Brilliant Star/Volume 45/Issue 1/Text

[Page 0]Brilliant Star

Bahéa’i National Center 1233 Central Street Evanston, Illinois 60201 U.S. 847.853.2354 brilliant@usbne.org

SUBSCRIPTIONS: 1.800.999.9019 WWW.BRILLIANTSTARMAGAZINE.ORG

Amethel Parel-Sewell EDITOR /CREATIVE DIRECTOR C. Aaron Kreader DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR Amy Renshaw SENIOR EDITOR Susan Engle ASSOCIATE EDITOR Annie Reneau ASSISTANT EDITOR Foad Ghorbani PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Bee

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N:3 ° CONTRIBUTORS @ Peter Adriance © Violet Beasley « Halley Beyer Lisa Blecker # Dingo Brown * Sydney Cameron Dyami Douglas # Dirk Fletcher © Dr. Peter Gleick Kathryn Heinemann ® Mahku Hiva © James Humphrey Aiett lwanowski © Natalia Lanier # Sarah Frankie Linder Paul Mantle # Ozomatli ¢ Donna Price

Dr. Stephen Scotti ¢ Laura Stanton ¢ Dr. Alison Ziari

Original illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted Y By Lisa Blecker: Photos for pp. 7 and 10; coloring for p. 3 fA By Foad Ghorbani: At for pp. 8, 16, and 21 :

Story and activity credits: By Amy Renshaw: 11, 14

By Susan Engle: 12, 20, 22, 24, 25, 28, 29

By Annie Reneau: 2,3, 4,5, 17, 19, 21, 26 By Lisa Blecker: 7, 10

By Donna Price: 6, 8,9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 27

Historical photos courtesy of National Bahl Archives, unless noted

Brilliant Star magazine invites all kids to explore the Baha'i Faith. It is the second most widespread religion in the world, with more than five million Baha'is.

The Baha'i Faith was founded by the Prophet Bahda’u'lléh (“Glory of God” in Arabic) in 1863 Bahé‘u'lléh taught that all people are part of one human family, and that all religions come from one God. Baha'is work to bring peace and unity to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds.

Bahé’u'llah’s eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahé, interpreted His teachings and led the Baha'i community after Baha'u'llah’s passing.

Brilliant Star encourages kids to bring their virtues and talents to light, and use them to make the world a better place. Brilliant Star is produced bimonthly by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the U.S.

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND RENEWALS To order or renew a subscription, contact Baha'i Subsoriber Service by phone at 1.800.999.9019 or by e-mail at subscription@usbnc.org Standard U.S. rates: $18 (One year); $32 (Two years)

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SUBMISSIONS

We welcome submissions and ideas from contributors of all ages. For editorial themes or submission guidelines, mail your request with a self-addressed stamped envelope, or e-mail us (above)

RIGHTS, PERMISSIONS, AND CLASS USE

All content in this magazine is copyrighted by the National Spiritual ‘Assembly of the Baha'is of the U.S. or by individual contributors.

For permission to copy or translate material, contact: Rights and Permissions, Briliant Star, 1283 Central St Evanston, IL 60201 Teachers may photocopy pages in limited quantities for classroom use. The name of the magazine and issue date must be present on all copies and proper credit given to the copyright owner.

INTERNET RESOURCES AND INTERNET SAFETY

We sometimes provide internet resources to encourage readers to explore a topic, orto share our references. While we make every effort to choose reliable ‘websites, Brilliant Star does not endorse or account forall content in referenced ‘websites. We urge caution and parental uidance when using the Intemet. For more information about Internet safety, visit www.wiredsafety.org

ISSN 0884-3695

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Baha‘u'llah’s Life: Our Green Island The Garden of Ridvan brought Him joy.

Riley’s Rainforest Can connecting with nature boost your health?

Maya’s Mysteries Check out the greenhouse effect in action.

Nur’s Nook Give birds a boost with a recycled birdhouse.

We Are One Explore and care for the place we all call home.

Radiant Stars Get to know kids who shine, like you.

Lightning and Luna: Episode 55 Can a villain have a good heart?

Treble Chef’s Music Café Sing about the wonders of water.

Stargazer: Dingo Brown Helping kids connect with nature

Shining Lamp: Richard St. Barbe Baker His love for trees led him around the world.

Cosmo's Corner

A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon

aMAZEing ADVENTURE See how brilliANTly ants cooperate.

[Page 1]HEALING OUR HOME MARCH/APRIL 2013

‘a

NEW DESTINATIONS

Panda-monium These gentle giants need our help.

Stuart & Gabriella’s Earth Challenge Have a planet-saving contest.

Global Warming Isn’t Cool! Why is the planet heating up?

Climate Change: Myth or Fact? Face the facts about climate change.

Building a Green Future Draw an invention that will help the world.

Hoshi’s Adventures: Natural Wonders Hop aboard the Mystic Explorer!

Are You a Shopping Zombie? Use your brain . . . before it’s too late.

An Urgent Message Save our seas from perilous plastic!

Stuart & Gabriella: A Delicate Balance

Your Actions Add UP! Use math to boost your appreciation for recycling.

Be a Friend to the Trees Find green careers that help the planet.

‘s Nature Journal Express your creativity and love for Earth.

Spot the Cheetahs Catch up with Earth’s fastest land animal.

Look for hidden letters to see how we're all connected.

Ries,

Scientists have been measuring Earth’s temperature. And the nine hottest years all happened since 1998. Earth is heating up—mainly due to pollution from cars, factories, and buildings. This global warming is changing our planet’s climate.

But there’s hope. If we all work together, we can find solutions. Whether it’s finding new ways to stop pollution, to use renewable energy, or to recycle trash, many are uniting in their efforts to make changes.

In this issue, discover how you can help. Invent your own earth-saving creation, take a quiz on climate change, and challenge your friends to a contest to protect our planet. Explore Earth’s natural wonders with Hoshi, the robot guide from the Mystic Explorer. Find out how to care for resources like water, trees, coral reefs, and endangered pandas. And meet Dingo Brown, who teaches kids to

connect with nature. Which of Earth’s problems are you most passionate about? What will you do about them? We can’t wait to find out.

With love from Brilliant Star

[Page 2]hat’s black and white and spends half of its

time eating? The giant panda! These shy creatures live in the misty, mountainous bamboo forests of southwestern China. In fact, 99% of their diet is bamboo -—and they can eat 40 pounds (18 kg) a day or more!

Sadly, giant pandas are endangered, with less than

2,500 left in the wild. They're losing their forest habitat due to human activity, such as logging and farming. Climate change is another big threat, since bamboo is sensitive to changes in temperature. In the past, some

AT BIRTH, GIANT PANDAS ONLY WEIGH ABOUT FOUR OUNCES (113 6)!

pandas starved when they ran out of bamboo.

But people are working to help save these gentle giants. They've built panda reserves and “bamboo corridors” to connect forests, so pandas can move between habitats. China has passed laws banning logging in natural forests, and people are replanting trees.

You can help, too. Learning about environmental challenges and making earth-friendly choices are important steps. You can assist endangered animals— close to home and around the globe.

[Page 3]A Brief ;

Timeline |

The hife of Baha'u'llah

The highlighted

rom the small window of His prison cell,

Baha'u'llah could see a stone wall, and

beyond it, the Mediterranean Sea. The sultan of Turkey had sent Him to the prison-

ee coke city of ‘Akka, Israel, in 1868, hoping to stop

story takes plage. His teachings of unity. Then, after moving from the prison to a house in the city, Baha'u'llah had only the narrow, filthy streets of ‘Akka to gaze upon.

