SPRING 1996 A PUBLICATION FOR ffi K-12 EDUCATORS USING ABC PROGRAMMING

IN THE CLASSROOM Qbc • • • I y in in n on • • • EXTENDED TV FAMILY /F\ 0$i I nnfM PARI OF TIE MUPPET FAMILY were "born" in 1955 when their creator, work on , Kevin is proof that kids can \L\& , began his first TV show, which featured accomplish their goals through hard work and perse­ -l«l«I^«-fc"fcgglAl Kermit and other Muppet characters. Right from the verance. And the encouragement a parent or adult can beginning, the Muppets were a family production. provide helps enormously. The rewards? Well, working Jim's wife helped him create and perform, and soon with is a real "ribbiting" experience! In life and reflected on television, the the Henson's five children were also involved in the concept of "extended families" is grow­ family business. After Jim Henson's death in 1990, his son Brian became president of his father's company, I0..TJUO1AGHJEJ91 ing. Extended families include friends, Jim Henson Productions. Jim's daughter Cheryl also Although its exact genesis is unknown, is an helps carry out her father's legacy by serving as presi­ ancient art form, dating back at least to the fifth in-laws, even pets. These are our "rela­ dent of the , which promotes century BCE when string played a part in the art of puppetry. But producing the shows, movies Egyptian festivals. During the Middle Ages, tives" in the broadest sense. This issue of and specials that the Muppets and other Henson cre­ used their dolls to tell religious stories. Soon shows became a popular form of entertainment and the ABC Classroom Connection ations are famous for requires an "extended" family. Meet one member of that family, . traveled from city to city, delighting crowds. In Europe and the East, puppetry remains an important art form. highlights several extended television Kevin first saw Sesame Street when he was 10 In Japan, Bunraku is a type of puppetry that uses life- years old, and he knew right away that he wanted to size puppets, some so complex that they require sev­ families. Their diversity and ties of affec­ become a puppet performer with the Muppets. eral people to operate them. Today, families enjoy tion make them strong sources for sup­ Kevin's parents indulged his love of puppetry. "The puppet shows that are from all over the world and most important thing is to have parents who support reflect many cultures. port, hope and training for life. Your you," he says. "At the age I was interested in puppetry, everybody was doing sports or wanting to In the United States, puppets and puppeteers have comments and suggestions are appreci­ get into music and play drums. And here I was in the become celebrities. In the 1940s, Charlie McCarthy, a back of the room building puppets. My parents never rod puppet, appeared in the theater and had his own ated. Send them to ABC Classroom made me feel different because of it." radio show with Edgar Bergen. The mari­ onette Howdy Doody was the star of his own TV All his practice paid off when Kevin eventually per­ Connection, 77 West 66th St., 20th show. and her hand puppet Lamb Chop formed on two local television programs. He then have always been popular since they started on TV in worked on before going to Sesame Floor, NY, NY 10023; call the ABC the 1960s. Undoubtedly, the most famous puppet Street, where he performed . Kevin says troupe today is the Muppets, the late Jim Henson's Hotline at 800-647-4ABC; fax to puppeteering leads to close, family-like bonds among lovable creations of ! This show performers. "We become a tight-knit group creating takes viewers behind the scenes of TV station KMUP. 212-456-1274 or e-mail to these characters. I think that's part of why we get along, Also coming up is the new series why it's comfortable. Nobody becomes the star. We've CLASABC@ccabc. com. (Friday nights at 9), which features "animatronic" always acted as an ensemble. We have a really good aliens crafted by Jim Henson Productions. time just being silly. That's the most important thing about making these characters come to life—the fun." The return of the Muppets to ABC in Muppets Tonight! is a great opportunity to deepen students' When asked if the experience of being a Muppet appreciation of puppetry. Begin by discussing a brief performer has lived up to his dream as a child, Kevin history of puppetry and the types of puppets. The says, "Oh, yes—and more. To have the opportunity of books listed below will give you background and working under someone like Jim Henson—my dream pointers on making puppets and putting on a play so came true. I not only worked with him but also you will be able to guide your students. Once the class became a part of his family." Kevin says he and Brian is ready, consider inviting an audience of younger Henson are like brothers. Kevin first worked with students to the show. Brian on the movie Labyrinth. "We were both real young, but we made a bond." Kevin is thrilled to be working on Muppets Tonight! BJeSMRQES "I'm so happy that it really is like the old Muppet Finch, Christopher. Jim Henson: The Works. Random Show. The only difference is it takes place behind the House, 1993. scenes of a television studio." Kevin is fond of his Muppet character Clifford. "I Henson, Cheryl. Muppets Make Puppets. love how positive Clifford is. We all grab experiences Workman, 1994. (This book comes with materials to from our childhood and people we've grown up with, make a puppet.) and we somehow put those into the characters we Long, Teddy Cameron. Make Your Own Performing perform. What I love about Clifford is he has some of me and some of the friends I grew up with and Puppets. Sterling Publishing, 1995. learned things from." Robson, Denny and Vanessa Bailey. Rainy Days Different personalities and characters working Puppets: Games and Projects. Gloucester Press, 1991. together—that's the value Kevin sees in the Muppets. He says the educational aspect of the show is "the Simmen, Rene. The World of Puppets. Crowell, 1972. love that these characters have for one another. They Jim Henson Productions get past their quirkiness and still get along. You have The Jim Henson Foundation was founded by the late a pig, a frog and a bear. You have all these different—I Muppet creator to advance the art of puppetry. The call them nationalities—of beings working together. Foundation sponsors puppet festivals and seminars. A Kevin Clash is a principal That's the education of Muppets." "puppet workshop in a box" is being developed to go puppeteer with Jim Henson Kevin has some advice to would-be puppeteers: along with 's book Muppets Make Productions and performs Clifford, "Just do it! Get in front of a mirror, put one of the pup­ Puppets. To find out more about the Foundation's the on-air host of Muppets pets on, and come up with voices for it. Maybe come educational offerings, write The Jim Henson Tonight!, the new ABC series on up with a show, and do it for your family on holidays. Foundation, 117 East 69th St., New York, NY 10021, Do it for your church. Do it at recreation centers. If you or call 212-794-2400. Fridays at 8:30 p.m. ET have favorite songs, have the puppets sing those." Having made his dream of working with the Answers to Puppet Match: 1. string (marionette), Muppets come true, and even winning an Emmy for his 2. hand, 3. shadow, 4. rod

KIDSNET 1 996 siujvm& or parody, based on a well- known story. Decide on After watching Muppets Tonight!, you may have your story and what types some questions about puppets and how they work. Types of puppets are named by the way of characters you will need, they operate. Hand puppets go over the and write the script, giving puppeteer's hand, and the mouth and arms can be each character lines. worked from inside. Rod puppets are attached to sticks instead of going over a hand, or sticks may Z. Next, get busy making the be used to move the puppets' arms. String pup­ puppets. You can use socks, pets, or marionettes, have strings or wires paper bags and lots of recy­ attached to the puppet and are moved by some­ clable items to make simple one holding them from above. Shadow puppets puppets. Your teacher will give you ideas. 4. Once everything is set, let the fun begin! Open are created by shining a bright light at puppet fig­ your show by briefly telling your audience ures cut out of cardboard or wood. The shadows 3. Of course, you'll need a stage. An easy way to what you've learned about puppetry and the that the figures cast on a background screen are make a stage is to turn a large table over so it different types of puppets that exist. Then, as what the audience watches. lies on its side, top facing out. Drape material they say in the theater, break a leg! over the table top to dress it up a bit, and you've got an instant set where puppeteers can hide PJVPP.EI.MAIGJJ while operating their puppets. You could also Fill in the type of puppet described in the tack a blanket across a doorway and have pup­ sentences below. Next time you watch Muppets peteers work behind that. Tonight!, try to pick out the kinds of puppets in the show. Answers on page 2.

1. Pinocchio is a famous type of puppet.

Z. Kermit the frog was always Jim Henson's "left-hand man." He is a puppet.

3. If you see a silhouette on a screen you are watching a puppet show.

4. Ventriloquists' dummies are often puppets. They simply sit on the ventriloquist's lap and he or she uses sticks to operate the arms.

CREATE YOUR OWN FJVPP.EI.SJJ.Q.W. After watching Muppets Tonight!, you'll know just how puppets can tell stories, make people laugh and express feelings. You can do the same thing! Design puppets and put on your own show.

1. Begin with a story. You might choose a clas­ sic fairy tale or a modern story. Or imagine what it might be like if puppets ran your school much the way the Muppets run KMUP on TV. You might even try doing a silly sketch

KIDSNET 1996 CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL STUDIES

Follow the '96 Elections Online with Electionline

FIRSTjZJ You and your students can take part in one of * Chat rooms and message boards the biggest online events by logging on to ElectionLine, a new web site set up by ABC, * Searchable databases, including U.S. The Washington Post and Newsweek. The voting histories, election results and SPRING UPDATE election is months off, but the election process candidates' voting records Tim Allen and Brett Butler is well under way right now. ElectionLine offers your class a chance to follow the cam­ * Results of national polls and special polls Join the Campaign paigns and issues as they develop. of ElectionLine users ElectionLine delivers in-depth coverage * Political cartoons, games and other of the 1996 election and offers an abundance entertainment The Capital Cities/ABC "Children First" of election informa­ public service campaign has identified mentor­ Check Out Kidzine: tion to everyone * Links to other relevant Web sites with access to a ing as a simple and effective way to reach out to ABC's Online Area for Kids computer. Because * Real-time coverage of election results, children in need. Definitions of "mentoring" of the latest technol­ including demographics and issue-related ABC's new online area just for are evolving to include a broad spectrum of ogy, ElectionLine vote tabulations kids was recently launched. It has the potential to activities that can create bonds between a child reach more people contains lots of ways for your You can access ElectionLine through the ABC and a caring adult. In an effort to de-mystify over the Internet News area on America Online. Prodigy users students to share educational than any site to date. the concept of mentoring and to make it acces­ can find it under the Newsweek area. Over ElectionLine experiences online. There are the AT&T Interchange, users find it through sible to everyone, several ABC stars have vol­ provides compre­ Digital Ink, The Washington Post's online spotlights on kids and classes hensive multimedia unteered their time to appear in national site. Or you can reach the site over the World coverage, including all over the country; "Kid Wide Web at http://electionline.com. "Children First" public service announcements. text, graphics, full- The fall issue of the ABC Classroom In one new PSA, Home Improvement star Views," topical discussions motion video, still pictures, real-time Connection will have more information about for kids by kids; message Tim Allen suggests that "To be a mentor, you audio, archival mate­ the '96 election, including updated ElectionLine results, responses and educa­ just need to be a good person...You can read, boards; chat sessions; and an rial and databases. ElectionLine will tional opportunities. Until then, your class coach, do homework or just talk" with a child. "@Play" area with games and cover races for the can share in this national learning venture. The aim of the spot is to correct the common learning activities. Look for White House, Encourage your students to be more than spectators in the upcoming election; through misconception that volunteers need teaching or ABC Kidzine on America Senate, House of Representatives, ElectionLine, they can be participants. professional credentials to become mentors. Online at keyword: ABCKids. as well as guberna­ In another PSA, Brett Butler, star of ABC's Teachers please be aware that torial contests and Suggested Activities to Use in Conjunction other nationally with ElectionLine Grace Under Fire offers another approach to there is a fee for this service. significant state and * Social Studies: Follow the poll results. local offices. mentoring: providing a sounding board for Conduct your own classroom, grade or ElectionLine offers kids with problems because, "If kids don't have schoolwide polls. Then post the results. * Complete coverage of daily events on the someone to confide in, life can be pretty campaign trail * Language Arts: Study profiles of the painful." Many people don't realize that candidates and hold mock debates. * A detailed library about candidates patient and sympathetic listening is a valuable and issues * Math: Plan math activities based on elec­ and much-needed mentoring skill. tion analysis and tabulation concepts * Weekly live events with presidential candi­ such as majority, median, mean, average Both spots, as well as a more general PSA dates, strategists, pollsters and campaign and percentage. on mentoring featuring Jimmy Smits of NYPD managers Blue, provide a toll-free number viewers can call for more information. With your help, the ABC Classroom Connection hopes to create an electronic All "Children First" national PSAs will IAN GlUB exhibit for young people to follow up the articles that appear in this issue about families and "extended" families—that is, the relatives and dear friends continue to carry the mentoring hotline to FOR FAMILIES who are "like family" to your students. Young people can write about extended help volunteers connect with mentoring orga­ families—including their pets, or depict them in artistic portraits. Selected entries will be on view in the Families Fan Club, a special nizations that can link them to the children children's exhibit that will appear in ABC's electronic museum, part of the ABC who most need them. Classroom on America Online. Send written work to the following e-mail address: [email protected], or send through America Online keyword: Interested in knowing more? Call teachers of ABC Classroom, and click on "Mail to ABC" button. You can also send written 1-800-914-2212. We encourage you to share elementary or artistic portraits no larger than 11" x 17" to ABC Classroom Connection, 11 your thoughts about our next step. "Children West 66th St., 20th Floor, NY, NY 10023. Please label all work with the child's, teacher's and principal's names plus the school's name, complete address and First," c/o Capital Cities/ABC, 77 West 66th I telephone number. By sending your materials you represent that you own the Street, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10023. materials and you agree that they will not be returned and may be used in any and all media. MMHM

KIDSNET 1996 hould students watch TV news? That's Since 1988 Rebecca Chase has reported comprehensively on child care, foster care, the question the ABC Classroom welfare reform, crimes against children and S Connection put to three broadcast the care of the elderly. Last April for an journalists who each week describe emerging "American Agenda" special, "Children First: Real Kids, Real Solutions," she examined cur­ trends, ideas and solutions for contemporary rent practices in providing successful day care problems. Their reports air as "The American and parent education. Agenda" segments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays on World News Tonight with . With their eyes on creative American problem solving, these reporters Bill Blakemore on offer teachers a model of journalism with a Connecting With Reality positive bent. Truth is always stranger than Their "beats" are education (Bill fiction. Fictions—sitcoms or movies—are a kind of prac­ Blakemore); families (Rebecca Chase, Carole tice for the really fascinating Simpson); cultural trends (Beth Nissen); tech­ Rebecca Chase on stuff—real life. TV news, then, takes you one step nology, science and the environment (Ned Making Informed Choices closer to the real thing. News Potter); health (Timothy Johnson, George Imagine if you went to plays by strict, journalistic Strait, John McKenzie); and religion (Peggy school every day and you rules of truthfulness, and is didn't know what was going the opposite of propaganda. If Wehmeyer). Here are some personal points of on. You didn't know what it's done well it is at least as view that answer the question, "Why should classes were available, what entertaining as any sitcom or movie because the journalists who create the TV news spot are open kids watch TV news?" activities you could join. You knew nothing about the to all the strangeness and drama the real world teachers. You didn't even always contains. The news also provides informa­ know who was in your class. tion you need so as not to become reality's victims. Ned Potter on Getting Imagine how isolated you When you "eyewitness" an event, your head would feel—disconnected like a bad phone line, the Early View combines information from your eyes and ears, at stupid as Beavis and Butthead. You wouldn't be the same time you have verbal thoughts about Why watch TV news? able to make informed choices. You would be left what you are seeing. A TV news spot reproduces Because when reporters are out of all the good stuff, and wouldn't know how this by combining video, natural sound and the at their best, they can take to avoid the bad stuff. correspondent's "voice-over" narration. Look people places they haven't Well, if you want to be involved in your com­ closely, and you begin to see that a good TV news been and bring up ideas they munity, your city, your state and your country, you spot is complex and carefully crafted, as it blends might not have considered. have to be informed. One way to do this—to know audio and visual information to give a combined Reporters can, in short, teach. who's who, and what's going on—is to watch the mental experience. I have a fascinating job News. Yes, some of it is depressing, and some There are fashions among kids and adults alike covering science, technology newscasts are better than others. But that is part for what's cool to know—knowledge is a kind of and the environment, and I've of your responsibility too, to decide who does the power, after all. With both kids and adults, it's seen some wonders along the best job reporting the news; who is fair and bal­ always the ones who dare to wrestle with reality, way. I've stood on the coast of the Arctic Ocean, anced; who reports on stories that interest you. not fantasy, who impress us most. It ain't for looked for medicines in the rainforests of And it's important to watch regularly, because sissies, and there's nothing more fascinating. * Amazonia, watched a Space Shuttle fall gracefully most stories don't begin and end in one day—you onto a desert runway, met a man with a plastic have to keep watching to really understand what is In his 25 years with ABC News, Bill Blakemore heart, and seen crowded disarray in the West happening. It's actually much better than a soap has covered education for the last eight. Wing of the White House. opera. The events and people are real. The news is He spent 15 years overseas, covered nine Assignments have sent me on explorations of history being written one day at a time. And many wars, and earned unprecedented access to the the mind, as well. What is a human life worth—in times, the news is something that is going to Pope and the Vatican. His journalism awards dollars? What will the climate be in fifty years? affect you and your family. It may be good news. cover diverse topics, from Arab-Israel relations Why might you care about the chemical makeup It may be bad news. But you definitely don't want to the science of addictive drugs and the of Pluto's atmosphere? When reporters do their to be left in the dark. evolution of education. job well, we provide a service. We can tell people something they haven't heard before in school, or at work or in daily life. I don't think that happens Brings History to Life nearly enough on our news broadcasts. We are, by definition, forced to deal with temporal issues and, Barbara Walters: The 20th Anniversary Special, on April 24, from too frequently, with trivial ones. But when we rise above our limitations, we can be that early view of 9:30-11:00 p.m., ET (check local listings), takes chronology, the study of something important. We can start a events arranged in time, into the fast lane. See highlights of Walters' conversation—maybe in a classroom. 20-year history at ABC Television come alive through her ground-breaking interviews. Walters has interviewed every American president since Richard * Ned Potter analyzes and reports on issues Nixon; been a panelist or moderator of four presidential debates; and earned including global warming, population, environ­many exclusive interviews with celebrities and statesmen. In 1977, she mental policies, the U.S. space program, and made journalism history by arranging the first joint interview with Egypt's technology advances. He has also written aboutPresiden t Anwar Sadat and Israel's Prime Minister Menachem Begin. / technology and the human costs of the artificial Walters' special offers personal revelations about the sometimes bumpy heart for print publications including New York and illustrious road she has forged as interviewer and journalist. Magazine and The Chicago Tribune. ^L

