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Curious Kids

How was popcorn discovered? An archaeologist on its likely appeal for people in the Americas millennia ago

You have to wonder how people originally figured out how to eat some foods that are beloved today. The cassava plant is toxic if not carefully processed through multiple steps. Yogurt is basically old milk that’s been around for a while and contaminated with bacteria. And who discovered that popcorn could be a toasty, tasty treat? Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have …

Is Earth really getting too hot for people to survive? A scientist explains extreme heat and the role of climate change

Many countries have seen extremely hot weather lately, but in most of the inhabited world, it’s never going to get “too hot for people to live here,” especially in relatively dry climates. Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If …

Why do astronomers look for signs of life on other planets based on what life is like on Earth?

Why do astronomers look for signs of life on other planets based on how life is on Earth? Couldn’t there be totally different kinds of life on other planets?
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
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 …
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 …
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 …
Nature play
“At Lake Harriet Lower Elementary, we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom walls,” said Lake Harriet Lower Elementary Principal Angie Ness. “Our new outdoor learning …
Young students work with restorative practices leader Manu Lewis during a team building exercise at the Strong Mind Strong Body Foundation’s Community Solutions With Youth workshop at Walker Library in Uptown.
How we can help young people be happier
We have a crisis. Mental health issues for young people are skyrocketing, and the need for mental health treatment is not being met. According to the National Library of Medicine, nearly 20 percent …
Kids & Family

How one company helped to create a playroom fit for a princess

(BPT) - Like many little girls her age, 6-year-old Francesca loves her pets, mermaids, swimming, ice pops, playing with her brothers — and all things princess. Her favorite activities are …

How to bring optimistic content to your social media feeds

(BPT) - For many Gen Z-ers, scrolling on social media has become a primary source of entertainment and a tool for staying connected. In fact, the majority of Gen Z Americans report going on at least …

Translating Gen Z Slang This Back-to-School Season

(BPT) - Slang phrases used by Gen Z continue to grow in popularity. And according to recent surveys, many parents are struggling to understand exactly what their kids are saying and meaning. This …

Stay connected in any emergency with portable power

(BPT) - Extreme weather events cast shadows of worry, but modern power solutions can keep families safe and connectedEmergency preparedness is a practical necessity for every household, especially …

Data shows severe depression is most prevalent among teens

Mental Health Facilities looked at data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and other sources to see how severe depression impacts teenagers. 

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Lisa Sayles-Adams, Minneapolis Public School Superintendent
Rising costs, declining revenue bring trouble to public school budget
Lisa Sayles-Adams, the new Minneapolis Public School (MPS) Superintendent, has been on the job for less than three months and has already participated in two major contract negotiations. Plus, she is …
Running for Special Olympics
Two Southwest runners are making a difference one step at a time. On May 19, 2024, Jake Lepak and Patrick Larson will run 50 miles around Lake Harriet to raise money and awareness for Special …
Youth and elders brainstorm ideas during a community solutions workshop at Walker Library on Feb. 3.
A solution for school disengagement
T he world has changed. Our education system has not. As a result, school is broken . It's so bad that many kids don't go to school anymore. Chronic absenteeism was an issue before the pandemic. …
(Left to right) Seventh grader Kaia Bursell, Yinghua Academy Director Dr. Luyi Lien, and sixth grader Sage Houdek hold their certificates and awards from Chinese Bridge.
‘We were celebrities’
In the fall of 2023, two students from Yinghua Academy Chinese immersion school in northeast Minneapolis went on the trip of a lifetime. Keewaydin resident and sixth grader Sage Houdek and seventh …
Sydney Johnson and Eli Anleu demonstrate their dance skills. (Photo submitted)
Fifth graders show off moves
Sure, you’ve seen fifth graders do the “griddy” dance, but have you seen them tango, waltz, rumba and foxtrot? More than 70 students at Barton Elementary School, 4237 Colfax Ave. …
More news about your kids and family

5 tips to staying on track for students headed to college in the fall

Chalkbeat lists the five things students can do this summer to make it easier for them as they head to college in the fall.

9 tips for applying for FAFSA as new, simplified form rolls out this year

Applying for FAFSA became more uncertain this year. Bold.org pulled together the latest tips for applying to set you up for success.
8 tips to save on your next vacation to Myrtle Beach
(BPT) - Getting away from your routine to recharge, renew and reset on vacation is great for your mind, body and spirit. But are you worried about the dent it can put in your wallet? Relax! You don't …
Ready for school? Here's your ultimate back-to-school toolkit
(BPT) - No matter how old your child is, the back-to-school transition is always exciting, busy and sometimes stressful. Moving from less scheduled summer days to a regular routine takes planning, as …
Expertly manage the back-to-school bustle
(BPT) - With the school year just around the corner, it’s time to start preparing for an exciting season of educational growth, evening sports games and school lunches. All busy parents know …
Considering homeschooling? Here are helpful resources
(BPT) - If you've been thinking about homeschooling your children — or you're already doing so — you're not alone. According to the Washington Post, homeschooling has continued to surge …
Carter’s Reveals 2024 Back-to-School Fashion Trends
(BPT) - Plus: The when to buy, how to buy, and what to buy.It’s that time of year again: Time to start back-to-school shopping. (Anyone else feel like summer just started?!) Alas, we’ve …
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