BIZ) 2 One day, Baha'u'llah noted that He hadn’t Birth of Baha'u'llah seen greenery in nine years. His son, ‘Abdu’l- OA es Baha, rented a garden outside of ‘Akka for Him. 1844

Recognizes the Bab as anew Messenger of God

TBP Se ERIC ot

Imprisonment in the “Black Pit” of Tihran

1853-1863 Exile in Baghdad, Iraq. From 1854-1856, He goes into the mountains to pray in solitude.

Declares Divine Mission

as Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith

1863-1868 Exile in Constantinople

(Edirne), Turkey. Begins writing letters to kings and rulers in 1867, urging world unity

1868 Last exile, to prison- city of ‘Akka, Israel

Finally free to live in countryside homes of Mazra‘ih and then Bahji, outside ‘Akka

Baha'u'llah passes away at Bahji.

(Istanbul), then Adrianople

~ LUXURIAN

ee

JASMiNE™ - x ISMiNE

PARADISE

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pn tu,

S— a

es > } ycgueen | aene

VEACE —— ee

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MARCH/APRIL 2013 *& Brilliant Star

< _ Imagine the Ridvan Garden as you search for these words. hook forward, backward

Baha’u'llah’s hife: Mission of Peace Our Green Island

me,

In 1877, Baha'u'llah was allowed to move to the countryside, although He was still a prisoner. He enjoyed the garden, with scents of jasmine and orange blossoms filling the air. Baha'u'llah named it Ridvan (“Paradise”). He also called it “Our Green Island” and described “its streams flowing, and its trees luxuriant, and the sunlight playing in their midst.”

The Ridvan Garden has been restored to look as it did in Baha’u'llah’s day. You can imagine the joy and peace of being in Baha’u'llah’s presence in that beautiful spot. a is ie 0! Ah, fe2

s &

~.

‘

up, down, and diagonally. eae ee

OC 2 > Se mz Te OO KOS

OAFZAMVNHOSFAYPVHAOCH

SBPAZAVECHATrFZOuwADW COKXXONFZAPPTFZODOWOxXEs ~RVNOZAWADZASPNUZONNOCLTD mist x<xnAarvOo<at- <7<oVvom [Page 4]=

‘a RiILeEv’s RAIN

OREST

“Send down... from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing...” —Baha’u'llah

(* Daily Dose of Nature

eeling sluggish or sad? Having a hard time focusing? The remedy may be just outside your door. A growing group of counselors known as ecotherapists prescribe time in nature to help improve our physical and emotional health.

Many ecotherapists believe we have a deep need to connect to nature. Losing that connection may lead to problems such as sadness and stress. In fact, one study found that after walking outside, most people felt less depressed and tense, with greater self-esteem. Another study found that spending time in nature improves people’s memory and focus.

The Japanese have a practice called Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing.” Scientists find that taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest can lower stress hormones and blood pressure.

How does nature help us? Part of the answer may be that the natural chemicals in plants—

Explore & Soar: Tuning in to Barth

YY" senses can help you take in Earth’s wonders:

¢ Use a magnifying glass to LOOK

closely at plants, bark, sand, etc.

Close your eyes and LISTEN to

the wind, birds, and water.

Shinrin-yoku

Trom the Office of Dr. Morioka

called phytoncides—may help relax us when we breathe them in. Also, our bodies use sunlight to produce vitamin D, which helps protect us from a variety of diseases. Being outdoors can also inspire us to be more active, and exercise benefits your health. Want to try ecotherapy on your own? Start by keeping a nature journal. Note how much time you spend outside and how you feel afterward. If you spend a lot of time using electronics, try spending at least an equal amount of time outdoors. The next time you're feeling down or anxious, a healthy dose of nature may be just what the doctor ordered.

¢ Take deep breaths to SMELL flowers, grass—even dirt.

FEEL the diverse textures of leaves, rocks, and wood. But don't forget to avoid

ison ivy—yuck!

4 Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2013

(fone ot ostBbion ll

hat do you want to know about

staying healthy and happy? Health can involve your body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Send your questions to brilliant@usbne.org. Responses are given by a health professional.

©© How much exercise does the average kid need every week? 99 —Sydney, age 13

Dear Sydney,

It is best for all of us to get one hour of exercise a day. The good news is that it does not all have to be all at once. It can be sprinkled throughout the day, 15 minutes at a time. Running around on the playground, playing hopscotch, riding your bike home from school, and walking with your family after dinner are all great ways to get exercise throughout the day.

The most important thing is to have fun! Don't make yourself exercise in a way that is torture for you. If you don't like running around a track, don't. If you really enjoy dancing, then do that.

If you do organized sports and activities, keep in mind that you may not be exer- cising much for the entire practice session. Sometimes practice includes standing still and listening to a coach, for example.

Just remember, however you get your exercise, stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet to nourish your body.

Take care and be happy, Dr. Alison Ziari Certified Pediatrician

[Page 5]STUART & GABRIELLA'S

EARTH CHALLENGE

Challenge Competition with our friends. It was really fun! We each had a checklist of earth-friendly tasks to complete, and the winner

H: Gabby and | just finished our first Earth

got this trophy we made.

Most of us want to do things to help the environment. But sometimes we get busy, or we

Cool, huh?

just forget. Challenging friends and family to a contest was exciting. And it was great to have a list of goals to keep us on track.

Try having your own Earth Challenge contest! You can use our list or make up your own for your community. When everyone pitches in to protect our planet, we all win!

OFind out and write down five facts about climate change.

O* Make a drawing pad out of recycled paper. le O Check the faucets and under-sink pipes at home. If you find a leak, tell your parents.

OPack a lunch or picnic with only reusable containers.

O Collect glass, paper, and aluminum. Find out how your city handles recycling each type.

OStart a compost pile for kitchen scraps and other compostable items, such as leaves or grass.

OTake a 30-minute walk with a trash bag and plastic gloves, and pick up any garbage you see.

O Create a piece of art using an empty plastic container.

See Nur’s Nook on page 10 to find out how.

OrResearch an endangered animal, and draw a picture of it.

(Visit a farmer’s market, and choose local fruits or veggies.

O Walk or bike somewhere you would normally drive.

OGo through your room and find something you don’t use that you can donate.

Turn off a light that someone left on in an empty room.

O Water a plant, indoors or outdoors.

OHang an earth-friendly reminder note in your house, such as “Turn off water while Ugh iting teeth!”

1 Decorate scrap paper to use as gift wrap.

(Time yourself taking a shower. Try to keep it within 5-10 minutes.

( Unplug appliances that are not in use.

Swap books ~/7 or toys

with friends instead of

buying new

ones.

Or Take a break from electronic entertainment for a day.

[ Write a song or a poem about your favorite spot in nature.

[1 Make a birdhouse and hang it in your yard.”

oO —

MARCH/APRIL 2013 *& Brilliant Star

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[Page 6]Global Warming Isnt Cool!

Reflected radiation

Radiation absorbed by

7@ atmosphere @

and Earth

Escaping radiation

las=

Burning fossil fuels creates greenhouse gases Extra radiation > is trapped by greenhouse

hen it’s chilly at night, you

use a blanket. It traps your

body heat and keeps you warm. But what if you piled on too many blankets? You'd get way too hot!

Earth has its own blanket—the atmosphere. It’s made of nitrogen and oxygen, and 1% is other gases. When the sun warms Earth, some of the gases trap heat in the atmosphere. This is called the greenhouse effect. Some greenhouse gases are caused

by human activity. Carbon dioxide, the most common one, is created from things like burning coal and gas in factories and cars. Carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere a long time, trapping more heat. Just as too many blankets would make you sweat, carbon dioxide helps make Earth warmer—a process known as global warming.

Our planet has warmed by about 1.4°F (.8°C) in the past century. That may not seem like much, but since everything on Earth is connected, that heat can bring big changes. Ice caps and glaciers melt, contributing to a rise in sea levels, which could lead to coastal flooding. There’s a greater risk of heat waves, droughts, wildfires, and storms, which can hurt people, animals, crops, and habitats.

All of these impacts are called climate change. We can’t be sure how much Earth’s climate will change, or how quickly. But almost all scientists agree that global warming is caused by humans. To help, we need to reduce pollution and find cleaner sources of energy.

Our changing climate affects every- one on Earth. So don’t hide under your blanket. When you learn more about it, you can help the planet chill out.

6

Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2013

[Page 7]H ave you ever wondered why gardeners use greenhouses? The windows let sunshine through and trap the heat inside. The added warmth helps plants and flowers grow.

Earth stays warm in a similar way. It’s called the greenhouse effect. Gases in Earth’s atmosphere act like greenhouse windows. They let solar radiation in and trap some of the heat inside. This keeps our planet warm enough for all life.

But over the past 100 years, the greenhouse effect has contributed to a dangerous problem.

How Earth Heats Up

Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, have increased. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels (mainly coal, oil, and gas) release carbon dioxide into the air. This heats up our planet at an alarming rate.

We can all help reduce pollution from green- house gases. Planting trees, riding bikes instead of cars, and recycling are some steps you can take. Learning more about the environment can help you find more ways to make a difference. Check out the activity below to see the greenhouse effect in action.

1 Fill both jars with equal amounts of cold water.

2 Put two ice cubes in each jar. Place the thermometer inside each jar for about one minute. Record temperatures. Jar#1__ ss Jar #2__

Sunlight has high energy when it enters the bag. Once

Explore the Greenhouse Effect

You'll need: Two empty glass jars of same size ¢ water @ four ice cubes ¢ plastic bag with a zipper top (large enough to hold jar) @ bulb or lab thermometer ¢ pencil

3 Are temperatures about the same?

4 Seal one jar inside bag.

5 Set both jars outside in a sunny spot for two hours. Make sure they are on the same surface.

How It Works

RTOS . AT

6

When time is up, use the

thermometer to test the water temperature in both jars. What do you find?

Jar #1 Jar #2

bag does not let this radiation pass. It’s trapped in the

the sunlight is absorbed by the glass and water, much of bag—similar to how greenhouse gases trap the sun’s heat.

the energy they radiate is invisible to the human eye. The This raises the temperature more than in the other jar.

MARCH/APRIL 2013 *& Brilliant Star

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[Page 8]%& A > 7 a SPP Clinste Change: Muth Ov Fisce?

cientists around the world are hot on the trail of But the clues are all around us. In one study, S a hostile suspect: carbon dioxide and its gang 97% of climate scientists agreed that climate of greenhouse gases, caused by air pollution. change is mainly caused by humans.

Global warming leads to climate change— Still, there’s confusion. About one-third of and it’s a crazy complex problem! Earth is a Americans think scientists have a lot of disagree- gigantic place with a global ecosystem, and ment about whether global warming is happening. it’s evolved dramatically over billions of years. To protect our planet, we all need to Changes in the atmosphere, snow cover, investigate the facts. When we understand vegetation, ocean currents, and many other the truth, we can find solutions for Earth, its factors interact with each other on a global scale. people, its creatures, and its future.

Put on your detective hat, and decide if these climate statements are myth or fact!

1) Almost all climate scientists agree 7) Climate change is something that that recent climate change is due might happen in the future. to human activities. Myth ¢ Fact

Myth ¢ Fact 8) We don't have to worry about

pollution because new technology will fix the problem. Myth ¢ Fact

2) Earth’s recent warming is from natural causes. Myth ¢ Fact

. . 4) There is strong evidence that humans . 3) Recent climate change is due to contribute to climate change. 9) It’s such a big problem, there’s

the sun warming up. Myth © Fact nothing one person can do.

Myth ¢ Fact Myth ¢ Fact

5) Cold weather in some places disproves global warming. Myth © Fact

6) There is so little carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that it can’t be causing climate change.

Myth © Fact 1. Fact: In a recent study, 97% of 4. Fact: Carbon dioxide is now at its 7. Myth: Current evidence of climate climate scientists agreed. highest level in about a million years. change includes melting ice, warmer

2. Myth: Earth’s temperature changes 5. Myth: Melting Arctic ice due to global ogee, eel vkstit) S22,

naturally over many years, but that warming changes weather patterns, 8. Myth: We need to reduce pollution doesn’t explain current global warming. which can make it colder in some areas. now! Even with new technology, it

3. Myth: Solar radiation varies slightly, 6. Myth: Though the amount of carbon Willitakeldecades)to)stop\the|wanning:

but it doesn’t account for recent dioxide is small, it's one of the main 9. Myth: Everyone's efforts, large and warming. gases that traps heat. small, can make a difference.

8 Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2013 [Page 9]Building a

Green Future

ant to reduce your carbon footprint? Well,

watch where you walk. In his 20s, inventor Laurence Kemball-Cook designed special earth-friendly tiles used at the London Olympics. When stepped on, they generated the power to run nearby streetlights!

Even younger people have gone green with their inventions. At 16, Daniel Burd found a way to get microbes to help quickly decompose plastic bags to reduce trash. Elizabeth Rintels was 12 when she designed a device that attaches to faucets and beeps

every time you use half a gallon (1.9 L) of water. And in high school, Kelydra Welcker discovered a chemical test to measure the pollution in the Ohio River—and then figured out how to clean it up!

You don’t have to get in the news to be an inventor. Maybe you can develop a new way to sort your recycling, or figure out how to fit more bike racks

at school. Whatever path you walk in life, look around and think green. What invention would you like to create to help our one and only Earth? Share it here!

[Page 10]id you know there are nearly 10,000 kinds of birds

in the world? About 1,300 species are threatened with extinction! Scientists are working to save them. Creating a birdhouse from materials in your recycling

bin is a great way to connect with nature. The bird- seed you put in it can help birds by boosting their natural diet—especially during an icy winter when food is scarce. Hang your birdhouse within 3 feet (.9 m) of your

home to help protect birds from serious window collisions at high speeds. Also, watch for hedges and brush, where cats or other predators may hide. Keep birdseed clean and dry to reduce the risk of bacteria or mold in your feeder. Grab some binoculars to spy birds, and try to discover their names. How many different birds will you spot each day? At some times of year, you can share your results with a wildlife organization. Happy birding!

[ I’M BUILDING A HOUSE FOR MY NEW NEIGHBOR! |

Empty, clean half-gallon (1.9 L) milk carton ¢ 3" (7.6 cm)

wide cup ® pen ® scissors ® sandpaper ® white and colorful

acrylic paint ¢ paintbrush ¢ water ¢ hole punch ¢ tacky glue © ‘" (1.3 cm) wood bead ¢ “s" x 3" (.3 x 7.6 cm) stick ¢ hammer ¢ nail ° fishing line ¢ birdseed (many birds like black oil sunflower seeds)

1, Trace cup about 1/2" (3.8 cm) from bottom of carton. Puncture circle with pen, then cut out.

2. To prepare carton for paint, sand outer surface.

4. Punch hole ¥2" (1.3 cm) below opening. For perch, push longer stick through hole. Glue bead to stick and to inner front wall of carton.

5. With help from an adult, use hammer and nail to punch two holes through carton top. Add line for hanging.

6. Optional: Glue shorter sticks to rooftop. Avoid gluing over fishing line.

7. Fill birdhouse with birdseed up to perch. Now it’s ready to hang outside!

3. Paint carton with mixed white and colored paint (to make colors opaque).

Let dry.

§ an

Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2013

10 [Page 11]_f

Wr ae =

ONE

OUR CONNECTIONS

— Climate change is such a big issue that thousands of scientists and experts around the world research

it. Many are part of the

Intergovernmental Panel on

Climate Change (IPCC). In 2007, the IPCC

concluded that it’s very likely that global

warming has been caused by increased greenhouse gases due to human activities.

The group won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize,

shared with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

Images: Earth by Vitoriano Junior, water by maxicam, Dr. Gleick by Sarah Frankie Linder,

terraces by Jonald Morales, animal by Vladimir Melnik ‘SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

“All the members of this ba uni verse are linked one to anothe!

PROTECTING OUR PLANET b

» : Vo 4», wee

EXPLoRE AND PROTECT THE x EARTH AnD ITs CREATURES

WOW, REALLY?

'e water-wise.

A polar bear swam for nine days— covering 427 miles (687 km) while searching for ice to land on. Much of her habitat had been melting away.

When you wash your hands, turn off the faucet while you lather up. Then turn it on again to rinse.

Dr. Peter Gleick is an award-winning expert on the impact of climate change. He's a co- founder of the Pacific Institute in California, which seeks solutions to water shortages and other environmental problems. He says, “Stop taking your tap water for granted. . . Nearly a billion people still do not have reliable access to safe, affordable tap water...”

These creatures have black skin, but their transparent ie fur looks white in the snow as it reflects the sun.

They hunt on Arctic sea ice, but rising temperatures

are threatening their habitat and food supply. Fill

in the blanks to find their name:

Oo oA EA

MARCH/APRIL 2013 %& Brilliant Star 11 [Page 12]onnect with kids around the world!

ow are they like you? How are they different? Each of us has a unique " story to tell. What’s yours?

llive in: New Caledonia

Age: 10

| want to be: A teacher

or a vulcanologist or

an archaeologist

Best quality or virtue: Sharing

Something | like about me that makes me unique:

I speak three languages:

English, French, and Bislama

Hobbies or sports: Funboat*, chess, soccer, watching TV, playing on the iPad and computer

Favorite Baha’ activities: Fund days, because we get lots of presents and eat really good food while contributing to the Fund.

In nature, I’m curious or amazed by:

Animals that I never knew existed

My favorite ways to

help the environment: Picking up trash... it helps keep nature clean.

If could ask God any question about the universe, I’d ask: Are there aliens ...?

If | could communicate with any animal, it would be:

A lion. I would ask him to protect me.

If | could make an invention to help Earth, it would be: Cars that can fly so... you don’t have to destroy nature to make roads

Age: 11 | live in: Florida, U.S. | want to be: A biologist

Best quality or virtue: Iam compassionate toward others.

Something | like about me that makes me unique: Ihave great determina- tion and perseverance.

Hobbies or sports: Soccer, triathlon, tae kwon do, art, science, photography

My favorite Baha’i activity: The Southern Flame Baha'i Summer School

Place I'd love to visit: Santiago, Chile, where my grandparents were born, and see the House of Worship

My favorite ways to

help the environment:

Do beach clean-ups, because I love marine life

2

Age: 12 I live in: Illinois, U.S.

| want to be: Veterinarian and musician

Best quality or virtue: Kindness

Something | like about me that makes me unique: Ilove to use my imagination and play with my younger siblings.

Hobbies or sports:

Viola and soccer

In nature, I’m curious

or amazed by:

The smallest particles in nature. I like to see them through a microscope.

If could ask God any question about the universe, I’d ask: Why God created

the world

If 1 could communicate with any animal, it would be: With birds. [I would] ask them how the world looks from high above.

If | could make an invention to help Earth, it would be: Air-powered automobiles to eliminate pollution

Favorite Baha’ activities: Children’s classes

Place I'd love to visit: Paris, France

My favorite ways to help the environment: Recycling... it conserves natural resources

Favorite animal or pet Panda bear

In nature, I’m curious or amazed by: Rainbows

If | could communicate with any animal, it would be:

To ask, “What can we do to help endangered animals?”

If | could make an invention to help Earth, it would be: Solar-powered air and water purifier

12

Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2013

Funboat isa type of sailing

[Page 13]Laura S. * “God has crowned you with honor and Age: 12 My favorite ways to help in your hearts has He set a radiant star; Ilive in: Michigan, Us. {he environment verily the light thereof shall brighten

Joining my Baha’i friends |want to be: and Girl Scout buddies the whole world!” = — ‘Abdu'|-Baha ) a Neurologist or writer in helping to clean upa of graphic novels * river in our town. + Best quality or virtue: If | could communicate with Cheerful and creative any animal, it would be: Dyami D. i My dog, Louie. I would Hobbies or sports: Y dog, Age: 12 Soccer, music theater ask him, why does he 8 * POET bark so much at 9:30 live in: Accra, Ghana avorite Baha'i activities: every night when I’m . om moe trying to go to bed? Pena NBA Um) ELMER) (Tin UALS If | could make an invention F ‘ or amazed by: to help Earth, it would be: Best quality or virtue: In nature, I’m curious Coral reefs. I'd love to A plan that would stop Generosity or amazed by: see one in real life global warming Something | like about me | The way animals, like someday. that makes me unique: ants, work together eer ‘i I’m the only Baha'i without fighting Gaiultel Bk Geeta Lay @ Heke loyn in my school (besides i about the universe, I'd ask: my brother) tb Hhcoulask Gail ae Are there other planets . 5 ¢ alzeuitititsuntecaige Iklan: like ours with people Hobbies or sports: _ Why do ornate * on them? I'd also like Basketball, drawing, have war? to know what the 2 4 chess If | could communicate with * meaning of life is. | like to help people by: any animal, it would be: Making them happy, Panda bear. I would ask making them laugh, it how it gets so cute x Kathryn H. serving them... x fa wast ut “ like to Ral My favorite ways to . Age: 12 In nature, I'm curious help the environment: If | could make an invention awe fren( GF} 9 or amazed by: Cleaning up trash in to help Earth, it would be: Ihvality Gmliath wie Lightning * the community, and Atime machine (so people | want to be: Singer ifl could ask God any question walking instead of can go and change the bad Best quality or virtue: about the universe, I’d ask: using a non-electric things they have done Kindness Why are there tornadoes car, because it helps in the past) and a factory Meovecenspors mnintericaneethat pollution be demolished that doesn’t pollute... Soccer .. . trumpet, es can hurt people and all

and running track living things? Favorite Baha’/ activities: lrlgeultslgemmmunttestiowsiin Ayyam-i-Ha* and any animal, it would be:

5 2 ; 1, If you're age 7-14, write us at brilliant@usbnc.or, fts in chi s/j My cat, Tiger. I'd ask him y' ge 7-14, 8 ora ai children’s/jr. Tea; he aca so much!? or Brilliant Star, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201. youth classes much:

Include your name, age, birth date, mailing and e-mail

Place I'd love to visit: x If | could make an invention addresses, and phone number. Mention “Radiant Star”

Hawaii tome! pearen ewould)be: in the e-mail subject line or in your message.