KIDSNET 1996 AIRS ON SATURDAY much to Rand's resentment. In an MONTANA CROSSROADS— effort to save Elsa from captivity in a r^ft Intergenerational Understanding zoo, though, Rand must overcome The Wheeler family faces difficult his homesickness and work with a i r—S decisions during a visit to Grandpa new-found friend to help Elsa make Frank's ranch. Julia Wheeler believes the transition to life on her own in p> r^ o cj r~* s m she knows what is best for both her the wild. Saturday, April 27, ailing father and her artistic daughter 8:00-10:00 p.m. K-H, SM, FS, LIT Sam, who just won admission to a prestigious art institute. Julia's solu­ BROTHERS OF tion to move Frank away from the THE FRONTIER ranch he loves and into a retirement Three brothers (played by the real- o home and to deny Sam her chance at life Lawrence brothers) living during school is tested as the family con­ the 1700s must outrun villains to fronts the stresses that come during find their parents after being sepa­ transition periods. In two parts. June rated during a rafting accident. In 8 & 15,12:30-1:00 p.m. 6-H, FS this family adventure, the boys even­ tually reunite with their parents and Extended, blended, sometimes Movies and AIRS ON SATURDAY build a new home. This movie also up-ended—families of all MAGICAL MAKEOVER— provides a look at the Seneca and shapes and sizes are at the Teen Self-esteem Delaware tribes and their cultures of this time. Saturday, April 6, center of many ABC prime-time Thinking she doesn't have a chance WORLD OF DISCOVERY 9:00-11:00 p.m. K-H, F, CE programs listed here, and the to get a date with a popular guy, 16- ABC continues to bring nature docu­ year-old Christine longs to be some­ issues depicted are probably mentaries to the screen through one else—someone popular. She THE RANSOM OF familiar to your students. How these acclaimed specials. "The Last gets her wish when a wish-granter RED CHIEF do TV families compare with Charge of the Rhino" chronicles the comes along and allows her three A TV movie inspired by the classic those of students? To explore plight of Africa's black rhinos. Once makeovers. After becoming a cheer­ O'Henry short story about two hap­ abundant, only five percent of the less hoodlums trying to hold a young the concept of extended fami­ leader, a heavy metal groupie and a rhino population may remain today. boy for ransom. Their plans are foiled lies, see the call for art and fashion model, Christine realizes The animals have lost much of their that true beauty and happiness when the boy's father demands writing in the box on page 4 for habitat, but they are also victims of come from self-esteem, not hair, money before he will take him back. a way your class can share its poachers who sell rhino parts for makeup or clothing. In two parts. Saturday, April 20, 9:00-11:00 p.m. views with ABC Online. use in Eastern traditional medicines. July 27 & August 3,12:30-1:00 p.m. 4-H, F, LA, LIT The rhinos' chances at survival 6-H, FS depend on conservation efforts All times are Eastern Time. around the world. Date and time Check local listings; air dates TBA 4-H, E, F, SM, CE KOHIES and times are subject to Saturday Night This special block of programs airing change. Use the abbreviations Friday nights features a variety of below to identify shows appro­ MJMMiM family arrangements with values as priate for particular curriculum HBC Rfrerschool well as laughs. Dealing with new areas and grade levels. All pro­ FflMILV FARE FOR family members through remarriage, facing the pains of growing up and grams are closed captioned • VIEWERS OF RLL HGES fitting in, learning important life unless otherwise noted. DADDY'S GIRL — lessons—these subjects and more The Aftermath of Divorce are regular fare on TGIF. This is a Since their parents' bitter divorce, BORN FREE: A NEW series of programs designed for AGE LEVEL; Alicia, 16, and her younger brother, ADVENTURE families to enjoy together. K-3 Kindergarten-3rd Grades Blake, have suffered from their Inspired by the book and film Born father's absence. Alicia's mom seems Free, a lion cub named after the orig 4-6 4th-6th Grades to resent all men, including the boys inal Elsa is raised by a foster family Alicia wants to date. And Blake M-J Middle School or in Africa where she is orphaned. seems headed for real trouble. When Scientist David Thompson and his Junior High School her grandmother helps Alicia two children, Rand and Jena, arrange to see her father, become involved in Elsa's H High School Alicia is disappointed ini­ story when David is F Family tially. But at a family wed­ sent to Africa to ding, the Blakes are able to study viruses— begin the healing CURRICULUM AREAS: process. April 18, 4:00-5:00 p.m. SM Science & Mathematics 6-H, FS LA Language Arts

FS Family & Social Issues

MA Music & Arts CE Current Events & History HE Health Education LIT Based on Literature

O KIDSNET 1996 NEW! ALIENS IN TURNING POINT PRIME TINE THE FAMILY Diane Sawyer, Barbara Walters and Can an alien abduction result in a Forrest Sawyer share anchor duties happy family? When alien scientist on these specials that combine dra­ S.EDJ.ES. Cookie abducts human Doug Brody, matic storytelling and in-depth she doesn't plan to fall in love. But reporting on a single subject. somehow, she and her three alien 12 specials yearly. Dates TBA, children make a family with Doug 10:00-11:00 p.m. H, FS, CE, HE and his two kids. Learning about life in a new solar system isn't easy— 20/20 even for these brainy aliens. And Anchors Hugh Downs and Barbara dealing with alien siblings, especially Walters bring their mix of investiga­ Bobut, the baby with special powers, tive reporting, in-depth interviews keeps the human half of the family and informative features. Fridays, on its toes. The cast includes new 10:00-11:00 p.m. H, FS, CE, HE "animatronic" aliens from Jim Henson Productions, creators of the Muppets. Fridays, 9:00-9:30 p.m. F, FS

