How two decisions led me to Olympic glory
Source: TED Ed
Steve Mesler, a member of the 2010 Olympic gold medal-winning bobsled team, looks back on two important decisions he made years before that set him on the path to victory.
Opinion
28 Years Ago, Challenger Shuttle Disaster Gave NASA Painful Lesson
Source: Space.com
In this opinion piece, Hugh Harris, former director of the NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center Public Affairs Office, shares his experiences and thoughts on the United States Space Program.
Opinion: Remove the blindfold, fight injustices when they occur
Source: The Daily Beacon (University of Tennessee)
In this piece, Jan Urbano, a senior at the University of Tennessee, shares his opinion about the importance of fighting against injustice, rather than turning a blind eye. Do you agree or disagree with his thoughts?
Frog Fable Brought to Boil
Source: Conservation Magazine
We’ve all heard the analogy of the frog that allows itself to be boiled to death because it doesn’t notice the gradual change of temperature in the pot. People often cite this story to show the danger of overlooking a gradual change—but of course, it’s completely false. A noted science writer explains the truth.
Dangerous Exotic Pets
Source: The Humane Society of the United States
Lions and tigers and bears—and cougars, leopards, cheetahs, chimpanzees, lemurs, anacondas, and pythons—are sometimes kept as pets. How wise is it for people to keep dangerous exotic animals? Visit this site to learn the Humane Society’s opinion and arguments about whether anyone should keep an exotic pet.
Creativity in the Wild
Source: PLOS One
Is it time to drop that controller, switch off that television, and head outdoors? This article reports the results of a scientific study of whether exposure to natural settings improves cognition. Perhaps the American Romantics were right about the effects of nature on imagination and thought. Read to find out.
A Pep Talk from Kid President to You
Source: You Tube / Kid President & Brad Montague
You’ve probably watched a Kid President speech or two before, but did you know that he has something to say about Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”? Watch this video to hear Kid President’s opinions about the decisions we face. Can we all really choose to become “awesome”?
Dr. Maya Angelou, Poet
Source: Teen Ink
If you’ve ever wondered how to overcome deeply held fears, be sure to read this interview with Dr. Maya Angelou. As a child, she ‘d been afraid to talk, yet she grew up to become a writer, a poet, a teacher, and an all-around inspiration to others. Check out her advice about living a full life, measuring success, and more.
What Is Democracy?
Source: Teen Ink
Almost everyone knows that the United States is a democracy. So what? Why does that matter? Read this article to learn one teen’s answer. Discover how our system of government helps make it possible for our many, many voices to be heard.
Mark Bezos: A Life Lesson from a Volunteer Firefighter
Source: TED
When ordered to “save” a pair of shoes from a fire, volunteer firefighter Mark Bezos felt terribly disappointed. After all, he had wanted to be a hero. Find out why he now thinks that we all should decide to get out there—and save the shoes.