An invention to stop

| like to help people by: pollution and suck up 2. When it’s your turn to shine, we'll send you questions Listening tothem when all the “bad air.” and a form for you and your parents to sign.

they need help

3. Answer the questions and send them to us with the signed form, along with at least two good- quality, close-up photographs of your smiling face. Photos should be in sharp focus and show your eyes clearly. Please don’t send color copies, low-resolution digital images, or copyright- protected images (like school portraits). »”

My favorite ways to > s ie] help the environment: . Recycl[ing]. I reuse

paper, plastic, and other

items for art projects and.

for containers at home.

RUA oft oy aad prepay torino Sahel et MARCH/APRIL 2013 % Brilliant Star 13 [Page 14]A Z_ \ \Z_-* AN , x : A V FREEZE POWERS CTY f y MELTING ICE BEFORE HOKNOWS, | SORRY, PARIS CUINMTE, LL] ARE ON THE VN, WHERE VOU fa WHY TM HERE. fa} AND T WANT GETS WORSE! NEED TO AN ERASER! WHY NY “10 HELP. SEND THEM.

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CASCADE AN? NOVA,

T'S THE ICE THAT THE |[ THEMELTING ICE IS MUST LET ME OUTPOST IS || CAUSING ICEQUAKES. | ELP! We HAVE BUILT ON! |] WE’RE ALL IN DANGER! TO REFREEZE THE ICE NOW!

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VOWN THROUGH DEEP CRACKS AN? RIVERS GO AN? CREATING MELTING RIVERS.

ON FOR MILES.

aD [We WE TO STOP T- = —— TOR WE COULD |

LOSE THE ENTIRE GLACIER!

Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2013

14 [Page 15]T/LL USE MY WAVE POWER

TO SLOW POWN THE WATER!

IT’S STARTING. TO WORK!

NO...VA...][ WE CAN’TLET = . THEM FALL INTOP = ns THAT CREVASGE!} PROGRAM A =p ) POP WITH THEIR , LOCATION.T Lr yoy z NEED APILOT. |] yeep wis R RN i +=) rs U p wZ A= NO, YOU'LL é TrYTO 1 \¢ ESCAPE! a & -m i

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I CAN USE MY SOLAR 10. BUT NEED To FOCUS L] 100 MUCH AND THEY FALL INTO HURRY! THEY DON’T HAVE

POWER TO UNFREEZE PLEASE TAKE JUST ENOUGH SUN P7 THE CREVASSE, BURN, OR I’LL MUCH OXYGEN LEFT. AND

THEM—BUT WE HAVE STORM WITH YOU. TO THAW THE ICE. || BLIND THEM—LIKE I VID TO YOU. THEY COULD FALL! TO HURRY!

PULSAR, AURORA, YOU CAN 7O TIS. WE’RE RUNNING OUT OF TIME...

I™

3 WILL AURORA BE ABLE TO SAVE THE UPLIFTERS? t

MARCH/APRIL 2013 *& Brilliant Star

15 [Page 16]i, I’m Hoshi! I love to travel all over the globe on a ship called the x Mystic Explorer. I help the Mystic’s captain take exciting journeys on Earth and through space. We see awesome things in our travels.

Through the ages, majestic landscapes have been formed by powerful forces, like wind, water, glaciers, and volcanoes. But they can be damaged by human activities, such as pollution and deforestation.

We can work together to protect Earth and all of its wonders for future travelers. Join me on the Mystic Explorer at www.brilliantstarmagazine.org for an amazing adventure!

But first, check out some incredible sites below, and match each one to its fact.

c | Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

] | Antarctica

Niagara Falls, Canada/U.S.

4 | Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

6 | Jellyfish Lake, Palau

This waterfall drops about 168 feet (57 m) and spills 600,000 gallons (2.3 million L) of water every second. It generates earth- friendly hydroelectricity.

CO

You can swim with millions of harmless golden creatures in this remote saltwater lake ona

Pacific island. CO)

Lava from ancient volcanoes created 40,000 columns

of basalt rock. Legend says

they're part of a bridge built to get to Scotland.

In this region where winter averages -30°F (-34.4°C), scientists study ice for clues about climate history. The world’s fastest-swimming birds are nearby.

In the Andes, an evaporated lake created the world’s largest salt flat, stretching over 4,085 square miles (10,580 sq km).

ice

Over 3,000 sandstone pillars stand in this region—some over 650 feet (198 m) tall. It’s home to endangered creatures and over 500 tree species.

CO

16 Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2013

Photos: 1 by Volodymyr Goinyk, 2 by Peky, 3 by Lorraine Swanson, 4 by Paul Krugman, 5 by pinggr, 6 by Ethan Daniels SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 [Page 17]Ate You a Shopping ZOMBIpD

ou're shopping with a friend, when suddenly,

he stops. His eyes get wide. He grabs the latest video

game, then snatches up more stuff. Soon, with a full bag and an empty wallet, he stumbles out of the store in a daze. You've just watched your friend morph into... a shopping zombie!

It’s easy to buy without thinking—like a zombie.

But mindless spending wastes money—and creates

problems for our planet. When you're buying a toy, game, or gadget, first ask some questions to help make choices that are good for you and Earth: Do you really need it? How long will it last? Does it have a lot of extra packaging, which wastes resources? Does the company that made it use earth-friendly practices?

Don’t be a victim of thoughtless shopping. Use your brain and be a smart shopper.

Help the zombie-like shoppers find nine items that can stap them out of their daze.

ch

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Atlas of Balanced

Awareness

Cap of

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Moderate Recycting Thrifty Money Robot Tote = Sy

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[Page 18]—

7 Seas o oa ESS

= : ar Saree ay ——— a = A Urgeri+ Message—=a2— [: you're stranded on a desert island, you might set

Plastic bottles damage the environment in other ways, afloat a message in a bottle in hope of being

too. It takes oil to make plastic and more oil to transport Tescued. But today, the ocean itself needs rescuing.

bute to a huge pollution problem— The plastic takes thousands of years to disintegrate. Meanwhile, it breaks into small bits that float together in massive Sarbage patches. It blocks sunlight, which harms the ecosystem. Some animals even die from eating the plastic.

Plastic bottles contri

the bottles. This depletes resources and adds to the especially in our seas.

pollution that causes climate change. Everyone can help solve this reusable water bottles instead of Encourage your friends and team: water. You'll be sending a mess the ocean—and the whole planet

These reusable water bottles are Sharing their savvy. Unscramble the words +o Find

problem by choosing disposable ones. mates to bring their own age in a bottle—to save —from plastic waste,

OVER 780 MILLION

Sa) PEOPLE 70 NOT HAVE

sae KNIEDINED 3

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LESS THAN HALF OF PLASTIC WATER _ BOTTLES IN THE U.S.