SECOND NOAH NEW! MUPPETS TONIGHT! Veterinarian Jesse Beckett supervises The Muppets are back in prime time! more than 300 animals in a wild ani­ mal park. But that's almost simple Kermit the frog and join d Noah favorite Muppets and a host of new compared to caring for eight multi­ characters as they run their own TV ethnic adopted children at home. show from station KMUP. The Meeting the needs of all the animals diverse and wacky crew always and the family members is more than ABC Weekend manages to work together and a full-time job. But with compromise deliver the warmth inherent in all and sharing, Jesse and her husband, Specials and fl.BC Muppet programs. Guest stars for Noah, steer their extended-blended upcoming shows include: Martin family. Watch for upcoming episodes Short, , , dealing with family secrets, home- Cindy Crawford and . lessness, and the blending of biologi­ The Magic Pearl, Rhythm & Jam and THIS WEEK WITH Muppets Tonight! will feature cal and adopted children into a Wild Things: An Earth Day Special DAVID BRINKLEY sketches which can lead to a discus­ family. Mondays, 8:00-9:00 p.m. are just a few of the upcoming spe­ The week's major news stories are J-H, FS, CE sion of parody. See pages 2-3 for an cials. See page 9 for listings and reviewed by Brinkley and guest jour­ interview with a Muppet performer activity ideas. nalists. Sundays, check local list­ and activities on puppetry. Fridays, ings. H, CE 8:30-9:00 p.m. K-6, F, LA, MA i E NEWS YOU CAN USE WORLD NEWS NOW New! Teachers may videotape News Series Each weeknight, this overnight news program is co-anchored by Kevin the following ABC News Newman and Thalia Assuras. , Joan Lunden Weeknights, 2:00-6:00 a.m. H, CE programs for educational non­ and a host of experts in many (not closed captioned) profit purposes and may keep subjects bring stories of general interest to the morning. Weekdays, them up to one (1) year after 7:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. M-H, FS, HE, PICTURES AND WORDS broadcast, after which they CE,SM Nearly all ABC Television Network must be erased: World News programs are closed captioned as an WORLD NEWS TONIGHT aid to viewers. With the exception of Tonight with Peter Jennings, WITH PETER JENNINGS ABC News' World News Now, every World News Now, This Week with On ABC News' award-winning program listed in the ABC Classroom nightly news program, special seg­ Connection offers this service. This David Brinkley, Nightline and ments include "Person of the Week," means printed words, like subtitles, Turning Point. "The American Agenda" and "Your synchronized with the dialogue or Money, Your Choice." Weeknights, narration of the program's audio ABC News programs 20/20 6:30-7:00 p.m. M-H, SM, FS, CE track, run across the bottom of the TV screen. and PrimeTime Live and all NIGHTLINE Captioning, originally designed to other programs in this guide Anchor Ted Koppel analyzes break­ aid viewers who are hearing impaired, still follow the standard off-air ing news stories and major societal has proven literacy benefits for new issues and trends. Weeknights, readers, people with learning disabili­ taping guidelines for educators. 11:35 p.m.-12:05 a.m. H, FS, CE ties, students with attention and com­ Those programs may be video­ prehension disorders and children and adults who are learning English PRIMETIME LIVE taped and shown to students as a second language. and Diane Sawyer Viewers with older TV sets must within the first 10 school days co-anchor this news magazine purchase a decoder box to receive series that combines investigative after broadcast, after which the captions. TV sets over 13" and manu­ reports and interviews. The newest TGIF offering can be recording is to be erased. factured after 1993 have a built-in Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00 p.m. H, computer chip that decodes captions. seen on Fridays at 9:00 p.m. FS, CE, HE

KIDSNET 1 996 Exploring Science Fiction with Hypernauts ABC's new Saturday morning series, 1. What unknowns are the Hypernauts explor­ ing? (An uncharted area of space, relation­ Hypernauts (10:00 a.m.), affords you and your ships with each other and alien lifeforms, students a chance to look at science fiction as being on their own) a literary form. 2. Do the Hypernauts have the help of Saturday A Look at Sci-fi advanced equipment or technology? What things make a story or program (Examples: the talking computer, Horton; science fiction? mech suits; their ship, the Flap Jack)

• Most sci-fi stories project what life might be 3. What things are different in the Mormi like in the future or show some capability or Hypernauts' world from today? What technology that we don't have today, such as things are the same? (Differences: space time travel. travel, existence of aliens. Similarities: rela­ J tionships, desire to get home, world prob­ Winnie the Pooh • Much of sci-fi involves space travel. But sto­ lems such as war) A.A. Milne's classic characters explore the won­ ries dealing with other imaginary or 4. Do you think that the values we believe are ders of childhood in the 100 Acre Woods. Along unknown worlds—such as the ocean important today—such as family, friend­ with Pooh, Piglet, Rabbit, Christopher Robin and depths—may also be science fiction. ship and loyalty—are still important in the the rest of Pooh's family, young children will share future world of Hypernauts? (Yes. Their lessons in problem solving, loyalty, discovery and • Sci-fi usually deals with technology- decision to not jeopardize Earth proves it, friendship. 8:00 a.m. K-4, LA, LIT. Animated devices such as computers or space ships that allow people to reach unknown places. as does their developing friendship with each other, Kulai and Gloose.) Free Willy • Sci-fi stories may feature charac­ Twelve-year-old Jesse has a special friend—a ters that aren't human, such three-ton whale named Willy! Together the two as aliens or robots. But, no matter help solve environmental problems. 8:30 a.m. K-6, how fantastic a story might seem, SM, FS, CE, S. Animated humans are at the heart of each story, experiencing the same Bump in the Night feelings and problems that we Mr. Bumpy, the lovable sock-eating monster, and have today. his friends face all kinds of adventures in their world under the bed. Kids can learn about friend­ Most students will be familiar with ship, sharing and facing their fears from Bumpy several sci-fi stories or programs: and his family of dust-bunny dwellers. 9:00 a.m. The series and movies; K-6, MA. Stop-Motion Animation Star Wars; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe series by C.S. Fudge Lewis; and the ABC series ReBoot. Although Peter Hatcher likes to blame everything Science fiction is very popular today, on his kid brother, Fudge, he gets himself into but is it new? plenty of fixes as he explores friendships at BJ5S.QMGES school and learns to deal with family issues at In addition to sharing science fiction movies Sci-Fi as Mythology or shows with your class such as the Star home. Based on characters created by author According to many literary scholars, science Judy Blume. 9:30 a.m. K-5, FS, LIT. Live Action Wars trilogy, Star Trek films and television fiction is actually a form of mythology. Myths episodes, The Twilight Zone, and Time Bandits are stories that try to explain something (teachers should use discretion and view these New! Hypernauts unknown. For example, the myth of Atlas car­ before showing to students), you can find sub­ Three cadets from the Academy of Galactic rying the heavens on his shoulders is a stantial background information about science Exploration must find their way home after acci­ metaphor for why the sky remains above the fiction as a genre in the following sources: dentally being catapulted into uncharted space. Earth—a concept that ancient Greeks couldn't Working and living together, the three junior explain scientifically. Today, we may Pierce, John J. Foundation of Science Fiction explorers face the challenges of dealing with the understand how rivers form, so we've and Great Themes of Science Fiction. unknown—and encountering an alien race—while outgrown a myth that explains them as the col­ Greenwood, 1987. maturing into experienced Hypernauts. See box lected tears of a grieving goddess. But we on this page for activity ideas. 10:00 a.m. 4-J, don't know what our future will bring us or Spinrad, Norman. Science Fiction in the Real SM. Live Action what exists in the vastness of space. Science World. Southern Illinois University Press, 1990. fiction is a way to explore the possibilities, to Zentyz, Gregory L. Jupiter's Ghost: Next ReBoot seek explanations. Science fiction is today's Generation Science Fiction. Praeger, 1991. This completely computer-animated series whisks mythology, and it is constantly growing and viewers into Mainframe, the world inside a com­ changing. puter. Bob, the guardian, must battle the computer This issue of ABC Classroom Connection was viruses Megabyte and Hexadecimal to protect his Hypernauts as Science Fiction friends Dot and Enzo plus the rest of the citizens After your students have watched Hypernauts, written by June Behrmann, M.Ed, and Rhonda from being deleted. 10:30 a.m. 4^1, SM. Animated ask them to assess it as a piece of science fic­ Lucas Donald and produced for tion by answering the following questions. Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. by What-A-Mess (Possible answers follow in parentheses.) Then KIDSNET, the computerized clear­ Unlike most elegant Afghan hounds, this scruffy have your students try their hand at writing H inghouse for children's television, Fr|Prpcc puppy definitely lives up to his name—What-A- some science fiction stories. Hold a sci-fi "con­ radio, video, and audio in Mess. But the pup's loyalty toward family and vention" one day to share students' stories and friends makes him a true . Based on the favorite books or memorabilia connected with Washington, DC. This guide may be reproduced children's books by British author Frank Muir. their favorite science fiction stories. for educational purposes. 12:00 noon K-6, FS, LIT. Animated e KIDSNET 1996 HUMANITIES, LANGUAGE ARTS & MEDIA LITERACY

realizes that books are a great way to combat fear. April 27,12:30-1:00 p.m. K-4, LA, LIT. Animated

Cap'n O.G. Readmore Meets jk Puss V Boots J& O.G. regales his Book Club friends with the marvelous tale of his great-great- great-etc. grandfather, the famous Puss 'n' Boots. July 6,12:30-1:00 p.m. K-4, LA, LIT. Animated

Ralph S. Mouse Based on Beverly Cleary's book Based on literature, the ABC Weekend Specials Runaway Ralph, Ralph joins his feature familiar animated fables, retold by Cap'n special friend, a boy named Ryan, at O.G. Readmore, an adventurous cat who always school. Ralph not only passes an ends up as part of the tales he shares with his "intelligence" test, but also avoids some Friday Night Book Club. ABC Saturday Specials menacing mousetraps. In two parts. April 6 & provide a variety of learning opportunities, and April 13,12:30-1:00 p.m. K-6, LIT. Live Action many of them are literature based. The specials air and Stop-Motion dwellers, the great diversity of life is showcased. from 12:30-1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Because people are responsible for care of the Earth, the three young hosts give lots of environ­ FROM THE PAGE TO THE SCREEN: mental tips throughout. See page 13 for Earth Day activities based on this special. April 20, MIEBAIMLIRAmAIJEJUO.X 12:30-1 00 p.m. 4-J, SM, CE. Live Action Whether they are based on folk tales or modern children's books, ABC's Weekend and Saturday The Magic Pearl Morning Specials often highlight stories brought Featuring an all-Asian cast, this ABC Kids Movie to life from the page to the screen. Among this Matinee follows the mystical journey of 12-year- season's offerings are Weekend Specials with O.G. old Peter Leung and his 9-year-old sister, Jamie. Readmore, which are all based on familiar tales. When their grandmother, Po Po, comes to babysit, The Magic Pearl is based on Chinese folklore, she shows them how a magic pearl can transport while the stories about Ralph S. Mouse come them from their suburban home to ancient China. from the children's book Runaway Ralph by They find themselves in a cemetery where they Beverly Cleary. The Parsley Garden is a retelling of meet the Ghost Girl, who tells how two brothers William Saroyan's short story. stole her jade necklace at the time of her burial. In your classroom, keep a collection of these Without the necklace, she cannot continue into the stories to provide a basis for comparison with afterlife. Po Po and the children agree to find $he their television counterparts. Which tend to be necklace. During their search, they encounter a more detailed—the stories or the programs? Ask frog who used to be a prince, a witch and an ever- The Parsley Garden the students to speculate about the differences in changing river goddess. After the adventure, Peter This special is based on William Saroyan's short description or detail. Do children prefer imagining and Jamie find renewed respect for their grand­ story from the book The Assyrian and Other Stories. for themselves what characters look like or seeing mother and their Chinese culture. Based on During the early part of this century, a young boy an artist's or actor's interpretation? Which version Chinese folk tales. May 18,11:30-1:00 p.m. K-6, struggles with pride, character and sense of self. do the students think is better? Why? LA, FS, LIT j, When he is caught shoplifting, he faces a moral Brainstorm a list of favorite books or stories dilemma. His solution is clever and shows the emo­ that they'd like to see as television shows. How tional growth he's experienced. August 31, Rhythm & Jam would they be made (animated or live action)? 12:30-1 00 p.m. 4-^1, FS, LIT. Live Action Ever wondered how music works? Find out in this What problems might a have in two-part special that examines the basic elements turning these stories into programs? K-J, LA, LIT of all music. Learn how music is written and read, $A.T.UBMY..SRI5CJ.Al$. and what beat, melody and harmony mean. Join .WEEKJ;M..$.P1G!AJ.3 Wild Things: An Earth Day Special talented young singers who demonstrate the con­ This special takes a look at amazing animals of cepts and prove the universality of music. May 25 Cap'n O.G. Readmore Meets every shape and size. From predators to ocean and June 1,12:30-1:00 p.m. 4-H, MA. Live Action Chicken Little If only Chicken Little would listen to O.G., the whole sky-is-falling crisis could be avoided. You see, Chicken NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK, APRIL 14-2D Little has no interest in reading, especially the astronomy libraries Change Lives: Call. Visit. Log On." This year's theme for the American Library Association's book O.G. suggested National Library Week, April 14-20, highlights the expanding network of resources for So when Foxy students, teachers and the public through library systems across America. On April 16, cruise Loxy starts the rumor that the sky is the information superhighway as part of "Log on at the Library Day." falling, Chicken Little Tour the White House. Look for a job. Get useful information about current or upcoming movies believes it. Everyone based on books, such as Jumanji(Chris Van Allsburg) or Matilda (Roald Dahl). Join the celebrations finds out the truth inth end, and Chicken Little when public, school and college librarians log on to electronic information sources. Teachers can get a listing of the latest Caldecott and Newberry award-winning books, and of selected recordings, videos and software. Log on electronically: http:Wwww.ALA.org.

©KIDSNET 1 996 O FAMILY THEMES IN MOVIES

MAKING FILM HISTORY

Film stock is a fragile medium that is subject to

decay. Of America's feature films of the 1920s,

fewer than 20 percent still exist. Yet some of

America's best films are being preserved today,

thanks to the National Film Preservation Act.

A total of 175 feature films of "archival qual­

ity" make up the federally funded National Film

Registry. Another 25 films will be chosen under

current legislation for this collection by the

Family and resilience are themes worth noting Library of Congress's 18-member National Film in two new ABC movies (check local listings) that air this spring. Brothers of the Frontier portrays Preservation Board. These films have cultural, authentic elements of America's Seneca and Delaware Indian cultures. Born Free: A New historical and aesthetic significance and are at Adventure depicts life in a small rural South least 10 years old. Some films give diverse por­ African community. traits of families, including To Kill A BORN FREE: A NEW ADVENTURE Set in the South African bush, this modern sequel Mockingbird (1962), The Grapes of Wrath to the 1964 book Born Free tells the story in which (1940) and Lassie Come Home (1943). Others a lioness cub is orphaned at birth and raised by a caring human "foster" family. In a carefully are classic science fiction and fantasy films, planned release, the cat eventually is returned to the wild to survive by its wits. such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial{\9&2), 2001: In this ABC movie, scientist David Thompson, a A Space Odyssey (1968) and Fantasia (1940). widower, wins a prestigious two-year grant to study viruses in Africa. With little regard for his children's They are stored in low humidity and at low tem­ feelings, he uproots Rand, 17, and younger daugh­ ter, Jena, to a rural village. Rand, who is homesick, peratures to slow their decay. has a difficult time adjusting. Val Porter, a local teenager, befriends Rand. Together, they team up to save the young lioness cub, Elsa, from captivity in a zoo. She has grown large and is causing the from the Holcombs once more. At stake is the Frye on lour villagers problems. Chief Game Warden George family's decision to stick together and build a new Luolo gives the teens only three weeks to teach homestead. April 6, 9:00-11:00 p.m. Elsa how to survive in the wild. But will she have A National Film Registry Tour will take several the instincts and the skills to outwit her enemies? Discussing of these special films to one city per state dur­ With little more than good intentions and the book After viewing Born Free: A New Adventure, deter­ Born Free to guide them, Val and Rand set out to mine how well or how poorly Rand and his father ing the coming year. The next stop is the Detroit give Elsa a chance to roam free. Along the way handled the tension between them. In a role-play­ Rand grows close to Val. With a new outlook on his ing exercise, find another way that Dr. Thompson Institute of Arts on April 19-21. "Film is a pow­ life, Rand can begin to repair his relationship with might have used to prepare his children for a erful force in American culture and national life. his father. April 27, 8:00-10:00 p.m. career move that would uproot the family. Identify other films or books where pre-teen and teenage Motion pictures, whether feature films, news- BROTHERS OF THE FRONTIER children are upset because of a parent's decision TV's Lawrence family—the three sons who are that will change their lives. How did they handle reels or avant-garde works, are both an art form brothers in real life—star in this American pioneer the emotions involved in making changes? and a record of our times. Our challenge is to adventure. Set in the Allegheny Mountains during After viewing Brothers of the Frontier, compare the late 1700s, Ethan, 17; Aaron, 14; and Jamie and contrast the traits of family loyalty and affec­ protect and preserve those films in versions as Frye, 6, are on the run with their parents. Forced tion shown by the Fryes and the Holcombs. Did the from their modest homestead by the evil and pow­ Frye sons' real-life relationship as brothers add close to their originals as possible," says the erful Holcomb family, the Fryes must escape interest to this film? Craft a sequel to this story through the wilderness or subject one of the boys and describe what happens to the Fryes and Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. to hard labor at the Holcomb ranch to pay off a , Holcombs after two years. Are any of your ideas Check out the National Film Registry trumped-up debt. When the Frye family's rafts autobiographical? become separated in rapid white water, the chil­ Tour on the Internet: Gopher site address is dren face the wild frontier alone— with the Holcombs on their trail. The boys are befriended Resources for Recording Family Histories gopher://marvel.loc.gov:70/00/research/ by a Delaware woman, Cholena, whose special My Family Heritage from Generation to Generation reading.rooms/motion.picture/nfpb, or the bond with Ethan helps when all of them are taken and What Every Family Should Know, Carriage House Publications, 1993. prisoner by Seneca Indians. After many adventures World Wide Web home page is at in which they learn about the Seneca way of life Your Story: A Guided Interview Through Your and themselves, the Frye boys are eventually Personal and Family History, by Gift to the http://lcweb.loc.gov/film. reunited with their parents, only to face trouble Future2000™ in Rhinebeck NY, 1992.

© KIDSNET 1996 TEENS & FAMILIES

THE RANSOM OF RED CHIEF Inspired by the humorous short story and still favorite tall tale by O'Henry, this TV movie pokes lUiilU. fun at the so called perfect family. Here's an Afterichool Date: April 18,1996 opportunity to look at the devices writers use to Time: 4:00-5:00 p.m., ET make us laugh and to reveal just how personal ^SPECIAL Grade Levels: 6-12 humor can be. Curriculum Areas: Family Living, Sociology, Psychology When Sam and Bill Driscoll kidnap nine-year- old Andy Dorset, they are sure their plan to exact a Sometimes a relative's advice and support are powerful resources for teens who must deal with ransom for his return will put them on easy street. divorce and a parent's estrangement. The hoodlums never bargained for being stuck with such an annoying child. Andy is taken by his captors to a secret cave. He dubs himself "Red H*A.U.HO.MQK*JLfAM.llY. Chief" and makes mischief until the hoodlums Alicia, 16, an African-American teenager, and her younger brother, Blake, have longed for contact with realize that Andy is controlling them and not vice their father Phillip. He left town ten years ago after a bitter divorce from their mother, Sheila. versa. Rather than pay one dime for his child's Blake, tired of having other men stand in as "substitute" dads, begins to act out his frustration. He return, Andy's father, Ambrose, turns the tables. appears to be headed for serious trouble. Sheila's negative attitude toward men is having an effect on He demands a $250 ransom from the con men to Alicia's social life, especially Sheila's disparaging remarks about the boys Alicia wants to date. When a take the boy back. Andy, meanwhile, does not cousin, Zed, invites Phillip to her wedding, Alicia is surprised to learn that her dad now lives in town. want to leave his scheming friends. They now She knows her mother will be furious, but she decides to reestablish contact with him. must plot and plan if they are ever to be free of With support from an understanding grandmother, Alicia makes her move. She is initially disap­ Andy Dorset. Will Sam and Bill figure out a way to pointed. On Zed's wedding day, the tension is thick, but the family begins healing past wounds so that escape from the boy who is clever enough to Alicia and Blake can build a future with their dad. make hoodlums his victims? lALKUML.enim 1. Why is Alicia a heroine in this story? Write a postscript Humor Up Close to this program that shows whether the family reunion Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is working one year later. Why do some children hold defines the word "humor" as that quality which on to the hope that their parents can resolve their differ­ appeals to a sense of the ludicrous or absurdly ences and reunite? incongruous. Humor can also be something that is designed to be comical or amusing. 2. What are the dangers Alicia faces in trying to repair her broken family? In what ways did Alicia's grandmother 1. Which parts of this story were funniest? What help her? Could Alicia have prepared herself for the dis­ ideas or events did others find funny but you appointment when she first met with her dad? did not? How do these differences reflect your personal taste in humor? JtfS.Q.U.RCES Cooney, Caroline B. Family Reunion. Bantam Starfire, 1989. 2. How effective is the varied use of language- Hahn, Mary Downing. Following the Mystery Man. Avon, 1988. frontier talk, nonsense words, eloquent phrasing, non-sequiturs, jokes—as a Peck, Richard. Unfinished Portrait. Dell, 1991. comedic device?

3. How does this movie differ from the O'Henry short story? M ore Contemporary Drama For Teens

4. In O'Henry style, tell your own humorous tall tale that includes elements of surprise and events that exaggerate reality. Date: In two parts. June 8 & 15,1996 Time: 12:30-1:00 p.m. ET Resources Grade Levels: 6-12 O. Henry (William Syndey Porter). The Ransom of Curriculum Areas: Family Living Across Generations, Psychology Red Chief. Creative Editions, 1980. Videocassette: The Media Guild, 619-755-9191

Thurber, James. "The Secret Life of Family members of different generations can help each other face difficult transitions in life, while an Mitty," in My World and Welcome to It. Harcourt objective voice from outside the family can make the choices more clear. Brace, 1969. PB.Q.W.ING..U.P..ANJ9.&RQ.WIAI.Ci.QI.Q L. Twain, Mark. "The Notorious Jumping Frog of Samantha Wheeler, 17, has secretly won admission and financial aid to an art school far from home. Calaveras County," in Complete Short Stories of That means leaving her single mother, Julia, who opposes the idea of an art career and wants a chance Mark Twain. Bantam, 1984. to direct Sam's future. When Frank, Julia's father, becomes ill, the family travels to his Montana ranch. Welty, Eudora. "Why I Live at the P.O.," in A As Frank's daughter and granddaughter help him recuperate, they realize he may not be able to live alone Curtain of Green and Other Stories. Harcourt any longer. Brace Jovanovich, 1991. All three Wheelers must face Frank's declining health, weigh their personal desires against their family responsibilities, and confront the emotional and financial stresses that come during transition periods. For Wheeler, David, ed. No, But I Saw the Movie: Sam, her grandfather's part-time ranchhand and childhood friend, Eric, is someone to turn to when there The Best Short Stories Ever Made Into Film. are no easy answers. Montana Crossroads takes a hard look at well-meaning family members who may Penguin, 1989. need to come to grips with painful choices as they enter a new phase in their lives.

