The Real Reasons All the Top Chess Players Are Men
Source: Slate
A former competitive chess player challenges the widely-held belief that men are innately better at chess than women.
Culture & Society
Former NASA Scientist Predicts “Gold Rush” in Space
Source: Futurism
Just like the California Gold Rush spurred people to flock to California in search of a fortune, Sailesh Ramakrishnan predicts that companies and investors will make a mad dash to the space sector.
This is What Happened When an Australian City Gave Trees Email Addresses
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
What would you do if faced with the opportunity to email a tree? Would you write fan mail and love letters? For many Melburnian citizens, the answer is yes!
December Holidays around the World
Source: WorldStrides
Read about the different holidays celebrated this time of year by people all over the world.
One Man’s Epic Quest to Visit Every Former Slave Dwelling in the United States
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
Joseph McGill, Jr., a descendant of slaves, has slept in 41 of the remaining slave dwellings so far. He hopes to bring awareness to the small buildings that housed slaves before the buildings all disappear.
Bessie Coleman
Source: Biography
In the face of countless obstacles, Bessie Coleman was determined to become a pilot. Read about her pioneering efforts to become the first African American female pilot in American history.
Apache Girl’s Rite of Passage
Source: National Geographic
In some cultures, the passage from childhood to adulthood is marked by much more than just another birthday celebration. This short video takes us on a journey with 13-year-old Dachina Cochise as she participates in a traditional Apache ceremony that is meant to symbolize her transition into adulthood.
Why Ambition Could Make You Rich, but Not Happy
Source: CNN
What good does ambition do us? One researcher examined the lives of more than 700 people across 70 years to find out the answer to the question. Read to learn what he discovered.
Ida B. Wells
Source: Biography, A&E Television Networks
Ida B. Wells was a journalist who spoke out for women’s rights and against lynching, amongst numerous other issues. Watch a mini-biography, and learn more about Wells at this site.
What Frightens America’s Youth?
Source: Gallup
Back in 2005, the Gallup organization took a poll to discover what frightened American teens. Check out that poll’s results and compare them to the fears of teens today. What fears do today’s teens share with teens in 2005? What fears differ? Take a poll among your friends and classmates to find out.