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HALF OF YOUR G) TNXOINE A BOTTLE ONE-FOURTH ee GOME PLACES HAVE Bai q WATER, SO IT’S FULL OF OIL-THAT’S ABOUT HOW MUCH (DNENSB)_

PORTANT TO DRINK \T TAKES TO MAKE AND neey NSD E PLENTY, ESPECIMLY LL : WHEN BEING CVECATID

THE SALE OF SINGLE- USE WATER BOTTLES. ;

a mn oe LESS THAN 1% OF

ALL WATER ON EARTH Z, IS AVAILABLE TO DRINK. THE REST IS CTARSTALEW) INLANDILLS ARE _--> Foy RAEMNG Gee) —ti(‘(i‘(<‘é i ( jaa ees OR FROZEN IN GLACIERS | (cI) 7 > LP Le ResaGs Ally, ZZ CHEMICALS INTO THE AR. >» ae f O dh es

SEE 18 Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2013 [Page 19]STUART & GABRIELLA:

A DELICATE BALAN

Al i, Stuart here! Gabriella and | are at Apo Reef in the reef, but it can rebuild itself over time. Plants and

the Philippines. It’s the second-largest coral reef animals work together to keep the ecosystem in balance.

in the world! But humans upset that balance! Pollution, Corals look like rocks or plants. But guess what? overfishing, and climate change create big problems. They're really animals. And coral reefs give food and shelter Reefs need our help to handle these threats. to lots of ocean life —like fish, turtles, and sharks. Even if you don’t live by the ocean, you can help Reefs are amazing ecosystems. Tiny algae live inside coral reefs with earth-friendly choices, like turning corals and make food for them. The corals protect the off lights and recycling. How do you do your part to algae and give it nutrients. Storms and animals wear away _ protect our planet? oye

FIND 8 LETTERS ONG,

HIDDEN IN THIS SCENE ARCE SS Aaa LSS SCIENTISTS THINK THERE BS cieneesro «= CMA BE MILLION OF = _wniscoverer SPECIES IN AND AROUND

CORAL REEFS!

co ea othe i om of Go ,a

ect a i othe .” —‘Abdu’l-Baha

MARCH/APRIL 2013 *& Brilliant Star [Page 20]MUSIC CAFE

“Music, sung or played, is spiritual food for soul and heart.” —Baha’i Writings

MY MOM CALLS ME A DOLPHIN, BECAUSE I SPEND SO MUCH TIME SWIMMING. WHEN I GET HOME FROM WORKING IN THE CAFE, 1 70 CANNONBALLS RIGHT OFF OF OUR DOCK! I LOVE PLAYING IN THE...

WA I ER By Ozomatli Presents Ozokids

6... Bb (Spoken) Bbsus Bb (Sung). (Spoken)___ Bbsus _ Bb (Sung)__ (Spoken) Bbsus y ad Gy $2 — 2 eo Pt te 0 et te eo wt ee et » is pF + — f i S55 i — eo T om! T — T oul T — T voT 1. Salt wa- ter! Comes from the sea Fresh wa- ter! What we can drink Tap wa- ter! 6 Bb (Sung) —___ (Spoken) pbsus Bb (Sung). (Spoken) Bbsus_Bb (Sung) (Spoken) Bbsus Ayre . t o_o — oe #0 ee ee )- | i t i —— oo f= =SS 8s = ) T T T T —T T T T — T T Straight from the fau-cet Gla -ciers! North Pole andthe Arc-tic Rain drops! Form in the cloud Gey - sers! 12 Bb (Sung) (Spoken) Bbsus__ Bh (Sung), ° Bbsus_ Bb Chorus f J e ——— ——— oS ss == SS eo i vy TV T T — T Form in the ground Ma - rine lay- er! Formsall a-round Wa -ter eve-ry-where! Wa-ter here, wa-ter there! Wa-ter Hy Bbsus Bb Bbsus 2 Bb sus Bb yaaa ee ee a ee D- —_—_——— SS SS aS ee ) T T TT here, wa-terthere, wa-ter eve- ry — where! Wa-ter here, wa -ter there, wa - ter eve- ry__where! Wa-ter 23 Bbsus Bb Bb sus Bb Aare ———— ———_2 ——— 2 z {— i y ——t — i t —t GS iS u = = ry i — I here, wa -ter there, wa-ter eve - ry — where! Wa-ter here, wa-ter there, wa- ter 27 n Bbsus Bb To verse 2 |2. Instrumental (4X) Ab Gmin Bb To Chorus rs ¥ E a as" i i i i i i? i i" iwi E ee T — T lf — v eve - ry__where! Wo-ah,Wo-ah 2. Ice cubes! Bring from the freezer Chorus Snow flakes! Water crystal cohesion Water here, water there, water everywhere! Waterfalls! From valleys and mountains Water here, water there, water everywhere! Reclaimed water! Landscaping and fountains Water here, water there, water everywhere! Rainbows! Water mist and sunlight Water here, water there, water everywhere! Hot springs! When your muscles feel tight Woah, woah Fog! That's mist in the air Water everywhere! Water here, water there! ai © 2012 Ozomatli Presents Ozokidz (Hornblow Recordings) 20 Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2013 Formored ar muse, vw clonal CoM [Page 21]anaa gaan agaaa

4 |

ote

dime by itself may not seem very exciting, but a whole pile can add up to a lot. The same goes for recycling. You might not think that recycling one plastic bottle would make much difference, but if millions of people do it, it can have a big impact. Speaking of dimes, did you know that the more wealth a country has, the more paper and plastic waste it produces? For wealthier nations, such as the U.S., that’s an extra incentive to recycle.

Your Aetions Add UP!

Sharpen your math skills by solving these problems.

ba 4

Recycling saves resources, such as oil used to make plastics and trees used for paper. It can reduce use of landfills. It also conserves resources you might not think of—for example, recycling a ton of paper saves 7,000 gallons of water and enough energy

to power an average U.S. home for six months! So spend your money wisely, and choose items that are recyclable. If we pool our efforts, we can keep Earth clean and healthy.

An American household, on average, has 24 electronic devices. If 25% get recycled, how many is that?

(2) About 3 billion urban residents around the world throw away 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) of trash per person per day. On average, how much trash does a person throw

(3) If you recycle 364 bottles per year, how many bottles would you recycle each week?

364 + 52 weeks

ea aan

as away each week? Oo bottles X_.25 = devices 2.6 lbs 7 x7 If the 22 kids in your class did If three families Tecycle half . [Bs/treets the same, how much would you of their electronics, how all recycle in a year? many would that be? In metric system: 364 24+2 1.2 k nee ~ . og = bottles = devices x7 = kg/week devices x 3 = a/ nl ed l| WHY DIDN’T THE MUMMY WANT at ACELL PHONE? HE GOT TOO fem TT CAN TAKE AT LEAST 10-20 YEARS FOR WRAPPED UP WN HIS CALLS! S ONE PLASTIC BAS TO DECOMPOSE. wy

GLASS CONTAINERS CAN BE RECYCLED OVER AND OVER AGAIN. THIS BOTTLE HAS BEEN RE-RE-RE-RE-RECYCLED!

SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

T/M SLIMMING DOWN! IN 1980, 89% OF WASTE IN THE U.S. ENDED UP IN LANDFILLS. BY 2010, IT WAS 54%. LET’S KEEP IT UP!

21

MARCH/APRIL 2013 *& Brilliant Star [Page 22]STARGAZER

“O\ | US at pS. 2s:

Dingo Brown

Q: What's your favorite childhood memory?

