocean.

The central North Pacific Ocean is home to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which is also sometimes called the Pacific Trash . This area of the ocean is characterized by currents known as the North Pacific . These currents collect trash and direct it toward their calm center, where it collects and stays there.

The exact size of the Pacific Trash is hard to estimate. Estimates range from twice the size of Texas to twice the size of the entire continental United States. Whatever estimate is closest, the Pacific Trash is huge!

The area is marked by high concentrations of plastics, chemical sludge and other . Much of the litter consists of tiny pieces of degraded plastic that float at or just below the surface. Because of this, the trash pile isn't easily seen from airplanes or satellites.

The North Pacific Ocean isn't the only place in the world's oceans where you'll find similar collections of trash. Any place with similar currents can collect trash in the same way. For example, a large pile of floating plastic can also be found in the Atlantic Ocean.

Although much of the trash in the Pacific Trash is invisible to the naked eye, scientists estimate that there may be six times as much plastic as there is natural in the area. These tiny bits of plastic end up in the stomachs of fish and other marine birds and animals, causing disruption in the natural habitats of the creatures affected.

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Where Is the World's Largest Pile of Trash?

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Do you recycle at home? If you don't, you may want to reconsider after reading through today's Wonder of the Day. Have you ever stopped to WONDER where all that trash goes that you throw away? Sure, a garbage truck probably stops by your house once a week or so to haul away your garbage.

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Eat less sugar. It's really a no-brainer. The obesity epidemic now encompasses two-thirds of the American population, including a third of children, so any opportunity parents have to cut calories seems like a good idea. And one of the first targets has to be sugar. Especially now that there are so many low-calorie options made using with artificial sweeteners: sugar free gum, sugar free drinks, sugar free ice cream. Kids can have their cake and eat it and then have a diet soda afterwards.

But these sugar-substitutes may not be the good-for-us wonders that they're touted to be.

While the calorie savings are certainly real, some experts are beginning to doubt whether the compounds end up doing what they're intended to do. Consuming fewer calories should help us stay slim and lose weight, and because they aren't sugar, these stand-ins are also supposed to protect us from getting the sugar spikes after meals and lower the risk of diabetes.

But there's some data that suggest artificial sweetener users don't always lose weight, and that they may not be armed against diabetes. The body reacts to artificial sweeteners differently than it does to sugar - the healthy bacteria that live in the gut, for example, change when these compounds are around - and the consequences might be both surprising and unwelcome, especially for children.

Here are the challenges and questions being raised about sugar substitutes, and the best advice from experts on whether it's worth using them or not.

Switching to artificial sweeteners won't (necessarily) help children lose weight

While studies show that sugar substitutes can lead to weight loss, the number of pounds shed is not the dramatic drop that most diet soda drinkers, for example, probably think they're getting. Yes, a diet soda is a better choice for a child than a sugar-sweetened one, but it's not as conducive to weight loss as switching to water or even milk.

The reason is that nobody lives on diet soda alone. To understand how artificial sweeteners are affecting weight, you have to consider everything else that a child eats - which most likely contains a lot of sugar as well as sugar substitutes. So the effect of removing the sugar calories on children's weight ends up being a function of those kids' behavior and their biology.

For one, kids who eat a lot of sugar often consume it as part of a pattern of overeating in general. It's just another thing they eat too much of. So when they switch to diet soda they're still consuming enough calories from other foods that they don't drop any pounds. Simply cutting down on one source of sugar may not be enough to affect their weight in a significant way.

The biological effect is more complicated, and contributes to a lot of confusion about why, if low- or no-calorie substitutes are so ubiquitous, we still have an obesity epidemic among kids. Animal studies hint that fooling the body with sweet taste but no calories might actually lead to more obesity and diabetes, the very conditions the compounds are supposed to prevent.

Here's how it works: taste receptors on the tongue detect sweetness, and alert the brain that calories are on their way. The brain then sends signals to the pancreas to prepare release of insulin, which sops up and breaks down the sugar and sends it to cells like muscles that need them for energy, and stores the rest as fat for later use. But if the whole system is activated by the sweet taste of artificial sweeteners, then isn't followed up with actual calories in the form of sugar, what happens?

"Does the pancreas go, 'Man, I was waiting for the sugar but now I'll wait until tomorrow,' or does it go, 'The insulin is ready to go so I'm going to find calories to work on?'" asks Dr. Robert Lustig, professor of pediatrics and director of the weight assessment for teen and child health at University of California San Francisco. "We don't know yet."

There are hints, however. In a small study involving 17 morbidly obese adults, researchers measured how quickly their bodies broke down glucose both after drinking water and drinking a diet soda. Given that the diet soda's sweetener contained no calories, the scientists expected both tests to show the same amount of insulin response. But after drinking the diet soda, the volunteers showed a 20% increase in the amount of insulin their bodies released than after they drank water. Continued over-production of insulin can lead to insulin resistance, in which the body's insulin no longer responds appropriately to glucose, and can prime the system for diabetes.

Another small study, this one involving a dozen healthy women of normal weight, also hinted that the brain may see sugar substitutes differently in a very important area-appetite regulation. Researchers scanned the brains of the women after they downed a sugar solution and after a sucralose solution. The area of the brain that senses when enough calories have come in lit up after the women drank the sugar-based solution, but not after the sucralose one. It's not clear whether that actually affected how much the women would eat, but it suggests that the brain-and therefore the body-does not react the same way to sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Still, other studies hint that perhaps this effect, even if it's significant, may not be very strong. Richard Mattes, professor of nutrition science at Purdue University, notes that people with taste disorders, in which everything tastes sweet, seem to maintain normal weight, and aren't necessarily heavier than people with properly functioning taste receptors.

In animals, there's stronger evidence that fooling the body with no-calorie sweeteners could be setting the animals up for the disease. Mice that have been fed artificial sweeteners tend to overeat, for example, and gain weight within two weeks. That might be the same in people, although studies are still being conducted on this. Normally, when the body breaks down calories from food, it regulates how much is enough, and when sufficient amounts are stored, the digestive system sends signals to the brain that say 'We can stop now.'

But if the calories don't arrive after the sweet taste activation by artificial sweeteners, and yet do arrive when the child goes on to eat something with real sugar, then it's possible the system gets confused and can no longer accurately read when the sweet taste signals calories coming in, and when it doesn't.

The rats and mice fed artificial sweeteners also show lower amounts of a peptide that regulates blood sugar levels, and signals the stomach to empty its contents after nutrients and energy have been absorbed. With less of the peptide, the stomach empties more quickly, which could also lead to more feelings of hunger and prompt the animals to eat more.

The bottom line, says Kristina Rother, chief of the section on pediatric diabetes and metabolism at the National Institute of Health's (NIH) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, is that artificial sweeteners mess up the body's exquisitely balanced system for taking in calories, using them for energy, and squirreling away enough for just-in-case purposes. "It's Pavlovian," she says. Just as when dogs heard the bell and knew that meant food was arriving, in these studies the animals are tasting sweetness and then getting calories. "But now we're confusing the dog, and just ringing the bell by just letting them taste sweetness without the calories. What happens is that animals' systems say 'Who cares?'" They can no longer rely on the sweet signal to herald calories, so they no longer distinguish between hungry and not hungry and eat whenever and whatever they want, leading to weight gain. "[Artificial sweeteners] are fooling the body, and once it's fooled enough, it's just not going to respond any more," she says.

As it turns out, it's not just animals that are not aware when they're taking in artificial sweeteners. Humans can be unaware as well. To find out why, it's useful to know the history of our search for a guilt-free sweet tooth.

Why you won't find artificial sweeteners on food labels

Artificial sweeteners, some of which are synthetic and some of which come from natural sources like plants, were initially a boon for a very specific population of people-those with diabetes. Because diabetics can't produce enough insulin to break down the sugar in their diet, glucose can accumulate in the blood and start to damage organs including the kidneys and the eyes. Having a compound that allowed diabetics to enjoy sweet-tasting foods without the spike in glucose was a gift.

The first such substitute, saccharin, was developed in the 1870s by researchers looking for coal tar derivatives-by coincidence, they discovered their byproducts were sweet. It didn't take long for food makers to swarm to saccharin, since it was cheaper, sweeter and more reliable to make in the lab than sugar, which needed to be harvested and shipped. Other versions followed, and while some, like aspartame, contain about 4 calories per gram, others boasted fewer or no calories at all, making them a staple of the new diet-conscious culture that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, and became a foundation of most weight loss efforts.

There are now six high-intensity sweeteners approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), increasingly sprinkled into a surprising number of foods on supermarket shelves, from diet sodas to frozen meals and savory snacks. Among more than 85,000 commonly purchased foods, 1% contain non-caloric sweeteners and 6% contain a combination of both sugar and non calorie sweeteners. Many parents don't even know all the products that artificial sweeteners are in. Nearly half of waters (both plain and flavored) contain them, as well as more than a third of yogurts.

But to find them, you need higher order chemistry knowledge. Unlike fats, which are broken down into saturated, trans and cholesterol on nutrition labels, sugars are listed in one sweet lump, combining both naturally occurring forms such as sucrose (sugar cane), fructose (from fruit) and dextrose (from corn) as well as the lower calorie substitutes like aspartame, saccharin, sucralose (Splenda), stevia (Truvia), acesulfame potassium (Sunett, Sweet One, Ace K), neotame (Newtame) and advantame. To find the latter agents, you'll have to hunt in the lengthy list of ingredients on the label.

"You can't figure it out," says Rother. She recently conducted an experiment outside a grocery store near the NIH in which she asked parents about whether they would buy foods with artificial sweeteners for their children. Most said no, but when told to select a few items from a table with popular packaged foods and drinks, most chose products with the sugar substitutes because they couldn't identify them on the labels. "The amount of artificial sweeteners in products doesn't have to be displayed," she says. "In fact it's never displayed."

The FDA does, in fact, set limits for what it considers safe amounts of sugar substitutes that are food additives (naturally-based options only need to be shown to be 'generally recognized as safe'). The limits range from 0.3 mg/kg body weight to 50 mg/kg per day for artificial sweeteners. So for a 50 lb. child, the average weight of a 6-year-old boy, that's about 80% of a can of diet soda containing saccharin, or nearly six (!!!) cans of aspartame-containing soda a day. But the FDA can't calibrate for things like metabolism and glucose levels and the way the body stores fat, since those studies are more challenging to conduct and to interpret. And that's where some experts are getting concerned about sugar substitutes' effect on the population.

So which is better for kids, sugar or artificial sweeteners?

There's absolutely no question that artificial sweeteners contain fewer calories than sugar. So taken in isolation, instead of sugar, they will contribute to weight loss. But real people don't eat just foods sweetened with artificial sweeteners. Both kids and parents adopt compensating behavior when it comes to sweets-persuading themselves, for example, that the calories they're saving by drinking diet sodas give them license to indulge in their sweet tooth at the candy counter or for dessert. So in the end they may actually continue to eat the same total number of calories (or even more) on average.

But what really concerns experts about artificial sweeteners, especially for children, is that they are creeping into more and more products. And given the animal data, it's legitimate to start investigating how they are affecting the human body, particularly among those who consume them from infancy on. Rother found that moms who use artificial sweeteners can pass on the agents in their breast milk, albeit in small amounts, so an entire generation may be exposed to these sugar substitutes from their first meal.

"I don't know whether we are ever going to put questions about artificial sweeteners to rest," says Susie Swithers, professor of behavioral neuroscience at Purdue University who has reviewed the animal and human studies to date on the compounds. "But I think what we need to do is really try to pin down whether some of the mechanisms we identified in animal models are actually operating in people. We also need to know whether the different artificial sweeteners are having different effects."

That need for more research is among the few things that experts in the field agree upon. "Right now, based on our current set of studies in people, no one has shown in a [long term] trial that consuming diet beverages can increase your desire for sweet foods," says Barry Popkin, professor of nutrition at University North Carolina. "We need more studies to give us a consensus. Because now there is no consensus."

So how are well-intentioned and concerned parents supposed to shop for their kids? Lustig gives his parents this useful, if unconventional analogy. "I liken artificial sweeteners to methadone," he says, referring to the drug treatment for heroin addiction that's simply a longer-acting opiate than heroin. Methadone is supposed to gradually and gently wean addicts off their drug habit, by evening out the super-highs they get from heroin and flattening out the experience until they can do away with both the heroin and the methadone. "Diet sweeteners are like methadone - they are better than sugar but the goal is to use them as a method of getting off sweeteners, and not as a substitute for sugar. So what I say is if you're using artificial sweeteners as a way to kick a heavy sugar habit, then great. But if you're using them as an excuse to keep eating sweet foods and substituting one reward pathway for another, then ultimately they are not going to be helpful."

Sugar, he says, is supposed to be a treat, a once-in-a-while reward, rather than the staple it's become at every meal, and in practically every food. Rother agrees. And working with that idea of sweets as an occasional treat, if she has to choose between artificially sweetened desserts and sugar-sweetened ones for her children, she goes with the real stuff. "At least you know what you're eating," she says. "Just eat a little less later on instead of fooling yourself."

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Eat less sugar. It's really a no-brainer. The obesity epidemic now encompasses two-thirds of the American population, including a third of children, so any opportunity parents have to cut calories seems like a good idea. And one of the first targets has to be sugar.

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Experts say low-calorie food and drinks on the market are contributing to a big increase in artificial sweeteners consumed by kids.

Children are consuming artificial sweeteners at a rate that is alarming to some nutrition experts.

Consumption of artificial sweeteners is up 200 percent for children, and 54 percent for adults, according to a study published by The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The report took data from a cross sectional study using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey information collected from 2009 to 2012.

The data was culled from nearly 17,000 participants, ages 2 and up.

Researchers looked at the artificial sweetener consumption of participants over a two-day period.

They assessed the number of times per day that the artificial sweeteners were consumed, whether they were consumed at home or away, and if they were consumed during mealtimes or snack time.

Approximately 25 percent of all children and 41 percent of all adults consumed artificial sweeteners. Of those, 80 percent of children and 56 percent of adults reported consuming artificial sweeteners at least once a day.

Women and participants considered obese tended to consume more artificial sweeteners than men, participants who were overweight, and participants who were at a normal weight.

People who identified as Caucasian also had a higher consumption rate compared to Latinos and African-Americans.

People with lower and middle incomes consumed more sweeteners than people with higher incomes.
Read more: Artificial sweeteners may not be sweet to obese people "
Kristin Kirkpatrick, a registered dietician and consultant, noted that the children who participated in the study didn't get a majority of their sweeteners from foods they ate outside of the home, such as restaurants or cafes.

"A majority of these foods were eaten at home," she told Healthline. "The study showed a high prevalence with pediatric consumption of canned fruit, flavored oatmeal, and snack bars. This is consistent with what I see in my own practice, in addition to sugar-free juice options."

Kirkpatrick said the report suggests that as "parents and children deal with weight-related issues, there may be more low sugar (artificial sweetener) foods in the home."

Artificial sweeteners include saccharine, sucralose, and aspartame, among others. They're commonly known by their brand names, Splenda, Sweet'N Low, and Equal.

These fake or non-nutritive sweeteners can be found in a wide range of highly processed and prepackaged foods.

Low-calorie drinks, crackers, and cookies, as well as other foods labeled as low-calorie, are some examples, according to Katie Ferraro, M.P.H., R.D.N., C.D.E., assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Nursing.

"You don't find artificial sweeteners in whole foods, you tend to find them in highly processed foods," she told Healthline. "The report implies that children are eating processed foods."
Read more: Artificial sweeteners may cause you to eat more "
There's one other product that Ferraro believes is likely a big contributor in the rise of artificial sweeteners being consumed by children.

"Yogurt is a big culprit," she said.

The yogurt market has exploded in recent years. Advertisers tend to tout the product's ability to regulate digestion through its probiotic properties.

But unless your child is consuming plain yogurt, they're also getting heaping doses of sugar.

"Ninety-five percent of the yogurt in the grocery store has added sugar," Ferraro said. "A good rule of thumb is in an 8-ounce container there [should] only be 12 grams of sugar."

That threshold accounts for the lactase, or milk sugar, that occurs naturally in yogurt, she noted.

Anything after that is added sweetener.

Ferrero said it's important to remember that every four ounces equals one packet of sugar. If the yogurt you're feeding your child lists 25 grams of sugar, they're eating about six packets of sugar.

She encourages parents to serve their children plain yogurt with fruit added.

Low-calorie fruit juice is another product that also has a lot of sweetener, Ferraro noted.

In general, she said parents need to cut back on the amount of juice they let their kids drink, low-calorie or otherwise.

"Parents mistakenly think they are healthy," Ferraro said. "Kids only need to drink milk and water."
Read more: It's time to break up with sugar "
The best line of defense for any parent when it comes to reducing the amount of sugar - natural or artificial - their child consumes is to read food labels.

"If there are words [on the label] that you can't pronounce you probably shouldn't give it to your child." she said.

Ferraro, who has quadruplets, and another child, all under the age of 2, knows how challenging is can be to cook healthy meals made with whole foods.

She understands the convenience that processed and packaged food brings for busy families. But it also comes with a price and the report reflects that.

"Kids should have whole, real impact foods," she said.

And that takes time and planning.

"Healthy food doesn't magically appear on the table," she said.

Kirkpatrick said it's OK to serve children nutrient-dense foods that allow for sweetness, but don't go overboard on the intensity of that ingredient.

At the grocery store this means avoid buying low-calorie items, such as diet lemonade. It may seem like the right choice because it has less real sugar, but in the end you're simply swapping out real sugar for artificial sweetener.

"The main [artificial sweeteners] on the market are much more intense in sweetness than real sugar, and consuming them may in fact reduce sensitivity of sweetness. It's important to understand this, so that you can be smart on making these healthier transitions," she said. "Kicking a sweet tooth is tough, for both parents and kids, and these changes will not be solved overnight. They will, however, over time as you continue to eliminate intense sweetness from your child's taste buds."
Read more: America's deadly sugar addiction has reached epidemic levels "
The long-term effects of consuming artificial sweetener are unclear.

One 2013 study from Harvard showed a link between sweetener consumption and type 2 diabetes. The report examined the long-term relationship between weight and the consumption of artificially sweetened drinks for approximately 3,700 individuals.

Participants were followed for seven to eight years and their weight monitored. After researchers adjusted for factors that contribute to weight gain including diet, exercise changes, or diabetes status, the study showed that those who drank artificially sweetened drinks had a 47 percent increase in body mass index (BMI) than those who did not.

Most experts agree that more research is needed to make the direct connection between weight gain and consumption of sweeteners.

According to the American Heart Association, children shouldn't consume more than 25 grams of sugar a day. That's equal to about six teaspoons of sugar.

But the reality is that children ages 1 to 3 consume up to 12 teaspoons of sugar a day.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' position on artificial sweeteners is that "consumers can safely enjoy a range of nutritive sweeteners and non-nutritive sweeteners when consumed within an eating plan that is guided by current federal nutrition recommendations," but a "higher intake of added sugars is associated with higher energy intake and lower diet quality, which can increase the risk for obesity, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease."

By 2018, it will be easier to figure out how much sugar your child is consuming.

That's when new labeling rules from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) kick in.

