An unusual marathon took place in Beijing, China, this week. In addition to humans, robots participated! It was called the world's first humanoid robot half-marathon. Instead of needing water stations, the robots had stations where they could get technical help and batteries. The over 10,000 humans did not race in the same area as the 21 robots, they had their own running track. None of the robots crossed the finish line before the human participants but Tiangong Ultra did well for his group of robots crossing the finish line in about 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Photograph from Asia Times

For the first time, a colossal squid was not only spotted but photographed! Colossal squids are very rare and are named because they can grow up to 23 ft. in length! They also can be as much as 1100 pounds! Found near the South Sandwich Islands, at the tip of South America and Antarctica, in the Atlantic Ocean, scientists believe the squid to be very young. It wasn't very large, just about one foot in length. Colossal squid are amazingly transparent but as they age, they lose some of the their see-through appearance.

Photograph from USA Today

Scientists at King's College In London, Great Britain, have grown a TOOTH in a lab. Using stem cells, it is the first time a human tooth has been grown. It is thought that one day, there will be no need for fillings or crowns, you just will have a "custom" grown tooth created for your mouth. The question for scientists is WHERE would you grow a new tooth, in your mouth or in a lab?

Photograph from first post

Near the Ryukyu islands off Japan, marine archaeologists have discovered an underwater pyramid. The structure of stone, believed to be over 10,000 years old is just 82 ft. Actually discovered in 1986, the almost 90 ft. tall may actually be OLDER than the pyramids of Egypt! The area called Yonaguni was recently in the news when scientists discussed the area and its origins.Some scientists question whether it is indeed a man-made structure but rather natural sandstone rock formations. Others say that the steep stairs look to be carved. What do you think?

Photograph from Dailymail

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About Gail:

I retired from teaching after 33 1/2 years in the classroom. Of that time, I taught Grade 6 Social Studies teacher for 31 1/2 years.I earned my BA in early secondary education with a concentration in social studies from SUNY Oneonta, New York, and my MST in social studies education from Binghamton University in New York. In 1988, I was awarded the Outstanding Elementary Social Studies Classroom Teacher of the Year Award from the New York State Council for the Social Studies. Additionally, in 1988, I was also awarded the Outstanding Elementary Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award by the National Council for the Social Studies. I am the author of 8 books for teachers and over 35 books for children(Purple Turtle Series by Aadarsh Publishing and Odd History Series by Red Chair Press).

My work has appeared in most children's publications including:
Highlights for Children,News-O-Matic,Appleseed,,Scholastic's Super Science,,Scholastic's Science World,Jack and Jill,National Geographic World, Ranger Rick, Cobblestone, Faces, Muse Magazine,Contact Kids, US Kids,Action Magazine(Scholastic),Girls' Life,Boys' Life,American Girl, Instructor,Creative Classroom,Middle Years,Time for Kids,Scholastic News,Scholastic News Zone, Time for Kids , Ask Magazine, Dig,Calliope, Cobblestone, FACES, Studies Weekly, Glo Adventurer, and more.






Mail Gail:
Gail Hennessey

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