Science of Snow and New Year Traditions

Science of Snow

• Snow forms when water vapor in the air freezes into tiny ice crystals, resulting in snowflakes
• The shape of a snowflake depends on the air temperature
• Scientists estimate that a septillion snowflakes fall to Earth each year

New Year Traditions

• Kiritimati Island, part of the Republic of Kiribati, is the first place to ring in the New Year
• American Samoa is one of the last places to ring in the New Year
• In Spain, people eat a grape at each stroke of midnight for good luck
• The Dutch believe eating donuts on New Year's Day brings good luck

Time Capsules

• Charles Wacker Elementary School in Chicago has a time capsule program called "Once Upon Our Time Capsule"
• The program encourages students to document what is important to them
• Students create artifacts like body maps, thoughts about people they met, and visions of their future
• The time capsules will be opened in ten years, allowing students to see how their lives have changed

Zoo Babies

• Zoo babies born in 2024 captured the hearts of people around the world.
• A rescued walrus calf was found alone on an Alaskan beach
• Six melanic penguin chicks hatched at Point Defiant Zoo in Washington
• Pesto, a penguin chick from Melbourne Australia, stole the hearts of fans with his fluffy appearance
• Jasper, a baby mandrill, was born at the Fort Worth Zoo
• Farah was the first baby Francois' Langur to be born at the Oklahoma Zoo in 20 years
• A litter of five lion cubs were born at the Oklahoma City Zoo, a rare occurrence

Kids Spotlight

• Kids Spotlight features interviews with children's entertainers and actors, including
  • The cast of "Wicked"
  • James Austin Johnson (The Grinch)
  • Voice actors for animated films
  • NBA player LeBron James
  • Actors Jenny Slate and Maya Rudolph
• The segment discusses how these individuals are impacting kids and inspiring them to dream big

Imaginary Friends

• The segment explores the concept of imaginary friends and the importance of imagination
• It features an interview with an actor who voices an imaginary friend
• The interview shares insights into voice acting and how actors create memorable characters

Beetlejuice

• The segment features an interview with an actor who played a role in the "Beetlejuice" film
• The actor discusses their experience working on the film, including meeting the character Beetlejuice

Kung Fu Panda

• The segment features an interview with an actor who voiced a character in the "Kung Fu Panda" film
• The actor shares insights into voice acting and working on animated films

Music

• The segment features a discussion about the music industry and the impact of popular songs
• One of the songs discussed is "It's Raining Men"

Holiday Traditions

• The segment features a discussion about holiday traditions and the importance of giving
• It features an interview with an author who wrote a Christmas-themed book about giving

Animated Films

• The segment features a discussion about animated films and the process of making them
• It includes insights into the roles of voice actors and directors in animated films

Advice for Kids

• The segment features advice for kids from celebrities and professionals on overcoming failure, pursuing their dreams, and finding success in different fields
• LeBron James emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidence despite setbacks.
• Actor Jenny Slate encourages kids to be creative and to use their imaginations.
• Actors discuss the importance of being true to oneself and not changing for others.

Explore the fascinating science behind snow formation and the various unique traditions celebrated around the New Year. Learn how snowflakes are created and discover cultural practices from different parts of the world. This quiz combines scientific knowledge with festive traditions.