Food companies will have to differentiate between the sugar that occurs naturally in a food product and the sugar added by the manufacturer.

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children using lots more artificial sweeteners

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kids using lots more artificial sweeteners

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why are artificial sweeteners bad for kids

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Experts say low-calorie food and drinks on the market are contributing to a big increase in artificial sweeteners consumed by kids. Children are consuming artificial sweeteners at a rate that is alarming to some nutrition experts.

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Wonderopolis

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Can Some Natural Flavors Be Artificial? | Wonderopolis

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Today's Wonder of the Day was inspired by Marissa from Bay City, MI. Marissa Wonders, " How do wind farms work? " Thanks for WONDERing with us, Marissa!

What do you think of when you hear the word "farm"? Animals? Vegetables? Tractors? Farmers? Would you believe there are farms without any of those things? It's true! What are we talking about? Wind farms!

Wind farms are areas where many large wind have been grouped together. They "" the power of the wind. These large look a bit like super-tall windmills.

A large wind farm can have hundreds of wind spread out over hundreds of miles. The land between the may be used for other purposes, such as regular farming. Some wind farms are also located near bodies of water. There, they take advantage of winds that blow across lakes or oceans.

Did you know that wind energy is actually another form of energy? Earth's shape and rotation work with the Sun's uneven heating of the atmosphere to make winds.

Wind farms are built in areas known to be especially windy on a regular basis. The winds turn the blades of the . Then, the turn the energy of the wind into mechanical power. Generators then turn the mechanical power into electricity . That electricity is then used to power homes.

You can think of a wind turbine as the of a fan. A fan uses electricity to make wind. Wind do the : they use the wind to make electricity ! As the wind turns the blades of a wind turbine, the blades cause a shaft to spin. The spinning shaft connects to a that creates electricity .

Are you wondering why scientists looked to the wind as an energy source? There are plenty of good reasons. Wind energy is free and . Unlike most power plants, wind farms don't emit or greenhouse gases.

However, wind farms can cost a lot of money to set up. Over time, though, their cost is competitive with other types of generating systems. Unfortunately, you can't make the wind blow whenever you want it to. That means wind farms can't always meet electricity needs on demand.

Over time, scientists believe new technologies will make wind power even more popular. They believe people may one day store wind power in batteries for on-demand use. Wind power already accounts for about 3% of the United States' electricity . Experts believe wind power will account for 20% of the nation's electricity by 2030.

CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.W.4, NGSS.ESS3.A

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Today's Wonder of the Day was inspired by Marissa from Bay City, MI. Marissa Wonders, " How do wind farms work? " Thanks for WONDERing with us, Marissa! What do you think of when you hear the word "farm"? Animals? Vegetables? Tractors? Farmers? Would you believe there are farms without any of those things?

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Do you ever take things for ? For instance, think about your morning routine. When you wake up, do you flip on a light? Grab your lunch from the refrigerator? Turn on the TV until you leave for school? Most people don't think much about these actions. They take it for that flipping a switch will make these things come on!

However, many things must happen for these devices to work. For starters, you need electricity flowing to the outlets and switches in your house. Without electricity , lamps, refrigerators, and TVs would be useless.

Where does your electricity come from? Some people get electricity from -burning power plants. Others get electricity from solar panels. Some use wind turbines. Some people even get electricity from water! This is called hydroelectricity .

Hydroelectric power is made by flowing water. If you live near a river that has dams, you might use hydroelectricity . So just how does a use water to make electricity ?

It's actually fairly simple. Hydroelectric and power plants make electricity in similar ways. Both use a machine called a . They use a power source to turn the 's propellers. As the spins, it turns a metal connected to an electric . This is basically a motor that produces electricity .

In the case of a hydroelectric , flowing water is used as the power source to turn the . Hydroelectric dams have a special passageway for water. These passages are sloped downward to create a flow of falling water.

As the water falls down the passageway, it's directed past the propellers of the . The force of the flowing water turns the . The , in turn, spins the metal in the electric . That makes electricity !

But why are dams necessary? Could you just build a hydroelectric plant on any river? Not exactly. Hydroelectric dams need to be on large rivers. They also need to have a large drop in elevation. Engineers then control the water flow to make electricity on demand at a specific rate.

Many people want to use electricity made by water instead of . That's because it's better for the environment. When we use to make electricity , we burn it. This adds to the greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Also, once is burned, it's gone. On the other hand, the water used in hydroelectric dams keeps flowing. Thanks to the natural water cycle, hydroelectric power plants use a energy source!

CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.SL.1

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Do you ever take things for ? For instance, think about your morning routine. When you wake up, do you flip on a light? Grab your lunch from the refrigerator? Turn on the TV until you leave for school? Most people don't think much about these actions.

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Types of Energy for Kids - Renewable and Non-Renewable Energies

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Renewable Energy Sources - Types of Energy for Kids

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Most alternative energy sources are renewable, which means that, unlike fossil fuels, they are not likely to run out. Examples include the Sun, wind, rivers and oceans, heat from inside Earth, and biofuels. These energy sources can be used to generate electricity, to heat water, and, in some cases, to fuel vehicles.

Solar Energy

The heat and light produced by the Sun provide an enormous source of energy. A number of technologies, such as photovoltaic (PV) cells, have been developed to harness this energy so it can be used as a power source for generating electricity and heat (solar heating).

Wind and Water Energy

When the blades of a wind turbine spin, they convert wind energy to electrical energy by means of a machine called a generator. Wind turbines can work alone or in a group, called a wind farm.

In a similar way, rivers and oceans can provide electric power. The water flowing through a river dam runs generators, which produce electricity. This is called waterpower or hydropower. Wave energy is produced when generators are placed in an ocean. The amount of energy depends on the size, force, and frequency of the waves.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is heat that comes from inside Earth. In some places, such as Iceland, the heat is so close to the surface that it can be easily used as an energy source. In other places holes must be drilled down through rocks to reach the heat.

Alternative Energy for Vehicles

Most vehicles in history have been powered by fossil fuels, in the form of gasoline or diesel fuel. One alternative fuel is liquid petroleum gas (LPG), which is made from natural gas. However, natural gas is a fossil fuel and therefore not renewable. A renewable type of fuel is ethanol, which is made from grains such as corn. Biodiesel, made from oily plants, is another renewable fuel. Ethanol and biodiesel are called biofuels-fuels made from plant or animal materials.

Some vehicles now run on batteries or fuel cells. Fuel cells are similar to batteries but last for much longer. They use a fuel, such as hydrogen, to create electricity. Fuel cells also are used in spacecraft and in some buildings.

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Most alternative energy sources are renewable, which means that, unlike fossil fuels, they are not likely to run out. Examples include the Sun, wind, rivers and oceans, heat from inside Earth, and biofuels. These energy sources can be used to generate electricity, to heat water, and, in some cases, to fuel vehicles.

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For example, you might see Grade "A" eggs in your refrigerator . Did the eggs have to pass a test? Or did the chicken have to take the test? What does the Grade "A" on eggs even mean?

You might also notice that different types of meats have grades, too. They might not say Grade "A," though. Instead, you might see different words, such as "" and "."

What do these grades and terms mean when it comes to the food you eat? Are some foods , safer, or healthier than others?

The food we eat comes from many different sources. During processing and , it's possible for food to become contaminated in ways that would make it unsafe for us to eat. That's why food and inspection requirements are set forth in the Food Safety Act of 1990.

Not all foods are treated in the same way, though. There are many different laws and different that apply to all sorts of different kinds of foods.

For example, meat (like beef) and (like chicken) are regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) makes sure that meat and products undergo inspection for wholesomeness . This means they make sure these products are safe and labeled and packaged properly.

Grading for is done by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service. This agency uses uniform to evaluate a food's based upon a number of factors, such as tenderness, juiciness, and flavor.

The number of available grades depends upon the particular food being graded. For example, there are eight grades of beef and three grades for chickens, eggs, and turkeys. There are over 300 that apply to the wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

For beef, you might find several different grades at your local grocery store. "" is the highest grade, followed by "" and "select." You may also see "standard" and " commercial " grades sold in stores as ungraded store-brand meat.

Eggs can't be inspected for like meat. Unlike the grades on beef and , the Grade "A" on eggs merely means that the eggs were inspected for proper size and color and to make sure their shells aren't cracked. So looking for Grade "A" eggs isn't necessarily guaranteeing you any sort of ultimate .

Other food grades don't necessarily speak to either. For example, maple syrup can receive various grades. These grades don't indicate as much as they describe varying degrees of color and flavor. The grades indicate differences but not necessarily that one grade is than the other.

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Today's Wonder of the Day takes a look at your food's report card!

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**If you have come into contact with COVID-19 and are experiencing (cough, fever, difficulty breathing), your healthcare provider immediately. If you live in the United States and need state-specific contact information, follow this link.**
You've probably heard about the topic of today's Wonder of the Day. You may have even been directly affected by it. Maybe your school is closed. Perhaps the grown-ups in your life are staying home from work. It's possible you've just heard about it on the news. Either way, kids all over the world are wondering: What is disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

COVID-19 is an . It's caused by a novel . When a is "novel," that means it's being seen in humans for the first time. That's why people who study viruses are so concerned about COVID-19. Scientists are still learning about how it spreads and how it affects people.

In the past, other coronaviruses have caused many illnesses. Some of these are fairly mild, like the common cold. Others are more severe. One example was the that caused a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak between 2002 and 2004. But the one that causes COVID-19 is different from these. People are very worried about this virus because it spreads quickly and can cause very severe .

Where did this novel come from? Experts believe it spread to humans from an animal. Now, it's spreading from person to person quickly. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called it a global . The first cases of COVID-19 were in Wuhan, China. From there, it quickly moved across the globe. You can find information on the spread of COVID-19 in the daily Situation Reports from WHO.

What are the of COVID-19? The most common ones are fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. If you or someone you know has these , it's important to call a healthcare provider right away. Don't go anywhere without the direction of your doctor.

How dangerous is COVID-19? Doctors say that most people who have the will get better. However, people over the age of 65 are at a higher risk for complications . So are those with conditions like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. People who have suppressed immune systems are also more likely to have problems.

Many people who have COVID-19 might not show at all. That's one reason the has spread so quickly. People who don't feel sick might not know they're carrying the novel . For example, 660 sailors aboard the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt tested positive for COVID-19 in April 2020. Sixty percent of them showed no . Even people who have no can spread the virus to others, though. That's why so many schools and workplaces have closed.

What can you do to avoid getting or spreading COVID-19? It's important to wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. To make sure your hands are clean, wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water. You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. These are points of easy entry for the .

As always, be sure to cover sneezes and coughs. If possible, sneeze or cough into a tissue and then throw it away. Experts also recommend social distancing. In fact, it's best to stay home if you can. If you need to go out in public, stay at least six feet away from people outside your immediate family. The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends wearing a cloth face covering in public. This could include a non-medical cloth mask or a bandanna. Anyone who has COVID-19 should stay away from other people completely.

When someone who has COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or exhales, the virus can leave their body and land on nearby surfaces. If someone else touches that surface, they will pick up the virus. That's why it's also important to clean surfaces you touch with a disinfectant, like bleach. Remember that, while cleaners are great for killing the virus on surfaces, you shouldn't use them on your hands or body. Wash your hands and other body parts with soap and water instead.

What about food? Currently, there's no evidence of the novel spreading through food or food packaging. However, it's always a good idea to wash your hands after handling food or groceries--and always do so before eating!

Everyone wants to protect their family members from getting sick with COVID-19. That's why many are also concerned for their pets. Can animals catch the virus from humans? Some dogs and cats have tested positive for COVID-19, but they showed few . Experts say this isn't a serious threat to pets. If an owner tests positive, their pets should be quarantined to avoid spreading it to other people.

Unfortunately, there's plenty of misinformation going around about COVID-19. For example, some people think the novel is unable to spread in warm climates. This is untrue. COVID-19 can spread in any climate. It's also too early to tell whether COVID-19 will be a seasonal like the flu. At this time, experts don't have any evidence to suggest that hot weather can stop it.

The can also spread to any person, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or age. Some groups are at a higher risk of complications due to age or health reasons. But people of all ages can become ill with COVID-19, with or without underlying conditions.

Is there a cure for COVID-19? Not yet. However, experts are studying the effects of several medicines in hope of finding a way to fight the . They are also working to develop a vaccine. In the meantime, doctors treat the of the as well as they can with medicines.

Many people feel or fear about COVID-19. It can be scary to see so many people sick. There are many ways to help your family members get their minds off of the . You might try going for a walk or playing games together at home. Turn on a movie and prepare your favorite snack. You could also try deep breathing techniques or other mindfulness exercises if you're feeling stressed. This is an important time to be kind to others-and if you're worried, talk to a trusted adult.

If you or a family member have of COVID-19, you should contact health officials as soon as possible. You should also stay away from other people until you feel better.

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If you have come into contact with COVID-19 and are experiencing (cough, fever, difficulty breathing), your healthcare provider immediately. If you live in the United States and need state-specific contact information, follow this link .** You've probably heard about the topic of today's Wonder of the Day.

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You may have already learned about how species become endangered. After all, it's a problem faced all over the world. But have you ever WONDERed whether you can help save endangered species?

The answer is complex. Species become endangered for many reasons. Most are at-risk due to loss. Others face issues like . Invasive species also play a role. Many factors influence all of these causes, making the issue hard to solve. As of 2022, 16,118 species around the world are endangered.

The situation is , but there is good news. Many organizations are working hard to help endangered species. The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) has helped slow rhino . The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has also made a difference. It's worked for over 60 years to save habitats and help at-risk animals.

Other groups that help endangered species are the Padi Aware Foundation, Jane Goodall Institute, Wildlife Conservation Society, and many others. Individuals support these groups by donating and volunteering. And this is just one way people can help. Both kids and adults can act to make a difference. In fact, you're taking one of the most important steps right now!

By reading today's Wonder of the Day, you're learning about what causes endangered species. That's one of the most important things you can do to help them! Then, help spread the word and educate others.

It's also important to take steps to save at-risk habitats. You can help by visiting a national park or wildlife refuge. These places habitats for native species. By visiting, you bring more attention to parks and refuges. This makes it more likely that these areas will continue to be protected.

You can also help by growing plants that are native to your area. This helps protect biodiversity . Native plants are natural food sources for native animals. Growing them also lowers the risk of introducing invasive species to the area.

Speaking of gardens, it's also important to limit the use of herbicides and pesticides. They harm plants and animals that come into contact with them. Does your family use these chemicals? If so, use them responsibly and follow the directions for each chemical.

Many practices that are good for the environment also help endangered species. Driving less-and driving slower-can cut carbon emissions. It also reduces the number of animals killed on roadways. Reusing and recycling lowers waste and the use of natural resources from animal habitats. And, of course, always keep your distance from wild animals in nature. This is safest for both people and animals.

Individual actions can go a long way toward helping endangered species. However, many experts agree this requires change on a larger level. That's why it's also important to for support from government agencies. One way to do so is to communicate with government representatives. your support for laws, programs, and funding that protect endangered species.

How can your family help endangered species? Talk with a family member today about actions you can take to help. Endangered species need many people working together to support them.

NGSS.LS2.C, NGSS.LS2.D, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.L.1, CCRA.W.1, CCRA.SL.3, CCRA.L.2 , CCRA.SL.2, NCAS.A.1, NCAS.A.2, NCAS.A.3

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Careful! You're EN DANGER of gaining new knowledge from today's Wonder of the Day!

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You may have already learned about how species become endangered. After all, it's a problem faced all over the world. But have you ever WONDERed whether you can help save endangered species?

The answer is complex. Species become endangered for many reasons. Most are at-risk due to loss. Others face issues like . Invasive species also play a role. Many factors influence all of these causes, making the issue hard to solve. As of 2022, 16,118 species around the world are endangered.

The situation is , but there is good news. Many organizations are working hard to help endangered species. The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) has helped slow rhino . The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has also made a difference. It's worked for over 60 years to save habitats and help at-risk animals.

Other groups that help endangered species are the Padi Aware Foundation, Jane Goodall Institute, Wildlife Conservation Society, and many others. Individuals support these groups by donating and volunteering. And this is just one way people can help. Both kids and adults can act to make a difference. In fact, you're taking one of the most important steps right now!

By reading today's Wonder of the Day, you're learning about what causes endangered species. That's one of the most important things you can do to help them! Then, help spread the word and educate others.

It's also important to take steps to save at-risk habitats. You can help by visiting a national park or wildlife refuge. These places habitats for native species. By visiting, you bring more attention to parks and refuges. This makes it more likely that these areas will continue to be protected.

You can also help by growing plants that are native to your area. This helps protect biodiversity . Native plants are natural food sources for native animals. Growing them also lowers the risk of introducing invasive species to the area.

Speaking of gardens, it's also important to limit the use of herbicides and pesticides. They harm plants and animals that come into contact with them. Does your family use these chemicals? If so, use them responsibly and follow the directions for each chemical.

Many practices that are good for the environment also help endangered species. Driving less-and driving slower-can cut carbon emissions. It also reduces the number of animals killed on roadways. Reusing and recycling lowers waste and the use of natural resources from animal habitats. And, of course, always keep your distance from wild animals in nature. This is safest for both people and animals.

Individual actions can go a long way toward helping endangered species. However, many experts agree this requires change on a larger level. That's why it's also important to for support from government agencies. One way to do so is to communicate with government representatives. your support for laws, programs, and funding that protect endangered species.

How can your family help endangered species? Talk with a family member today about actions you can take to help. Endangered species need many people working together to support them.

NGSS.LS2.C, NGSS.LS2.D, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.L.1, CCRA.W.1, CCRA.SL.3, CCRA.L.2 , CCRA.SL.2, NCAS.A.1, NCAS.A.2, NCAS.A.3

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Careful! You're EN DANGER of gaining new knowledge from today's Wonder of the Day!

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Do you recycle at home? If you don't, you may want to reconsider after reading through today's Wonder of the Day.

Have you ever stopped to WONDER where all that trash goes that you throw away? Sure, a garbage truck probably stops by your house once a week or so to haul away your garbage. But where does it go from there?

Your local garbage truck probably takes your trash to a nearby . This is a place where trash is buried. Over time, much of it will . Some items, though, such as plastic and styrofoam, can take hundreds of years to and break down.

Your local may be a huge pile of trash, but would you believe that the world's largest pile of trash isn't a at all? It's true! It's actually in the ocean.

The central North Pacific Ocean is home to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which is also sometimes called the Pacific Trash . This area of the ocean is characterized by currents known as the North Pacific . These currents collect trash and direct it toward their calm center, where it collects and stays there.

The exact size of the Pacific Trash is hard to estimate. Estimates range from twice the size of Texas to twice the size of the entire continental United States. Whatever estimate is closest, the Pacific Trash is huge!

The area is marked by high concentrations of plastics, chemical sludge and other . Much of the litter consists of tiny pieces of degraded plastic that float at or just below the surface. Because of this, the trash pile isn't easily seen from airplanes or satellites.

The North Pacific Ocean isn't the only place in the world's oceans where you'll find similar collections of trash. Any place with similar currents can collect trash in the same way. For example, a large pile of floating plastic can also be found in the Atlantic Ocean.

Although much of the trash in the Pacific Trash is invisible to the naked eye, scientists estimate that there may be six times as much plastic as there is natural in the area. These tiny bits of plastic end up in the stomachs of fish and other marine birds and animals, causing disruption in the natural habitats of the creatures affected.

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Where Is the World's Largest Pile of Trash?

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We almost threw today's Wonder of the Day away. Glad we saved it!

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Today's Wonder of the Day was inspired by zach from lees summit , MO. zach Wonders, " why are they called super foods " Thanks for WONDERing with us, zach!

Imagine you're shopping for your family. What foods will you choose? Do you head straight for the frozen pizza? Will you fill your cart with chicken nuggets? Or would you rather grab a box of your favorite breakfast cereal?

Maybe you're looking for healthy snacks! If so, you might pick out a few superfoods. No, these foods don't have a large "S" on them like Superman's costume. But their health might seem like superpowers!

The term "superfood" has been around quite a while. People have started using it more over the last . What exactly makes a food super? Many kids probably think pizza is super! It's very , after all. But "superfood" describes foods that are in . This makes them healthy additions to your diet.

There's no exact definition of superfood, though. In fact, you'll find that scientists and dietitians rarely use the term. Instead, many "superfood" a term used to point out foods that have certain health . Most superfoods are plant-based. However, there are a few fish and dairy foods on the list.

Have you ever tried blueberries? How about kiwifruit? Maybe you've had kale or spinach with a meal. These are all examples of superfoods! And there are plenty of others-salmon, beans, whole grains, and quinoa just to name a few. Many items have been labeled superfoods at one time or another.

Superfoods are packed with vitamins and minerals. Many are high in fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants . These have a variety of health . The amount of in a superfood can vary wildly. Some superfoods are more super than others!

Should you eat superfoods? It's always a good idea to get plenty of vitamins and minerals. However, eating only superfoods won't necessarily make you healthier. Instead, the key is always to eat a balanced diet. Include many nutritious foods in moderate quantities.

NHES.A.5, NHES.A.7, CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.W.2, CCRA.W.4, CCRA.W.9, CCRA.L.1, CCRA.L.2

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Today's Wonder of the Day will make you hungry...and healthy!

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We're confident today's Wonder of the Day won't be a waste of your time!

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Have you ever been to a tea party? They're not just for kids! People across the world enjoy afternoon tea. It's a great way to rest and get ready for the end of the day. People have been drinking tea for thousands of years. Have you ever WONDERed how it started?

The story of tea is mixed with . In 2737 BCE, Chinese Emperor Shen Nong was boiling water in his garden. A falling leaf from a nearby tree landed in the pot. When he drank the water, the emperor liked the flavor from the leaf. After further study, the emperor found that the drink had many positive effects. He made it a regular part of his diet.

Was tea really made by accident? We can't be sure. However, experts do believe that the tea plant started in of China, Tibet, and India. traveled from these places carrying tea leaves elsewhere.

Widespread tea-drinking started around 618 CE. Soon, tea became China's national drink. During the "romantic age" of tea (960-1280), references to tea appeared in poetry and art. Chinese culture influenced nearby , and before long, tea was popular across East Asia.

Much later, brought tea to Europe. Explorer Marco Polo was one of the early Europeans to write about the drink. However, tea wasn't commonly traded in Europe until the 17th Century. The Dutch East India Company sold tea leaves in Europe for the first time in 1610, and Russian brought tea along the Silk Road around the same time.

In 1657, Thomas Garraway opened the first tea shop in England. Soon, the drink spread to other English cafes. Catherine of Braganza, who married King Charles II, drank tea, further popularizing it among the British people. However, it was too expensive for most people to buy. In its early years, tea was most often consumed by royalty and wealthy families.

Tea quickly became a tool of political power for England. As the nation's empire spread, it sold tea through the British East India Company. It put heavy taxes on the drink in both India and the United States. This would even lead to protests, including the Boston Tea Party.

Tea has long played a role in social life. Across England, the afternoon tea party has become a . People gather with their friends and family to talk and enjoy refreshments. Tea time has even made it into books and movies, including Alice's Adventures in Wonderlandand Mulan.

As tea became more affordable and common, people gave the drink their own spin. Many found they like some types of tea more than others. Different people prefer white, yellow, black, or green teas. Others make the choice to drink decaffeinated tea. In America, iced tea and sweet tea became popular. While hot tea remains popular in most parts of the world, iced tea makes up 80% of tea sales in the United States today.

Next to water, tea is the world's most popular drink today. It's even more common than coffee! Over time, we've made tea drinking more convenient . People today don't even need to worry about brewing it on their own! We can find bottled tea in just about any store.

Do you like to sip tea? Do you prefer hot or cold? Sweet or unsweet? Black, green, or herbal? There are so many possibilities. The next time you're feeling social, consider gathering your friends for a tea party. You never know what fun you might have!

C3.D2.Eco.14, C3.D2.Eco.15, C3.D2.His.1, CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.W.2, CCRA.W.9, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.SL.2

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Have you ever been to a tea party? They're not just for kids! People across the world enjoy afternoon tea. It's a great way to rest and get ready for the end of the day. People have been drinking tea for thousands of years. Have you ever WONDERed how it started?

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This Wonder of the Day has us bubbling with excitement!

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Newsela | Bugs for dinner? New Aussie food trend has legs (and wings)

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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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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 | Less lunch-line grumbling when there's a chef in the school cafeteria

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Newsela | Study reveals economic costs associated with global malnutrition

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Newsela | Countries OK large marine reserve

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Countries approve world's largest marine reserve, twice the size of Texas, off Antarctica

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Newsela | Cutting waste: how a salon recycles 65 bags of hair

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Australia's hairdressers are getting serious about recycling, using clippings for compost, turning bottles into eyewear and keeping bleach out of the drain

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Newsela | Pringles: snacktime hero or recycling villain?

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Newsela - Coke aims to recycle a bottle for each it sells by 2030

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Coca-Cola’s new goal is to recycle a bottle or can for every drink it sells by 2030.

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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 | Would you eat food made with "trash?"

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Companies are making new things to eat using food that is usually thrown away even though it is still good.

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Newsela | Americans are throwing away too much uneaten seafood, a study warns

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Newsela | Artist makes giant troll sculptures out of trash

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Newsela | Plastic sea life comes ashore, sculpting an environmental lesson

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Plastic sea-life sculptures get people talking trash at New Orleans zoo and aquarium.

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Newsela | Mr. Trash Wheel cleans up Baltimore Harbor with a dash of humor

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Mr. Trash Wheel may make Baltimore Harbor clean enough to swim in by 2020.

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Newsela | The Great Pacific Garbage Patch counts 1.8 trillion pieces of trash

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The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located between California and Hawaii, is carrying almost 80,000 metric tons of plastic - 16 times what scientists thought.

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Newsela | Students build robots to clean ocean trash

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Sixth-graders in Virginia built and tested out robots in an experiment aimed at cleaning up ocean trash.

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Newsela - One Lump or Two? Tea and the Development of a Global Economy

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Newsela | Restaurants compete to have this summer's coolest and wackiest drinks

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Restaurants hope crazy drinks will help them get noticed and sell more products.

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Newsela | Native Alaskan elders cheer traditional foods being served on senior menus

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Elders say "Yes, please!" to musk ox on the menu.

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**If you have come into contact with COVID-19 and are experiencing (cough, fever, difficulty breathing), your healthcare provider immediately. If you live in the United States and need state-specific contact information, follow this link.**
You've probably heard about the topic of today's Wonder of the Day. You may have even been directly affected by it. Maybe your school is closed. Perhaps the grown-ups in your life are staying home from work. It's possible you've just heard about it on the news. Either way, kids all over the world are wondering: What is disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

COVID-19 is an . It's caused by a novel . When a is "novel," that means it's being seen in humans for the first time. That's why people who study viruses are so concerned about COVID-19. Scientists are still learning about how it spreads and how it affects people.

In the past, other coronaviruses have caused many illnesses. Some of these are fairly mild, like the common cold. Others are more severe. One example was the that caused a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak between 2002 and 2004. But the one that causes COVID-19 is different from these. People are very worried about this virus because it spreads quickly and can cause very severe .

Where did this novel come from? Experts believe it spread to humans from an animal. Now, it's spreading from person to person quickly. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called it a global . The first cases of COVID-19 were in Wuhan, China. From there, it quickly moved across the globe. You can find information on the spread of COVID-19 in the daily Situation Reports from WHO.

What are the of COVID-19? The most common ones are fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. If you or someone you know has these , it's important to call a healthcare provider right away. Don't go anywhere without the direction of your doctor.

How dangerous is COVID-19? Doctors say that most people who have the will get better. However, people over the age of 65 are at a higher risk for complications . So are those with conditions like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. People who have suppressed immune systems are also more likely to have problems.

Many people who have COVID-19 might not show at all. That's one reason the has spread so quickly. People who don't feel sick might not know they're carrying the novel . For example, 660 sailors aboard the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt tested positive for COVID-19 in April 2020. Sixty percent of them showed no . Even people who have no can spread the virus to others, though. That's why so many schools and workplaces have closed.

What can you do to avoid getting or spreading COVID-19? It's important to wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. To make sure your hands are clean, wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water. You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. These are points of easy entry for the .

As always, be sure to cover sneezes and coughs. If possible, sneeze or cough into a tissue and then throw it away. Experts also recommend social distancing. In fact, it's best to stay home if you can. If you need to go out in public, stay at least six feet away from people outside your immediate family. The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends wearing a cloth face covering in public. This could include a non-medical cloth mask or a bandanna. Anyone who has COVID-19 should stay away from other people completely.

When someone who has COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or exhales, the virus can leave their body and land on nearby surfaces. If someone else touches that surface, they will pick up the virus. That's why it's also important to clean surfaces you touch with a disinfectant, like bleach. Remember that, while cleaners are great for killing the virus on surfaces, you shouldn't use them on your hands or body. Wash your hands and other body parts with soap and water instead.

What about food? Currently, there's no evidence of the novel spreading through food or food packaging. However, it's always a good idea to wash your hands after handling food or groceries--and always do so before eating!

Everyone wants to protect their family members from getting sick with COVID-19. That's why many are also concerned for their pets. Can animals catch the virus from humans? Some dogs and cats have tested positive for COVID-19, but they showed few . Experts say this isn't a serious threat to pets. If an owner tests positive, their pets should be quarantined to avoid spreading it to other people.

Unfortunately, there's plenty of misinformation going around about COVID-19. For example, some people think the novel is unable to spread in warm climates. This is untrue. COVID-19 can spread in any climate. It's also too early to tell whether COVID-19 will be a seasonal like the flu. At this time, experts don't have any evidence to suggest that hot weather can stop it.

The can also spread to any person, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or age. Some groups are at a higher risk of complications due to age or health reasons. But people of all ages can become ill with COVID-19, with or without underlying conditions.

Is there a cure for COVID-19? Not yet. However, experts are studying the effects of several medicines in hope of finding a way to fight the . They are also working to develop a vaccine. In the meantime, doctors treat the of the as well as they can with medicines.

Many people feel or fear about COVID-19. It can be scary to see so many people sick. There are many ways to help your family members get their minds off of the . You might try going for a walk or playing games together at home. Turn on a movie and prepare your favorite snack. You could also try deep breathing techniques or other mindfulness exercises if you're feeling stressed. This is an important time to be kind to others-and if you're worried, talk to a trusted adult.

If you or a family member have of COVID-19, you should contact health officials as soon as possible. You should also stay away from other people until you feel better.

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If you have come into contact with COVID-19 and are experiencing (cough, fever, difficulty breathing), your healthcare provider immediately. If you live in the United States and need state-specific contact information, follow this link .** You've probably heard about the topic of today's Wonder of the Day.

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Today's Wonder of the Day will give you a shot at not catching a bad disease!

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Imagine you've just woken up. Right away, you know something is wrong. Your throat is sore. Your head hurts. The minute you move, you start to cough. Just standing up causes your stomach to rumble. Simple movements take effort, and you feel very warm.

It doesn't take you long to figure out what's wrong: you're sick. Instead of heading to school, you'll be going back to bed. But first, you need to check with your parents. This set of symptoms could mean you're headed to see the doctor, too.

The doctor may give you medicine to help you get better. Sometimes, though, the doctor might say there isn't any medicine to treat your illness. In those cases, you just need to rest and drink plenty of fluids. You may also use over-the-counter medications to help ease some of your symptoms.

Why are there prescription medicines to treat some illnesses but not others? Often, it has to do with the causes of your illnesses. You may already know that germs are usually to blame for making you sick. However, the treatment depends on which type of germs you're dealing with.

Most germs fall into four main groups: bacteria, viruses, , and . The most common germs that cause us to be sick are bacteria and viruses. Although they're both germs, they're very different creatures that are battled in different ways.

Bacteria are tiny made of just one cell. They take from their environment, which is sometimes inside the human body. Bacteria can cause many types of infections that make us sick.

Have you ever had a bacterial ? If you've experienced tonsillitis, strep throat, cavities, or ear infections, then the answer is yes! In these cases, doctors may prescribe an antibiotic. This medicine can help your body fight off the germs that caused the .

Not all bacteria are bad for us, though. Some bacteria are helpful and necessary for us to stay healthy. For example, there are good bacteria that live in our intestines. They help keep our bodies in balance by aiding in . They help us make better use of the in our food and turn what's left over into waste.

Bacteria can grow outside the human body. Viruses, on the other hand, need to be inside living cells to grow and . Viruses are even smaller than bacteria. If they're not inside a human being, plant, or animal, they won't survive for long.

When viruses get inside of a living thing (called a ), they invade and take over cells. They use these cells to and spread throughout the . Viruses can cause a variety of illnesses, including chickenpox, measles, and the flu. Even COVID-19 is caused by a virus. Unlike bacteria, there are no helpful viruses for your body.

If you have an illness caused by a virus, you often have to let the illness run its course. Antibiotics rarely work against viruses like they do against bacteria. The body's own natural defenses will usually overcome viruses if given enough time. It's important to take care of your body while it's fighting a virus. Drink lots of fluids, get plenty of rest, and treat whatever symptoms you can with over-the-counter medicines.

It's no fun to be sick. A visit to the doctor's office may or may not result in a prescription for medicine that will kill the germs causing your illness. Of course, a doctor's job is never easy. Some illnesses, like pneumonia, meningitis, and diarrhea, can be caused by both bacteria and viruses! In these cases, it can be difficult to find the right diagnosis.

NGSS.LS1.A, NGSS.LS1.B, CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.W.2, CCRA.W.4, CCRA.W.9, CCRA.L.1, CCRA.L.2

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The subjects of today's Wonder of the Day may be different, but they can both make you very sick!

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Old clothes - recycling - Simplified Version

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Old clothes - recycling - Simplified Version

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Endangered Animals - National Geographic

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Endangered Animals - National Geographic

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An endangered species is a type of organism that is threatened by extinction. Species become endangered for two main reasons: loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation.

Loss of Habitat
A loss of habitat can happen naturally. Dinosaurs, for instance, lost their habitat about 65 million years ago. The hot, dry climate of the Cretaceous period changed very quickly, most likely because of an asteroid striking the Earth. The impact of the asteroid forced debris into the atmosphere, reducing the amount of heat and light that reached Earth's surface. The dinosaurs were unable to adapt to this new, cooler habitat. Dinosaurs became endangered, then extinct.

Human activity can also contribute to a loss of habitat. Development for housing, industry, and agriculture reduces the habitat of native organisms. This can happen in a number of different ways.

Development can eliminate habitat and native species directly. In the Amazon rain forest of South America, developers have cleared hundreds of thousands of acres. To "clear" a piece of land is to remove all trees and vegetation from it. The Amazon rain forest is cleared for cattle ranches, logging, and urban use.

Development can also endanger species indirectly. Some species, such as fig trees of the rain forest, may provide habitat for other species. As trees are destroyed, species that depend on that tree habitat may also become endangered. Tree crowns provide habitat in the canopy, or top layer, of a rainforest. Plants such as vines, fungi such as mushrooms, and insects such as butterflies live in the rain forest canopy. So do hundreds of species of tropical birds and mammals such as monkeys. As trees are cut down, this habitat is lost. Species have less room to live and reproduce.

Loss of habitat may happen as development takes place in a species range. Many animals have a range of hundreds of square kilometers. The mountain lion of North America, for instance, has a range of up to 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles). To successfully live and reproduce, a single mountain lion patrols this much territory. Urban areas, such as Los Angeles, California, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, grew rapidly during the 20th century. As these areas expanded into the wilderness, the mountain lion's habitat became smaller. That means the habitat can support fewer mountain lions. Because enormous parts of the Sierra Nevada, Rocky, and Cascade mountain ranges remain undeveloped, however, mountain lions are not endangered.

Loss of habitat can also lead to increased encounters between wild species and people. As development brings people deeper into a species range, they may have more exposure to wild species. Poisonous plants and fungi may grow closer to homes and schools. Wild animals are also spotted more frequently. These animals are simply patrolling their range, but interaction with people can be deadly. Polar bears, mountain lions, and alligators are all predators brought into close contact with people as they lose their habitat to homes, farms, and businesses. As people kill these wild animals, through pesticides, accidents such as collisions with cars, or hunting, native species may become endangered.

Loss of Genetic Variation
Genetic variation is the diversity found within a species. It's why human beings may have blond, red, brown, or black hair. Genetic variation allows species to adapt to changes in the environment. Usually, the greater the population of a species, the greater its genetic variation.

Inbreeding is reproduction with close family members. Groups of species that have a tendency to inbreed usually have little genetic variation, because no new genetic information is introduced to the group. Disease is much more common, and much more deadly, among inbred groups. Inbred species do not have the genetic variation to develop resistance to the disease. For this reason, fewer offspring of inbred groups survive to maturity.

Loss of genetic variation can occur naturally. Cheetahs are a threatened species native to Africa and Asia. These big cats have very little genetic variation. Biologists say that during the last ice age, cheetahs went through a long period of inbreeding. As a result, there are very few genetic differences between cheetahs. They cannot adapt to changes in the environment as quickly as other animals, and fewer cheetahs survive to maturity. Cheetahs are also much more difficult to breed in captivity than other big cats, such as lions.

Human activity can also lead to a loss of genetic variation. Overhunting and overfishing have reduced the populations of many animals. Reduced population means there are fewer breeding pairs. A breeding pair is made up of two mature members of the species that are not closely related and can produce healthy offspring. With fewer breeding pairs, genetic variation shrinks.

Monoculture, the agricultural method of growing a single crop, can also reduce genetic variation. Modern agribusiness relies on monocultures. Almost all potatoes cultivated, sold, and consumed, for instance, are from a single species, the Russet Burbank. Potatoes, native to the Andes Mountains of South America, have dozens of natural varieties. The genetic variation of wild potatoes allows them to adapt to climate change and disease. For Russet Burbanks, however, farmers must use fertilizers and pesticides to ensure healthy crops because the plant has almost no genetic variation.

Plant breeders often go back to wild varieties to collect genes that will help cultivated plants resist pests and drought, and adapt to climate change. However, climate change is also threatening wild varieties. That means domesticated plants may lose an important source of traits that help them overcome new threats.

