Curious Kids

Why don’t rocks burn?

The Jharia coal field in India has been on fire underground since 1916.
Some rocks will burn, and others will melt, depending on how they were formed and what minerals they contain.
The internet is used for a lot more than just surfing the web.

What exactly is the internet? A computer scientist explains what it is and how it came to be

Almost everybody uses the internet just about every day. But do you really know what the internet is?

Why is the sky blue?

The answer has to do with molecules.
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
The Minnesota Toy Library is for parents, grandparents, educators, occupational therapists, and mostly, for kids, to come and choose toys that are fun and that help them learn. MTL Executive Director Rebecca Nutter said, “We can’t just keep consuming things. We need to do better.” (Photo submitted)
Minnesota Toy Library opens third metro location
The Minnesota Toy Library (MTL) is a toy lending program for families with children ages birth to five years. Members can check-out up to five toys at a time, and take them home for 2-4 weeks. And …
Mark Rivard, at right, holds up the first skateboard art he drew with a sharpie. Next to him, his mom, Lorelli Byrne, holds up an iconic piece he did on another skateboard. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
Disrupting education with skateboards, art, and experiential learning
By Eric Ortiz Mark Rivard is not your typical educator. He never went to college. He was not that good a student in high school. And he calls himself “uneducated.” But he has found a …
Mark Rivard of Do Rad Things
Hear from Mark Rivard, creator of Do Rad Things, at 'Let's Connect' event in February
Every artist has an interesting origin story. But nothing compares with how Mark Rivard got started. Rivard began illustrating skateboards with Sharpie markers in the early 2000s. That led to an …
Begin planning kids' summer recreation now
Due in part to high demand, parents who want to place their kids in summer rec programs or summer camps should being vetting such programs and camps well in advance of summer. The following are a …
Southwest Connector launches 'Let's Connect,' a new community speaker series
Minneapolis is filled with great local people doing great things in the world. The Southwest Connector will showcase them with "Let's Connect," a new community speakers series. Every month, the …
Kids & Family

Make mental health a priority in 2025: 5 ways to stay focused beyond resolutions

(BPT) - As we settle into the new year, many of us are reflecting on our goals we made in January when declaring our New Year's resolutions.For many, mental health was likely a key focus, continuing …

What information can you learn about your pregnancy — and when?

(BPT) - If you are pregnant, or are considering becoming pregnant, you may want to know everything you can about your baby. Often, this process will include prenatal screening.To help in the learning …

4 realistic resolutions for working parents to consider in 2025

(BPT) - The 2024 U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory shed light on the immense amount of stress parents are under. Part of this is due to the pressure that comes with raising children, working and …

Gen Z seeks safety above all else as the generation grows up amid constant crisis and existential threat

Asked to rate the importance of 14 personal goals, Gen Z reported

Recent generations may have taken safety for granted, but today’s youth are growing up in an era of compounded crises – and being safe is their priority.

How young is too young to have a smartphone? 5 of the biggest parenting questions about smartphones, answered.

Spokeo reviewed academic research and survey data to answer important questions facing parents considering when to give their children a smartphone.

School choice: A lifeline for Latino families in America

School choice: A lifeline for Latino families in America

(NewsUSA) - Fifteen years ago, I made a life-changing decision: leaving my home country of El Salvador for America. Like so many immigrants, my goal was to provide more opportunities for my family. …

Finding Strength in Words: María's Rare Kidney Disease Story

(BPT) - As a professional communicator, words have always come easily to María. That is until the diagnoses of two different rare kidney diseases that left María speechless.Many people …

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
There's a summer camp for every kid
Summer camp season will be here before parents know it. While children anxiously await the last day of school, adults know that it can be challenging to keep kids occupied and mentally stimulated …
Minneapolis Public School bell schedules prevent students from taking CTE classes
Who gets career training in high school?
Minneapolis Public Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) program aims to match students with real-world skills, but some high schools are restricting access. Even though students register, …
Parents flood school board meeting to demand solutions to overcrowded classrooms
On Tuesday evening, Dec. 10, 2024, parents, caregivers, and teachers packed the Davis Center board room and the overflow space to voice concern over ballooning class sizes and shrinking numbers of …
Roosevelt High School culinary arts teacher Ben Rengstorf (far right) stands with student volunteers at the fall community meal on Nov. 21, 2024. Rengstorf believes, “When you cook together you form a community.” (Photo by Rosalind Smith)
High School’s culinary arts program goes beyond classroom
The Roosevelt Culinary Arts (RCA) program hosts community meals a few times a year. The RCA is a class that helps students learn how to cook and practice professional chef skills. Ben Rengstorf has …
NEBA donates to PTA
On behalf of the Nokomis East Business Association, treasurer Tesha M. Christensen (right) presents $500 to the Lake Nokomis Community School PTA. Accepting were LNCS Keewaydin Community School …
More news about your kids and family

USC study finds connection between pollution and decreased memory in kids

The LA Post shares insights from a recent USC study that revealed that exposure to air pollution can harm children's learning and memory.

Marine Toys for Tots Embraces the New Year with New Resolve

Marine Toys for Tots Embraces the New Year with New Resolve
(NewsUSA) - Thanks to the unwavering generosity of the American public, National Corporate Partners, businesses and organizations, 874 Chapter Coordinators, and tens of thousands of dedicated …

(Family Features) Creative expression not only helps children convey their thoughts and feelings, but it also helps build the self-esteem and resilience needed to navigate life's complexities.
Read more.
Families in poverty face tough choices: Essential clothing often out of reach amid rising costs of living
(BPT) - Families in poverty often spend over 80% of their income on food, housing, childcare and healthcare, leaving little room for essentials like winter clothing. Unfortunately, many children miss …
The Week that helps parents find the right school fit for their kids
The Week that helps parents find the right school fit for their kids
(NewsUSA) - Fifteen years ago, when National School Choice Week began, the world of education looked very different. In some places, school choice options were slim, and many families wished there …
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with its Crew Dragon capsule launches from Cape Canaveral, Fla., in January 2024.
Why does a rocket have to go 25,000 mph to escape Earth?
A rocket needs to overcome the force of gravity to leave Earth behind.
Woman climbs Kilimanjaro after life-changing blood cancer diagnosis
(BPT) - Sponsored by GSKThis is Allison's personal multiple myeloma story, and others may be different. Allison is a paid spokesperson for GSK.Allison's StoryWhen the back pain, exhaustion and string …
When sleep routines have gone haywire, there are things to keep in mind to help the whole family reset.
Better sleep for kids starts with better sleep for parents – especially after holiday disruptions to routines
Sound sleep, for long enough every night, with consistent bed and wake-up times are critical for kids’ health. A child development expert suggests some overarching tips to help get you there.
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