0 you enjoy exploring a forest, floating on a lake, or walking under the stars? Lloyd "Dingo" Brown loves the outdoors so much that he's made a career of helping kids

discover nature. He says, "When you slow down, you can start to hear the messages from God, because you're basically meditating and praying in nature."

Dingo turned to nature for comfort when he was growing up in Australia. He studied biology and education at Curtain University and Edith Cowan University in Perth. After teaching in Tanzania, Macau, and China, he came to the U.S. Today, he's a middle- school science teacher in North Carolina, where he keeps wildlife on hand for kids to experience. He lives by a lake with his wife and two sons, and he spends as much time as he can outdoors.

A: In my early teens, going with my mate... We'd wade waist- deep in this big swamp with the leeches and the tiger snakes and the birds and the foxes and the tadpoles and the frogs, wading through the bullrushes ... [We'd] come around a corner and then a flock of birds would Dingo spent his youth in Australia, near the city of Perth. Nearby was Herdsman Lake, one of his fly up in front of [us], egrets. favorite places to explore the outdoors. PHOTO BY ARIETT IWANOWSKI, ART BY C. AARON KREADER Q: What was the most challenging experience for you as a kid, Q: How did you decide that you and how did you handle it? wanted to be an educator? A: Being raised by a single dad and not having a lot of money had A: | realized | had a gift for sharing challenges. And what saved me was... the love of nature, because and teaching people. But it's my mate and | weren't worried about parties and smoking and fitting funny, because .. . | blamed in and trying to be cool ... | wanted to [be] pure and in touch with people for all the problems of the nature, so | didn't want to deaden my senses with alcohol or drugs or earth... [But] | realized the only smoking. So it saved me from doing any of that. way | was going to save the wild- life was to educate people about Q: What's the “Environmental Stewards: Champions of Justice” it and have them understand the program that you do at Baha'i schools? importance of it. And | realized A: [We] engage the [kids'] senses . . . to look at the world closely, to not that education had to start with become afraid of it, to go out and . .. touch and smell and hear. the young people.

22

Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2013 [Page 23]Answers with an

Q: When things are so critical in the environment, how do you bring hope to the junior youth?

A: We don't stop at the doom and gloom... When | was in college, | was so depressed about the state of the world. And it wasn't until | became a Baha'i that it helped get me out of that, because the Baha'i Faith has the optimism for humankind . . . Baha'u'llah says we're going to go toa Golden Age. We're going to get through this. But what does it take for us to get through? What are we going to have to do? And then we tie it in [and tell kids]: You can take this back to your junior youth group.

Q: One of your interests is in the wisdom of indigenous people. Can you share a favorite story or teaching?

A: | tell the story of the first flute that came from the Cherokee. It's about the boy who found the first flute . .. He Who Causes Trouble. He was always getting in trouble. And so he ran away, and the creatures... gave him the gift of the flute. He brought the flute back to his people, and the chief asked him to play this every morning and evening, because it filled the hearts with joy ... And the moral of the story is: everybody has a gift. And your journey, and the role of your mentors and your parents and teachers . . . is to help you . . . find what your gift is.

Q: In this issue of Brilliant Star, we're exploring climate change and nature. How can kids help with such a big issue as climate change?

A: One of the big factors that affects climate change is combustion of fossil fuels ... [which] goes into manufacturing stuff. Reducing the amount of stuff that we consume goes a long way to helping the environment . . . Pay a little bit more for organic materials. Buy local. But just basically, buy less stuff... Young people have .. . consumer power ... The choices in what we buy and how much we buy, everybody can be involved in that.

Left: Dingo with his sons, Ben and Daniel, and wife

sacred rock in the heart of Australia. Below: In his

appreciaton of nature.

Dingo lets his students learn about animals first-hand in his classroom in North Carolina.

Q: If you had one wish for Brilliant Star readers, what would it be?

A: You've got to follow your passions and your dreams, but you've got to stay connected to nature. Keep that connection to the natural world .. . The Baha'i teachings are more significant than you probably realize right now. So keep those in your life as well. Never let those go.

Lisa, at Uluru, an aboriginal

Classes, Dingo uses American Indian traditions to encourage

MARCH/APRIL 2013 *& Brilliant Star

[Page 24]22 Be a Friend to tate okt *

a know, some of my best friends are humans. Earth! Trees hold on to water and soil so that

They breathe out carbon dioxide, which I take in erosion doesn’t turn good land into desert. Every

to help me grow. And I give out oxygen that people = day, Earth loses about 77 square miles (200 square

breathe in. It can be a pretty nice relationship. km) of forests—that’s over 18,100 soccer fields! S

But these days, I’m not so happy with some When you're thinking about your future, humans—those who cut down so many forests and remember us trees. There are lots of careers that don’t take the time to replant new ones. That’s can help trees and the rest of nature. We need help called deforestation, and it’s bad for all of us on from our human friends!

t (a KS,

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oy FNCINFR op WIGTTARSNAFBUQIK AN FARMER pYINAQCLECTTNRGBS FORESTRANGER vy SUANHXSLMIOOBAOS a GEOLOGIST TVARIRZDNIOEQRGRM GREENARCHITECT NEATSIMEHCNRNMVCO HorTICULTURIST HUES TWSAHNIEMTTIE MICROBIOLOGIST VCREENIGNESMBYIMX OcEANOGRAPHER -SIRUTLUCITROHXSE WipureEcoLocisr OL KOCEANOGRAPHERT LUXFSYJCRIOFVTRCW

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THERE ARE AT LEAST / 80,000 DIFFERENT TYPES OF TREES IN THE WORLD!

THE WORLD’S OLDEST J

TREES ARE ABOUT 5,000 YEARS OLD.

THEY'RE BRISTLECONE PINES IN THE US. DS

WA

24 Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2013 [Page 25]\Fa “

—

Reve Like a PKG

What's your favorite Being outside at night and gazing at the stars | place in waturel and wondering about the vast universe? Nice Spat . \ to. 7 0 Ros wv ; i - =: ions of species of creature (( At Woy A meadow to take haven't even been dise es ee pictures of birds Y/ yet! Go out and expl overed a olimb and creatures? i, explore! ink, plage IT , What fp “ n nature. Do you like to draw, here od

Record your adventures i Pi f favorite | write poems, take photos, or collect treasures? Express ; lace fo beaut: Ae ivi d appreciation for our amazing planet! place to be outside: 5) your creativity and app’

J Ses Ae Mt Some of my family’s favorite things to do outside:

If | could live in a tent, tree house, tepee, or igloo, I'd choose

a ee

—____ heeause:

creature on Earth: If trees had spirits, the

would look like this:

If lcould talk to animals, I'd ask them:

A short poem about a bug, bird, or beast:

a My favorite season

is because:

& The best nature adventure would be:

| Po We eae

My favorite sound in nature:

MARCH/APRIL 2013 % Brilliant Star 25 [Page 26]SHINING LAMP

humanity with radiance — a arbe Baker 49e0-1982):

A Baha'i who served

Richard St. B

Man of the Trees

hen he was only about six, Richard St. Barbe Baker convinced his nanny to let him explore the woods alone near his home in England. As he wandered around the pine forest with the sun’s rays filtering through the trees, he felt excited.

“I became intoxicated with the beauty around me,” he later wrote, “immersed in the joyousness and exultation of feeling a part of it all.” His love of the woods later took him around the world, and he became known as St. Barbe and “Man of the Trees.”

After working at a lumber camp in Canada and serving in World War I in Europe, St. Barbe graduated from the School of Forestry at Cambridge University in England.