The Red List
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) keeps a "Red List of Threatened Species." The Red List defines the severity and specific causes of a species' threat of extinction. The Red List has seven levels of conservation: least concern, near threatened, vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered, extinct in the wild, and extinct. Each category represents a different threat level.

Species that are not threatened by extinction are placed within the first two categories-least concern and near-threatened. Those that are most threatened are placed within the next three categories, known as the threatened categories-vulnerable, endangered, and critically endangered. Those species that are extinct in some form are placed within the last two categories-extinct in the wild and extinct.

Classifying a species as endangered has to do with its range and habitat, as well as its actual population. For this reason, a species can be of least concern in one area and endangered in another. The gray whale, for instance, has a healthy population in the eastern Pacific Ocean, along the coast of North and South America. The population in the western Pacific, however, is critically endangered.

Least Concern
Least concern is the lowest level of conservation. A species of least concern is one that has a widespread and abundant population. Human beings are a species of least concern, along with most domestic animals, such as dogs and cats. Many wild animals, such as pigeons and houseflies, are also classified as least concern.

Near Threatened
A near threatened species is one that is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.

Many species of violets, native to tropical jungles in South America and Africa, are near threatened, for instance. They have healthy populations, but their rain forest habitat is disappearing at a fast pace. People are cutting down huge areas of rain forest for development and timber. Many violet species are likely to become threatened.

The definitions of the three threatened categories (vulnerable, endangered, and critically endangered) are based on five criteria: population reduction rate, geographic range, population size, population restrictions, and probability of extinction.
Vulnerable Species
Threatened categories have different thresholds for these criteria. As the population and range of the species decreases, the species becomes more threatened.

1) Population reduction rate
A species is classified as vulnerable if its population has declined between 30 and 50 percent. This decline is measured over 10 years or three generations of the species, whichever is longer. A generation is the period of time between the birth of an animal and the time it is able to reproduce. Mice are able to reproduce when they are about one month old. Mouse populations are mostly tracked over 10-year periods. An elephant's generation lasts about 15 years. So, elephant populations are measured over 45-year periods.

A species is vulnerable if its population has declined at least 50 percent and the cause of the decline is known. Habitat loss is the leading known cause of population decline.

A species is also classified as vulnerable if its population has declined at least 30 percent and the cause of the decline is not known. A new, unknown virus, for example, could kill hundreds or even thousands of individuals before being identified.

2) Geographic range
A species is vulnerable if its "extent of occurrence" is estimated to be less than 20,000 square kilometers (7,722 square miles). An extent of occurrence is the smallest area that could contain all sites of a species' population. If all members of a species could survive in a single area, the size of that area is the species' extent of occurrence.

A species is also classified as vulnerable if its "area of occupancy" is estimated to be less than 2,000 square kilometers (772 square miles). An area of occupancy is where a specific population of that species resides. This area is often a breeding or nesting site in a species range.

3) Population size
Species with fewer than 10,000 mature individuals are vulnerable. The species is also vulnerable if that population declines by at least 10 percent within 10 years or three generations, whichever is longer.

4) Population restrictions
Population restriction is a combination of population and area of occupancy. A species is vulnerable if it is restricted to less than 1,000 mature individuals or an area of occupancy of less than 20 square kilometers (8 square miles).

5) Probability of extinction in the wild is at least 10 percent within 100 years.
Biologists, anthropologists, meteorologists, and other scientists have developed complex ways to determine a species' probability of extinction. These formulas calculate the chances a species can survive, without human protection, in the wild.

Vulnerable Species: Ethiopian Banana Frog
The Ethiopian banana frog ( Afrixalus enseticola) is a small frog native to high-altitude areas of southern Ethiopia. It is a vulnerable species because its area of occupancy is less than 2,000 square kilometers (772 square miles). The extent and quality of its forest habitat are in decline. Threats to this habitat include forest clearance, mostly for housing and agriculture.

Vulnerable Species: Snaggletooth Shark
The snaggletooth shark ( Hemipristis elongatus) is found in the tropical, coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Its area of occupancy is enormous, from southeast Africa to the Philippines, and from China to Australia.

However, the snaggletooth shark is a vulnerable species because of a severe population reduction rate. Its population has fallen more than 10 percent over 10 years. The number of sharks is declining due to fisheries, especially in the Java Sea and Gulf of Thailand. The snaggletooth shark's flesh, fins, and liver are considered high-quality foods. They are sold in commercial fish markets, as well as restaurants.

Vulnerable Species: Galapagos Kelp
Galapagos kelp ( Eisenia galapagensis) is a type of seaweed only found near the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Galapagos kelp is classified as vulnerable because its population has declined more than 10 percent over 10 years.

Climate change is the leading cause of decline among Galapagos kelp. El Nino, the natural weather pattern that brings unusually warm water to the Galapagos, is the leading agent of climate change in this area. Galapagos kelp is a cold-water species and does not adapt quickly to changes in water temperature.

Endangered Species
1) Population reduction rate
A species is classified as endangered when its population has declined between 50 and 70 percent. This decline is measured over 10 years or three generations of the species, whichever is longer.

A species is classified as endangered when its population has declined at least 70 percent and the cause of the decline is known. A species is also classified as endangered when its population has declined at least 50 percent and the cause of the decline is not known.

2) Geographic range
An endangered species' extent of occurrence is less than 5,000 square kilometers (1,930 square miles). An endangered species' area of occupancy is less than 500 square kilometers (193 square miles).

3) Population size
A species is classified as endangered when there are fewer than 2,500 mature individuals. When a species population declines by at least 20 percent within five years or two generations, it is also classified as endangered.

4) Population restrictions
A species is classified as endangered when its population is restricted to less than 250 mature individuals. When a species' population is this low, its area of occupancy is not considered.

5) Probability of extinction in the wild is at least 20 percent within 20 years or five generations, whichever is longer.

Endangered Species: Siberian Sturgeon
The Siberian sturgeon ( Acipenser baerii) is a large fish found in rivers and lakes throughout the Siberian region of Russia. The Siberian sturgeon is a benthic species. Benthic species live at the bottom of a body of water.

The Siberian sturgeon is an endangered species because its total population has declined between 50 and 80 percent during the past 60 years (three generations of sturgeon). Overfishing, poaching, and dam construction have caused this decline. Pollution from mining activities has also contributed to abnormalities in the sturgeon's reproductive system.

Endangered Species: Tahiti Reed-warbler
The Tahiti reed-warbler ( Acrocephalus caffer) is a songbird found on the Pacific island of Tahiti. It is an endangered species because it has a very small population. The bird is only found on a single island, meaning both its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are very small.

The Tahiti reed-warbler is also endangered because of human activity. The tropical weed Miconia is a non-native species that has taken over much of Tahiti's native vegetation. The reed-warbler lives almost exclusively in Tahiti's bamboo forests. The bird nests in bamboo and feeds on flowers and insects that live there. As development and invasive species such as Miconia destroy the bamboo forests, the population of Tahiti reed-warblers continues to shrink.

Endangered Species: Ebony
Ebony ( Diospyros crassiflora) is a tree native to the rain forests of central Africa, including Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon. Ebony is an endangered species because many biologists calculate its probability of extinction in the wild is at least 20 percent within five generations.

Ebony is threatened due to overharvesting. Ebony trees produce a very heavy, dark wood. When polished, ebony can be mistaken for black marble or other stone. For centuries, ebony trees have been harvested for furniture and sculptural uses such as chess pieces. Most ebony, however, is harvested to make musical instruments such as piano keys and the fingerboards of stringed instruments.

Critically Endangered Species
1) Population reduction rate
A critically endangered species' population has declined between 80 and 90 percent. This decline is measured over 10 years or three generations of the species, whichever is longer.

A species is classified as critically endangered when its population has declined at least 90 percent and the cause of the decline is known. A species is also classified as endangered when its population has declined at least 80 percent and the cause of the decline is not known.

2) Geographic range
A critically endangered species' extent of occurrence is less than 100 square kilometers (39 square miles). A critically endangered species' area of occupancy is estimated to be less than 10 square kilometers (4 square miles).

3) Population size
A species is classified as critically endangered when there are fewer than 250 mature individuals. A species is also classified as critically endangered when the number of mature individuals declines by at least 25 percent within three years or one generation, whichever is longer.

4) Population restrictions
A species is classified as critically endangered when its population is restricted to less than 50 mature individuals. When a species' population is this low, its area of occupancy is not considered.

5) Probability of extinction in the wild is at least 50 percent within 10 years or three generations, whichever is longer.

Critically Endangered Species: Bolivian Chinchilla Rat
The Bolivian chinchilla rat ( Abrocoma boliviensis) is a rodent found in a small section of the Santa Cruz region of Bolivia. It is critically endangered because its extent of occurrence is less than 100 square kilometers (39 square miles).

The major threat to this species is loss of its cloud forest habitat. People are clearing forests to create cattle pastures.

Critically Endangered Species: Transcaucasian Racerunner
The Transcaucasian racerunner ( Eremias pleskei) is a lizard found on the Armenian Plateau, located in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkey. The Transcaucasian racerunner is a critically endangered species because of a huge population decline, estimated at more than 80 percent during the past 10 years.

Threats to this species include the salination, or increased saltiness, of soil. Fertilizers used for agricultural development seep into the soil, increasing its saltiness. Racerunners live in and among the rocks and soil, and cannot adapt to the increased salt in their food and shelter. The racerunner is also losing habitat as people create trash dumps on their area of occupancy.

Critically Endangered Species: White Ferula Mushroom
The white ferula mushroom ( Pleurotus nebrodensis) is a critically endangered species of fungus. The mushroom is critically endangered because its extent of occurrence is less than 100 square kilometers (39 square miles). It is only found in the northern part of the Italian island of Sicily, in the Mediterranean Sea.

The leading threats to white ferula mushrooms are loss of habitat and overharvesting. White ferula mushrooms are a gourmet food item. Farmers and amateur mushroom hunters harvest the fungus for food and profit. The mushrooms can be sold for up to $100 per kilogram (2.2 pounds).

Extinct In The Wild
A species is extinct in the wild when it only survives in cultivation (plants), in captivity (animals), or as a population well outside its established range. A species may be listed as extinct in the wild only after years of surveys have failed to record an individual in its native or expected habitat.

Extinct in the Wild: Scimitar-horned Oryx
The scimitar-horned oryx ( Oryx dammah) is a species of antelope with long horns. Its range extends across northern Africa. The scimitar-horned oryx is listed as extinct in the wild because the last confirmed sighting of one was in 1988. Overhunting and habitat loss, including competition with domestic livestock, are the main reasons for the extinction of the oryx's wild population.

Captive herds are now kept in protected areas of Tunisia, Senegal, and Morocco. Scimitar-horned oryxes are also found in many zoos.

Extinct in the Wild: Black Soft-shell Turtle
The black soft-shell turtle ( Nilssonia nigricans) is a freshwater turtle that exists only in one man-made pond, at the Baizid Bostami Shrine near Chittagong, Bangladesh. The 150 to 300 turtles that live at the pond rely entirely on humans for food. Until 2000, black soft-shell turtles lived throughout the wetlands of the Brahmaputra River, feeding mostly on freshwater fish.

Unlike other animals that are extinct in the wild, black soft-shell turtles are not found in many zoos. The shrine's caretakers do not allow anyone, including scientists, to take the turtles. The reptiles are considered to be the descendants of people who were miraculously turned into turtles by a saint during the 13th century.

Extinct in the Wild: Mt. Kaala Cyanea
The Mt. Kaala cyanea ( Cyanea superba) is a large, flowering tree native to the island of Oahu, in the U.S. state of Hawaii. The Mt. Kaala cyanea has large, broad leaves and fleshy fruit. The tree is extinct in the wild largely because of invasive species. Non-native plants crowded the cyanea out of its habitat, and non-native animals such as pigs, rats, and slugs ate its fruit more quickly than it could reproduce.

Mt. Kaala cyanea trees survive in tropical nurseries and botanical gardens. Many botanists and conservationists look forward to establishing a new population in the wild.

Extinct
A species is extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last remaining individual of that species has died.

Extinct: Cuban Macaw
The Cuban macaw ( Ara tricolor) was a tropical parrot native to Cuba and a small Cuban island, Isla de la Juventud. Hunting and collecting the birds for pets led to the bird's extinction. The last specimen of the Cuban macaw was collected in 1864.

Extinct: Ridley's Stick Insect
Ridley's stick insect ( Pseudobactricia ridleyi) was native to the tropical jungle of the island of Singapore. This insect, whose long, segmented body resembled a tree limb, is only known through a single specimen, collected more than 100 years ago. During the 20th century, Singapore experienced rapid development. Almost the entire jungle was cleared, depriving the insect of its habitat.

Extinct: Sri Lankan Legume Tree
The Sri Lankan legume tree ( Crudia zeylanica), native only to the island of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, was a giant species of legume. Peas and peanuts are smaller types of legumes.

Habitat loss from development in the 20th century is the main reason the tree went extinct in the wild. A single specimen survived at the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, until 1990, when that, too, was lost.

Endangered Species and People
When a species is classified as endangered, governments and international organizations can work to protect it. Laws may limit hunting and destruction of the species' habitat. Individuals and organizations that break these laws may face huge fines. Because of such actions, many species have recovered from their endangered status.

The brown pelican was taken off the endangered species list in 2009, for instance. This seabird is native to the coasts of North America and South America, as well as the islands of the Caribbean Sea. It is the state bird of the U.S. state of Louisiana. In 1970, the number of brown pelicans in the wild was estimated at 10,000. The bird was classified as vulnerable.

During the 1970s and 1980s, governments and conservation groups worked to help the brown pelican recover. Young chicks were reared in hatching sites, then released into the wild. Human access to nesting sites was severely restricted. The pesticide DDT, which damaged the eggs of the brown pelican, was banned. During the 1980s, the number of brown pelicans soared. In 1988, the IUCN "delisted" the brown pelican. The bird, whose population is now in the hundreds of thousands, is now in the category of least concern.

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An endangered species is a type of organism that is threatened by extinction. Species become endangered for two main reasons: loss of habitat and loss of genetic variation.

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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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Poaching is the illegal trafficking and killing of wildlife. Sometimes animal or plant parts are sold as trophies or "folk medicines" and sometimes they are sold as pets or houseplants. With more tigers kept captive than living wild, the scope of poaching can not be overstated. Maintaining Earth's biodiversity is critical as we rely on it for ecosystem services, which makes life possible. To have any hope of achieving this, poaching must be stopped.

Subjects

Conservation, Economics, Experiential Learning, Geography, Social Studies, Storytelling

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Poaching is the illegal trafficking and killing of wildlife. Sometimes animal or plant parts are sold as trophies or "folk medicines" and sometimes they are sold as pets or houseplants. With more tigers kept captive than living wild, the scope of poaching can not be overstated.

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You may have already learned about how species become endangered. After all, it's a problem faced all over the world. But have you ever WONDERed whether you can help save endangered species?

The answer is complex. Species become endangered for many reasons. Most are at-risk due to loss. Others face issues like . Invasive species also play a role. Many factors influence all of these causes, making the issue hard to solve. As of 2022, 16,118 species around the world are endangered.

The situation is , but there is good news. Many organizations are working hard to help endangered species. The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) has helped slow rhino . The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has also made a difference. It's worked for over 60 years to save habitats and help at-risk animals.

Other groups that help endangered species are the Padi Aware Foundation, Jane Goodall Institute, Wildlife Conservation Society, and many others. Individuals support these groups by donating and volunteering. And this is just one way people can help. Both kids and adults can act to make a difference. In fact, you're taking one of the most important steps right now!

By reading today's Wonder of the Day, you're learning about what causes endangered species. That's one of the most important things you can do to help them! Then, help spread the word and educate others.

It's also important to take steps to save at-risk habitats. You can help by visiting a national park or wildlife refuge. These places habitats for native species. By visiting, you bring more attention to parks and refuges. This makes it more likely that these areas will continue to be protected.

You can also help by growing plants that are native to your area. This helps protect biodiversity . Native plants are natural food sources for native animals. Growing them also lowers the risk of introducing invasive species to the area.

Speaking of gardens, it's also important to limit the use of herbicides and pesticides. They harm plants and animals that come into contact with them. Does your family use these chemicals? If so, use them responsibly and follow the directions for each chemical.

Many practices that are good for the environment also help endangered species. Driving less-and driving slower-can cut carbon emissions. It also reduces the number of animals killed on roadways. Reusing and recycling lowers waste and the use of natural resources from animal habitats. And, of course, always keep your distance from wild animals in nature. This is safest for both people and animals.

Individual actions can go a long way toward helping endangered species. However, many experts agree this requires change on a larger level. That's why it's also important to for support from government agencies. One way to do so is to communicate with government representatives. your support for laws, programs, and funding that protect endangered species.

How can your family help endangered species? Talk with a family member today about actions you can take to help. Endangered species need many people working together to support them.

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Careful! You're EN DANGER of gaining new knowledge from today's Wonder of the Day!

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French bulldog - welfare risks - Full version

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French bulldog - welfare risks - Full version

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Food dies related to hyperactivity in children?

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Food dies related to hyperactivity in children?

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What's really in the food we eat? - Simplified version

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What's really in the food we eat? - Simplified version

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Have you ever noticed how things tend to change over time? It can be hard for kids to this , because they've only been alive for a short time. As a result, they don't have the same perspective as the adults in their lives.

Just ask any adult, though, and they'll tell you all kinds of stories about how things have changed since they were kids. Would you believe there was once a time when there was no Internet? It's true! There was also a time when you couldn't just skip through television commercials. Can you imagine?

It's only natural for things to evolve over time. This is especially true in the areas of science and technology, where breakthroughs now seem commonplace. But what about in other areas of life? Take food, for example. Food hasn't really changed much, has it? After all, pizza is still pizza and macaroni and cheese doesn't seem to have changed much over the years.

New and improved ears of corn don't appear on television commercials like the latest smartphones do. However, the food you eat does evolve by the natural course of reproduction and artificially by humans.

A will tell you that all life continues to evolve slowly due to changes in DNA over time. This would include the food you eat, which is made up of all sorts of different life forms, including plants and animals.

Modern scientists aren't content to let evolution do its work at such a slow , though. Experts in many different fields work hard every day looking for ways to make the food you eat safer, healthier, and more . Because there are seven billion people on Earth needing fed, scientists are working to make plants and food animals grow faster using fewer resources.

One that has become popular in recent times involves genetic engineering. By altering the DNA of plants and animals in laboratories, scientists have created what are known as genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.

Proponents of GMOs believe they are the future of food. They cite many benefits, including increased resistance to pests, larger crop yields, improved nutrition, and faster growth cycles. Practically, this means that farmers can grow larger, healthier crops in a shorter amount of time with fewer pesticides.

Not everyone is a fan of GMOs, though. Many detractors believe GMOs are unnatural and possibly unsafe. Some people believe tampering with a plant's or animal's DNA is wrong and could have disastrous consequences. When it comes to food and human psychology, many people have a negative to the idea of mixing genetic engineering with the food they eat.

However, supporters of GMOs point out that science is on their side. Numerous studies of GMOs have supported their safety, as well as their agricultural benefits. As the popularity of GMOs continues to grow, more studies will be needed to ensure their continued safety and utility.

For example, one common concern that many scientists validate is the worry that GMOs will lead to decreased genetic diversity. The concern is that, if all the members of a species have similar DNA, then they would all be susceptible to a threat or a change in the environment.

Those concerned with genetic diversity point to the 19 th-century Irish potato famine as an example of what could go wrong. Nearly all the potatoes in Ireland were wiped out by an invasive pathogen, because they were genetically identical. If there had been genetic diversity, such as different varieties of potatoes with different genetic compositions, some would likely have adapted and survived.

Scientists who develop GMOs are aware of concerns about genetic diversity. Many believe that, with careful development over time, they can maintain genetic diversity and thereby maintain the biodiversity that is important to the environment.

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Have you ever noticed how things tend to change over time? It can be hard for kids to this , because they've only been alive for a short time. As a result, they don't have the same perspective as the adults in their lives.

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Are you a fan of delicious flavor? Who isn't, right? Maybe you love a hot, cheesy pizza. Or perhaps you think a strawberry smoothie hits the spot. Flavors make our foods come to life! They make eating and drinking two of the most fun things we can do every day!

If someone asked you how you sense flavor, what would you tell them? Would you say you taste flavors with your tongue? That's true! But would you believe it actually involves more of your senses?

Scientists have studied how humans sense flavor. They believe that the of flavor is a combination of both taste and smell. They also believe temperature and add to flavor.

In fact, some scientists believe that smell is a more important factor in determining flavor than taste is! They point to a study of the taste buds. It found that there are only a few basic tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty and .

However, the ways food can smell is basically limitless. Think about soft drinks and candy, for example. Many of these items are made of substances and have the same basic tastes. However, their flavors can be quite different. Manufacturers use a wide variety of to make their products stand out.

Some foods have their own unique flavors based on their composition . For example, an orange tastes . . . well . . . like an orange! You can say the same thing for a banana and hundreds of other fruits and vegetables.

When you eat an orange, your nose detects its smell. Your tongue senses its taste. And, of course, your hands notice the fruit's . The overall is the flavor you know as "orange." This is what you expect when you eat an orange.

But what about when you drink orange Kool-Aid®? Or eat orange sherbet? These items are not oranges, but they taste a lot like them. Are oranges used in making these items? Maybe, but probably not-these foods have most likely had artificial orange flavoring added to them.

Scientists call these artificial flavorings added to foods flavorants. They're substances that alter the foods they're added to in order to make them taste a particular way. The orange sherbet you eat might taste like fruit. But it may not contain any actual oranges! Instead, artificial flavorings may be used to create that "" flavor!

Flavorants are created by people called flavorists. They work for companies who develop new flavors. Many times, artificial flavors are chemically almost identical to flavors. However, flavors are sometimes difficult or too expensive to make. Cheaper, easier artificial versions are created instead.

What flavors do you enjoy? Did you realize that flavor isn't all about taste? The next time you bite into a favorite food, think about how you're experiencing the flavor through your other senses!

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Are you a fan of delicious flavor? Who isn't, right? Maybe you love a hot, cheesy pizza. Or perhaps you think a strawberry smoothie hits the spot. Flavors make our foods come to life! They make eating and drinking two of the most fun things we can do every day!

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https://www.wingedcanvas.com/single-post/12-pros-and-cons-of-online-learning

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12 Pros and Cons of Online Learning for Kids and Teens | Winged Canvas Blog

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There are tons of advantages and disadvantages to online learning that you may not know about. Here are 11 pros and cons to online learning!

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https://educationandbehavior.com/pros-and-cons-of-online-learning/

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I wanted to write a piece on the pros and cons of online learning because I have had experience in both cyber/virtual and traditional settings over the past several years...enjoying both views.

I am a fan of online learning, due to the enormous opportunity for flexibility, which I believe all humans crave and need on some level

However, just like everything else, online learning has pros and cons worth sharing, so parents and students can make informed decisions about education.

Below I listed my top 12 pros and cons of online learning.

I encourage you to think of and share your own pros and cons as well. Please comment below.

12 Pros and Cons of Online Learning for Students

12 Pros of Online Learning

1. Students can work from the comfort of their own home (or any other location).

2. Students can complete independent assignments outside of school hours.

Thisallows for more flexibility.

3. Problems like bullying are reduced.
You May Like: Cyberbullying Intervention and Prevention Tips
5. Students do not have to face outside distractions that are present in a school environment.

6. Students can learn with less fear/anxiety about others judging them.

Students who may feel embarrassed asking for help may be more comfortable coming forward.

7. Students may have more opportunities.

There be opportunities to take certain electives or areas of special interest classes...or even incorporate their interests into their courses.
For instance, a video game design course could assign a video for the student to watch, and ask the student to make their own basic game:
8. Students can communicate with teachers through different methods (e.g., text, audio, video).

Text: Hi Ms. Brady. I am confused about the math. Can we go over it together when you are available?

9. Students can mute their mics if they need to talk or make distracting sounds.

10. Students can take an asynchronous track (i.e., only independent assignments/no need for live class).

This can be great for some students with special learning differences such as those who may struggle with listening comprehension and do better with visual/hands-on tasks.

Some schools may require an evaluation of the student to determine if an asynchronous track is needed.

11. Student assignments can be modified to include hands-on projects at home.

(e.g., look up how to sew a tear in your shirt, then sew the tear and submit a picture; go on a nature walk and find things that begin with the letter A, take pictures and submit; etc.).
Recommended: Hands-On Learning Materials for Reading
12. Supportive school staff members (e.g., teacher, para, aid, counselor, etc.) can meet with students virtually.

Staff can meet in a small group or one on one to go over anychallengesthestudentmaybehaving.
1. Depending on the age of the student, a parent needs to be home at all times (or other supervising adult).
12 Cons of Online Learning

Some families cannot afford this.

2. Some students need to be shown exactly how to do something via demonstration.

This may be challenging through a screen in some cases.

This can be particularly challenging for students with more severe learning needs who benefit from hand-over-hand support, direct modeling of a task, etc.).

3. Too much screen light can be a hazard (blue light can have a negative impact on sleep and focus).

You may be Interested In: What is blue light? The effect blue light has on your sleep and more.

4. Some students need a lot of support which requires a person being physically present.

This support can be for behavioral, emotional, physical or academic reasons.

Some parents may not know how or may be overwhelmed about having to provide a constant stream of support to their child throughout the educational day.

This can be especially challenging when there are multiple children in the home or the parent has to work.

Even someone hired to work with the student may not know the strategies to support a child with special learning, behavioral needs, etc.

That is why it is so important to be sure people working with students are highly trained in academic and behavioral strategies that support a student's growth (both online and in a traditional learning environment).

Some students participate in online learning in a daycare environment, in which the staff may not have the training or the resources to assist with certain challenges.

5. Some students love the social interaction that comes with traditional schooling.

It is important to find social outlets for online students (there are social alternatives to the traditional school environment such as sports teams, or art/music/dance classes).

6. As humans, most of us are used to in-person interaction.

In the past, it has allowed us to form deep connections, build a sense of comradery, form a family-type feel, etc.

Building a strong sense of community can add to a students' desire to learn and grow as a person.

It is difficult to know how an online learning community would promote these types of connections, opportunities, and desires. #somethingtothinkabout

One problem is that not all students have access to the same materials.

We need to brainstorm about what materials will provide the best hands-on experience and how hands-on activities can be implemented on and off-screen.

We need to think about which materials students may already have and what we may need to provide.

8. Some students do not have access to computers/wifi, etc.

We need to discuss how to support these students (especially if there is no alternative to online learning for them at the present time).

9. Some students have significant difficulty sitting or staying in one place for long periods.

These challenges can be due to physical, medical, cognitive (brain-based) or emotional reasons and must be taken into consideration when planning an online education for a student.

The student needs to understand what options and alternatives are allowed. Can they take breaks, move as needed, etc.?

10. Students without proper supervision or those who are not self-motivated can easily get off-task at home.

Many students start engaging in activities like watching youtube videos, playing video games, and texting friends when they are supposed to be completing school work.
For instance: -text a friend or family member a question to get to know them better -watch a video on a preferred topic and make your own video explaining what it was about (you may use props) -make a video and corresponding three-paragraph (pretend) blog post about your favorite video game (give a 5 minute demonstration of the game in your video) -play a math game in Minecraft Lab
As a solution, we can offer breaks - or maybe we can incorporate some of the activities that get them off-task into their school tasks.

11. Students may not have a quiet space to work.

Many students need a quiet environment in order to concentrate, stay on task, etc.

12. Some children may be in abusive homes.

This may be missed if they are only observed in an online environment. Students may feel they have no way out of an unsafe environment.
It's very important to be aware of the warning signs of child abuse such as those described in the video below :
For some students, school is the safest place they have to go.

Can you share what you think the pros and cons of online learning are?

This is a topic that can be discussed at great length with many educators, parents, and others who play an important role in a child's life!

I would love to hear from you!

Hands-on Projects for Kids

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12 Pros and Cons of Online Learning for Students - Education and Behavior

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12 pros and cons of online learning written by Rachel Wise, school psychologist and licensed behavior specialist. Rachel has experience in cyber/virtual and traditional school settings.

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https://www.timeforkids.com/g56/learning-at-home-2/?rl=en-930

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Students all over the world have been home from school because of the coronavirus pandemic. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, more than 90% of students worldwide have been affected by school closures. Most learning is taking place online.

Teachers and students are adjusting to the sudden change. They're using technology to connect in virtual × virtual LISEGAGNE-GETTY IMAGES not physically existing but simulated by computer software (adjective) The students went on a virtual field trip to Peru. classrooms so education can continue during the pandemic.

But how do teachers reach students who don't have access to computers and tablets or reliable Wi-Fi? Educators say the pandemic has highlighted the "digital divide." That's the split between those who have access to the Internet and those who do not.

"It's been impacting students all across the country" for a long time, Sonja Santelises told starker × stark TIME for Kids. She's the CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, in Maryland. But "in a time of crisis," she adds, "that divide is clearer and it's PAPER BOAT CREATIVE/GETTY IMAGES severe; obvious (adjective) Even though they're twins, there are stark differences in the way they look. ."

Coming Together

To make sure students have better access to education during the pandemic, school districts across the United States are finding ways to overcome the digital divide. In Baltimore, kids can now watch lessons on cable TV. In Tucson, Arizona, school buses equipped with Wi-Fi have been sent to neighborhoods where many people lack Internet access. And in Chicago, Illinois, more than 100,000 laptops and tablets were given to students who needed them.

Teachers are getting creative too. In Madison, South Dakota, sixth-grade teacher Chris Waba set up a whiteboard outside a student's front door for a one-on-one lesson. In University City, Missouri, second-grade teacher Lora Davenport dropped off learning packets and books at children's homes. "It's been very old-fashioned and very personalized communication with the students," she says.

Santelises says communication is exactly what kids need right now. "The biggest challenge-no matter what ZIP code, neighborhood, or school-has been the need to connect and be part of the school community," she says.

Students are being resourceful too. They're working hard and staying positive. University City fifth-grader London Trussel has advice for them. "Trust the process," she says. "All this stuff is happening, but it will stop soon. Just be patient and wait, and then we'll all go back to school."

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Students all over the world have been home from school because of the coronavirus pandemic. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, more than 90% of students worldwide have been affected by school closures. Most learning is...

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https://wonderopolis.org/wonder/how-are-vaccines-made

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Today's Wonder of the Day will give you a shot at not catching a bad disease!

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https://wonderopolis.org/wonder/What-is-COVID-19

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**If you have come into contact with COVID-19 and are experiencing (cough, fever, difficulty breathing), your healthcare provider immediately. If you live in the United States and need state-specific contact information, follow this link.**
You've probably heard about the topic of today's Wonder of the Day. You may have even been directly affected by it. Maybe your school is closed. Perhaps the grown-ups in your life are staying home from work. It's possible you've just heard about it on the news. Either way, kids all over the world are wondering: What is disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

COVID-19 is an . It's caused by a novel . When a is "novel," that means it's being seen in humans for the first time. That's why people who study viruses are so concerned about COVID-19. Scientists are still learning about how it spreads and how it affects people.

In the past, other coronaviruses have caused many illnesses. Some of these are fairly mild, like the common cold. Others are more severe. One example was the that caused a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak between 2002 and 2004. But the one that causes COVID-19 is different from these. People are very worried about this virus because it spreads quickly and can cause very severe .

Where did this novel come from? Experts believe it spread to humans from an animal. Now, it's spreading from person to person quickly. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called it a global . The first cases of COVID-19 were in Wuhan, China. From there, it quickly moved across the globe. You can find information on the spread of COVID-19 in the daily Situation Reports from WHO.

What are the of COVID-19? The most common ones are fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. If you or someone you know has these , it's important to call a healthcare provider right away. Don't go anywhere without the direction of your doctor.

How dangerous is COVID-19? Doctors say that most people who have the will get better. However, people over the age of 65 are at a higher risk for complications . So are those with conditions like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. People who have suppressed immune systems are also more likely to have problems.

Many people who have COVID-19 might not show at all. That's one reason the has spread so quickly. People who don't feel sick might not know they're carrying the novel . For example, 660 sailors aboard the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt tested positive for COVID-19 in April 2020. Sixty percent of them showed no . Even people who have no can spread the virus to others, though. That's why so many schools and workplaces have closed.

What can you do to avoid getting or spreading COVID-19? It's important to wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. To make sure your hands are clean, wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water. You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. These are points of easy entry for the .

As always, be sure to cover sneezes and coughs. If possible, sneeze or cough into a tissue and then throw it away. Experts also recommend social distancing. In fact, it's best to stay home if you can. If you need to go out in public, stay at least six feet away from people outside your immediate family. The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends wearing a cloth face covering in public. This could include a non-medical cloth mask or a bandanna. Anyone who has COVID-19 should stay away from other people completely.

When someone who has COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or exhales, the virus can leave their body and land on nearby surfaces. If someone else touches that surface, they will pick up the virus. That's why it's also important to clean surfaces you touch with a disinfectant, like bleach. Remember that, while cleaners are great for killing the virus on surfaces, you shouldn't use them on your hands or body. Wash your hands and other body parts with soap and water instead.

What about food? Currently, there's no evidence of the novel spreading through food or food packaging. However, it's always a good idea to wash your hands after handling food or groceries--and always do so before eating!

Everyone wants to protect their family members from getting sick with COVID-19. That's why many are also concerned for their pets. Can animals catch the virus from humans? Some dogs and cats have tested positive for COVID-19, but they showed few . Experts say this isn't a serious threat to pets. If an owner tests positive, their pets should be quarantined to avoid spreading it to other people.

Unfortunately, there's plenty of misinformation going around about COVID-19. For example, some people think the novel is unable to spread in warm climates. This is untrue. COVID-19 can spread in any climate. It's also too early to tell whether COVID-19 will be a seasonal like the flu. At this time, experts don't have any evidence to suggest that hot weather can stop it.

The can also spread to any person, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or age. Some groups are at a higher risk of complications due to age or health reasons. But people of all ages can become ill with COVID-19, with or without underlying conditions.

Is there a cure for COVID-19? Not yet. However, experts are studying the effects of several medicines in hope of finding a way to fight the . They are also working to develop a vaccine. In the meantime, doctors treat the of the as well as they can with medicines.

Many people feel or fear about COVID-19. It can be scary to see so many people sick. There are many ways to help your family members get their minds off of the . You might try going for a walk or playing games together at home. Turn on a movie and prepare your favorite snack. You could also try deep breathing techniques or other mindfulness exercises if you're feeling stressed. This is an important time to be kind to others-and if you're worried, talk to a trusted adult.

If you or a family member have of COVID-19, you should contact health officials as soon as possible. You should also stay away from other people until you feel better.

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If you have come into contact with COVID-19 and are experiencing (cough, fever, difficulty breathing), your healthcare provider immediately. If you live in the United States and need state-specific contact information, follow this link .** You've probably heard about the topic of today's Wonder of the Day.

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https://wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-is-junk-food

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After a long day of school, you ride the bus home and anticipate having a as soon as you through the front door. But what kind of will you choose? Will it be a healthy apple or with peanut butter? Or will you head for the potato chips and soda?

The answer probably depends upon what's available in the kitchen cupboards and the refrigerator...and whether or not your parents are home. After all, if Mom or Dad is around, you probably won't get away with chugging soda and noshing on chips. In fact, they probably have a special name for those foods. What are we talking about? Junk food, of course!

Every kid at one time or another has had some of his or her favorite foods referred to as junk food. But what exactly does that mean? It's obviously not made from , so why do we call it junk food?

The "junk food" has been around since the early 1970s, when the Center for Science in the Public Interest began using it to raise of foods it considered to be unhealthy. Although not everyone agrees on exactly which foods should be considered junk foods, the is generally used to describe foods that are high in calories and low in nutrients. Junk foods tend to contain large amounts of , sugar, and . Junk foods also tend to be processed, which means they usually contain artificial flavorings and additives, and are packaged in boxes, cans or bags.

Some common examples of junk foods include sodas and foods, such as potato chips, crackers and candy. Popular fast-food items, like hamburgers and French fries, are also often lumped into the category of junk foods because they often contain lots of calories but not many nutrients.

Other foods are considered junk food by some but not by others, depending upon how they're made. For example, some people consider pizza a junk food because it can be high in and calories. Others, however, believe pizza can be a good source of grains, dairy, vegetables, and meat, which contain many nutrients the body needs.

As most kids learn in school, it's important to eat well-balanced meals full of the nutrients the body needs. Such meals would include lean meats, whole grains, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. So why are junk foods so popular?

If you like potato chips, candy, and soda, the reason is usually obvious: they're delicious. Foods with high amounts of , sugar, and simply taste good. Plus, they're usually cheap and readily available. Manufacturers make junk foods because they're inexpensive to make, have long shelf lives, and tend to be popular sellers.

If you're a fan of junk food, there's no need to . These foods are usually fine to eat if you eat them in moderation . If you're eating a well-balanced diet overall and maintaining a healthy weight, you shouldn't have any problem eating junk food occasionally . Just remember: your body needs fuel in the form of nutrients to perform at its best. When you replace -rich foods with high-/low- snacks, your body doesn't get the fuel it needs.

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After a long day of school, you ride the bus home and anticipate having a as soon as you through the front door. But what kind of will you choose? Will it be a healthy apple or with peanut butter? Or will you head for the potato chips and soda?

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https://www.nationalgeographic.org/article/food/?utm_source=BibblioRCM_Row

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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Food is one of the basic necessities of life. Food contains nutrients-substances essential for the growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues and for the regulation of vital processes. Nutrients provide the energy our bodies need to function.

The energy in food is measured in units called calories. Age, sex, weight, height, and level of activity determine the number of calories a person needs each day. Depending on age, sex, and activity level, the recommended daily caloric intake for a child aged 11 to 14 can range anywhere from 1,600 to 2,600 calories per day, with sedentary girls needing the fewest calories and active boys needing the most. For adults, this can range from 1,800 to about 3,000.

Kinds of Nutrients

Scientists divide nutrients into six major groups: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and water. Most foods contain all or most nutrient groups, in different amounts.

Carbohydrates provide energy for the body. Nearly all the carbohydrates we eat come from plants. They include starches found in cereal grains and plants like potatoes and yams. Sugars, found in fruits, vegetables, and milk, are also carbohydrates. Sugarcane and sugar beets are grown specifically for their high sugar content.

Many of the starches and sugars we eat have been processed into products, such as flour and corn syrup. These processed carbohydrates are used in cookies, cakes, breads, pastas, and pies.

Fats provide more than twice as much energy as carbohydrates. They also help protect and insulate the body and its internal organs. Common fats include vegetable oils, such as soybean, cottonseed, and corn oil. They are used in cooking and in the processing of many foods. Fats that come from animal products include butter and lard. Eggs, milk, cheese, meats, poultry, and fish also contain high levels of fats.

Proteins are the body's chief tissue-builders. They help keep skin, bones, muscles, and blood healthy. Proteins also help regulate bodily processes, including transporting oxygen and nutrients into and out of cells; the clotting of blood; and the formation of antibodies, which help fight disease. Animal products, such as beef, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products, are high in protein. Grains, nuts, and some beans are also protein-rich foods.

Minerals and vitamins are called micronutrients because they are needed in very small quantities compared with carbohydrates, fats, and proteins (known as macronutrients). Minerals provide building materials for the body and help regulate its activities, much as proteins do. Calcium and phosphorus build strong bones and teeth, iron contributes to healthy blood, and iodine helps keep the thyroid gland working.

Vitamins help the body make full use of other nutrients by assisting the chemical reactions that make those nutrients work. For example, vitamin B1, or thiamine, helps regulate the release of energy from carbohydrates, promotes a healthy appetite, and aids the functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin D helps in the growth and maintenance of healthy bones.

Other essentials for the body's health include water, oxygen, and fiber. Some scientists include water in the list of basic nutrients. Water makes up more than half of a human body's weight. It is involved in most body processes, such as the regulation of temperature, the transporting of nutrients into cells, and the elimination of waste products from cells.

Oxygen is not a nutrient, since it is breathed in and not eaten, but it is essential to life. It permits the release of energy from food inside the body.

Fiber is indigestible material found in most plant foods. It adds bulk to the diet, helping to keep the intestines healthy. Fiber-rich foods include whole grains, dried beans, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

A healthy diet contains a balanced mix of different foods that together provide all essential nutrients. Malnutrition is the lack of a balanced diet. Too few nutrients, too many nutrients, or an imbalance of nutrients (too many carbohydrates, for instance, and not enough fruits and vegetables) can lead to malnutrition.

Undernutrition is a form of malnutrition. It is usually linked to hunger. Undernutrition happens when the body does not get enough food to meet its needs. Many diseases and even death are caused by lack of food. Death due to lack of food is called starvation.

To get the right amounts of nutrients, people need to select from a range of food types: cereal grains; fruits and vegetables; legumes, meat, poultry, fish, and eggs; and milk and dairy products. A food pyramid outlines the suggested amount of these different types of foods people should eat each day.

Cereal Grains

Cereal grains are the edible seeds of certain grasses. People have grown them since the beginning of agriculture. Today, the most commonly grown grains are wheat, rice, and corn ( maize). Other important grains are sorghum, millet, barley, oats, and rye.

Worldwide, cereal grains are the most important food staples. They are eaten almost daily by large populations. They supply a significant percentage of the calories consumed by the world's population. Cereal grains and the products made from them provide food not only for people, but also for livestock, such as cattle, chickens, and hogs.

Throughout the world, more wheat is planted than any other grain. Wheat is the chief ingredient in most breads, cookies, cakes, crackers, pastas, and some breakfast cereals. China, the United States, Russia, Ukraine, India, France, and Canada are major wheat-producing countries. Wheat, often eaten as bread, serves as the principal food grain for people living in regions with temperate climates.

Rice, an Asian tropical grass, is a food staple for more than half the world's population. More than 90 percent of the world's total rice crop is produced and eaten in South and East Asia. Rice is also a food staple for people in parts of Africa and Latin America. This cereal grain thrives in a warm, humid climate with heavy rainfall or wet ground. It is often grown in flooded fields called rice paddies.

Hominy grits, corn bread, popcorn, and tortillas are all made with corn. Outside the United States, this grain is called maize. Although native to the Americas, maize is now cultivated throughout most of the world and is a staple food in many areas. It grows in various soils and climates and at different elevations. American farmers produce over 30 percent of the world's corn; of that 40 percent, most of it is used to feed livestock. Corn is also used to produce sweeteners, such as corn syrup and cornstarch.

Sorghum and millet are other grains commonly used as livestock feeds. These grains are also staple foods for people in parts of Africa and Asia, where they are used in breads, porridges, and cakes.

Three other grains-barley, oats, and rye-are important in many regions. Barley thrives in a wide range of climates. One type of barley is the source of malt for making beer. Barley is also used in making vinegar, malt extract, and beverages similar to milk. Pearl barley, the most popular form of this grain, is often used in soups and other foods.

Oats and rye were domesticated much later than other grains. Oats are used mainly as livestock feed, but also go into oatmeal and other breakfast cereals. After wheat, rye is the second most common grain used as a bread flour; the two are often mixed together in breads. Bread made with rye alone, called black bread, is popular in many European countries.

The term " fruit" has several meanings. To a botanist, it means the part of a plant that contains seeds. According to this definition, fruits include most nuts, as well as vegetables, such as cucumbers and tomatoes.

To most of us, though, "fruit" is defined as the soft, edible, seed-bearing part of a perennial plant. A perennial is a plant that lives for more than one growing season. Fresh fruits are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They can be preserved by freezing, canning, or drying.

Different fruits grow in different climates, and may not grow well in climates that are too cold, hot, dry, or wet. Based on the kind of climate in which they grow, fruits can be classified in different groups: temperate fruits, subtropical fruits, and tropical fruits.

Temperate fruits grow best where there is a well-defined cold season, as in the U.S. states of Washington and Oregon. Temperate fruits include apples, berries, grapes, pears, plums, and peaches.

Subtropical fruits thrive where temperatures are mostly warm year-round. The area around the Mediterranean Sea has a subtropical climate. Citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, grapefruits, dates, pomegranates, and some types of avocadoes, are subtropical fruits.

Tropical fruits require a hot climate to grow. Tropical fruits, such as bananas, mangoes, and papayas, grow in hot, humid areas like the Philippines.

Vegetables are the edible parts of herbaceous plants. Herbaceous plants, sometimes just called herbs, have stems that are softer and less woody than those of trees and shrubs. Vegetables are good sources of fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Most vegetables are annuals, living for only one growing season.

Vegetables can be roots, leaves, stems, seeds, or bulbs. For example, carrots, radishes, and beets are roots. Cabbage, celery, lettuce, and spinach are leaves or leafstalks. Heads of broccoli are flower stalks topped by thick clusters of flower buds. Asparagus is a stem. Cucumbers, eggplants, and tomatoes contain the seeds of the plant. Garlic, leeks, and onions are bulbs.

Some plants, called tubers, have a special type of underground stem that can be eaten fresh as a vegetable or used as an ingredient in other dishes. In temperate regions, the most important tuber is the potato. The potato was first a food staple to indigenous cultures of the Andes of South America. Today, major potato-growing countries include Russia, China, and Poland.

Important tropical tubers include yams, cassavas, and taros. These tubers are staple foods in many cultures. For instance, taro is a major food crop of the islands of Polynesia, as well as West Africa. Cassava is a staple food for more than 500 million people in Africa and Latin America.

Legumes, Meat, Poultry, Fish, and Eggs

Legumes are plants that are raised for their edible seeds or seed pods. Peas, lima beans, soybeans, peanuts, and lentils are all legumes. Legumes that are harvested for their dry seeds, such as beans or lentils, are called pulses. Pulses are food staples in India and Pakistan.

Legumes and pulses contain high amounts of protein. In addition, they supply iron, other minerals, and vitamins.

The term "meat" usually refers to the edible flesh of mammals, such as cattle, pigs, and sheep. Meat is a high-protein food and is rich in other nutrients, as well.

The United States, Australia, Russia, and Argentina raise much of the world's beef cattle. Beef can come from cows, bulls, or steers. Cows are adult female cattle. Bulls are adult male cattle capable of reproduction. Steers are adult male cattle that have been castrated, or been made incapable of reproduction. Meat from very young cattle, or calves, is called veal.

The world's major hog producers include China, the European Union, the United States, Brazil, and Russia. Meat from hogs is called pork.

Lamb is meat from sheep less than a year old. It is especially popular in the Middle East, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Mutton, meat from mature sheep, has a stronger flavor and a rougher texture than lamb. New Zealand and Australia are the world's largest exporters of lamb and mutton.

Bison, water buffalo, camels, goats, and yaks are all sources of meat. Wild animals, such as rabbits and deer, are also eaten as meat. Meat from wild animals is called game.

"Poultry" refers to domesticated birds that are raised for meat and eggs. Chickens are an important food source for most of the world's population. Raising chickens is a major industry in many countries, including China, the United States, Russia, and across the European Union. Ducks, turkeys, geese, and guinea fowl are also raised for food in many parts of the world.

Fish and shellfish are probably the most popular meats worldwide. Fish provide about 15 percent of all animal proteins consumed by the world's population. Fish and shellfish are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals. People eat fish raw or cooked, and preserve it by canning, freezing, drying, salting, smoking, or pickling.

Most of the fish and shellfish people eat come from the ocean. Tuna is one of the most popular ocean fish. Other fish come from inland bodies of fresh water, such as lakes and rivers. Bass, perch, and carp are popular freshwater fish worldwide.

An increasing amount of fish comes from fish farms, where fish and shellfish are raised commercially. The cultivation of fish and shellfish is called aquaculture.

Clams, oysters, crabs, and shrimp are popular types of shellfish. Abalone, a kind of mollusk, is another type of seafood. Conch, a large type of sea snail, is eaten in the Florida Keys and in the West Indies. Eels, octopuses, squids, and mussels are other popular seafoods.

Eggs are a source of proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins. Boiled, fried, scrambled, or deviled, chicken eggs are popular around the world. They are also used in a variety of baked goods. People also eat the eggs of other birds, such as ducks and quail, and those of reptiles, such as turtles and crocodiles. The eggs of certain fish, mainly sturgeon, are prepared as a delicacy known as caviar.

Milk and Dairy Products

Much of the world's milk, cream, butter, yogurt, and cheese come from dairy cows. However, goats, camels, reindeer, sheep, yaks, and water buffalo supply milk products as well.

In much of Asia, people have traditionally consumed "milk" made from soybeans. Soy milk is made from soaking and grinding soybeans with water. Soy milk contains about the same protein as cow's milk.

Milk and dairy products supply proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. The Maasai people of East Africa use milk as a staple food, and it constitutes a huge part of their diet. Yogurt, a fermented milk product, is a staple food in parts of the Middle East and India.

Diet

People's diets vary from one country to another. Diets can also vary within a single country. Geographic differences explain part of this variation. For example, people who live near the ocean might eat greater amounts of fish than people who live farther inland. People living in cool regions with short growing seasons depend on crops that mature quickly, such as potatoes. In warm, wet lowlands where the soil retains water, rice is often a staple.

Geographic factors are less important today than they were a century ago. Improved methods of agriculture and transportation, as well as increased trade and tourism, have made more types of food available to a wider variety of people.

Improved methods of food processing, preservation, storage, and shipping allow many people to enjoy foods produced far from their homes. Spanish olive oil, French cheeses, and sardines from Norway, for example, are eaten as far away as Australia.

Local traditions and customs play a role in determining what foods people eat and how they are prepared. English tradition encourages roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, a type of bread, be eaten together. Many Asians serve rice with almost every meal.

Economic factors also affect what people eat. In the U.S. state of Maine, lobster is usually a relatively inexpensive food. The shellfish is native to the state's coastal areas and has been a traditional food for hundreds of years. However, lobster is a luxury item in the Midwest, where it must be flown in. Lobster dishes served in Iowa may cost two to three times what they do in Maine.

In developed countries, many people have enough money to buy a variety of nutritious foods. Malnutrition is not a large problem, and people have a long lifespan. But even in these countries, there are many people who cannot buy these foods because resources are not evenly distributed throughout the population. In some places, healthy, nutritious food can be more expensive than so-called " junk food," which has many calories but little nutritional benefit.

Even those who can afford healthy food may eat poorly. The diets of many people in developed countries are too high in the fats, salt, and refined sugars found in junk food. These diets are too low in fruits, vegetables, and fiber.

In developing countries, malnutrition is more common. A poor harvest, flood, or drought may cause famine, because the community or nation is not economically able to import food.

The diets of the urban and rural populations of developing countries are often quite different. People in urban areas eat more processed foods, while people who live in rural areas may have access to fresh milk, fruits, and vegetables. However, people living in rural areas are the first to be affected by a poor harvest.

People do not eat only to obtain nutrients and ward off hunger and starvation. People's eating habits are strongly influenced by culture. Rituals around preparing, sharing, and consuming food serve social roles as well as biological ones.

Religion sometimes plays a role in what, and when, people eat. Followers of the Jain religion, for example, strongly believe in nonviolence toward all living things. Strict Jains never eat meat. Many Jains also refrain from eating potatoes and other tubers because many small organisms are harmed as the tubers are pulled from the earth.

Jewish kashrut law and Muslim dhabihah law outline many rules for eating. Both include a ban on pork. Food that is prepared according to kashrut law is called kosher, while food that is prepared according to dhabihah law is called halal.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast, or avoid eating, during daylight hours. Typically, Muslims will eat one meal before dawn and one after sunset, but nothing at all while the sun is shining. Ramadan is considered a time for inner reflection, devotion to God, and self-control.

Feasting is also an important ritual, both for religious and nonreligious reasons. Most religious fasting periods, such as Ramadan, are followed by holiday feasts. Eid al-Fitr is the Islamic holiday following Ramadan. One of the ways Muslims celebrate Eid is to donate food to the poor.

Nonreligious holidays often include feasts as well. In the United States, people gather to eat turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. In China, families celebrate the Chinese New Year with foods that symbolize luck and prosperity, such as long noodles, chickens, fish, oysters, dumplings, tangerines, oranges, and sticky rice cakes.

Many people make dietary choices based on ethics-beliefs about what is right and wrong. For instance, some people choose not to eat meat out of concern for the environment. Livestock is one of the leading contributors to carbon emissions, and some people reduce the amount of beef they eat to reduce their " carbon footprint." Many people avoid eating meat out of concern for animal welfare.

Vegetarians avoid eating all meat and fish. Vegans avoid all animal products, including eggs, milk, cheese, and honey. Some people who are not vegetarians may raise or buy humanely produced animal products such as free-range chicken and grass-fed beef.

Other ethics-based food practices include choosing organic or locally grown foods. People who choose organic foods may do so because of the reduced number of chemicals in the food. Organic food relies little on genetic modification or pesticides. Organic food also releases fewer chemicals into the environment in the form of runoff.

The " locavore" movement values the reduced environmental impact of local foods. There are fewer transportation costs, such as greenhouse gas emissions, with local foods.

The way we serve and eat food is as culturally important as what foods we consume. In East Asian countries, most people use chopsticks to pick up their food. In Europe and the Americas, a variety of utensils serve different purposes. A full, formal place setting can include a salad fork, dinner fork, dessert fork, teaspoon, soup spoon, butter knife, and dinner knife. In other countries, such as India and Ethiopia, many foods are picked up with pieces of flat bread rather than utensils.

Table manners vary widely from culture to culture. Manners include rules about how and where people should sit, when to begin eating, which utensils to use in certain situations and with which hand, and what behaviors might be considered rude.

In East Asian countries, it is considered rude to point at people with your chopsticks, or to rest your chopsticks standing upright in your rice. In Malaysia, eating with your left hand is considered unclean. In Japan, it is acceptable and even encouraged to make slurping noises while eating hot noodles, but not while eating soup. In Russia, it is considered polite to leave a bit of food after eating, but in Brazil, people are expected to eat everything on their plates.

Food and food preparation associated with a specific region are known as that region's cuisine. Cuisine can be national, such as the fresh fish and noodles associated with Japanese food. Cuisine can also be regional or local. California cuisine, for instance, is known for mixing different types of national cuisines, such as French and Chinese.

A food's adaptability to a specific region can define that region. Maize, native to North and Central America, is considered one of Mexico's greatest "national treasures." An image of Xochipilli, the Aztec god of maize, appears on Mexico's 100- peso bill.

Most cuisines feature staple foods of the region. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, boiled cassava root is a staple food. The large leaves of the cassava and a fiery pepper sauce called pili-pili are often part of a traditional Congolese meal. Fresh-picked bananas, papayas, and pineapples are frequently eaten. Animal proteins from poultry, fish, and crocodiles are also popular foods in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Climate can also impact the cuisine of a region. Much of Russia faces cold winters, so few crops grow there. Warm soups are a large part of Russian cuisine. Borscht, or beet soup, is probably the most familiar Russian soup. Beets are vegetables that are capable of growing in the cold, hard ground. Grains that grow well in cold climates are also popular in Russian cuisine. Kasha, for example, is cooked grains, such as buckwheat, barley, or semolina. Blini, or buckwheat pancakes, are served with caviar, smoked fish, butter, and sour cream. Pickles, cucumbers, and onions are widely eaten.

Since Japan is surrounded by the ocean, fish is a mainstay of Japanese cuisine. It is prepared in a variety of ways. Sashimi, for example, is raw fish dipped in seasoned soy sauce. Tempura is prawns or slices of fish and vegetables dipped in batter and fried. Most sushi is made from flavored rice covered with slices of raw or cooked fish and vegetables.

Even non-native foods can define a region. Potatoes were introduced to Ireland in the early 17th century, probably by the explorer Sir Walter Raleigh, who brought the tubers home with him after exploring the Americas. Potatoes, especially the " lumper" variety, grow well in cold climates and rocky soil. Within 200 years, the population of Ireland was dependent on lumpers for most of their carbohydrates. A potato disease, or blight, struck Ireland in the mid-19th century, causing the so-called Irish Potato Famine. More than a million Irish people died of malnutrition, and a million more were forced to immigrate.

Often, cuisine reflects a country or region's history. Pho, for instance, is a Vietnamese noodle soup made with large chunks of meat, vegetables, and spices, such as basil. Vietnam was a French colony from the 19th century to the middle of the 20th century. French colonists brought French cuisine with them, including the stew called pot au feu. Pho is an adaptation of pot au feu, with the most significant addition being rice noodles, which are native to Southeast Asia. "Pho" even sounds like "feu."

The growing number of immigrants in many cities has broadened people's tastes in food. Many foods associated with national cuisines are inventions of immigrants. Chicken tikka masala, for example, is one of the most popular "Indian" dishes in the world. Chicken tikka masala was invented by an immigrant Pakistani chef in Glasgow, Scotland.

Often, immigrants will adapt their traditional diet with foods not available in their homeland. Chinese-American food, for instance, often features tomatoes and potatoes, foods that are not native to Asia.

Cuisine varies widely, even within a specific region and a specific food. In the Carolinas region of the United States, for example, there are more than a dozen types of traditional barbecue. In this region, pork is the most familiar barbecued meat, although chicken and beef are also barbecued. Some barbecues feature a mustard-based sauce, while others feature tomato, vinegar, or molasses. Still other traditional barbecues are "dry," and feature spice-based rubs instead of sauce.

World Food Supply

Feeding the world population requires a massive supply of food. Since the late 1940s, grain supplies have fluctuated, but worldwide there has been a surplus, or more than enough food to feed everyone. Yet millions go hungry. Of the over seven billion people on Earth, more than one billion are undernourished, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Each year, poor nutrition plays a role in about half of deaths of children under five years old.

Why do so many people starve when the world produces enough food to feed everyone? One reason is that resources, such as farmland and money, are not evenly distributed among the world's people.

Many developed countries have millions of acres of fertile land. This huge agricultural economy allows nations like Canada, the United States, and Australia to have a strong food supply for consumption as well as export of grain, livestock, and produce.

Most hunger is not the result of a lack of fertile land, however. Most hunger is the result of poverty. Many people in developing countries are too poor to grow or buy the food they need.

Crisis situations contribute to hunger and starvation. Severe droughts, floods, and other natural disasters can create famines. In many developing counties, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, the population is growing faster than the rate of food production.

In some countries, years of continuous war have severely disrupted food production. During conflicts, millions of people flee their homes, often leaving crops to rot in the fields. The region's uncertainty and fear mean fewer crops are planted and cultivated.

These natural and manmade crises can lead millions of people to become dependent on international food aid. Food aid, usually in the form of grain and other starches, is distributed to either the government or local communities. Food aid can also mean money for people or governments to buy their own food.

Food aid is controversial, for both recipients and donors. Some receiving countries are not allowed as much independence as they would like. Sometimes, food aid comes with restrictions or rules that might have little to do with food.

The governments of countries donating food may disagree with the politics or decisions of the country receiving the food aid. Food aid may be reduced if the donating country disagrees with the receiving country's politics, such as nuclear weapons development.

Scientists debate the relationship between economic security and food security. Food security is the access a person, family, or community has to healthy foods. Growing food to export may increase a nation's food security if the exports bring in more money to buy food imported from elsewhere in the country or abroad. However, access to food may be reduced, and the nation may become dependent on foreign food sources.

To help solve the problem of hunger and increase local food production, farmers in many developing countries need economic assistance in acquiring new agricultural technology, such as tractors. Small-scale farmers may also benefit from healthy draft animals, such as water buffalo or oxen, which are used to operate machinery, such as plows.

Agricultural technology also includes improved varieties of seeds. Seeds may withstand longer periods of drought or flood, or they may resist disease. Better transportation, communications systems, and storage facilities can help improve food distribution.

total sets of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an organization, event, product or individual over a set period of time.

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Director

Tyson Brown, National Geographic Society

Author

National Geographic Society

Production Managers

Gina Borgia, National Geographic Society
Jeanna Sullivan, National Geographic Society

Program Specialists

Sarah Appleton, National Geographic Society
Margot Willis, National Geographic Society

Producer

Clint Parks

Last Updated

March 1, 2011

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Director

Tyson Brown, National Geographic Society

Author

National Geographic Society

Production Managers

Gina Borgia, National Geographic Society
Jeanna Sullivan, National Geographic Society

Program Specialists

Sarah Appleton, National Geographic Society
Margot Willis, National Geographic Society

Producer

Clint Parks

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Tuesday, March 1, 2011 Food is one of the basic necessities of life. Food contains nutrients-substances essential for the growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues and for the regulation of vital processes. Nutrients provide the energy our bodies need to function. The energy in food is measured in units called calories.

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https://www.timeforkids.com/g2/?text=healthy+food

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The coronavirus pandemic is affecting people all around the world. In the face of this crisis, people near and far are finding ways to help. Here, TIME for Kids looks at efforts in four of the countries hit hardest. These...

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Some useful information about Suzhou animal shelter

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Some useful information about Suzhou animal shelter

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Official Weibo about Suzhou animal shelter:

You may find lots of updated adoption information and new activities there.

https://weibo.com/szsapa?refer_flag=1015155010_

Phone number to contact with Suzhou animal shelter:

Ms. Juan: 13814877222

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https://www.four-paws.org/our-stories/publications-guides/the-top-9-reasons-why-people-give-up-their-pets

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FOUR PAWS International - Animal Welfare Organisation

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Our pets give us so much - love, companionship and emotional support - how is it possible they can be abandoned? There are several reasons why people abandon their dog, cat, or other pets. Some are the result of people not having considered fully the responsibilities of pet ownership when buying their pet and whether they have sufficient time, resources, and the motivation to take care of a pet.

Below are some of the more common reasons why people decide to give away their pet

Time factor

A common reason for owners relinquishing their pet to a shelter is that they do not feel they have enough time to take care of their pet. Taking care of a pet takes time, pets need to be fed, walked, let out in the garden, have their litter tray changed, taken to the vets, trained and socialised.

It is unfair to leave a pet alone for long periods of time, especially social animals such as dogs that need human company. This will obviously impact the owner's lifestyle and needs to be carefully considered before acquiring a pet.

Many pets are bought on impulse, especially online. The new owner is unlikely to have had time to consider all the obligations of owning a pet or to carry out the necessary research into their pet's needs. This can result in the animal being resold, surrendered to a shelter or worst still abandoned.

Lack of experience

Some pet owners lack the knowledge on how to take care of their pets and can therefore become overwhelmed with the responsibility. Therefore, it is important to carry out lots of research before acquiring a pet to make sure you understand and can meet their needs.

Changed life situation

Pet owners may lose their job, get divorced, move into a rental property that does not allow pets, have a baby, or develop health problems (allergies is one of the most common reasons people have for giving up their pet). Again, it is important for pet owners to think about the future and how they would take care of a pet in certain situations before they get an animal. Additionally, many people added a pet to their life during the Covid-19 lockdown, they are faced with having to go back to the office and the pet not fitting in with this changed situation.

Animal health and age

Animals can become sick, acutely, or chronically, they may also need more care in their old age, due to age related medical problems. This requires more of the owner's time and may result in veterinary costs. Anyone taking on a pet should see it as a long-term commitment, they need to take care of their pet for its entire life regardless of medical and age-related health issues.

Boredom/Disinterest

Sad but true, some people, especially children, lose interest in their pet and consider them a burden. Pets should never be bought to teach children responsibility; this often does not work, and the parents end up having to take care of the pet or the pet is rehomed, surrendered or abandoned.

Unwanted litters

Unneutered pets may go on to have unwanted litters, often puppies and kittens are handed into animal shelters, or worst still abandoned or killed. Therefore, it is important to neuter pets to prevent unwanted litters from being born.

Behavioural issues

Some pet owners find that their pet shows unwanted behaviour, for example dogs being aggressive to other dogs. To help ensure that animals do not develop behavioural issues they should be properly trained and socialised when they are young.

Financial factor

Pets are often abandoned because their owner can no longer afford to take care of them. Many pet owners are not aware of how much it costs to take care of a pet over their entire life. It is therefore important that pet owners do their research and make sure they have sufficient resources to take care of their pet in the long-term. Some of the costs can still be covered, e.g., for food, but if a pet gets sick, the veterinary costs can be a strain on the budget.

Profitability

People use companion animals to make money (racing, breeding) or even for sports (hunting, fighting). When animals become too slow, old or sick they are no longer fit for their "purpose" and become unwanted. The lucky ones are handed into reputable animal shelters or rehomed, however for many they are either abandoned or brutally killed.

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The Top 9 Reasons Why People Give Up Their Pets

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Our pets give us so much! However, many pet owners want to give up their pets and abandon them. See the top 9 reasons why people want to give away their pets.

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https://pawsomeadvice.com/pets/stray-animal-statistics/

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More than 2.7 million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters annually. And that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Stray animal statistics can be hard to believe, but it's worth knowing what happens behind the curtain.

We'll break it all down for you to see the real side of street life for animals.

Little Known Facts About Homeless Animals

Abandoned animal stats report that the number of US stray animals reaches 70 million.

According to the Humane Society, 6-8 million cats and dogs go into shelters each year.

5500 stray dogs are put to rest each day.

Only 2% of cats and 17% of dogs in shelters return to their pet parents.

Of the massive population in shelters, just 3-4 million stray animals get adopted.

Shelters euthanize 2.7 million animals due to lack of space.

But there are more homeless animal statistics you should be aware of.

What Is the Actual Number of Stray Animals?

It's challenging to figure out precisely how many animals live on the streets. So, our best bet would be to learn more facts about homeless animals.

1. 6.5 Million Animals Are Taken Into US Shelters Annually
(Source: ASPCA)

Out of these, 3.3 million are dogs, and 3.2 million are cats.

Around 50% of the shelter animals are adopted, but 20-30% get euthanized.

87% of animals in underserved communities are neither spayed nor neutered.

77% of that 87% have never been to a vet.

The effort to put all animals in a loving home is overwhelming. But why are stray animal statistics so high?

Well, here's one possibility.

2. One Female Dog Can Give Birth to 12-18 Puppies a Year
(Source: Humane Society)

Around 67,000 puppies can be born from a single female dog and her offspring in six years.

Shelters spay or neuter only 10% of animals.

5500 dogs are euthanized each day.

And these are just the stray dogs facts. When we turn the page to check the cats, the numbers get even higher.

3. A Cat Can Have 20-27 Kittens Annually
(Source: Cat Cave Co)

Street cats in the US are estimated to reach 30-40 million.

Only 2% of stray cats are spayed or neutered.

Each year, about 80% of the newly-born kittens come from community or stray cats.

Animals are delightful companions, but their street population is out of control. And owners who abandon their pets make matters worse.

The Consequences of High Stray Animal Statistics

If you think that the growing numbers of stray animal stats in 2022 have nothing to do with you, think again. We're already facing the aftermath.

Dangerous Diseases Are Spreading

Viruses like rabies get transferred from animals to humans through saliva in bites. Remember that the leading theory on the coronavirus's initial spread is that it came from a bat.

4. 40,000-70,000 People Die From Rabies Each Year

99% of human rabies cases are linked to rabid dog exposure.

There are over 100 diseases a human can catch from an animal.

Over 60 million people in the US have a T. gondii. infection from ingesting cat feces accidentally.

Such diseases contribute to the rising animal neglect stats. But governments have a hard time dealing with all the stray cats and dogs. Sadly, many street animals end up dying from infections and diseases that are preventable.

Fatal Human Attacks

Most dog bites don't need medical care, but does that mean you're safe?

5. Between 2005-2019, 521 People in the US Died From a Dog Bite Injury
(Source: Dogs Bite)

Pit bulls and Rottweilers are responsible for 76% of these deaths.

According to dog bite statistics, 4.5 million Americans are victims every year.

800,000 of the attacked people needed medical care.

Sometimes people who are bitten may choose to self-medicate. But it's best to check with a doctor. After all, you can get tetanus or rabies from a dog bite, and proper wound cleaning significantly lowers the chances.

Dog Attack Victims by Age

Historically, facts about homeless dogs show that canines have mostly bitten children. They're easy prey since they don't know how to protect themselves. That's why it's crucial to accompany your kids to parks or around the neighborhood.

6. In 2019, 27% of Dog Bite Victims Were Children Under 9 Years Old
(Source: Dogs Bite)

About 75% of the canine attacks over children consisted of bites on the child's face.

In the US, adults suffered 69% of the fatal dog bites in 2019.

About 20% of all dog bite cases came from canines known to the victim and not from a stray animal.

Dog Attacks by Breed

Undeniably, some dogs are more aggressive than others. Can you guess which breed is the most common attacker, according to stray animals facts?

7. Over 30 Dog Breeds Are Associated With Dog Bite Fatalities
(Source: AAHA)

Pit Bulls are at fault for the highest number of reported bites - 22%. Next are the mixed breeds at 21.2%, followed by German shepherds with 17.8%.

Over 13 years in the US, Pit Bulls killed 248 people.

The Kangal breed has the strongest bite by pound per square inch - 743 PSI.

That said, the german shepherd pitbull mix breed is prone to inflict the most severe damage per bite when compared to any other mixed breed.

Most dog attacks happen because someone provoked the canine.

Fatal Animal Attacks

Stray animals are not only in cities. Animal statistics show that they also attack goats, cows, calves, horses, and chickens on farms.

8. In 2016, Dogs Killed 15,000 Sheep in the UK.
(Source: Wilderness Society)

UK farmers lose 30-40 sheep in every attack.

In a 2017 survey, about 24% of owners attested that their dogs chased livestock.

About 29% of people who owned a dog that chased animals sought help, but 43% didn't think it was an issue.

Dog attacks are a problem for farmers, and the losses they suffer cost a lot. That said, humanity has a more pressing concern than that.

The Extinction Of Small Animals

The number of endangered species is rising, and stray animals are the main contributors.

9. Stray Cats Have Contributed to the Extinction of 63 Species Globally
(Source: American Bird Conservancy)
Stray animal statistics in the US stated that:

In 2013, cats killed between 1.3 to 3.7 billion birds.

Felines have also been linked to the death of 6.3 to 22.3 billion mammals annually, including mice, shrew, squirrels, and rabbits.

Stray cats are perceived as invasive animals that prey on any vulnerable species. If you're worried about your pets, one solution is to invest in an odor eliminator, hiding your animal's scent and detouring strays.

What Can You Do to Lower the High Stray Animal Statistics?

As you can see from the rising stray animal statistics, we need solutions and fast. If this exponential rise keeps growing, we'll have a multi-billion problem on our hands in a few years.

Here are a few suggestions that might seem small but can trigger a significant change.

Encourage Pet Adoption

If more people got their pets from shelters and rescue centers, the problem with strays would be easier to deal with.

According to animal adoption statistics, less than half of the cats and dogs in shelters find new homes.

10. People Adopt 3.2 Million Animals From Shelters Annually
(Source: APPA)

In the US, 23% of dogs and 31% of cats as pets came from animal shelters.

Between 2015-2018, people took inonly 6% of stray dogs and 27% of street cats.

47% of dogs and 42% of cats are rehomed.

The stray animal statistics worldwide could improve if more people step up and adopt a pet. That way, more than 70 million animals will have a place to call home and someone to care for them.

11. In 2019, 49.6% of Shelter Intakes Were Strays

(Source: Pawlytics)

By 2021, that number dropped to 46.8%. While it may not seem like much, these numbers increase each year but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more people took in strays as pets.

In general, shelter intake numbers decreased by 23.7% between 2019-2021.

We know euthanasia is par for the course in animal shelters but things are improving with live outcomes increasing from 85% in 2019 to 89.3% in 2021.

While shelters try their best, there are other options when it comes to decreasing stray animal population statistics.

Trap-Neuter-Return

Another successful method for dealing with the growing population of homeless cats is TNR. In short, it means that the animal is caught humanely, sterilized, and returned to their dwellings.

12. In 2015, TNR Reduced the Number of Dying Cats by 82%
(Source: Best Friends Animal Society)

San Antonio municipal shelter reduced the rate at which cats were killed by 65% compared to 2011.

Baltimore increased the number of saved cats from 65.3% in 2011 to 81.1% in 2015.

In 2015, dying cats in Columbus decreased by 80% compared to 2013.

Philadelphia saved 75.1% of cats in 2015 - 10% more than in 2013.

The TNR trend to lower animal euthanasia statistics has been embraced in many cities, and it seems to be working. Imagine how many animals we can save if more locations join the initiative.

Support Local Animal Shelters

The stray animal shelter statistics will also take a turn for the better if individuals do more to help the organizations. Many of them are run by animal enthusiasts and non-governmental institutions that often need funding to improve the lives of stray dogs and cats.

Consider donating money, food, dog vitamins, or even some of your time to care for the animals in shelters.

13. There Are 3500 US Brick and Mortar Animal Refuge Centres
(Source: Humane Society)

40% of low-income Americans give their pets to shelters.

In some parts of the US, cats make up to 75% of all animals in shelters.

Humane organizations spent $3 billion every year.

If you can't keep your pet, it's better to drop it off at a shelter. By doing so, you'll reduce disease spreading, uncontrolled reproduction, and even the animal's death.

Similarly, when you come across a stray cat or dog, consider taking it to the nearest shelter. If each of us makes an effort, we have the power to lower the stray animal statistics.

But if you need more reasons to help, check how many animals die each year.

Animal Euthanasia Statistics

Organizations struggle to keep up with the growing population of animals. But is euthanasia the best way to act?

14. In 2008, 3.7 Million Animals Were Put to Rest
(Source: International Society For Animal Rights)

56% of dogs that enter animal shelters are euthanized.

71% of cats are put to rest since no one comes to claim them.

Only 15.8% of dogs and 2% of cats in shelters go back to their pet parents.

Even though the numbers are too overwhelming, we don't have many solutions to deal with the rising pet population statistics.

Companion Animal Overpopulation Statistics

Domesticated animals are on the increase, leaving a large proportion of animals homeless, euthanized, or in shelters.

15. 47% of Pups Need Rehoming Because of Behavioral Issues

(Source: ASPCA)

Between 1995-2015, over 65,000 emotional support animals were registered. While that may seem like a lot, that number increased by 200% between 2015-2019. Most are self-prescribed, creating a big problem for actual service animals.

47% of service dogs have encountered an issue with other pups. Training a service dog costs upwards of $25,000 where they learn not to respond. While emotional support animals without training will react to outward stimuli

Unfortunately, when incidents like this happen the emotional support animal is often abandoned or handed over to a shelter, simply adding to abandoned animals stats.

The cost is also enormous, you are responsible for any damage your animal causes if they aren't a support animal.

Wrap up

70 million homeless pets roam the streets every day and face the danger of getting killed by people, traffic, and diseases.

The good news is anyone can contribute to the efforts of local animal shelters. You can adopt a pet, take a stray to the vet to get it spayed or neutered, or even support the nearest shelter by volunteering. We should all work together to reduce the stray animal statistics and find more homes for street cats and dogs.

FAQ

How many animals are rescued each year?

Around 4.1 million animals get adopted each year from US shelters. Of those, two million are dogs and 2.1 million are cats.

What percentage of people have taken in stray animals as pets?

Between 2019-2020, 36% of all dogs and 43% of cats were from shelters. Additionally, 5% of dogs and 21% were strays.

How many dogs are abandoned each year?

Unfortunately, the exact number isn't known but the Covid-19 pandemic hasn't helped. For example in 2021, New York City animal centers took in 1,393 animals in a single month. That's double the usual numbers.

How many stray cats are there in the world?

Estimates suggest there are close to 600 million cats worldwide. In 2018, humans kept only 272 million cats as pets. We will never know the true number since most strays are unregistered. But we know the number is staggeringly high and growing.

Sources:

Sea, good food, yoga, and traveling adventures are just some of the things that excite me in life. I'm a curiosity-driven creature, addicted to SEO, UI design, and everything that makes the web easier to browse and use. If I'm not behind the keyboard researching everything digital, you can usually find me playing with my lovely fluff Bella somewhere in the world.

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Stray Animal StatisticsーWhat Are The Actual Numbers In 2022

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More than 2.7 million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters annually. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. Stray animal statistics can be hard to believe, but it's worth knowing what happens behind the curtain. We'll break it all down for you to see the real side of street life for animals.

