When the state of Vermont asked elementary school kids to suggest names for their local snowplows, the results were unusual and surprising. Vermont sponsored the contest to create some excitement during the snowy season in New England – and it worked! Over 100 elementary schools participated, and the contest helped the students and snowplow operators feel more connected. Listen to hear some inventive snowplow names and learn how one school community celebrated when a winner was chosen.
Story Length: 2:51
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January 11, 2022
3:31
The Taliban, an ultraconservative political and religious group, has taken control of Afghanistan and established a government with strict laws and harsh punishments for people who disobey them. The takeover means the freedom of Afghanis, especially women, will be sharply restricted. U.S. troops had been fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan for the past 20 years, but recently left, prompting a Taliban takeover. Listen to learn why U.S. troops first went to Afghanistan and what the future of Afghanistan might look like under Taliban rule.
Read MoreNovember 23, 2021
2:45
Wearing masks has become part of many students’ everyday lives and routines, including at school. Kids have all kinds of feelings about wearing masks throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In this audio story, a teacher asks her class of elementary students to share their thoughts and feelings about wearing masks. Listen to hear their thoughtful, honest, and relatable answers.
Read MoreFebruary 12, 2020
3:24
A new NASA study is looking for ways to predict snowstorms more accurately. Weather forecasters can tell when a snowstorm is approaching, but they cannot predict how heavily the snow will fall. To help improve forecasts, the study is sending aircraft directly into the center of storms to gather information. Listen to hear a NASA scientist explain what they are looking for and how the data they collect will help forecasters make better predictions.
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