Kids News - Articles for Grades 4-5

In 2008, Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group of Companies shook up the travel industry by announcing plans to build a special spacecraft to take tourists for a quick jaunt to space. Now a new Arizona-based startup has joined the fray. But instead of zipping up at supersonic speeds, they envision a leisurely excursion....

On Sunday, November 3rd, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs all over the world will celebrate Diwali. Also called Deepavali, which means row of lights, the ancient celebration is the biggest and most eagerly awaited of all Indian festivals....

A little worn out after all the Halloween festivities? Then you are in luck because this weekend, it's time to 'Fall Back,' which means that at 2 am on Sunday, November 3rd, most Americans will add an extra hour to their day by moving the clocks back. This age-old tradition that goes all the way back to World War One is observed in other parts of the world too - However, the dates differ, with most changing their clocks about a month earlier....

On Saturday October 26th, over 500 dogs of various breeds ranging from terriers to Chihuahuas to Bulldogs, arrived suited in elaborate costumes to strut their stuff at the country's biggest Halloween canine parade. Now in its 23rd year, Tompkins Square Dog Parade, which doubles up as a fund raiser, is famous for the extraordinary lengths owners go through, to help their pooches win the coveted 'Best in Show' title....

Having lived in Florida all his life, 11-year-old Peyton Robertson is well aware of the havoc caused by hurricanes. At the tender age of 4 he suffered through Hurricane Wilma, one of the most intense tropical cyclones from the Atlantic and then just last year experienced the deadliest, most destructive storm of the 2012 season and the second most costliest of all US storms....

Yep, It's that time of the year. Besides all the delicious treats you will receive on the 31st, there will also be plenty of tricks. To get you into the spirit, here is a prank that California-based magician Rich Ferguson recently pulled on some unsuspecting shoppers. It is guaranteed to make you fall out of your chair - literally!...

For many of us the onset of winter means shorter daylight hours and therefore less exposure to the sun, but for the 35,000 residents of Rjukan in Norway it means complete darkness. That's because the tiny town situated deep in a valley floor is surrounded by high mountains that block out the sun entirely, during the winter months....

With the advent of smart devices, classroom curriculum is starting to become increasingly interactive. Now neuroscience PHD student Greg Gage and his team at Backyard Brains are taking it to a new level with their robo kits that can transform any cockroach into a RoboRoach! All that is required is a smart phone, steady hands and a living insect....

Drive-thru windows of fast food restaurants all over America are reporting a new sharp rise in a new trend - Customers 'paying it forward', meaning that they pay for the purchases made by the car right behind them. Why? Because they just want to perform a random act of kindness....