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Swamp Gas from Outer Space
It sounds like something from a scary movie, but it’s really an exciting discovery: There’s “swamp gas” (methane) on planet HD 189733b. Methane is one of the building blocks of life here on Earth. Scientists want to know whether the existence of methane on HD 189733b means there is life there.
Science A–Z’s Science in the News (provided for free at multiple reading levels) discusses how the Hubble Space Telescope discovered the gas and shares information about the search for "invisible" planets. While you are visiting Science A–Z, be sure to try the free science unit samples, too.
Welcome to Beijing
 Fuwa will be all present at the 2008 Summer Olympics from August 6 to August 24 in Beijing, China. Fuwa are the five official Olympic mascots. They are fun, animated characters the colors of the Olympic rings, and each one is associated with an Olympic event. The fuwa resemble a fish (aquatic sports), panda (judo, weightlifting), Olympic flame (ball sports); antelope (track and field); and swallow (gymnastics).
When joined, their names—Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni—say “Welcome to Beijing.”
There are 34 different sports represented at the Olympics. Most of us know about the gymnastics, swimming, and track events, but did you know that there is also badminton, judo, and trampoline? Whatever the event, we know that the five fuwa will be there to welcome all of the athletes and spectators.
Myths That Haunt Students
Struggling, and (sometimes) failing in school scares many students. But sometimes mistakes can lead to a deeper level of learning. One of our jobs as educators (coaches, mentors, parents, friends, etc.) is to inspire perseverance by creating safe zones for making mistakes. Visit Bob’s Blog, and read more about the myths that haunt students.
China's Panda Baby Boom
 In addition to the Olympics, China has another reason for celebration: Four giant panda cubs were born within 14 hours (Saturday, July 26 at 5:24 p.m. to Sunday, July 27 at 6:22 a.m.) at a breeding center in southwest China. This is exciting because there are only about 1,600 pandas living in the wild today.
The panda is the unofficial mascot of China, and there are special parks dedicated to the safety of this endangered animal. At birth, a panda weighs approximately 100 grams or 3-1/2 ounces—the equivalent of a cup of flour. At maturity, a panda can weigh as much as 160 kilos or 352 pounds—a little more than basketball star Shaquille O’Neal.
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August Worksheet Set
New free worksheets are full of activities to help students transition from summertime to school days and learning about the Olympics.This month children can color and count desks, pencils and chairs; create a personal place card; learn about their classmates; cut and paste school supplies in a backpack; draw pictures and write about Olympic sports; search for Olympic words; write a poem; and create maps.
Also, download three FREE printable books this month.
Children all around the world are heading back to school. Prepare yourself for the big day with the Reading A–Z book, Getting Ready for School.
The Hoppers are getting ready for school, also, but Snubby Nose Hopper's first day gets off to a rough beginning. Grandpa Grizzly helps him get a fresh start in The Hoppers Start School.
Hold on to your spacesuit, we're featuring more this month—Tommy and his friends find a man on the moon in Tommy Goes to the Moon.
Back-to-School Calendar
As you race around town to get school supplies, you may wonder if you’re forgetting something. Family Education.com's back-to-school section is packed with helpful resources to help parents and children prepare for the new school year. This website even tells you where to find an awesome lunch box!
Website of the Month Archive
Thinking Things
Discover ancient Greece, unscramble mixed-up nursery rhymes, or visit Uncle Eric's garden.
Math Is Fun
Explore primary and intermediate math, solve puzzles, and play games.
Primary Games
Enjoy tangrams, memory games, and puzzles.
To find thousands of teaching resources, visit Sites for Teachers. Many of the websites provide materials for free.
"I use LearningPage.com at least a few times a month for my lessons. My students love the activities and tell me the work is fun. I usually use the activities for transition time or for extra 'jobs.'"
—Laura Garner, Special Education Teacher
Tell us how you are using Learning Page materials.
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