NC Museum of Natural Sciences
There’s still time to be grossed out!
tar heel lessons a guide to NC for teachers and students
Prevent nature-deficit disorder. Go outdoors! Did you know that children who spend frequent, unstructured play time outdoors have been shown to be more intelligent
24 APRIL 2011 Carolina Country
to members. Call the box office at (919) 733-7450, ext. 212, or visit www.naturalsciences.org.
and cooperative and healthier to boot? There’s even an organization that specifically lobbies for kids to spend time outside called the North Carolina Children and Nature Coalition. NCCAN! says results include closer families and happier kids who are more willing to protect the environment. NCCAN!, a lobbying coalition through the NC Zoo Society, has more than 100 partners across the state. Members include educators,
health care professionals, nonprofits, corporate partners and recreation specialists. NCCAN! plans several events this month, including a Let’s Go Outside rally and march at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro on Saturday, April 9, that includes special speakers, animal characters and a kickoff of a zoo hiking trail program. For more information, visit www.ncchildrenandnature.org.
Teacher on phone: So, little Jimmy can’t come to school today. Who is this?
If you have ever wondered why cats spit up hairballs or dogs sniff each other’s rear ends, you can get your answers at the Animal Grossology exhibit in Raleigh. The fun exhibit is at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences through Sunday, April 24. Animal Grossology takes a unique and scientific look at nature’s creatures, using five titled themes: Blood Slurpers, Dookie Lovers, Slime Makers, Vomit Munchers and Other Gross Stuff. Tickets: $8 adults; $5 students and seniors; $4 children (5–11); free
Student: This is my father speaking.
Born: June 6, 1970 in Evanston, Ill. Known for: New York Times bestselling novelist of teen and young adult literature Accomplishments: Sarah Dessen, who was raised in North Carolina, first dropped out of UNC-Greensboro before taking classes at UNC-Chapel Hill. There, she graduated in English with highest honors in creative writing. After graduation, she writes, “instead of doing the whole resume/pantyhose thing,” she kept her waitressing job at a burrito restaurant to pursue publishing a novel. She wrote during the day and waited tables at night, and three years after graduating published her first book, “That Summer” to critical
Chuckle
Sarah Dessen
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Getting To Know…
acclaim. A year later, she was offered a teaching job, which she accepted. Her novels include “Just Listen” and “Along for the Ride.” A 2003 movie, “How To Deal,” was based on her first two books, “That Summer” and “Someone Like You,” and starred singer/actress Mandy Moore. Many of Dessen’s books are set in the fictional town of Lakeview and feature recurring locales and characters. Her 10th novel, “What Happened to Goodbye,” will be out May 10. Her writing explores human relationships and themes of identity with sensitivity, insight and humor. Dessen lives in the country near Chapel Hill with her husband Jay, her daughter Sasha Clementine, some lizards and two dogs. Quote: (on waitressing) “It was a great job for a writer. Endless conversations to eavesdrop, tons of material, and fast money without ever taking work home.”
Diane Villa/NC Zoo
Penguin Young Readers Group
TAR HEEL LESSONS