KIDSNET 1 996 o .TAJ.KJ.M.P.Q.UIT.S to be pretty and I0..T1IO.EAGJJJEJH popular, he helps 1. Despite good intentions, why aren't Julia's The Middle School SmartWatching activity on the her become a decisions necessarily best for Frank or for next page explores science and environmental top­ cheerleader, a Sam? Identify why Frank's ranchhand, Eric, is ics. After watching Wild Things: An Earth Day heavy metal a good choice for Sam to turn to for support Special with your class, you'll have all the prepara­ groupie and a when she is feeling helpless. tion you'll need to serve as "game show host" for fashion model the Amazing Trivia Game. The game's ques­ look-alike. In each Z. Predict what happens to this family during the tions and answers are provided here. You might new role, Christine next two years. Should Sam's family obliga­ consider enlarging the game board so all class experiences ups tions change her career path? How can Sam members can see it while they play. and downs and, in make her dreams come true? the process,loses Combine Earth Day and National Youth her closest friend. Service Day Activities BJMMRGtt Eventually, The hands-on Earth Day activities suggested on the Castaneda, Omar S. Among the Volcanoes. Christine learns SmartWatching page tie in with National Youth Lodestar Books, 1991. that stereotyped images are not Service Day, April 23. Your school may require com­ Mazer, Norma Fox. After the Rain. G.K. Hall, 1987. perfect and that munity service of your students. Perhaps you can she is happiest tailor some of their activities to fit Earth Day being herself. themes. For a free how-to packet about participating in National Youth Service Day, write to Youth Service HaEUCILJUIE-IIEH. America, Attn: National Youth Service Day, 1101 Date: In two parts. July 27 & August 3,1996 15th St., NW, Ste. 200, Washington, DC 20005. Ask Time: 12:30-1:00 p.m., ET for "NYSD Toolkit." Or call 202-296-2992. Grade Levels: 6-12 lALKUMl.P.Qjm Curriculum Areas: Teen Living, Psychology 1. Brainstorm with classmates and come up with BJ5S.QMQE3 Videocassette: The Media Guild, 619-755-9191. a list of other stereotyped images that Christine can try out. What are the pressures and the Earth Force is a national nonprofit organization that offers free materials to teachers and kids to Cosmetic makeovers may seem glamorous, but perks that come with these images? When does promote its environmental, student action, and pub­ this young teenager rides a bumpy road before the fun of changing one's image go too far? lic citizenship campaigns. For information about realizing that true beauty and happiness come campaigns and free education materials, contact naturally with improved self-esteem. 2. Why do so many teens believe that "Image is everything?" Why does Christine change her Earth Force at 1501 Wilson Blvd., 12th Floor, mind about "image" after the makeovers? Arlington, VA 22209; or fax 703-243-7659. You can A.C.mEVJ.H.fi.IHJ5..PlRF.EQIJ.MAGE.... also access them over the Internet at Christine, 16, is already pretty but she doesn't feel http://www.earthforce.org/earthforce/. she looks good enough to win dates with Scott, BJM0.UJIGES Earthworks Group. Fifty Simple Things Kids Can Do every girl's heartthrob. Desperate for a new excit­ Grove, Vicki. The Fastest Friend in the West. to Save the Earth. Earthworks Group, 1990. ing image, she finds her dreams can come true Putnam, 1990. when "Johnny Angel," a nontraditional wish- Lewis, Barbara. 77?e Kid's Guide to Service Projects: Pinsker, Judith. A Lot Like You. Bantam, 1988. granter, magically appears and gives her three Over 500 Service Ideas for Young People Who Want makeovers. Although Johnny knows that Christine Schneider, Meg F. Popularity Has Its Ups and to Make a Difference. Free Spirit Publishing, 1995. already has the good looks and charm she needs Downs. Messner, 1991. Schwartz, Linda. How Can You Help? Creative Volunteer Projects for Kids Who Care. The Learning Works, 1994. MICHAEL GUILLEN: SCIENCE EXPLORER QUESTIONS Michael Guillen loves to share is on the trail of a waste-free method for using 1. What kind of animal hatches dozens of babies on scientific curiosities. He's Good nuclear fusion to harness the power of the sun and her back? Morning America's (GMA) science stars so they can produce electricity. 2. What feature allows snakes to eat animals larger editor and a math and physics than themselves? instructor at Harvard University's • Juliette Taska from Lawrence High School in 3. How long is the wildebeest's migration Core Curriculum Program. His Cedarhurst, NY, found in her experiment related round trip? reports appear early in the to dieting that classmates overate after seeing 4. How fast can the Cheetah, the fastest land morning on GMA or late at night advertisements for diet foods, but not after seeing animal, run? on ABC's Nightline. commercials for non-diet foods. 5. What bird takes a couple of days to build his nest What Guillen offers is easy to and makes 400 trips back and forth to collect • Brian Green, Yorktown High School in | grasp—ideas that can stimulate enough nesting material? Arlington, VA, discovered that plants grown in enrichment curriculum and can leaf mold (rotting leaves) suffered considerably 6. What is the largest fish in the world? start science-related discussions. less damage from beetles than plants grown in 7. What feature of a termite's face helps it survive? This winter from Aspen, Co., he reported on the potting soil. 8. Whose job is it to help protect all the wild things anatomy of an avalanche and the depths of a of the Earth? silver mine. i Guillen noted that 15 of the 40 Westinghouse final­ On another show, he introduced winners of the ANSWERS ists were from the state of New York. That statistic Westinghouse Science Talent Search, a national /. the pi pa toad might launch a scientific inquiry of its own! competition that is in its 55th year and that recog­ 2. They have jaws that unhook, allowing a snake to His latest book, Five Equations That Changed nizes high schoolers for their excellence in swallow large prey. the World: The Power and Poetry of Mathematics, science, math and technology. Guillen interviewed 3. 500 miles round trip was published by Hyperion in 1995. GMA three of the Westinghouse winners. 4. about 60 miles per hour transcripts ($5), including Guillen's reports, are 5. the weaver bird • Dan Weitz, a student at Morristown (NJ) High available for the date of broadcast by calling 6. the whale shark School, built a plasma generator in his garage. He 800-TALK-SHOW. 7. The chewing mouth parts help the termite gnaw the wood it eats. 8. It's everyone's job. © ©KIDSNET 1 996 SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT

need our help on Earth Day object is to be the first team to reach the last space and every day. marked "Congratulations! You're a Wild Thing!" After watching the spe­ middle school cial, play the Amazing Lend the Earth a Hand Animal Trivia Game that fol­ Now that you're all wildlife experts, get set to do lows. If you can master the some hands-on helping for Earth Day. Here are a game, you will better appre­ few actions you can take to help celebrate the ciate the wonders of wild Earth and protect all living things: creatures, which is one great way to begin celebrat­ • Spruce up your school by picking up litter, ing Earth Day. planting flowers or trees, or starting a recycling program. Amazing Animal Trivia Directions: Divide into teams of four or five, and • Clean up your neighborhood and your commu­ choose a different token for each team. Tokens can nity too. Paint over graffiti; pick up trash; plant SIWMm be almost anything small—erasers, paper clips, more flowers or trees; turn vacant lots into gar­ Play a Wild Game Based on Wild Things: even small plastic animals (in keeping with the dens or safe play areas; recycle; walk, ride a An Earth Day Special spirit of the game). Every team begins at the start bike or carpool instead of driving. You already know that Earth Day (April 22) is a space. The teacher serves as the game host and way of celebrating the Earth and taking actions to reads a question at each space along the game • Spread the word. Tell others about the wonders make our planet a cleaner, healthier place for all board. The titles on the spaces refer to specific of wildlife and encourage them to participate in living things. By watching Wild Things: An Earth segments of the show and offer clues to the ques­ Earth-friendly activities like those already men­ Day Special on Saturday, April 20, at 12:30 p.m., tions. The first team to correctly answer the ques­ tioned. Adopt a class of elementary students tion gets to move the token to that space. The and let them get involved too. _, you'll get to know some of the wild creatures that ±A 3

Home Sweet <^ Congratulations Talce a Dive— ome: You're . You're a Faces in But Not Until Gettin' There! Wild Thing! the Wild: Is Your You've Finished

Face Here? the Game!

Animals in Action: You're iiwhs Ktod TriVic* Malcin' Tracks! ?w Birth and Beginnings: Don't Stop Now. Predators and Start You're Off to a Be Li Ice a the Food Chain: Great Start! Wildebeest and Here! Don't Get Keep on Movin'! Munched!

KIDSNET 1996 PE, HEALTH & COACHING

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Steven Freeman/USA Basketball ctSdion SPECIALS H O INI O WOMEN S P o T S inally, U.S. women have a team of their own and in advance of the Olympics. With more than a year's also airs on April 21. The topic will be tennis. possibly one of the greatest in the world. Watch preparation time comes the potential for the USA to Educators can keep up to date with women's F USA Basketball's Women's National Team move be the best at the 1996 Olympic competition. In the sports issues regularly by watching "Women in the into the lane May 19 with host Robin Roberts on A past, the women's team assembled just before the Game," a weekly feature each Saturday on ABC's Passion to Play. This ABC series of specials dedi­ games. Now, with the luxury of building their basket­ Wide World of Sports (4:30-6:00 p.m., ET). Learn cated to women's sports airs on selected Sundays ball careers at home instead of abroad, with Tara about positive influences of sports on women and at 5:00-6:00 p.m., ET. VanDerveer as coach, and with a new strategy for girls, women's sports injuries, female role models For the first time in history USA Basketball has victory, this team is making sports history. ABC is and the lesser-known sports in which women's brought together the best post-collegiate players well there to capture the excitement. A Passion to Play participation is increasing.

—^s£—3%- May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Since 1983, the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports has encour­ 1 aged all Americans to take time in May to celebrate the links HAPPY BIRTHDAY between physical activity and healthy, productive lives. The theme is "Get Moving America!" LITTLE LEAGUE Look for commu­ nity-wide fitness and health fairs, fitness festivals, distance and fun m WORLD SERIES runs, and more in which students can marks the 50th anniversary of the World Series games for participate. This year, there will be no national kick-off event, but Get Moving America continues, fueled by popular support. For Little League Baseball. Now in its 34th consecutive season 1986 information, contact your physical education coordinator. on ABC's Wide World of Sports, Little League is the longest continu­ ously running sports event on that program. The final match between BJMMRGES; the best U.S. and best foreign youth baseball teams at Willamsport, PA, The President's Challenge, national youth physical fitness and awards program, Poplars Research Center, 800-258-8146. will air on August 24 from 3:30-6:00 p.m., ET. Little League hopes to develop qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical well- "Moving into the Future: National Standards for Physical Education," June 1995, The National Association for Sport and being. By supporting "the virtues of character, courage and loyalty, the Physical Education [VA], 703-476-3410.

Little League Baseball program is designed to develop superior citizens Project ACES, May 1,1996: All Children Exercise Simultaneously rather than superior athletes," say program officials. [NJ], 201-433-8993.

© ©KIDSNET 1996 U.SLP. 9.- So O%>J C%*, C t-r EE: r* i

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Great family fun awaits spectators inside stadiums and on television when soccer—U.S. style—comes to ABC TV. Watch the game the whole world loves as you use viewing tips that the ABC Classroom Connection rounded up. Women play on the U.S. Women's National Team. Men, all of them 1996 Olympic hopefuls, play for the U.S. Soccer Federation's Under-23 team. Many will join Major League Soccer, this country's new league that debuts in April. Some players may be asked to play for the U.S. Men's National Team in the future.

Learn to watch U.S. soccer from top players! Question: "What soccer action "Look at physical abilities, signs of The U.S. National Team plays Ireland on June 9 at mental toughness and the Foxboro Stadium in Boston and plays Mexico on should kids and their families intense desire to win the ball in June 16 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. ABC Sports watch for when the U.S. Men's every one-on-one battle with will broadcast both games at 3:30-6:00 p.m., ET. an opponent." National Team goes up against —Tiffany Roberts, midfielder On October 20 at 3:30-6:00 p.m., ET, ABC Sports international opponents in the and defender will broadcast the first-ever championship Major Hometown: San Ramon, CA League Soccer finals between the best teams of the U.S. Cup this summer?" College: UNC United States's eastern and western divisions.

Goals count, but also watch for See men play in 10 U.S "Watch U.S. players pass the ball so the number of opportunities U.S. National Team skillfully that they outsmart their players create so a teammate games on ABC *, opponents. Soccer is exciting—con­ can try to score." through 1997. Also tinuous play, no team time-outs, and —Brian Kelly, midfielder view every game you never know what will happen next. Hometown: Shaverton, PA that the U.S. plays- m —Damian Silvera, midfielder College: Duke University plus the championship Hometown: Huntington, NY match—on July 12, College: University of Virginia "The U.S. National Team has a from Paris, France, dur winning mentality. Watch the ing World Cup "Notice the clever movements of way players use their individ­ Soccer 1998. players when they don't have ual skill to support every one the ball. Watch them find and of their teammates." move to spaces on the field —Imad Baba, midfielder that give their team the best Hometown: Humble, TX chance of winning or keeping College: Clemson University possession of the ball. Also watch for terrific first touches on the ball that accom­ "Watch the way U.S. forwards mentally over­ plish in one move what less skillful players do come anger that builds when they are tackled in two or three." repeatedly by multiple play­ —Julie Foudy, midfielder ers. Look for the emotional Hometown: Mission Viejo, CA control that keeps their College: Stanford goal-scoring instinct alive until the last second of "Notice how the defenders each game." work hard together to organize —Michelle Akers, forward their play and keep the oppo­ Hometown: Oviedo, FL nent's ball out of the goal." College: University of Central Florida —Clint Peay, defender Hometown: Columbia, MD "Watch U.S. players in every position analyze College: University of Virginia the soccer field each time the ball is passed, Tony Meola, above, then get into a position to create was U.S. National Watch for the surprise attack that chances for a goal." Team goalie in World keeps opponents off balance and, —Mac Cozier, forward Cup USA 1994. Cobi then, the shot that scores." Hometown: Orange Park, FL Jones, left, is a midfielder —Ante Razov, forward College: University of North and forward for the U.S. Hometown: Long Beach, CA Carolina, Charlotte National Team, and played on College: UCLA the 1994 U.S. World Cup Team.

KIDSNET 1996 A SCHoaUHrt/SE «©OC FeK. EAKTU PAY

Celebrating Earth Day (April 22) involves taking source, we all must do our part to conserve the ADD SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK TO YOUR actions to help make our planet a clean, safe and resources we have. "If everyone tried harder and GLAmQANLGOUEGIIlMl beautiful place to live. One way is to learn about harder, our fuel would go farther and farther," conserving energy. And what better way is there sings the "Energy" Earth. Have all the Schoolhouse Rock vignettes on hand than by sharing "Energy," a vignette from the After watching the Rock, discuss with students for viewing anytime with your class. They are "Science Rock" collection? Schoolhouse Rocka\rs ways that they can help conserve energy both at available in these formats: on Saturdays at 10:25 and 11:55 a.m. school and at home. Turning off lights and appli­ 1. Videos. Four half-hour videos contain The bluesy singing voice of the planet Earth in ances that aren't being used is one way; walking, "Grammar Rock," "Multiplication Rock," "Energy" laments that people are rapidly using up riding a bike or taking public transportation is "Science Rock" and "America Rock." Each natural resources, such as timber, coal and oil, another; and recycling and buying recycled prod­ video has 8 to 10 vignettes. that provide energy. He sings, "Energy. ucts is yet another. Remind students that not only Z. Laser Disks. The Schoolhouse Rock series You think we'd be savin' it will these actions help save comes on Level I laser disc. Order from up." But it seems that the energy resources, but also they Coronet/MTI at 800-777-8100. demand for energy is will cut pollution. The less 3. "Grammar Rock", the first in the four-part always rising, even energy we use, the less pollu­ Schoolhouse Rock CD-ROM series, is now though our supply of tion is created from consum­ available. "Grammar Rock" motivates energy-producing ing energy fuels like coal, oil kids to explore and master grammar through resources is constantly or wood. interactive games and, of course, the classic dropping. See Middle School Rock songs. Look for "Math Rock" coming Of course, people are SmartWatching on page 13 later this Spring. To order call (800) KID-XPRT looking for new ways of for more Earth Day activities. (800-543-9778). creating energy. Until we find an endless 4. Kid Rhino Records offers a CD with recordings of classic Rocks.

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• Celebrating Extended Families

• Honoring Women in Sports

• Meet New Muppets!

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