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https://naturesmace.com/top-10-common-problems-caused-by-stray-dogs/

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Dogs that do not have homes and live on public streets are stray dogs. They cannot be identified with a collar and are not being taken care of by an owner. Someone can consider a stray dog to be a pet by them simply feeding them and bonding with them. People often feed stray dogs and take them under their own partial supervision. This can make the problem worse over time. A domestic dog can become a stray, by the owner sadly abandoning it. It is sad to see stray dogs, but we can't adopt them all.

Overpopulation of humans and urban arrangements which is chaotic has resulted in a large population of stray dogs in most places around the globe. There are a lot of problems caused by stray dogs. The top 10 Common Problems Caused by Stray Dogs include the following...

1) Dogs that are out by themselves could cause accidents when it runs on the road, which may also lead to injuries to them and other people.

2) Stray dogs always mess up places and themselves because there is no one looking after them. They can get into your garden, flowerbed, shed, and garage. They can tear up your lawn, especially during damp periods. Stray dogs are frequently more vicious, unpredictable, and rugged compared to domesticated dogs.

3) These dogs may gain the urge to hunt and might bump into a garden owned by other people who may cause harm to pets which include rabbits, moles, and guinea pigs. When a stray dog stumbles onto a farmland and wrecks harm to livestock, there is a possibility that farmers may shoot at it since they are allowed to do that.

4) Stray dogs enjoy opening garbage bags and they can lead to the garbage and refuse being scattered all around the environment and street. Stray dogs will scavenge for food and can break open garbage cans and disturb gardens.

5) Stray dogs frequently live under sheds, decks, and buildings and transmit fleas and disease there. Worse still, stray dogs may ingest something that might lead them to die under a structure and lead to a rotting and horrible odor. It is also a terrible sight to see.

6) Every stray dog isn't friendly to humans and there is a possibility of someone getting bitten by an uncontrolled stray dog. If you are going on a nature hike or friendly walk, you may encounter a threat-provoking dog. Stray dogs can also be a threat to your domesticated dog. Here is an article that discusses 5 non-violent tricks to deal with stray dogs.

7) Stray dogs enjoy moving in packs so it may lead to a threatening feel and also lead to puppies that are excessive and redundant. Stray dogs can repopulate, making the issue worse.

8) They tend to howl and bark especially when there is a fight with another dog which is common during matting. This could be annoying, loud, and disruptive to the neighborhood.

9) They may spread rabies which is a dangerous disease that can be passed to human beings with ease. Although all the animals which are temperate-blooded can get and pass rabies, dogs are known as the most recognized transporters of this disease around the globe. Rabies is leading to an increase in the number of human deaths each year and the count continues to increase yearly regardless of the different steps taken which include immunizing the patients and cleaning up the wounds of the patient immediately after being bitten. If you are ever bitten by a stray or domesticated dog, clean the wound first and foremost.

10) When they try to mate or fight among themselves, these dogs may bite other dogs. Other human beings and walkers in the environment can accidentally get bitten. Female dogs with puppies will be more self-aware and aggressive and may bite anybody who makes an approach towards their family.

Dealing with stray days can be an obvious headache but doing something about it and acting quickly is incredibly important. Contact your neighbors to get them on the same page. Consider calling your local humane society, or try to locate its rightful owner. It could be a neighbor's dog who ran away. You can also try to use a dog repellent. Dog repellents help to prevent digging and rummaging in areas you don't want dogs to be in. These repellents also train dogs to keep out and help establish that boundary. They come in both granular and liquid application sizes, working on both domestic and stray dogs.

How to Protect Yourself From Dangerous Stray Dogs

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Top 10 Common Problems Caused by Stray Dogs

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Dogs that do not have homes and live on public streets are stray dogs. They cannot be identified with a collar and are not being taken care of by an owner. Someone can consider a stray dog to be a pet by them simply feeding them and bonding with them.

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https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/how-would-offshore-oil-and-gas-drilling-in-the-arctic-impact-wildlife

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https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/directory?direction=desc&sort=extinction_status

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Species List | Endangered, Vulnerable, and Threatened Animals | WWF

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WWF is committed to saving endangered species. Learn more about the species we are working to protecting from becoming endangered or extinct.

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https://www.britannica.com/list/10-of-the-most-famous-endangered-species

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©Sergey Uryadnikov/Dreamstime.com

They're known as "charismatic megafauna" for a reason. These endangered animals ooze star power, a factor that conservationists have capitalized on in order to fund projects to protect them (and, often by default, the other organisms that share their complex ecosystems). People are far more likely to donate money to save an adorable otter or a magnificent tiger than they are to contribute funds to preserve the limbless worm skink or the Gerlach's cockroach. However, skinks and roaches are integral participants in their ecosystems as well and just as deserving of assistance as their flashier compatriots. You might then consider the animals on this list the A-listers whose box-office draw finances the continued existence of the lesser-known character actors who inhabit the same environments. But if the concept of trickle-down conservation sticks in your craw, then get to work on that "save the Gerlach's cockroach" crowdfunding campaign. I'd donate. Maybe.
(Read E.O. Wilson's Britannica essay on mass extinction.)

vaquita (Phocoena sinus)

Vaquitas, the rarest and smallest of all cetaceans (members of a certain order of aquatic mammals), inhabit only the waters in Mexico's Gulf of California. There were nearly 600 vaquitas in 1997, but estimates of how many survive as of 2022 range from just 10 to 18 of the porpoises. The vaquita's natural range is rich in fish and shrimp, and therefore it is also rich in fishing boats. The gill nets used by the locals are meant to capture the totoaba, a fish whose swim bladder can fetch $20,000 each in China, where it's viewed as a delicacy. The average vaquita is 4.9 feet long, which makes it similar in size to the totoaba. This is problematic because vaquitas can become entangled in these nets and drown. Gill nets were banned by the Mexican government in 2015 but are still used illegally, despite social programs and restrictions intended to deter their use.

Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species estimates that the current population of Asian elephants, which inhabit 13 countries, is about 40,000-50,000. That number may be far lower; some regions inhabited by the lumbering pachyderms are inaccessible because of the terrain or political volatility. Over 50 percent of the population is concentrated in India. The burgeoning human population there-and elsewhere in Asia-creates conflicts for space and resources. And, while the tusks of Asian elephants are much smaller than those of their African counterparts, the Asian species is still poached for its ivory, meat, and skin.

Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus)

At first glance, the Javan rhinoceros's fleshy folds of skin appear to be plated armor, complementing the keratinous horn adorning the skull of this lumbering species. Its population faces many threats: natural disasters, habitat loss, disease, and, notably, poaching for its horn. In 2010 the last of continental Asia's Javan rhinoceroses was killed in Vietnam. Today the Javan rhinoceros inhabits Ujung Kulon National Park, which sits on a remote peninsula on the eastern side of the Indonesian island of Java. Historically, the single-horned beasts were found across wide swaths of South Asia and Southeast Asia too. The northern white rhino is nearly extinct, and the Javan rhino, whose population numbers no more than 75 individuals of all ages, appears to be treading a similar path.

gorilla (Gorilla beringei and Gorilla gorilla)

Depending on whom you ask, there are either two species of gorilla, the eastern ( Gorilla beringei) and western ( Gorilla gorilla), or three subspecies, the eastern lowland, western lowland, and mountain gorillas. Regardless of whom you ask, all gorillas are endangered. There could be more than 300,000 gorillas left in the wild, and they're listed as critically endangered. Habitat encroachment and poaching for bushmeat, trophies, and supposed magical talismans have led to substantial losses. Because their social structure is so complex and because they reproduce slowly-females giving birth only once every four years at best-the removal of even a few individuals from a gorilla troop can catastrophically impact its ability to sustain itself.

orangutan (genus Pongo)

Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) in a tree© guenterguni-E+/Getty Images

Orangutan is Malaysian for "person of the forest." Though morphologically orangutans may resemble melted Muppets more than people, their sophisticated cognitive abilities are very human indeed. Like gorillas and chimpanzees, they have been known to use tools. Threatened largely by logging and capture for the exotic pet trade, orangutans-restricted to the Southeast Asian islands of Borneo and Sumatra-number about 120,000 per the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. A 2011 survey revealed that more than 50 percent of the original Bornean orangutan population had been killed in the previous 40 years. Unlike other great apes, orangutans are usually solitary or live in groups of fewer than three, making them difficult to track and study.

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international union for conservation of nature

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Falling Stars: 10 of the Most Famous Endangered Species

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This Encyclopaedia Britannica Science list features 10 well-known endangered animal species.

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https://www.animalsaroundtheglobe.com/the-10-most-endangered-animals/

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The 10 most endangered animals in 2022 - Animals Around the Globe

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The 10 most Endangered animals are only a symbol of the many more that we need to begin to protect in order to conserve. Read on...

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https://www.mspca.org/cruelty_prevention/what-counts-as-a-proper-shelter/

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Donate Now

More Ways to Donate
From an online gift to a charitable gift annuity, your contribution will have a significant impact in the lives of thousands of animals.

Keep your pets warm this winter! The MSPCA strongly believes it is preferable for pet owners to share their homes with their animals, particularly in the cold winter months. But, if you do have a pet that is kept outside for extended periods he/she must be provided with proper shelter for the weather. Porches, crawl spaces, barrels, and motor vehicles are generally not considered proper shelter. In the cold weather, a proper shelter:

Provides protection from the cold, wind, rain, and snow.

Is not made of materials or constructed in a manner that may pose a risk of injury to the animal.

Allows the animal to comfortably stand, sit, lie down and turn around in its shelter, but is small enough that the animal's body heat will warm the air space.

Has an entrance that is proportionate to the animal using it, faces away from the prevailing winds, and is covered by a flap or door.

Has a floor elevated several inches off of the ground that is impervious to moisture, and covered with clean, dry bedding (preferably straw).

There are many factors to consider when determining the adequacy of a shelter, including species and breed type as well as the coat length, age, and general heath of the animal. What constitutes proper shelter for your neighbor's pet may not for yours.

If you see an animal outside in inclement weather without proper shelter, please contact the MSPCA Law Enforcement Department at 617-522-6008 or 800-628-5808 Monday - Friday, 9AM - 5PM to discuss your concern.

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More Ways to Donate From an online gift to a charitable gift annuity, your contribution will have a significant impact in the lives of thousands of animals. Keep your pets warm this winter! The MSPCA strongly believes it is preferable for pet owners to share their homes with their animals, particularly in the cold winter months.

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https://thehumaneleague.org/article/animal-rights

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The animal rights movement strives to make the public aware of the fact that animals are sensitive, emotional, and intelligent beings who deserve dignity and respect. But first, it's important to understand what the term "animal rights" really means.

What are animal rights?

Animal rights are moral principles grounded in the belief that non-human animals deserve the ability to live as they wish, without being subjected to the desires of human beings. At the core of animal rights is autonomy, which is another way of saying choice. In many countries, human rights are enshrined to protect certain freedoms, such as the right to expression, freedom from torture, and access to democracy. Of course, these choices are constrained depending on social locations like race, class, and gender, but generally speaking, human rights safeguard the basic tenets of what makes human lives worth living. Animal rights aim to do something similar, only for non-human animals.

Animal rights come into direct opposition with animal exploitation, which includes animals used by humans for a variety of reasons, be it for food, as experimental objects, or even pets. Animal rights can also be violated when it comes to human destruction of animal habitats. This negatively impacts the ability of animals to lead full lives of their choosing.

Do animals have rights?

Very few countries have enshrined animal rights into law. However, the US and the UK do have some basic protections and guidelines for how animals can be treated.

The UK Sentience Bill

In 2021, the United Kingdom's House of Commons introduced the Animal Sentience Bill. If passed, this bill would enshrine into law that animals are, in fact, sentient beings, and they deserve humane treatment at the hands of humans. While this law would not afford animals full autonomy, it would be a watershed in the movement to protect animals-officially recognizing their capacity to feel and to suffer, and distinguishing them from inanimate objects.

The US Animal Welfare Act

In 1966, the United States passed the Animal Welfare Act. While it is the biggest federal legislation addressing the treatment of animals to date, its scope is fairly narrow-the law excludes many species, including farmed animals, from its protections. The law does establish some basic guidelines for the sale, transport, and handling of dogs, cats, rabbits, nonhuman primates, guinea pigs, and hamsters. It also protects the psychological welfare of animals who are used in lab experiments, and prohibits the violent practices of dogfighting and cockfighting. Again, this law does not recognize the rights and autonomy of animals-or even their ability to feel pain and suffer-but it does afford non-human animals some basic welfare protections.

What are some examples of animal rights?

While few laws currently exist in the UK or US that recognize or protect animals' rights to enjoy lives free from human interference, the following is a list of examples of animal rights that could one day be enacted:

Animals may not be used for food.

Animals may not be hunted.

The habitats of animals must be protected to allow them to live according to their choosing.

Animals may not be bred.

What's the difference between animal welfare and animal rights?

Animal rights philosophy is based on the idea that animals should not be used by people for any reason, and that animal rights should protect their interests the way human rights protect people. Animal welfare, on the other hand, is a set of practices designed to govern the treatment of animals who are being dominated by humans, whether for food, research, or entertainment.

Do animals need rights? Pros and cons

The idea of giving animals rights tends to be contentious, given how embedded animal products are within societies such as the United States. Some people, including animal activists, believe in an all-or-nothing approach, where animal rights must be legally enshrined and animals totally liberated from all exploitation. On the other end of the spectrum are people whose livelihoods depend upon animal-based industries. Below are some arguments both in favor of and opposing animal rights.

Arguments in favor of animal rights

Should the rights of animals be recognized, animal exploitative industries would disappear, as would the host of environmental problems they cause, including water pollution, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and deforestation.

Halting the widespread use of animals would also eliminate the systematic cruelty and denial of choice that animal industries perpetuate. The physical and psychological pain endured by animals in places like factory farms has reached a point many consider to be unacceptable, to say the least. Animals are mutilated by humans in several different ways, including castrations, dehorning, and cutting off various body parts, usually without the use of anesthetic.

Many species never see the outdoors except on their way to the slaughterhouse.

As their name suggests, concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) pack vast numbers of animals in cramped conditions, often forcing animals to perpetually stand in their own waste. Many species-including chickens, cows, and pigs-never see the outdoors except on their way to the slaughterhouse. Recognizing animal rights would necessitate stopping this mistreatment for good.

Arguments against animal rights

Most arguments against animal rights can be traced back to money, because animal exploitation is big business. Factory farming for animal products is a multi-billion-dollar industry. JBS, the world's largest meatpacker, posted $9 billion in revenue for the third quarter of 2020 alone.

A lesser-known, yet also massive, industry is that which supplies animals for laboratories. The US market for lab rats (who are far less popular than mice for experiments) was valued at over $412 million in 2016. Big industrial producers of animals and animal products have enough political clout to influence legislation-including passing laws making it illegal to document farm conditions-and to benefit from government subsidies.

Many people depend upon animal exploitation for work. On factory farms, relatively small numbers of people can manage vast herds or flocks of animals, thanks to mechanization and other industrial farming techniques. Unfortunately, jobs in industrial meatpacking facilities are also known to be some of the most dangerous in the US. Smaller farmers coming from multi-generational farming families more directly depend upon using animals to make a living and tend to follow welfare standards more judiciously. However, smaller farms have been decreasing in number, due to the proliferation of factory farms against which they often cannot compete.

Although people may lose money or jobs in the transition to animal alternatives, new jobs can be created in the alternative protein sector and other plant-based industries.

When did the animal rights movement begin in the US?

The modern day animal rights movement in the United States includes thousands of individuals and a multitude of groups who advocate for animals in a variety of ways-from lobbying legislators to support animal rights laws, to rescuing animals from situations of abuse and neglect. While individuals throughout history have believed in and fought for animal rights, we can trace back the modern, US-based animal rights movement to the founding of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in 1866. The group's founder, Henry Burgh, believed that animals are "entitled to kind and respectful treatment at the hands of humans and must be protected under the law." The organization worked with the New York City government to pass and enforce anti-cruelty laws that prevented the abuse of carthorses and provided care for injured horses. Since then, the ASPCA has expanded its advocacy across different non-human animal species-including farmed animals-and many more animal protection groups have sprung up, both locally and nationwide. Currently, there are over 40,000 non-profit organizations identified as animal groups in the US.

Why are animal rights important?

Animal rights are important because they represent a set of beliefs that counteract inaccurate yet long-held assumptions that animals are nothing more than mindless machines-beliefs popularized by western philosopher Rene Descartes in the 17th century. The perception of animals as being unthinking, unfeeling beings justified using them for human desires, resulting in today's world where farmed mammals outnumber those in the wild, and the majority of these farmed animals are forced to endure harsh conditions on factory farms.

Farmed mammals outnumber those in the wild.

But the science is increasingly clear: The animals we eat ( pigs, chickens, cows), the animals we use in laboratories ( mice and rats), the animals who provide us with clothing, and those whose backs we ride upon have all been found to possess more cognitive complexity, emotions, and overall sophistication than has long been believed. This sophistication renders animals more susceptible not only to physical pain but also to the psychological impacts caused by the habitual denial of choice. Awareness of their own subjugation forms sufficient reasoning to rethink the ways animals are treated in western societies.

The consequences of animal rights

Currently, laws in the US and UK are geared toward shielding animals from cruelty, not giving them the same freedom of choice that humans have. (Even these laws are sorely lacking, as they fail to protect livestock and laboratory animals.) However, the animal rights movement can still have real-world consequences. Calls for animal liberation from places like factory farms can raise public awareness of the poor living conditions and welfare violations these facilities perpetuate, sometimes resulting in stronger protections, higher welfare standards, and decreasing consumer demand. Each of these outcomes carries economic consequences for producers, as typically it is more expensive for factory farms to provide better living conditions such as more space, or using fewer growth hormones which can result in lower production yields.

Of course, should the animal rights movement achieve its goals, society would look much different than it does today. If people consume more alternative sources of protein, such as plant-based or lab-grown meat, the global environment would be far less impacted. Clothing would be made without leather or other animal products; alternative sources, such as pineapple leather created from waste products from the pineapple industry, could replace toxic tanneries. The fur industry is being increasingly shunned, with fashion labels rejecting fur in favor of faux materials. Ocean ecosystems would be able to recover, replenishing fish populations and seafloor habitats. Today these are razed by bottom trawling fishing, resulting in the clear-cutting of corals that can be thousands of years old.

How you can advocate for animals

A world in which animals are free from human exploitation still seems far off, but we can make choices that create a kinder world for animals, every day. We can start by leaving animals off our plate in favor of plant-based alternatives-a choice that recognizes animals as the sentient beings that they are, and not products for consumption.

When we come together, we can also fight for better protections for animals in the US and around the world. There's a robust movement to hold corporations accountability and end the cruelty of factory farming-an industry which causes immense amount of suffering for billions of animals. If you want to help end this suffering and spread compassion for animals, join our community of online animal activists and take action.

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Animal Rights: Definition, Issues, and Examples

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Animal rights advocates believe that non-human animals should be free to live as they wish, without being used, exploited, or otherwise interfered with by humans.