Dance of the Trees _

St. Barbe went to Kenya on an assignment for the British government in 1920. Masses of trees were being cut down to create fields for agriculture. To restore the forests, St. Barbe did something unheard of at the time: he consulted with the native Africans. He learned the Kikuyu tribe's history, language, and customs.

St. Barbe knew that dance was an important part of Kikuyu culture, so he organized a Dance of the Trees. Three thousand warriors came, dressed in full costume. Before the dancing started, St. Barbe asked for volunteers to take an oath to protect and plant trees. These volunteers became the first Men of the Trees.

St. Barbe led an expedition to help recover land from the Sahara Desert in 1952. He wrote, “Trees are forever giving to life; they are giving more than they take.”

Soon other tribes joined in, using the motto “twahamwe”: “We are all working together as one man.”

In 1924, St. Barbe gave a talk at

a religious conference, where he learned about the Baha’i Faith. He soon embraced the religion. He later said that becoming a Baha'i was the beginning of his true life. Shoghi Effendi, the leader of the Baha’i community at the time, met St. Barbe in 1929 and became the first life member of Men of the Trees.

St. Barbe spent the rest of his life intertwining the Baha’i teachings and his love of nature. He developed conservation projects, started tree- planting programs, organized gatherings for leaders to consult about the environment, and led expeditions into the Sahara Desert, which he hoped to reforest. He gave lectures all over the world and was the first Baha’i to gain international recognition for environmental work. He wrote 30 books, mainly about forestry and conservation. His organization, Men of the Trees, continues today. It’s known in some places as the International Tree Foundation.

Days before his death in 1982 at age 92, St. Barbe planted a tree at the University of Saskatchewan, demonstrating his own words: “Today it is the duty of every thinking being to live and to serve not only his own day and generation, but also generations unborn, by helping to restore and maintain the green glory of the forests of the earth.”

26 Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2013

Center photo courtesy of Paul Mantle

[Page 27]heetahs are the fastest land animals on

Earth. They can go from 0-60 miles per

> hour (96 kph) in only 3 seconds! That’s quicker acceleration than many cars. One cheetah was timed running 100 meters in under 6 seconds, which is much faster than the human record-holder.

Cheetahs use their incredible speed to catch prey

on the African savanna. They hunt during the day to

2) avoid bigger predators, like lions, which often hunt at night. Cheetahs have excellent eyesight, and they

y | ma) | SWERS ON PAG

stand on termite mounds and other high points to see in the distance. Their spotted coats also help

hide them in the tall grass.

Once plentiful in Africa and Asia, the species is now threatened. There are less than 10,000 in the wild, mostly due to habitat loss and hunting. Conservationists are working to restore their habitat, and farmers are learning how to help protect cheetahs. Let’s get up to speed in the race to protect these

amazing animals!

Py

i HN

MARCH/APRIL 2013 % Brilliant Star

CHEETAHS, FROM TRAN

Z| AND NORTHERN

AFRICA ARE ENDANGERED!

27

[Page 28]/ pve NS! —Oe 4 l/s hy

5 Y WHAT DID ONE He

A Ee

@ lea tia

"S CORNER

Look for clues throughout the magazine.

COSMO

8 Wig

2. There are nearly 10,000 kinds of in the world. (p. 10) 3. Counselors who prescribe a dose of nature to improve health (p. 4)

4. Natalia likes to clean up the beach, because she loves life. (p. 12)

5. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels (mainly coal, oil, and gas) release dioxide into the air. (p. 7)

- (p. 12)

8. Dingo turned to for comfort when he was a kid. (p. 22)

7. Violet is amazed by. 10. Trees give out that people breathe in. (p. 24)

11. Plastic takes thousands of to disintegrate. (p. 18)

12. Fastest land animals on Earth (p. 27)

17. The Uplifters need to reverse the melting in the Arctic. (p. 14)

FROM OUR MAILBOX

I love... Brilliant Star...1 get so excited when it comes in the mail! The pictures are so colorful and it makes me happy inside! | love the games, lessons, and learning about other kids from around the world

... Keep up the good work, Brilliant Star!

—Hailey B., age 11, Oklahoma, U.S.

LN ELA | 1 AA

VOLCANO SAY ave, ll TO THE OTHER NY ea” V,

Be )/

ri \

1. The greenhouse effect on Earth has led to

warming. (p. 6)

5. reefs are amazing ecosystems. (p. 19)

6. 99% of a panda's diet is

9. When pitches in to protect our planet, we all win! (p. 5) 13. Richard St. Barbe Baker was known as “Man of the ." (p.26) 14. can reduce the use of landfills. (p. 21)

15. Hoshi travels all over the universe on a ship called the

Mystic (p. 16)

16. The name of the Ridvan Garden means "

18. In one study, 97% of climate scientists agreed that climate

change is mainly caused by

KEY: T=Top, C=Center, B=Bottom, L=Left, R=Right

Page 2: 1) Forest, 2) Bamboo, 3) Giant, 4) China, 5) Gentle, 6) Conservation, 7) Mountains, 8) Corridor, 9) Endangered, 10) Habitat

Page 11: Philippines, Polar Bears Page 16:A)3,B) 4, C) 6, D)1, E)2,F) 5 Page 17: Apples at TR, atlas at BR, backpack atBL, cap at TC, magazine at C, money at BR, robot at C, tote at BL, water at TL

Page 18: 1) drinking, 2) stations, 3) recycled, 4) active, 5) transport, 6) banned, 7) toxic,

19. Mahku and Dyami like to play

-(p. 2)

(p. 3)

- (p.8) . (pp. 12-13)

8) salt water

Page 19:F at CL, Nat C, Wat TR, D at CR, PatBR, Sat BC, B and Rat BL.

"The beings, whether great or small, are connected with one anther by the perfect wisdom of Gd, and affect and influence one another.’—Abdu'-Baha

Page 21: 1) 6, 36; 2) 18.2 Ibs, 84kg; 3) 7, 8,008

Page 27:1 at TR, 3 at CR, 1 al BR, 3 at BC, 3 at BL,3at CL, 5atC

Brilliant Star % MARCH/APRIL 2013

28 [Page 29]hat tiny creatures have thrived on Earth for over

Ww 100 million years? The ants! With about 10,000 species, they live on every continent (except Antarctica). Some ants were even making gardens for growing fungus long before people learned to farm.

In each ant colony, everyone has a role. The queen lays eggs that will become new ants. The workers gather food, clean and feed their queen, care for the young, and build

“We belong to an organic unit and when one part of the organism suffers all the rest of the body will feel its consequence.”

GQMAZEing

—Bahd'i Writings

and protect their nest. Every insect works for the good of the whole community. When there is too much for one group to do, some switch jobs and help their nest mates. In the human world, our lives are connected as closely as a colony of ants. Developing earth-friendly habits and showing kindness to all strengthens the “colony” of Earth and helps it thrive. Like ants, we can work together to care for every living creature.

iy HELP US FIN? OUR WAY TO THE FOO STORED IN THE nest. |

HURRY, MY AUNT ANT ms QUEHT TO AID US.

MARCH/APRIL 2013 % Brilliant Star

29 [Page 30]e €

“A response to climate change will require profound changes at the level of the individual, the community and the nations of the world.” * ~ ° . —Baha’s International Community

°

Brilliant Star www. brilliantstagmagazine.org Healing Our Home « March/April 2013 Vol. 45, No. 1

AN AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES