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Brilliant Star Volume 45, Issue 1

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[Page i]Brilliant Star A BAHÁ’Í COMPANION FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS MARCH / APRIL 2013

LIGHTNING & LUNA: SAVING THE ARCTIC

GLOBAL WARMING ISN’T COOL!

HEALING OUR HOME

[Page ii]Brilliant Star Bahá’í National Center 1233 Central Street Evanston, Illinois 60201 U.S. 847.853.2354 brilliant@usbnc.org

SUBSCRIPTIONS: 1.800.999.9019 WWW.BRILLIANTSTARMAGAZINE.ORG

© 2013 NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

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

CONTRIBUTORS Peter Adriance • Violet Beasley • Hailey Beyer Lisa Blecker • Dingo Brown • Sydney Cameron Dyami Douglas • Dirk Fletcher • Dr. Peter Gleick Kathryn Heinemann • Mahku Hiwa • James Humphrey Ariett Iwanowski • 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 By Lisa Blecker: Photos for pp. 7 and 10; coloring for p. 3 By Foad Ghorbani: Art 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 Bahá’í Archives, unless noted

Brilliant Star magazine invites all kids to explore the Bahá’í Faith. It is the second most widespread religion in the world, with more than five million Bahá’ís.

The Bahá’í Faith was founded by the Prophet Bahá’u’lláh (“Glory of God” in Arabic) in 1863. Bahá’u’lláh taught that all people are part of one human family, and that all religions come from one God. Bahá’ís work to bring peace and unity to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds.

Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, interpreted His teachings and led the Bahá’í community after Bahá’u’lláh’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 Bahá’ís of the U.S.

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND RENEWALS To order or renew a subscription, contact Bahá’í Subscriber 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) International airmail: $38 (One year); $68 (Two years) Canada and Mexico: $28 (One year); $48 (Two years)

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 Bahá’ís of the U.S. or by individual contributors. For permission to copy or translate material, contact: Rights and Permissions, Brilliant Star, 1233 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, or to share our references. While we make every effort to choose reliable websites, Brilliant Star does not endorse or account for all content in referenced websites. We urge caution and parental guidance when using the Internet. For more information about Internet safety, visit www.wiredsafety.org

ISSN 0884-3635

FAVORITE FEATURES

3	Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Our Green Island The Garden of Ridván brought Him joy.
4	Riley’s Rainforest Can connecting with nature boost your health?
7	Maya’s Mysteries Check out the greenhouse effect in action.
10	Nur’s Nook Give birds a boost with a recycled birdhouse.
11	We Are One Explore and care for the place we all call home.
12	Radiant Stars Get to know kids who shine, like you.
14	Lightning and Luna: Episode 55 Can a villain have a good heart?
20	Treble Chef’s Music Café Sing about the wonders of water.
22	Stargazer: Dingo Brown Helping kids connect with nature
26	Shining Lamp: Richard St. Barbe Baker His love for trees led him around the world.
28	Cosmo’s Corner A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon
29	aMAZEing ADVENTURE See how brilliANTly ants cooperate.

[Page 1]

HEALING OUR HOME

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

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.

DEAR FRIENDS

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]

PANDA-MONIUM

W 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 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.

In this bamboo forest, fill in the blanks to reveal words related to giant pandas.

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

1 F_res_ ian 4_h_na 5 Ge_t_e 6 _o_ser_a_ion _ou_tai_s 8 Co_ri_or ⑨E_da_ge_ed am_o 10 H_bit_t [Page 3]

Our Green Island

From the small window of His prison cell, Bahá’u’lláh could see a stone wall, and beyond it, the Mediterranean Sea. The sultán of Turkey had sent Him to the prison-city of ‘Akká, Israel, in 1868, hoping to stop His teachings of unity. Then, after moving from the prison to a house in the city, Bahá’u’lláh had only the narrow, filthy streets of ‘Akká to gaze upon.

One day, Bahá’u’lláh noted that He hadn’t seen greenery in nine years. His son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, rented a garden outside of ‘Akká for Him.

In 1877, Bahá’u’lláh 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. Bahá’u’lláh named it Ridván ("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 Ridván Garden has been restored to look as it did in Bahá’u’lláh’s day. You can imagine the joy and peace of being in Bahá’u’lláh’s presence in that beautiful spot.

Imagine the Ridván Garden as you search for these words. Look forward, backward, up, down, and diagonally.

ORANGES MULBERRY FLOWING TREES GARDEN SUNLIGHT NATURE BLOSSOMS JASMINE PARADISE TRANQUILITY LUXURIANT ISLAND GREEN PEACE STREAMS

YRRE B L UMT B C D RUXU L B Q MTNA I Q B I M E CG BO OP B P LNN X QKSE Q L S F J H VO M I NH I I SG V S SW MU H P 0 X F RNOM S LQGAM W V T L T Z A U RNRS G J FH D N J E N L A AVG ET D R E D R L D R S Y 0 I V NQ D ET INTO J EU ZRNS G W P B SQYT UAE HH A U G W J P EU A D T B G G RWVG B RTCG KTT E AXN N 0 S ENYA CG X S D T U C P J Q R P L I GQCA BQ COOK Z F

A Brief Timeline: The Life of Bahá’u’lláh

The highlighted area marks the time in which this story takes place.

1817 November 12 Birth of Bahá’u’lláh in Tihrán, Iran

1844 Recognizes the Báb as a new Messenger of God

1852 Imprisonment in the "Black Pit" of Tihrán

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

1863 April 22 Declares Divine Mission as Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith

1863-1868 Exile in Constantinople (Istanbul), then Adrianople (Edirne), Turkey. Begins writing letters to kings and rulers in 1867, urging world unity

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

1877 Finally free to live in countryside homes of Mazra’ih and then Bahjí, outside ‘Akká

1892 May 29 Bahá’u’lláh passes away at Bahjí. [Page 4]

RILEY'S RAINFOREST

"Send down... from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing...” –Bahá’u’lláh

Daily Dose of Nature

Feeling 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—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.

Shinrin-yoku From the Office of Dr. Morioka

Explore & Soar: Tuning in to Earth

Four senses can help you take Your senses can help

• Use a magnifying glass to LOOK closely at plants, bark, sand, etc.

• Close your eyes and LISTEN to the wind, birds, and water.

• Take deep breaths to SMELL flowers, grass-even dirt.

• FEEL the diverse textures of leaves, rocks, and wood. But don't forget to avoid poison ivy-yuck!

Canopy of Questions

What do you want to know about staying healthy and happy? Health can involve your body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Send your questions to brilliant@usbnc.org. Responses are given by a health professional.

How much exercise does the average kid need every week? - 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 exercising 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]

ECO-FRIENDLY: STUART & GABRIELLA’S EARTH CHALLENGE

Gabby and I just finished our first Earth Challenge Competition with our friends. It was really fun! We each had a checklist of earth-friendly tasks to complete, and the winner got this trophy we made. Cool, huh?

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

Challenge your friends and see who can complete 10 of these tasks first. Add your own.

• Find out and write down five facts about climate change.
• Make a drawing pad out of recycled paper.
• Check the faucets and under-sink pipes at home. If you find a leak, tell your parents.
• Research an endangered animal, and draw a picture of it.
• Visit a farmer's market, and choose local fruits or veggies.
• Walk or bike somewhere you would normally drive.
• 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.
• Pack a lunch or picnic with only reusable containers.
• Collect glass, paper, and aluminum. Find out how your city handles recycling each type.
• Start a compost pile for kitchen scraps and other compostable items, such as leaves or grass.
• Take a 30-minute walk with a trash bag and plastic gloves, and pick up any garbage you see.
• Create a piece of art using an empty plastic container.
• Go 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.
• Water a plant, indoors or outdoors.
• Swap books or toys with friends instead of buying new ones.
• Take a break from electronic entertainment for a day.
• Write a song or a poem about your favorite spot in nature.
• Make a birdhouse and hang it in your yard.*
• Hang an earth-friendly reminder note in your house, such as "Turn off water while brushing teeth!"

• See Nur's Nook to find out how.

[Page 6]

Global Warming Isn’t Cool!

GREENHOUSE EFFECT

• Reflected radiation
• Escaping radiation
• Stronger storms and changed weather patterns
• Edge of atmosphere
• Increasing global temperatures
• Radiation absorbed by atmosphere and Earth
• Burning fossil fuels creates greenhouse gases
• Extra radiation is trapped by greenhouse gases
• Melting ice
• Rising sea levels
• Damaged corals
• Flooding
• More droughts and wildfires
• Warmer oceans

When 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 everyone on Earth. So don’t hide under your blanket. When you learn more about it, you can help the planet chill out. [Page 7]

How Earth Heats Up

Have 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.

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 greenhouse 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.

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

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 Jar #2

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.

6 When time is up, use the thermometer to test the water temperature in both jars. What do you find? Jar #1 Jar #2

How It Works

Sunlight has high energy when it enters the bag. Once the sunlight is absorbed by the glass and water, much of the energy they radiate is invisible to the human eye. The bag does not let this radiation pass. It’s trapped in the bag—similar to how greenhouse gases trap the sun’s heat. This raises the temperature more than in the other jar. [Page 8]

Climate Change: Myth or Fact?

Scientists around the world are hot on the trail of a hostile suspect: carbon dioxide and its gang of greenhouse gases, caused by air pollution.

Global warming leads to climate change—and it’s a crazy complex problem! Earth is a gigantic place with a global ecosystem, and it’s evolved dramatically over billions of years. Changes in the atmosphere, snow cover, vegetation, ocean currents, and many other factors interact with each other on a global scale.

But the clues are all around us. In one study, 97% of climate scientists agreed that climate change is mainly caused by humans.

Still, there’s confusion. About one-third of Americans think scientists have a lot of disagreement about whether global warming is happening.

To protect our planet, we all need to investigate the facts. When we understand the truth, we can find solutions for Earth, its 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 that recent climate change is due to human activities. Myth • Fact

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

3) Recent climate change is due to the sun warming up. Myth • Fact

4) There is strong evidence that humans contribute to climate change. 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

7) Climate change is something that might happen in the future. Myth • Fact

8) We don’t have to worry about pollution because new technology will fix the problem. Myth • Fact

9) It’s such a big problem, there’s nothing one person can do. Myth • Fact

ANSWERS

1. Fact: In a recent study, 97% of climate scientists agreed.

2. Myth: Earth’s temperature changes naturally over many years, but that doesn’t explain current global warming.

3. Myth: Solar radiation varies slightly, but it doesn’t account for recent warming.

4. Fact: Carbon dioxide is now at its highest level in about a million years.

5. Myth: Melting Arctic ice due to global warming changes weather patterns, which can make it colder in some areas.

6. Myth: Though the amount of carbon dioxide is small, it’s one of the main gases that traps heat.

7. Myth: Current evidence of climate change includes melting ice, warmer oceans, and rising seas.

8. Myth: We need to reduce pollution now! Even with new technology, it will take decades to stop the warming.

9. Myth: Everyone’s efforts, large and small, can make a difference. [Page 9]

Building a Green Future

Want 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!

IMAGINE & DRAW

ENDANGERED ANIMALS WATER POLLUTION LOSS RAINFOREST GLOBAL WARMING AIR POLLUTION TRASH [Page 10]

Nur's Nook: Feathered Friends

Did 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 birdseed 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!

Make Your Own Recycled Birdhouse

• • YOU'LL Need:**
• 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
• 2" (1.3 cm) wood bead
• 18" x 3" (.3 x 7.6 cm) stick
• hammer
• nail
• fishing line
• birdseed (many birds like black oil sunflower seeds)
• ruler
• optional: about 24 8" x 2" (.3 x 5.1 cm) sticks

1. Trace cup about 1 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.

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

4. Punch hole 1/2" (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! [Page 11]WE ARE ONE EXPLORE AND PROTECT THE EARTH AND ITS CREATURES

"All the members of this endless universe are linked one to another." —Bahá’í Writings

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.

EARTH-SAVING TIP

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

PROTECTING OUR PLANET

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..."

WOW, REALLY?

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.

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

On these Pacific islands, terraces are a wonder of engineering passed down through generations over 2,000 years. An irrigation system carries water from mountaintop forests to each rice terrace. Unscramble the letters to find the country, called the: HILSIPIPNEP

AMAZING ANIMALS

These creatures have black skin, but their transparent 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: IO A EA

Images: Earth by Vitoriano Junior, water by maxicam, Dr. Gleick by Sarah Frankie Linder, terraces by Jonald Morales, animal by Vladimir Melnik. [Page 12]

RADIANT STARS

Getting to know kids who shine Connect with kids around the world! How are they like you? How are they different? Each of us has a unique story to tell. What’s yours?

Natalia L.

Age: 11 I live in: Florida, U.S. I want to be: A biologist Best quality or virtue: I am compassionate toward others.

Something I like about me that makes me unique: I have great determination and perseverance.

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

My favorite Bahá’í activity: The Southern Flame Bahá’í 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

In nature, I’m curious or amazed by: The smallest particles in nature. I like to see them through a microscope.

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

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

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

Mahku H.

Age: 10 I live in: New Caledonia I want to be: A teacher or a vulcanologist or an archaeologist Best quality or virtue: Sharing

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

If I could communicate with any animal, it would be: A lion. I would ask him to protect me.

If I 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

Violet B.

Age: 12 I live in: Illinois, U.S. I want to be: Veterinarian and musician Best quality or virtue: Kindness

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

Hobbies or sports: Viola and soccer

Favorite Bahá’í 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 I could communicate with any animal, it would be: To ask, "What can we do to help endangered animals?"

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

• Funboat is a type of sailing.

[Page 13]

Laura S.

Age: 12

I live in: Michigan, U.S.

I want to be: Neurologist or writer of graphic novels

Best quality or virtue: Cheerful and creative

Hobbies or sports: Soccer, music theater

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Service projects

In nature, I’m curious or amazed by: Coral reefs. I’d love to see one in real life someday.

If I could ask God any question about the universe, I’d ask: Are there other planets like ours with people on them? I’d also like to know what the meaning of life is.

My favorite ways to help the environment: Joining my Bahá’í friends and Girl Scout buddies in helping to clean up a river in our town.

If I could communicate with any animal, it would be: My dog, Louie. I would ask him, why does he bark so much at 9:30 every night when I’m trying to go to bed?

If I could make an invention to help Earth, it would be: A plan that would stop global warming

“God has crowned you with honor and in your hearts has He set a radiant star; verily the light thereof shall brighten the whole world!” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Dyami D.

Age: 12

I live in: Accra, Ghana

I want to be: An NBA star or chef

Best quality or virtue: Generosity

Something I like about me that makes me unique: I’m the only Bahá’í in my school (besides my brother)

Hobbies or sports: Basketball, drawing, chess

I like to help people by: Making them happy, making them laugh, serving them . . .

My favorite ways to help the environment: Cleaning up trash in the community, and walking instead of using a non-electric car, because it helps pollution be demolished

In nature, I’m curious or amazed by: The way animals, like ants, work together without fighting

If I could ask God any question about the universe, I’d ask: Why do countries have war?

If I could communicate with any animal, it would be: Panda bear. I would ask it how it gets so cute and what it is like to be an animal.

If I could make an invention to help Earth, it would be: A time machine (so people can go and change the bad things they have done in the past) and a factory that doesn’t pollute . . .

Kathryn H.

Age: 12

I live in: California, U.S.

I want to be: Singer

Best quality or virtue: Kindness

Hobbies or sports: Soccer . . . trumpet, and running track

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Ayyám-i-Há** and crafts in children’s/jr. youth classes

Place I’d love to visit: Hawaii

I like to help people by: Listening to them when they need help

My favorite ways to help the environment: Recycl[ing]. I reuse paper, plastic, and other items for art projects and for containers at home.

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

If I could ask God any question about the universe, I’d ask: Why are there tornadoes and hurricanes that can hurt people and all living things?

If I could communicate with any animal, it would be: My cat, Tiger. I’d ask him why he meows so much!?

If I could make an invention to help Earth, it would be: An invention to stop pollution and suck up all the “bad air.”

How to be a Radiant Star:

1. If you’re age 7–14, write us at brilliant@usbnc.org or Brilliant Star, 1233 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201. Include your name, age, birth date, mailing and e-mail addresses, and phone number. Mention “Radiant Star” in the e-mail subject line or in your message.

2. When it’s your turn to shine, we’ll send you questions and a form for you and your parents to sign.

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).

• • Ayyám-i-Há is February 26–March 1, days of hospitality, charity, gift giving, and preparing for the Bahá’í Fast.

[Page 14]

LIGHTNING & LUNA

SAVING THE ARCTIC

THE UPLIFTERS’ ARCTIC OUTPOST . . .

FALCON, THIS IS AURORA, MY SISTER.

YOUR WHAT? SHE’S AN ERASER! WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL US THIS BEFORE?

HQ KNOWS, AND THAT’S WHY I’M HERE.

I REALLY AM SORRY. AND I WANT TO HELP.

IT’S TOO LATE! WE NEED TO REVERSE THE MELTING ICE BEFORE EARTH’S CLIMATE GETS WORSE!

UPLIFTERS WITH FREEZE POWERS ARE ON THE WAY. I HEAR THE FIRST POD ARRIVING.

AND I KNOW EXACTLY WHERE YOU NEED TO SEND THEM.

SHE CAN’T BE TRUSTED! INTERPOL IS COMING FOR HER NOW.

BELIEVE ME—DEEP DOWN, SHE HAS A GOOD HEART. AND SHE KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT THE ARCTIC.

CASCADE! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, PARTNER? HOW’S YOUR ANKLE?

STILL BROKEN, BUT I DON’T NEED IT TO USE MY FREEZE RAY POWER!

CRAAAACK!!!! BOOOM!!

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

IT’S THE ICE THAT THE OUTPOST IS BUILT ON!

THE MELTING ICE IS CAUSING ICEQUAKES. WE’RE ALL IN DANGER!

THANKS TO YOU.

I KNOW. BUT YOU MUST LET ME HELP! WE HAVE TO REFREEZE THE ICE NOW!

CASCADE AND NOVA, GO.

LIGHTNING AND LUNA, YOU TOO!

OH, NO! THE WATER IS RUNNING DOWN THROUGH DEEP CRACKS AND CREATING MELTING RIVERS.

SOME CRACKS AND RIVERS GO ON FOR MILES.

WE HAVE TO STOP IT—

OR WE COULD LOSE THE ENTIRE GLACIER! [Page 15]I THINK . . .

I CAN FREEZE . . .

MOST OF IT . . .

I’LL USE MY WAVE POWER TO SLOW DOWN THE WATER!

IT’S STARTING TO WORK!

NOOOO!

ZAPPP!

CRAAAACK!

NOVA, ARE YOU THERE?

NOVA . . . LIGHTNING . . . LUNAAA . . .

NO . . . VA . . .

UPRD INCOMING MESSAGE: CASCA . . .

POD FEED

WE CAN’T LET THEM FALL INTO THAT CREVASSE!

PROGRAM A POD WITH THEIR LOCATION. I NEED A PILOT.

YOU NEED ME.

NO, YOU’LL TRY TO ESCAPE!

I CAN USE MY SOLAR POWER TO UNFREEZE THEM—BUT WE HAVE TO HURRY!

FALCON, I TRUST HER. DO YOU TRUST ME?

I DO. BUT PLEASE TAKE STORM WITH YOU.

OK, LET’S GO.

I NEED TO FOCUS JUST ENOUGH SUN TO THAW THE ICE.

TOO MUCH AND THEY FALL INTO THE CREVASSE, BURN, OR I’LL BLIND THEM—LIKE I DID TO YOU.

AURORA, YOU CAN DO THIS. WE’RE RUNNING OUT OF TIME . . .

HURRY! THEY DON’T HAVE MUCH OXYGEN LEFT. AND THEY COULD FALL!

PULSAR, I’M . . . NOT . . . SURE IF . . .

CREEACK!!!!

WILL AURORA BE ABLE TO SAVE THE UPLIFTERS? [Page 16]

HOSHI’S ADVENTURES: NATURAL WONDERS

Hi, I’m Hoshi! I love to travel all over the globe on a ship called the 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.

1 Antarctica

2 Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

3 Niagara Falls, Canada/U.S.

4 Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

5 Zhangjiajie National Park, China

6 Jellyfish Lake, Palau

A This waterfall drops about 188 feet (57 m) and spills 600,000 gallons (2.3 million L) of water every second. It generates earth-friendly hydroelectricity.

B Lava from ancient volcanoes created 40,000 columns of basalt rock. Legend says they’re part of a bridge built to get to Scotland.

C You can swim with millions of harmless golden creatures in this remote saltwater lake on a Pacific island.

D 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.

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

F 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. [Page 17]

Are You a Shopping ZOMBIE?

You'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 snap them out of their daze:

• Atlas of Balanced Awareness
• Backpack
• Cap of Contentment
• Mindful Magazine
• Moderate Money
• Recycling Robot
• Thrifty Tote
• Water of Wisdom
• Alert Apples

[Page 18]

An Urgent Message

If you’re stranded on a desert island, you might set afloat a message in a bottle in hope of being rescued. But today, the ocean itself needs rescuing.

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

Plastic bottles damage the environment in other ways, too. It takes oil to make plastic and more oil to transport the bottles. This depletes resources and adds to the pollution that causes climate change.

Everyone can help solve this problem by choosing reusable water bottles instead of disposable ones. Encourage your friends and teammates to bring their own water. You’ll be sending a message in a bottle—to save the ocean—and the whole planet—from plastic waste.

These reusable water bottles are sharing their savvy. Unscramble the words to find fascinating facts.

1. OVER 780 MILLION PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE SAFE (KNIGPINR) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ WATER.

2. LOTS OF PARKS, AIRPORTS, AND SCHOOLS HAVE WATER (TSATOINS) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ FOR FILLING REUSABLE BOTTLES.

3. LESS THAN HALF OF PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES IN THE U.S. GET (RCELYDEC) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . THE REST END UP IN LANDFILLS OR POLLUTE NATURE.

4. OVER HALF OF YOUR BODY IS WATER, SO IT’S IMPORTANT TO DRINK PLENTY, ESPECIALLY WHEN BEING (VECATI) _ _ _ _ _ _.

5. IMAGINE A BOTTLE ONE–FOURTH FULL OF OIL. THAT’S ABOUT HOW MUCH IT TAKES TO MAKE AND (PARRTTNSO) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ IT.

6. SOME PLACES HAVE (DNENAB) _ _ _ _ _ _ THE SALE OF SINGLE-USE WATER BOTTLES.

7. MANY PLASTIC BOTTLES IN LANDFILLS ARE BURNED, RELEASING (CITXO) _ _ _ _ _ CHEMICALS INTO THE AIR.

8. LESS THAN 1% OF ALL WATER ON EARTH IS AVAILABLE TO DRINK. THE REST IS (TARSTALEW) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ OR FROZEN IN GLACIERS AND ICE CAPS. [Page 19]

STUART & GABRIELLA: A DELICATE BALANCE

Hi, Stuart here! Gabriella and I are at Apo Reef in the Philippines. It’s the second-largest coral reef in the world!

Corals look like rocks or plants. But guess what? They’re really animals. And coral reefs give food and shelter to lots of ocean life — like fish, turtles, and sharks.

Reefs are amazing ecosystems. Tiny algae live inside corals and make food for them. The corals protect the algae and give it nutrients. Storms and animals wear away the reef, but it can rebuild itself over time. Plants and animals work together to keep the ecosystem in balance.

But humans upset that balance! Pollution, overfishing, and climate change create big problems. Reefs need our help to handle these threats.

Even if you don’t live by the ocean, you can help coral reefs with earth-friendly choices, like turning off lights and recycling. How do you do your part to protect our planet?

FIND 8 LETTERS HIDDEN IN THIS SCENE AND WRITE THEM IN THE SHELLS. USE THE LETTERS TO FINISH THE QUOTE.

SCIENTISTS THINK THERE MAY BE MILLIONS OF UNDISCOVERED SPECIES IN AND AROUND CORAL REEFS!

“The _ _ ei _ g _ , _ hethe _ _ g _ eat o _ _ _ _ mall, a _ e co _ _ _ ecte _ _ ith o _ e a _ othe _ , _ _ y the _ e _ ect _ i _ _ _ om of Go _ , a _ _ a _ _ _ ect a _ _ i _ _ lue _ ce o _ e a _ othe _ .” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá [Page 20]

MUSIC CAFÉ

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

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

WATER

By Ozomatli Presents Ozokids

1. Salt water! Comes from the sea Fresh water! What we can drink Tap water! Straight from the faucet Glaciers! North Pole and the Arctic Rain drops! Form in the cloud Geysers! Form in the ground Marine layer! Forms all around

2. Ice cubes! Bring from the freezer Snow flakes! Water crystal cohesion Waterfalls! From valleys and mountains Reclaimed water! Landscaping and fountains Rainbows! Water mist and sunlight Hot springs! When your muscles feel tight Fog! That’s mist in the air Water everywhere! Water here, water there!

Chorus

Water here, water there, water everywhere! Water here, water there, water everywhere! Water here, water there, water everywhere! Water here, water there, water everywhere! Woah, woah [Page 21]

Your Actions Add UP!

A 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.

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.

Sharpen your math skills by solving these problems.

1 An American household, on average, has 24 electronic devices. If 25% get recycled, how many is that? 24 x .25 = _______ devices If three families recycle half of their electronics, how many would that be? 24 ÷ 2 = _______ devices _______ devices x 3 = _______

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 away each week? 2.6 lbs x 7 = _______ lbs/week In metric system: 1.2 kg x 7 = _______ kg/week

3 If you recycle 364 bottles per year, how many bottles would you recycle each week? 364 ÷ 52 weeks = _______ bottles If the 22 kids in your class did the same, how much would you all recycle in a year? 364 x 22 = _______ bottles

WHY DIDN’T THE MUMMY WANT A CELL PHONE? HE GOT TOO WRAPPED UP IN HIS CALLS!

IT CAN TAKE AT LEAST 10–20 YEARS FOR ONE PLASTIC BAG TO DECOMPOSE.

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

I’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! [Page 22]

Dingo Brown

Do 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.

Q: What's your favorite childhood memory?

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 fly up in front of [us], egrets.

Dingo spent his youth in Australia, near the city of Perth. Nearby was Herdsman Lake, one of his 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, and how did you handle it?

A: Being raised by a single dad and not having a lot of money had challenges. And what saved me was... the love of nature, because my mate and I weren't worried about parties and smoking and fitting in and trying to be cool... I wanted to [be] pure and in touch with nature, so I didn't want to deaden my senses with alcohol or drugs or smoking. So it saved me from doing any of that.

Q: What's the "Environmental Stewards: Champions of Justice" program that you do at Bahá’í schools?

A: [We] engage the [kids'] senses... to look at the world closely, to not become afraid of it, to go out and . . . touch and smell and hear.

Q: How did you decide that you wanted to be an educator?

A: I realized I had a gift for sharing and teaching people. But it's funny, because... I blamed people for all the problems of the earth... [But] I realized the only way I was going to save the wildlife was to educate people about it and have them understand the importance of it. And I realized that education had to start with the young people. [Page 23]

Questions and Answers with an Inspirational Bahá’í

Left: Dingo with his sons, Ben and Daniel, and wife Lisa, at Uluru, an aboriginal sacred rock in the heart of Australia. Below: In his classes, Dingo uses American Indian traditions to encourage appreciation of nature.

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 I was in college, I was so depressed about the state of the world. And it wasn't until I became a Bahá’í that it helped get me out of that, because the Bahá’í Faith has the optimism for humankind... Bahá’u’lláh says we're going to go to a 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: I 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.

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 Bahá’í teachings are more significant than you probably realize right now. So keep those in your life as well. Never let those go. [Page 24]

Be a Friend to the Trees

ou know, some of my best friends are humans. You to help me grow. And I give out oxygen that people breathe in. It can be a pretty nice relationship.

But these days, I'm not so happy with some humans-those who cut down so many forests and don't take the time to replant new ones. That's called deforestation, and it's bad for all of us on Earth! Trees hold on to water and soil so that erosion doesn't turn good land into desert. Every day, Earth loses about 77 square miles (200 square km) of forests-that's over 18,100 soccer fields!

When you're thinking about your future, remember us trees. There are lots of careers that can help trees and the rest of nature. We need help from our human friends!

Search for green careers that can help make the world safer for trees and humans. Look up, down, forward, backward, and diagonally.

ARBORIST BOTANIST CHEMIST CLIMATE SCIENTIST CONSERVATIONIST EDUCATOR ENGINEER FARMER FOREST RANGER GEOLOGIST GREEN ARCHITECT HORTICULTURIST MICROBIOLOGIST OCEANOGRAPHER WILDLIFE ECOLOGIST

LCKPGHEVIDCVPH WTB WILDLIFEECOLOGIST THNIC USTGT NG RZRIQ TOG KMZEESH SET X X GO BWPD PA OD QI EFRF HOA G NORBLTA UN RF INGLE LF BEOM VEAC V O O W Q OP P WIGTTARSNAF BU QI K PY IN AQCLECTTNR GBS V S U A N H X S L M I 0 0 B A 0 S TVARI RZDNI O EQ RGR M NEATSIMEH CNRN MV CO HUEST WSAHNI EMT TIE VCREENIGNE SM BY IMX TSIRUT LUCITROHXSE OLK OCEANOGRAPHER T LUXF SYJC RIO FV TRC W

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

THE WORLD'S OLDEST TREES ARE ABOUT 5,000 YEARS OLD. THEY'RE BRISTLECONE PINES IN THE U.S. [Page 25]

's Nature Journal

STICK Looks Like a DRAGON

What’s your favorite place in nature?

Nice Spot to pray

A tree you climb?

Thinking place

Picture of my favorite place to be outside:

Nice Being outside at night and gazing at the stars and wondering about the vast universe?

A meadow to take pictures of birds and creatures?

Nature’s helicopte

Millions of species of creatures haven’t even been discovered yet! Go out and explore!

what lives here?

Record your adventures in nature. Do you like to draw, write poems, take photos, or collect treasures?

Express your creativity and appreciation for our amazing planet!

Some of my family’s favorite things to do outside:

If I could live in a tent, tree house, tepee, or igloo, I’d choose because:

If I could talk to animals, I’d ask them:

Picture of my favorite creature on Earth:

If trees had spirits, they would look like this:

My favorite season is because:

Wow!

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

Natural wonders I’d love to visit:

My favorite sound in nature:

Fossil 1 ROCK

The best nature adventure would be: [Page 26]

SHINING LAMP

A Bahá’í who served humanity with radiance

Richard St. Barbe Baker (1889-1982): Man of the Trees

When 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.

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

Faith and Reforestation

In 1924, St. Barbe gave a talk at a religious conference, where he learned about the Bahá’í Faith. He soon embraced the religion. He later said that becoming a Bahá’í was the beginning of his true life. Shoghi Effendi, the leader of the Bahá’í community at the time, met St. Barbe in 1929 and became the first life member of 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."

St. Barbe spent the rest of his life intertwining the Bahá’í 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 Bahá’í 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." [Page 27]

Spot the Cheetahs

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

FIND 19 CHEETAHS IN THIS AFRICAN SAVANNA.

CHEETAHS FROM IRAN AND NORTHERN AFRICA ARE ENDANGERED! [Page 28]

COSMO’S CORNER

Look for clues throughout the magazine.

WHAT DID ONE VOLCANO SAY TO THE OTHER VOLCANO? WHAT? I LAVA YOU!

DOWN 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) 7. Violet is amazed by . (p. 12) 8. Dingo turned to for comfort when he was a kid. (p. 22) 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)

ACROSS 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 (p. 2) 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 Ridván Garden means " ." (p. 3) 18. In one study, 97% of climate scientists agreed that climate change is mainly caused by (p. 8) 19. Mahku and Dyami like to play (pp. 12-13)

FROM OUR MAILBOX

I love... Brilliant Star... I get so excited when it comes in the mail! The pictures are so colorful and it makes me happy inside! I 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.

ANSWERS

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 at BL, 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, 8) salt water

Page 19: F at CL, N at C, W at TR, D at CR, P at BR, S at BC, B and R at BL.

"The beings, whether great or small, are connected with one another by the perfect wisdom of God, and affect and influence one another."—‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Page 21: 1) 6, 36; 2) 18.2 lbs, 8.4 kg; 3) 7, 8,008

Page 27: 1 at TR, 3 at CR, 1 at BR, 3 at BC, 3 at BL, 3 at CL, 5 at C [Page 29]

BrilliANT Cooperation

"We belong to an organic unit and when one part of the organism suffers all the rest of the body will feel its consequence." -Bahá’í Writings

hat tiny creatures have thrived on Earth for over 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 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.

HELP US FIND OUR WAY TO THE FOOD STORED IN THE NEST. WHICH WAY? HURRY, MY AUNT ANT OUGHT TO AID US. SWEET DREAMS! LOOK OUT BELOW! [Page 30]"A response to climate change will require profound changes at the level of the individual, the community and the nations of the world." -Bahá’í International Community

Healing Our Home

AN AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES