Brilliant Star/Volume 52/Issue 2/Text

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A BAHAI COMPANION FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS

Brilliant S

brilliantstarmagazine.org VOL. 52 NO.2

[Page 0]aaa

Amethel Parel-Sewell _EDITOR/ CREATIVE DIRECTOR

C. Aaron Kreader —DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR Amy Renshaw SENIOR EDITOR Heidi Parsons ASSOCIATE EDITOR 1. = =

Katie Bishop ASSISTANT EDITOR

Foad Ghorbani PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Lisa Blecker ARTIST & WRITER

Donna Price WRITER

Darcy Greenwood WRITER =

Dr. Stephen Scotti STEM EDUCATION ADVISOR SNE

MANY THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS: os Benjamin Alsop + Josiah Amusin« Lana Berkey . - ‘Anees Derakshan + Alast Neday Diznab ihe Tl Sasha Eblaghie «lan Hamilton + Charlotte Hockings Ate ee Quddus Ismoilova + Christy Jensen

Faye Loghmanee + Adeline MeVay + Christine Muller Daniel Perell « Dr. Gary Reusche + Layli S: son lulia Schneeweis « Naysan Sedghi Zayn Ta’ati Hannah Testa

ART AND PHOTO CREDITS,

Illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted , By Lisa Blocker: Watercolors on pp. 13,29; photos on pp. 8-9

By Fond Ghorbani:Art on p.3 | 4 Historical photos courtesy National Baha'i Archives, unless noted x

STORY AND ACTIVITY CREDITS

By C. Aaron Kreader: 4 A nshaw: 6, 11, 14, 20, 25, 27 y arsons: 1, 16, 19, 22, 28 By Katie Bishop: 1, 3, 4, 10, 12, 26

By Foad Ghorbani: 13 By Lisa Blecker: 8, 27, 29 By Donna Price: 1, 13, 14, 20, 28 = By Darcy Greenwood: 2, 7, 24, 29

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Brilliant Star empowers kids to explore their roles as world citizens. Inspired by the principles of peace and unity in the Baha'i Faith, we encourage to.use their virtues to make the world a better plac The Bahs'i Faith is the second most widespread religion in the world, with over five million Baha'is. It was founded by the Prophet Baha'u'llah (“Glory z of God” in Arabic) in 1863. Bahé‘u'llah taught that all people are part of one human family, and all a religions come from one God. Bahs'u'lldh’s eldest son, ‘Abdu'l-Bahi, interpreted His teachings and led the Baha'i community after Bahé'u'lldh’s passing. Today, Baha'is work to bring love and justice to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds.

Baha’u’llah’s Life: Mission of Peace His teachings and presence transformed ‘Akka.

Nur’s Nook Make a sailboat to find your creative flow.

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

Maya's Mysteries Take the Earth-Friendly Challenge!

Lightning and Luna: Episode #93 Our heroes need a rest, but will they get one?

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

Stargazer: Dr. Gary Reusche Offering virtues, skills, and safety in Ukraine

Riley’s Rainforest Dip your toe into forest bathing!

Shining Lamp: Nick Hockings He shared Ojibwe culture and respect for nature.

Cosmo's Corner A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon

aMAZEing ADVENTURE

Help polar bears reach their pals across the ice.

ISM 0884-9635 [Page 1]ed

NEW DESTINATIONS t 9 2 Seashells of Service

Scramble to help save the seashore.

re] 3 Quiz: Are You an Earth Superhero? “> How do your powers help the planet?

aa 6 Gardens of Love

Pi. & Shoghi Effendi’s vision bloomed at Bahji.

7 YOU Can Save the Earth! Plant your goals and help them grow.

Helping Hands Match climate-caring kids to their homes.

13 Fabulous Fungi

Explore connections in a forest ecosystem.

Me 19 Planting a New Vision fi Draw on your passion for helping Earth.

On 20 Space Ace

Scientists answer your cosmic questions.

Tame Your Trash Zap the zombies in your wastebasket!

—y Nur’s Upcycling Workshop _ Unwanted items become cool crafts.

a printreleaf.

HARMONY WITH NATURE vo1.s2 No.2

DEAR FRIENDS,

Our human family is full of amazing problem-solvers. From building ancient structures to inventing the internet, people throughout, history have found creative ways to overcome challenges.

Now more than ever, it’s time to put those problem-solving skills touse. Climate change is harmful for the people, animals, and plants that share this world. But we can make a difference. With cooperation and perseverance, we can create a place where everyone thrives.

In this issue, explore how you can help Earth heal. See the incredible impact even the smallest fungi can have on an ecosystem. Learn how communities around the world are taking action. Quiz yourself on your Earth-saving skills. Light up your creativity with Nur's paper boat craft. And get to know Dr. Gary Reusche, who empowers kids and youth at his camp in Ukraine.

When everyone pitches in, we can care for Earth, its creatures, and humanity. How will you help our planes — for today and tomorrow?

LOVE, ZRILIANT PN

ABOUT THE COVER

This issue's cover art by C. Aaron Kreader was created in part with our new, updated app for making art, IMAGINATION STATION. You can find most of the images by checking out the clip art tool in the app. Have fun exploring the new IMAGINATION STATION at Brilliant Star Online: brilliantstarmagazine.org/games/imagination-station2

[Page 2], “Do all in your power to be as one, to live in peace, each with the others: for ye are

all the drops from but one ocean ... the pearls from a single shell...” —‘Abdu'l-Baha Unscramble each cluster of shells to discover virtues that can help us care for Earth in unity. WHAT 00 CRABS WE SHELL-EBRATE!

VO ON THEIR BIRTHDAYS?

o

2 Brilliant Star ¥ voi52 No2 [Page 3]ARE YOU AN EARTH SUPERHERO?

“The excellence, adornment, and perfection of the earth consist in this, that through the outpourings of the vernal showers it should become green and verdant...” —’Abdu’l-Baha

ow do superheroes face their foes and protect the planet?

They use their powers of determination and perseverance to tackle one challenge at a time. One action may not seem like alot by itself. But add them together, and before you know it, you're soaring over obstacles and saving the day.

Climate change is a major threat to our planet. But every step you take to care for Earth can be a victory. Each sip

from a reusable water bottle keeps our oceans and marine life safe from a little more plastic. Every time you tend a garden or plant a tree, more clean, fresh air is released into the environment.

Like any heroic effort, this job works better with a team. If we all pitch in, our impact and powers grow. All of us can be heroes in the quest for a healthier world!

“Do you help save our planet? Circle your answers, then add up your points.

1. llearn the facts about climate change and share them with others. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

2.1 take quick showers to save water. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

3. When I'm heading out, | bring my reusable water bottle with me. Often=3 - Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

4. To use less energy, | turn out the lights when | leave an empty room. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 « Rarely=1

'S) Wow! You're a powerful force for protecting our planet. Invite friends to join in!

9. Irecycle as much as | can. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

10. | bring reusable utensils with me sol can skip plastic ones. Often=3 + Sometimes =2 + Rarely=1

11. When | print, write, or draw, | use both sides of the paper as much as possible. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

12.1 pack food in reusable containers instead of one-use plastic bags. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 «+ Rarely=1

5. While brushing my teeth, | turn off the faucet so | don’t waste water. Often=3 - Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

6. | try not to use plastic straws. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1

7.\ carry a handkerchief so | use fewer tissues. Often=3 - Sometimes=2 - Rarely=1

8.1 try to find new ways to use old stuff instead of throwing it away. Often=3 - Sometimes=2 « Rarely=1

“12 POINTS) You're on your way to becoming a planet protector. Choose a few tips to strengthen your training.

27-20 POINTS) Your environmental skills really make an impact! Keep going to learn more.

Learn more: brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/climate-change-myth-or-fact

vo.s2 No2 * Brilliant Star 3 [Page 4]The hife of Baha'u'llah

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

Birth of Baha'u'llah in Tihran, tran

a Recognizes the Bab as ‘anew Messenger of God

1852 __| Imprisonment in the “Black Pit” of Tihran

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

Declares Divine Mission

as Prophet-Founder of the Baha'i Faith

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

Last exile, to prison- city of “Aka, Israel

Finally free to live in countryside homes

of Mazra'ih and then Bahji, outside ‘Akka

Baha'u'llah passes. away at Bahji.

he sun blazed as Baha'u'llah and

His companions approached the

sea gate of ‘Akka (now in Israel). Before they even stepped off the boat, false rumors had spread that the Baha'is were evil criminals who deserved cruel treatment. The lies circulated through the city like one of the illnesses that were so common in ‘Akka at the time.

As the Baha'is disembarked from their ship, angry townspeople jeered at them from the foul, flea-infested streets. The stagnant air was heavy with the stench of pollution and the sounds of insults aimed at the new arrivals.

An announcement at the mosque warned that the Baha'is were dangerous and no one should talk to them. Ina prison-city filled with murderers, thieves, and other outlaws, the innocent Baha'is were among the most hated and feared.

By this time in His life, Baha'u'llah had been imprisoned in a dungeon with heavy chains that left Him scarred. He had endured exiles in brutal conditions because leaders felt threatened by His new religion. His family knew the pain of hardship and hunger as they traveled from one country to the next, sometimes in the dead of winter. This was their harshest imprisonment yet. Baha'u'llah called ‘Akka the “Most Great Prison.”

But throughout all of these exiles, Baha'u'llah's teachings brought a refreshing breeze of hope to each location. It was the same in ‘Akka. When His eldest son, ‘Abdu'l-Baha, was allowed to leave the prison and go into the city, he visited the mosque to pray. People noticed his kind, wise, and generous nature. He shared

The city wall surrounding ‘Akkd offered only a few places to enter the prison-city. Bahd’u'lléh and His companions passed through this sea gate after an exhausting journey.

insights from the Baha'i Faith. He earned the trust and respect of ‘Akka’s citizens, who went to him for guidance. ‘Abdu'l-Baha never owned much, but he always gave to the poor.

As people in ‘Akka began to learn from Baha'u'llah's teachings and ‘Abdu'l-Baha's example, their attitude toward the Bahdiis shifted. Abdu'l-Baha said that Baha'u'llah's light “first had been a star; now it became a mighty sun...”

‘Akka was known for its filth and lack of natural beauty, but its environment began to change. Baha’u'llah urged the governor to fix a broken aqueduct, bringing fresh water to the city after decades without it. He encouraged people to plant gardens. In time, the region was bursting with pomegranate, date, fig, apple, citrus, and olive trees. Fresh air blew into the city from all directions. ‘Akka often seemed protected from epidemics that tore through surrounding areas.

Soon, talk was stirring about the Baha'is again, but this time it was positive.

4 Brilliant Star *

Photos © Bahai International Community [Page 5]“If the daystar of justice... were to shed its light upon men, the face of the earth would be completely transformed.” —Bahé'u'llah

The townspeople called Baha'u'llah an “august With its fresh air,

leader." They said that the improvements in the abundance of color, city and in their lives were all due to Him and the and bubbling uplifting effect He had on those around Him. fountain, the Ridvan Baha‘u'llah praised God for ‘Akka's changes. Garden near ‘Aka Offered welcome

He said, “The Almighty ... hath transformed this Prison-House into the Most Exalted Paradise, the Heaven of Heavens.”

relief from the polluted prison-city.

Use the key to decode a quote from Baha'u'llah about transformation.

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\o2 % Brilliant Star 5 [Page 6]ne evening in April 1952, Shoghi

Effendi, the Guardian of the

Baha’i Faith, looked around

the dinner table at his guests in Haifa, Israel. With a joyful expression, he said, “Early tomorrow morning we all shall go to Bahji; | am asking every available man to be there, as we have some very important work to do.”

Bahjj, the location of the

Shrine of Baha'u'llah, is the holiest spot on Earth for Baha'is. It stands near the mansion where Baha'u'llah lived for His last 12 years. As His great-grandson and the Faith's leader, Shoghi Effendi longed to beautify the sacred area. But the land had been owned by enemies of the Faith, preventing him from carrying out his plan. Finally, after over 20 years, the property was in his hands.

The Shrine of Baha'u'llah is the sacred spot toward which Baha'is turn in prayer each day.

One guest that night was Dr. Ugo Giachery, a Baha'i chemist from Italy. Like the others, he was happy to assist the Guardian. At the time, only a few trees had been planted near the shrine. Ugo described most of the grounds as “a sea of sand.”

The next morning, Shoghi Effendi and his helpful companions gathered at Bahji. Ugo helped him trace nine paths that radiated in an arc from the shrine. These were

, eae,

GARDENS OF LOVE

marked with string and wooden stakes. Along the paths, gardeners dug trenches for hedges of thyme. The widest path led to the door of the shrine. Shoghi Effendi looked elated as he said, “Finally we have a dignified way to we reach the Shrine, the approach to ~ which | shall further beautify.” Rain fell in the afternoon, but the team persevered. They wanted to accomplish as much as possible before sunset. Young trees were planted along the paths. Flowering plants, topsoil, and grass seeds were brought from Haifa.

That night, Shoghi Effendi developed a cold, but in the morning, he managed to return to work. Over the next three days, the group planted trees, borders, hedges, and star-shaped flower beds. They installed iron gates, steps, pedestals, and stone decorations.

Though he had no formal training in landscaping, Shoghi Effendi had a “truly extraordinary artistic sense” and a “perfect sense of proportion,” said his wife, Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum. Together they had visited many gardens around the world.

Determined to grow lawns in Israel's desert climate, Shoghi Effendi imported grass seeds from Europe.

“lam a lover of flowers and gardens,” he wrote to one company. He asked them to send “any pictorial plant you may think suitable to my purpose.”

During the days at Bahji, Ugo said, the land near the shrine became “a beauteous, entrancing garden, looking as if it had been there from ancient times...”

Shoghi Effendi nurtured the gardens until his passing in 1957. Ugo wrote, “My heart is deeply moved whenever | walk around the gardens and see all the things he accomplished with so much love and such boundless eagerness: a living reminder of the happy days when he was on this earth.”

Today, Baha'is from around the globe visit Bahji as part of a pilgrimage to the Faith’s holy sites, where they can be uplifted by the Guardian’s imaginative vision.

6 Brilliant Star * vo 2

Shoghi Etfendi’s verbal quotes are

y's memories and may not be his exact words. ional Community; graphics by seamartini/Getty

[Page 7]a

YOU Gan Save the Barth!

H Ow are you inspired to help our planet? Kids are helping in kids and adults around the world!” Chloe Mei Espinosa was 11 amazing ways! At age nine, Robbie Bond learned that U.S. when she created the Skip the Plastic Straw effort, inspiring individuals, National Parks were in danger of closing. He collected 5,000 signatures. —_ schools, and hospitals to eliminate single-use plastic straws. to save them and started the group Kids Speak for Parks. Hannah Testa These kids each started with a small seed of an idea and used was 10 years old when she got passionate about stopping plastic their creativity, determination, and passion to help it grow. One person & pollution. Now a teenager, she’s given presentations to nearly 30,000 canmake a huge difference. What's your goal to protect our planet?

‘'S GOAL

Write your name above. On the trunk, write a goal and a date to reach it. Add ideas to help your goal grow!

T1l celebrate z= success by Ideas for SS

handling challenges

gv? 920 doy, 5 T hope to learn

Tl stay motivated by 9

‘ \

Challenges I may face

Supplies i

’ Til need

Videos, websites, or books to help

Steps I can take today

“Meet Hannah on page 11. vo.s2 N02 %* Brilliant Star 7 [Page 8]“all the existing arts and sciences were onc

aking arts and crafts really lights me up! But this week, | was having a hard time feeling radiant. No matter how long | sat at my art

table, fresh ideas just wouldn't flow. Then my dragonfly friend, Sky, invited me out to her neighborhood pond. As we flew around the colorful lilies, tall willow trees, and sparkling water, my imagination fired up!

1 Fold plate in half. Cut along crease.

2 Drawaline 2" (5.1m) from straight edge of each portion. Cut along lines.

Inspired by Noture: Moke J SpilhOst

e hidden secrets of nature.” —‘Abdu'l-Baha

It’s amazing how being in nature can inspire us. It reduces stress and helps us relax about things like time limits. Creative solutions are more likely to float along.

When | got home from the pond, | made this cool boat with items in my recycling bin. Check out the steps below to make your own sailboat. Then find a safe spot to set it afloat. Have fun exploring how nature inspires you!

+ 7"(17.8.cm) round, coated paper plate

• scissors

+ ballpoint pen

+ ruler

+ stapler

+ Th"x4"(3.8 x 10.2 cm) cardboard tube

+ used plastic sandwich bag

+ packing tape

+ tacky glue

3 Stack larger pieces of plate with coated sides facing each other. Staple top and bottom of each side so boat's edges are even. Trim if needed.

4 Wrap paper tube snugly inside sandwich bag and tape it closed.

Youll Need

thick paper decorative paper wooden skewer

+ two9"(22.9 cm) pieces

of string

two ring-shaped hard candies

5%" x 7°" (14 x 19.1.0m) flat cut-out or lid of used plastic food container

Optional: toy minifigures

8

Brilliant Star *

[Page 9]5_ (a) Push paper tube inside boat until its bottom is flat against

table. Turn boat upside down on thick paper. Trace around boat and cut out shape for deck. (b) Glue decorative paper to deck and sides, leaving boat's top and bottom paper-free.

Turn boat right side up.

Use ruler and pen to r

make a dot at top center |

of paper tube. Repeat for I ,

deck. Push pen tip into me , each dot to create holes. an

For mast, push skewer through holes in

deck and tube until it touches bottom of tube. Press deck evenly on paper tube so it’s snug inside boat and mast stands upright.

(a) Cut out 3%" x 6" (8.9 x 15.2 cm) and 2" x 3" (5.1x7.6 cm) decorative paper rectangles, for sails. Trim so edges are curved. (b) Press pen’s tip 14" (.6 cm) from center of longer edges of each sail to make small holes. Thread mast through holes.

9 Fold 1"x 3"(2.5 x 7.6 cm) decorative paper in half so short ends meet. From fold, cut off corners to make triangle for flag. Open flag and glue around mast's tip.

a

<i

Bm

10 Thread string through candy and knot ends

around mast. Repeat to hang a candy on other side for balance. Tape toy minifigures in boat or create some mini-sailors with paper cut-outs. Tape or set boat on plastic lid and carefully balance it on calm water. Experiment with ways to keep it afloat.”

“Clean up any plastic and small parts from your craft that could harm water or wildlife.

vous2 No2 * Brilliant Star

[Page 10]Helping Hands

FF: the tiniest raindrop to the tallest mountain, are answering the call to action. Some are changing

and the countless creatures in between, daily habits—such as by riding a bike instead of driving we're all part of Earth’s amazing ecosystems. a car. Some are using smarter gardening approaches

Just as trees provide oxygen, and shellfish help clean _ orinventing cleaner technologies. oceans, we can do our part to care for the planet. Climate-care leaders offer hope and inspire us to

Earth is suffering from pollution and the dangers help Earth heal. Each action, large or small, leads to a of climate change. But communities all over the world _ brighter future for humanity and our ugplanet

\ iVaval svar

Ata climate fair, these youth are sharing how their communities help Earth. Read the clues, then match «MM with their ear

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10 Brilliant Star * [Page 11]od Va Whoa EXPLoRE AND PROTECT THE x EARTH AND ITS CREATURES

WOW, REALL

rt with Plastic - We use up to five

Write down or photograph trillion plastic

all the plastic you use in bags a year

a week. Note what items 2 worldwide!

are ony sed once ene ice

Consult with yo UY family limited, taxed,

about how to eliminate or banned them. Fungi are tiny, but they have some plastic waste.

a big job! They help break down natural items (like leaves) so they decompose PROTECTING OUR PLANET

and release nutrients that support new life. But unlike organic things, plastics that don't exist in nature degrade very slowly when exposed to light, heat, or air. Tiny bits called microplastics can get into our food and water. To keep Earth and its creatures healthy, we need to reduce and recycle plastic.

The Bees reptiles in the u S. can grow up to 13 ft. (4m) long! They live in small social groups along the coast from Texas to Florida, and they communicate with chirps, hisses, and rumbles. Fill in the blanks to find their name.

1. > £4

ME IC N LLG 70 S

Images: Portrait by Christy Jensen; Romanovskyy, zianlob, kavram,

passiondnature, all va Gety ANSWERS ON PAGE 2 yoLs2No2 %® Brilliant Star 11 [Page 12]aN

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CARING FOR

OUR PLANET IS

REFRESHING!

“This span of earth is but one homeland and one habitation. It behooveth you ... to set your hearts on whatever will ensure harmony.” -Baha’u'llah

——s

up trash at a nearby park, and we cleared away a mountain of it! Plastic bags, straws, utensils, snack wrappers, and other junk had littered the park. That stuff’s terrible for the planet, even when it makes it to the trash can. If I throw away a plastic bottle right now, my great-great-great-great-great

Por is everywhere! My junior youth group picked

of CLEANING UP THE FUTURE

grandkids could dig it up one day, because it takes so long to break down.* Not cool!

My friends and I don’t want kids in the future to live on a trash heap. So we're doing an Earth-friendly challenge. We want to see how many ways we can reduce our waste and pollution in the next two weeks. Take the challenge with us!

O Eat one or two vegetarian meals or snacks in a week.

Or Help your family finish leftover food to reduce waste.

O Start a compost bin so food scraps don’t go into the trash.

+ Make your own snacks instead of buying packaged items.

O Choose drinks that aren't sold in single-use plastic bottles.

Or Pack food in reusable lunch bags and containers.

O Use cloth napkins instead of paper.

O Write to a restaurant and ask them to use Earth-friendly 7 take-out boxes and straws.

Mi teers eT

O Bring reusable bags to the grocery store.

O* Need to shop for something? Try to find it at a secondhand store.

O Swap used toys, books, and clothes with friends.

O Walk, bike, or carpool when possible to use less gas.

D+ Grow native plants to help pollinators and the ecosystem stay healthy.

Or Plan or participate in a neighborhood clean-up event.

O+ Hold a “fix-it” night with friends to help each other repair broken items.

how many actions you can do in the next two weeks.

Si Seay . mes SV sw le = y EARTH-FRIENDLY CHALLENGE Ce Lj G sf Ready to help out? Talk to your family and see x

O Try to mend clothes instead of throwing them out.

Or Reuse gift bags, or wrap gifts in colorful fabric.

O Hang up laundry to dry instead of throwing clothes in the dryer.

O Time yourself taking a shower, then make the next one shorter.

O Use bar soap instead of soap in plastic bottles. T

Add your own ideas here:

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12

Brilliant Star % vo152.No2

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“Learn more on page 11 [Page 13]\ I) Uf Fabulous, Fungi. i/4ae

} { IN ature can teach us a lot about cooperation, create. Mycelia can even help trees communicate | Nn acool example is the fantastic world of | with each other, sending signals about harmful insects y

fungi. Some fungi produce mushrooms, which —_ and other dangers. When a creature dies, fungi help al

are like the “fruit” of the fungi. But underground, like break downits chemicals so new life can grow. , secret agents, there are vast networks of thread-like All this teamwork makes the forest healthier, so it fungi called mycelia that can extend for miles! can provide food and shelter to animals and people. Mycelia are essential to our forest ecosystems. When we appreciate the mysterious ways that all They help plants and trees find water and nutrients. _ living things are connected, we can give our planet

i/ In return, the fungi get access to the food these plants _the care it deserves.

/ Ha Ke SS a tus and wend 2 | j} wy, Fi in the missing letters to discover the virtues and won =o ungi en sh AN Ug Mech parecenceo W/LZE

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‘ee al 2 ONS AMP Don't eat mushrooms you find growing outside: some are poisonous. 55 ‘li ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 vo.s2No2 * Brilliant Star 13 [Page 14]\l'

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HMMM, I THOUGHT MY STRESS LEVEL WOULD BE BETTER BY NOW.

PHOTO CLUB ROBOT CLUB, TOO. WELL, NO ITWwouLy 0 | | ft HERE’S ALL THE FF) MEETS BEFORE |] COLIN SAYS IT’S DUE DAY OFF, BUT THE OPPOSITE J—| WORK YOU MISSED. SCHOOL NOW? TO THE HEAT WAVE. YOU'LL GET TO |] I’VE BEEN FOR ME. WHERE HAVE YOU

DO MATH. YOU }} DOING MATH |] AT LEAST WELL ) BEEN? SAVING SEE COLIN AND MINNAH AT

14 Brilliant Star % vol.s2 No2 “Sea Entsodes 287-88 [Page 15]Speen Wr -/ THAT’S ROUGH, LOOKS LIKE COLIN

BRIVEET. MAYBE YOU | ANZ MINNAH MADE: |

NEW FRIENDS.

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THEIR WORK! IN BY NEXT

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Enjoy more episodes of Lightning & Luna in our iPad

app, available for free download in the Apple App Store!

2N02 % Brilliant Star 15

[Page 16]Connect with kids around the world! How are they like you? How are they different? Each of us has a unique ve story to tell. What’s yours?

Age: 11 Hive in stralia

| want to be

A meteorolc

Tazhib artist (T

a form of P. n art)

This career interests me because Ilike wez d ar

Virtue | admire most: Generos

Favorite Baha’i activity: Children’s class

Place I'd love to visit: Japan

A hero or role model lah

Favorite animal or pet Jap 1

I'd like to tell world leaders To not think at

the

In nature, | love to

mb t:

To help the environment, like to:

Try not to b that are plastic

I'm amazed by: Al]

diff

omething don 2 ocean

This career interests me because:

Iam very ed

Virtue | admire most:

Favorite Baha'i activities: Junior )

group I'd like to tell world leaders:

ho fuels

yout

A hero or role model

s leac

ct on the

Virtue | admire most:

nce

Favorite Baha'i activity: Children’s class

Place I'd love to visit: fy grandma's house

To help the environment, | like to:

I'm amazed by: How plants are able

to

To help Earth, I'd invent: A like mact

it tree sé

ris would help with

orestation crisis.

A hero or role model. 4 du’l-Baha

Favorite animal: Eagles

| like to help people by: Making t

happy i

em feel the

2y are sad

I'd like to tell world leaders: Help the world not using making

cheaper.

gzas and by

tric cars

In nature, | love to:

[Explore] lakes and tre

To help the environment, | like to:

Clean up trash and not use pl forks, anc

astic plates,

I'm amazed by:

To help Earth, I'd invent:

[So: hing] that can

make trash disappear forever and make the environment very clean

Brilliant Star [Page 17]Layli Sampson Age: 9 x live in: Maryland, U.S.

| want to be:

Worker at Best Friends Animal Society! [a U.S. group that helps homeless animals]

This career interests

me because:

Ilove animals, andI want to help them. lam also vegan (I don’t eat any animal products).

Virtue | admire most: Kindness to animals!

Favorite Baha'i activity: Children’s class!

Favorite animal or pet: Cats and bunnies. I love my cats: Dusty, who can open cabinets, and Tsunami, who can reach under a door

and grab treats to eat.

Faye Loghmanee Age: 8 Y | live in: Illinois, U.S.

| want to be:

Dancer in a Mexican folkloric dance group This career interests

me because:

When folkloric dancing, Ilearned to move

with gracefulness and

balance, like I hada candle on my head.

Favorite Baha’i activity: Ilove the skits in

children’s classes. a

Places I’d love to visit: Miami, Florida, or the [Baha’i] House of

Worship in India

A hero or role model:

My parents * A favorite food:

Chicago deep dish pizza

Places I'd love to visit: Japanese Cat Island and Rabbit Island [home to hundreds of roaming cats and rabbits]!

| like to help people by: Caring for them when they are hurt

I'd like to tell world leaders: I want people to care more about the planet and actually take care of it.

In nature, | love to: Go to a quiet place ina forest, not on a trail

\ene

In nature, | love to: * Walk with my

friends in the Morton Arboretum [in Illinois]

I'm amazed by:

Although wildfires are scary, they are needed to help some seeds grow.

To help Earth, I'd invent: Amachine that runs

on water and makes

bags out of leaves so

we don’t need plastic bags anymore

x x

“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'|-Baha

Quddus Ismoilova

x

| want to be: Astronaut

Age: 12 live in: Turkey

This career interests me because: Space is fascinating.

Virtue | admire most:

Honesty In nature, | love to: = Hobbies or sports: i Go to the sea. I love Basketball swimming, because I * 5 ae want to see life in the Favorite Baha'i activity: Junior youth [gr ae water and every corner ( of the world.

Favorite animal: Orca To help the environment, 4 Places I'd love to visit: like to: Haifa [Israel], because Use recycled products ___ it’s the Holy Land, and renee ee He haere) There are more stars *

y in the universe than

SEO EES % there are grains of sand

Ahero or role model: on earth, but there are

My grandfather, more atoms in one grain because he has taught of sand than there are me about the simple stars in the universe. Nisin To help Earth, I'd invent:

| like to help people by: Trash cans full of acid Passing the Word so the trash could

of God to others immediately disappear

1. If you're age 7-14, go to brilliantstarmagazine.org. From the top menu, choose “Discover.” Then click “Become a Radiant Star or Trailblazer,” and fill out the form. Or email us at brilliant@usbnc.org. Include your name, age, birthdate, mailing address, and phone number.

2. When it’s your turn to shine, we'll send you ie , 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- poe images (like school portraits).

&

• Brilliant Star 5) BrilliantStar == 17

VOL.52 NO.2 [Page 18]\

Lana Berkey Age: 9

live in: Washington, U.S.

| want to be: Geologist

This career interests

me because:

Ilike rocks, and I want to teach geology to middle school students.

Virtues | admire most: Trustworthiness, humbleness Hobbies or sports:

Reading and practicing shooting in basketball

Favorite Baha’ activities: Baha’i summer school

Place I'd love to visit: Mamata, New Zealand

I'd like to tell world leaders: It is bad to take down trees and plants, because it hurts animals and the environment.

Josiah Amusin Age: 8

| live in; Illinois, U.S. | want to be: A writer

This career interests

me because: Ilike making * comic books.

Virtue | admire most: Generosity

Hobbies or sports:

Baseball, basketball, art, theater, science

Favorite Baha'i activity: Singing prayers with friends

A hero or role model: :

[Pilot] Amelia Earhart

In nature, | love to:

Climb trees, because I like challenges and this activity challenges me

I'm amazed by:

Willow trees. I like how the branches hang down and their color.

To help Earth, I'd invent: Something that can make paper without using trees or recycle things that cannot currently be recycled

Favorite animal or pet: Beardie, my bearded dragon [lizard]

A favorite food: Pizza

A hero or role model: My friend Quincy * Loghmanee

| like to help people by: Giving kindness...

I'd like to tell world leaders: Please recycle and lower your carbon footprint! & In nature, | love to: Explore creeks at Morton Arboretum

[in Illinois]

To help the environment,

| like to:

[Take care of] our tree nursery in our yard

I'm amazed by: We found a baby bunny nest in the backyard!

Zayn Ta’ati > s Age: 9

I live in: Arizona, U.S.

| want to be:

A builder, an actor, and a homeopath [health care provider using natural remedies]!

This career interests

A hero or role model:

me because: My mom

Ilike to measure and lator lores * J put things together. i a ae Ove H

I like to write plays F ae is ae

and heal people. pce wooge

To help the environment, | like to:

Breed endangered species, plant seeds, and not buy much

Favorite Baha'i activity: Teaching the Faith to younger children

I'd like to tell world leaders: Change will happen ; when people listen to ag by: a

God’s commandments. Seance woe

When united, people will To help Earth, I'd invent: come up with solutions A freeze ray machine we can’t think of now. to stop the ice caps

Please promote unity. from melting! | Sasha Eblaghie

Age: 9

live in: Maryland, U.S. | want to be: Artist This career interests

me because:

Lenjoy drawing.

Virtue | admire most:

Sincerity Favorite animal: Elephant Place I'd love to visit: In nature, | love to: Singapore Bike ona trail

Favorite Baha'i activity: To help the environment, Feast* | like to:

hi Clean up the aA ero or role model: * neighborhood and buy

senor things with little or no | like to help people by: packaging Visiting others to I'm amazed by: a ad ] bring them food Really, really large trees ig like to pelwene leaders: 79 help Earth, I'd invent:

2 aie re everyone —4 wand that removes US SEeS, germs from anywhere Favorite food: it touches—this way we Pasta, pizza, or can prevent the spread mooncake—I can’t pick! of new viruses

Brilliant Star % vos? No2

“Feast is a Bahai community gathering with prayers, consultation, and fellowship. [Page 19]ee

— ”

eae as

Richard St. Barbe Baker, a British forester, believed trees were vital to healing Earth. He traveled the world, planting trees and teaching others to do the same. While working in Kenya in 1922, Richard grew to love and admire the Kikuyu people. Dancing is an important part of Kikuyu culture, so he helped organize a Dance of the Trees. He and Chief Josiah Njonjo started

L: before climate change was a known crisis,

Planting a . __ = =—New Vision

“Let your vision be world-embracing, rather than confined to your own self.” —Baha’u'llah

Sucky

ile a group called “Men of the Trees,” and women were included, too. It continues today as the International Tree Foundation.

When Richard became a Baha'i in 1924, the Faith’s teachings deepened his respect for nature and for all humanity. He showed how one person with passion and perseverance can inspire others to unite and improve the world. How do you want to help our planet?

In the clearing below, draw yourself doing, inventing, or building something to help care for Earth.

? \\ Veg

on

(Mi {hui iN |

Learn more about Richard St. Barbe Baker: ddl

VOL.52NO2 Ww Brilliant Star

19 [Page 20]| SPACEALE J |

ASHA SPACE SCIENTIST

Our universe is f T most mini

ull of mysteri

| Y; : ries, and some of the ind:

re He are |i Space . Curious kids asked questions, haa

em to a space scie tist. Hav ions abo! A TE ce

40 e question

ie

em to rilliant@usbne.org (with your name =

b age).

Can you notice environmental issues oF changes from up inspace? —lulia, age 12

Hi, lulia, Yes! Scientists detect environmental effects ona global scale by observing

Earth from orbit. Dozens of satellites orbit Earth, monitoring the atmosphere,

the seas, and land. They send back data on Earth's energy budget—the

yy received from the Sun and energy radiated

difference between energ ace from Earth. The energy budget isimportant to understanding Artist's concept ofthe Landsat 9 satellite,

back to spi

our climate. When less energy goes back to space gre receives, the faunched in O71, which measures planet gets warmer. This is called global warming. Itaffects both the global —changesto Earth's surface from both climate and Jocal weather conditions, such as heat waves. natural and human causes.

Satellites monitor precipitation, wind velocity, seawater and land d snow depths on land. They also measure

layer, which protects us by absorbing ha hey affect ecosystems. tists understand

temperatures, water levels, an rmful radiation from

chemicals in the atmosphere that affect the ozone the Sun. Satellites can even track wildfires to help manage them and see how tl NASA spends over $2 billion each year for these and other Earth observations. They help scien prove computer programs that predict how it may change in

the future. — Steve

Earth's environment and im

The Jame Ss Mstesbenissai Telescope, the most powerful S as r uilt, was launched in 2021. Its cai fone s ae ee about the size fe tennis court T SN e universe in a kind of light that is ivi ig s visible

to human eyes, but we can feel it as heat. This light is called

A) Night Light C)I i B) Gamma Light D) an oa

20 Brilliant Star +

RIMSSS/Kevin M. Gill, NASA/Tony Gray ai

i Sf M. Gill, NASA/Tony Gray an

/ESA/Hubble, NASA/Goddard. onwangt 2G /Getty

[Page 21]Hi, Adeline, When and how severely climate change impacts our daily lives depends on the people and the place. Climate change affects health, and those most at risk are the very young, the very old, and those with limited economic resources. For example, a city with The US. averages six heat waves la lots of buildings but only afew green _year.up from two per year!" ine Oo areas is called an urban heat island. Global temperature has been increasing, and heat waves in these heat islands are becoming more severe. An elderly person living there without air conditioning has a serious health impact from climate change today. In addition, it's predicted that by 2050, climate change will severely affect where farmers can grow food. Water access is a concern, since climate change is expected to reduce spring snow. But coastal areas have rising water levels and flooding. Fortunately, as the effects are getting easier to see, many people are taking climate change more seriously. Federal agencies in the U.S. are making plans to address the most significant risks. And kids like you can help. You can conserve water and energy at home, and you can help environmental groups in your area. —Steve

x Dr. Nancy Grace Roman (1925-2018) was SS 2 American astronomer and the first KR female executive at NASA. She managed what became the Hubble Space Telescope. & Atelescope named for her will launch in the S mid-2020s to study mysteries including: s

DEIR] [INIRG(] and DR) M{|TT|JR

STEVE SCOTTI is Brilliant Star's STEM Education Advisor and a Distinguished Research Associate at NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia, U.S. His background is in developing lighter, stronger materials and structures for aircraft and spacecraft. Watching the first astronaut launched into space inspired his interest in space exploration.

ON THE WEE

In our Space Ace video interviews, meet two amazing astronauts!

LELAND MELVIN was a pro football player and a NASA astronaut. When he went to space, it changed his perspective forever.

PEGGY WHITSON was a NASA astronaut and the first female commander of the International Space Station. She broke other records, too.

Check out both videos on Dr. Scotti’s STEM Station at brilliantstarmagazine.org/themes/DrScotti

ANSWERS ON PAGE 28

• Brilliant Star 21

[Page 22]STARGAZER

",,° @

J]

ie

=

Dr. Gary Reusche

an you imagine hiding in a basement because your home could be bombed? That's life for lots of kids in Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in early 2022. But in a small village in central Ukraine, Gary Reusche and his wife, Svitlana, show kids a different way of life. Since 2012, they've run a camp on their farm for kids and youth. It focuses on building life skills and community while exploring virtues and the arts.

As a teenager in Virginia, U.S., in the 1960s, Gary wanted to help others, so he joined a service project feeding kids in need. When a friend told him about the Baha'i Faith, he was attracted to its message of justice. He became a Baha'i at age 19. Gary explored the U.S. and Central America by motorcycle, which fueled his desire to be of service. He went to college, earning a doctorate degree in agronomy (soil and seed science). Over the years, Gary

worked in about 70 countries, teaching farmers better ways to grow and store crops. Since 2003, he's lived in Ukraine, where his family provides a safe haven for kids in wartime.

Q: What's one of your favorite childhood memories?

A: We square danced. And | was a fanatic when | was seven or eight years old... [I loved] the music, being with other children,

At age 13, Gary lived near an Air Force and the happiness we felt.

base in southern Illinois, U.S., and played many sports, including

Q: What was the most challenging basketball, baseball, and football.

experience for you as a kid?

A: | think it was... problems with Q: What is agronomy? my parents, because [they] were A: There's two parts of it... One is growing food . . . learning about seeds, not very happy together. When how to take care of the soil, do the planting, and grow crops... Business | was about seven years old, is the second part . . . selling together, working together, and finding ...my father ended up going ways to improve the quality of our community. off to work in Southeast Asia for a couple of years... My Q: Please tell us about the work you've done to help farms develop. mother had to do everything .. . A: In 70 countries... we taught them to improve their production and [But] my sister loved sports and storage and to improve . . . being able to sell this food to other countries basically got me involved ... ... The world is going to have trouble producing food for everybody . . . That was very good for me. We're using too much of the earth's resources . . . This has to change.

22

Brilliant Star * vo

[Page 23]Questions and

Inspirational Baha

Q: How has Russia's invasion

of Ukraine affected kids and families?

It's a reality. Even on the farm,

of the children that are here today, there are traumatized kids .. . Maybe they didn't get bombed, but they were in a situation where they could have been... Lots of families are being chased out of their cities ... [But] the Ukrainian people did not give up and, | believe, will not give up... The people have gone through terrible... incidents to be able to recreate their life in a better way.

What virtues do we need to

help the environment?

A good virtue would be to observe

around you and try to understand what you see and how it impacts the world and the environment. | think that's really important. . . Live a minimalistic lifestyle... [Baha'u'llah] talks about . . . [how] you don't need this excessive wealth. It's a virtue to say,

“We don't need that."

Q:

A:

Qa: A:

Above: Gary (back row, far left) enjoys giving kids and junior youth rides with his horse. Greta, around his farm during a 2017 Virtues Project camp in Ukraine.

Left: Gary and Svitlana visit Haifa,

Israel, in February 2022—just

before the Russian army invades

Ukraine and the war begins.

What is “the Virtues Project" you're involved in?

[In our] tiny village ... | found this beautiful area with forests and fields and lakes to swim in... Friends in Kyiv...started sending their children ... They found this place to be inspirational .. . It's not just a class, it's

a small community where they live together. They play together, swim together, eat together. They clean their rooms . . . [and] even work in the fields ... They help each other . . . [We] talk about what kinds of virtues you need ... What kind of person you want to be, what kind of life you want to live ... These fundamental principles of virtues . . . are essential and basic to all the religions of the world... The only thing we're going to be talking about that's a little bit different is how the world needs to change . .. We have to live as one, in unity, without war.

How is helping the environment a spiritual issue?

In the world today, instead of being oriented on developing our capacities

and our virtues and our quality of living . . . people want to buy more and more expensive things, material things. Let's look at life in a different [way] ... we do not need to have so many things to be able to live a spiritual life. If we focus all our time and energy on developing the material life, we may not be having enough energy to be able to deal more with the spiritual realities, which is our purpose for living... Our reason for living is not to have more material things .. . There are other things that are much easier and much more important, and might even make you a much happier and more spiritually developed person.

vo.s2No2 ¥* Brilliant Star

23 [Page 24]“Send down... from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing...”

Jaa

. i

\q \|

a Al had a rough day yesterday.

if I messed up my math test, tripped during lunch and got

fruit salad everywhere, and got tons

of homework. | felt pretty ruffled.

I told my friend Pip about

my disastrous day, and he

suggested something

he learned in Japan:

shinrin-yoku, or

forest bathing. It

doesn't mean you

actually take a bath

in a forest. You spend

mindful time in nature

to relax. Pip says nature

is like medicine. It can

brighten your mood,

reduce stress, and even help

you heal faster from injuries!

Trees give you oxygen, and they also release oils that may boost your health. Sunlight causes your

Curiosity Canopy

Unwind in Nature

NATURE CAN BE HEALING!

body to create vitamin D, which can

strengthen your bones and muscles. Even though I live in the forest,

1 don't always take the time to enjoy

it. So I flew to the upper canopy with Pip to give forest bathing a try. At first, I wasn’t sure > what to do. Pip said to take deep breaths and notice things around

\ us. So I breathed

|

in the fresh air and focused on the sunlight glittering on the river below. Guess what? It really helped! Soaking up the beautiful views and warm

sunshine made me feel a lot better. Pip cheered me up too, of course! Check out these ideas we came up with and do some forest bathing of your own. It can make your spirit soar!

laying outside can be like gaining superpowers! Kids who spend more time playing outdoors can develop

tougher immune systems, more physical fitness, better concentration, and stronger teamwork skills. How do you like to power up in the great outdoors?

24 Brilliant Star * vo.

—Baha'u'llah

Explore & Soar: Ary Forest Bathing!

xperiment with these ideas for relaxing outdoors. a Choose a quiet, peaceful place,

like a park or garden. It doesn't have to be a forest.

O- Turn off distracting devices so you can feel connected to nature.

oO Take deep breaths to relax. Identify some pleasant scents.

to Close your eyes and listen. What do you hear?

tO How does the ground feel when you walk barefoot (if possible)? Is it springy or soothing?

o What colors do you see? How does the light change as clouds pass by or you walk under a tree?

oO How does tree bark feel to touch?

o Sit with friends and ask each person to share what brings them peace. Take your time. It's not about the destination, it's about the journey!

Photos: Hiking by FatCamera/Getty, soccer by SDI Productions/Getty [Page 25]vs TAME YOUR TRASH oie

re there zombies in your trash can? Junk we don't A recycle can lurk for ages! It gets buried in a landfill under a pile of gross garbage and may sit for centuries. Itcan ruin the habitats of creatures and plants. A plastic water bottle can take 450 years to break down in a landfill.” An aluminum can or plastic

| straw might hang around for 200 years. A DVD could haunt us for a million years!

But don’t freak out—tame the trash. Before you buy something new, get creative. Try to use an item you already have. Invent your own things, or borrow from a friend. If you must buy, check out thrift stores. And when you're done with an item, Teuse or recycle it.

By using less stuff, we defeat the garbage ghouls and help Earth grow a little greener!

———e

J Match each trash monster with a nature Friend that transforms it. \ /, | 7 t) b |

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= ZZ a = 5.5202 ¥ Brilliant Star 25

[Page 26]uring wintertime, Ernest “Nick” Hockings D loved to trek across frozen lakes with his small fishing sled in Wisconsin, U.S. When he caught a fish through the ice, he'd laugh with joy.

In warm weather, Nick carried on his Indigenous Ojibwe community's practice of spearfishing by torchlight. It's what gave his home its French name, Lac du Flambeau, or “Lake of the Torches.” Nick called it Waswagoning, “the place where they spear fish by torchlight.”

Born in 1942, Nick was a member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. His Ojibwe name is Bindigegiizhig (Enter the Sky). His family lived in a shack with an outdoor water supply. His mother and grandmother had attended government- run boarding schools where Ojibwe language and culture were forbidden. But Nick's stepfather, Lauren, taught him Ojibwe traditions.

With his stepfather, Nick harvested wild rice and tapped trees for maple syrup. Nick learned to cut birch bark for canoes at just the right depth so it popped off the tree trunk, leaving the tree healthy. As he hunted and fished, Nick took only what he needed. When he grew up, he was passionate about sharing this knowledge with others.

In his 30s, Nick learned about the Bahai Faith. He became a Baha'i around 1980. The Faith teaches that Indigenous people will be spiritual leaders of humanity, and Nick took this to heart. He loved to spend time with Ojibwe elders, and he treated everyone with dignity. i

Nick married his wife, Charlotte, in 1985. They

worked together to protect Indigenous rights, but they faced harsh backlash. When Nick spearfished, protestors against Ojibwe treaty rights threw rocks and fired guns at him. Nick and Charlotte relied on Baha’i guidance about peace and fairness. Together with a few others, Nick sought justice in court and won legal protection for Ojibwe rights in 1992.

Nick saw the harm that racism and prejudice cause people and the planet. He wanted to empower future generations to do better. Nick said, “Young people are going to find the answers, regardless of people that become roadblocks and stand in their way."

Nick and Charlotte built a camp where people of all backgrounds could learn about Ojibwe culture. They called it Waswagoning and ran it for 22 years. Many who attended overcame prejudices and learned new ways to live in harmony with the environment. Nick and Charlotte helped create a documentary about Waswagoning, which won several Emmy Awards.

Nick also shared Ojibwe culture at schools and universities. He and Charlotte started a dance troupe that performed internationally. They loved dancing at powwows and seeing diverse communities connect.

Nick had a clear vision of hope for the future. He passed away in 2012, but his impact continues. He said we live in a time when “we'll begin to understand our relationship once again to the environment, our relationship ... more importantly, to one another. And we'll realize that as relatives that this ... is a time when we'll begin to come together.”

26 Brilliant Star * vo.

Photo by Michael Becker [Page 27]3 Nurs Uptytliny Workshop “Arts, crafts and sciences uplift the world of being, and are conducive to its exaltation.” —Baha'u'llah

y neighbors are buzzing with concerns about items we don’t want or need anymore. Reusing things the local landfill. It's filling up fast with garbage, from our recycling bins can reduce waste. Andit's a fun

which can impact our health and neighborhood. way to make cool gifts!

We flew together to consult about how to help. We We collected cardboard tubes, boxes, old toys, and

decided that before we buy new things, we'll try to use other items. Then our imaginations went wild! We turned

or fix stuff we already have. things upside down or put them together, which helped us We also got excited about a cool upcycling service see them in a new light. You can find ways to upcycle and

project! Upcycling is when we create something new from _ help our planet, too. For ideas, look around my treehouse!

@Q {Tincan + cnRogonRD Y $00 { JEANS { mLK { SHIRT { mason 4 PAPER 4 SHOEBOK — TUBE | BOTTLE Lemme { caRTon Nem JAR Bag me

1 PAGE yoLs2No2 ¥% Brilliant Star

[Page 28]~ HOW 70 POLAR BEARS

MAKE THEIR BEDS? i

WITH SHEETS OF ICE AND BLANKETS OF SNOW!

"S CORNER

Look for Cosmo the Chameleon’s clues throughout the magazine.

COSMO

i

DOWN =e) tohelp protect our planet.(p.7) | 1. Being in _____can inspire us and reduce stress. (p. 8)

to protect our planetinbig 5 3. Youcan keep beaches healthy by leaving shells on the sand and taking __instead. (p. 2)

4. Richard St. Barbe Baker traveled the world planting ae ((9518)

5. There are vast underground networks of thread-like —— called mycelia. (p. 13)

ul N\\

2.We can each seta

3. Each of us can do our and small ways. (p. 29)

6. We can appreciate the mysterious ways all living things are . (p.13)

8, In Japanese, shinrin-yoku means bathing— spending mindful time in nature to relax. (p. 24)

9 store around 70% of the world’s freshwater 7. Most seashells are created by soft-bodied ocean supply! (p. 29) creatures called -(p. 2) 10. Nick and Charlotte Hockings built a camp where people 8. Before buying something new, try to use an item you already could learn about Ojibwe ____. (p. 26) have, invent your own things, or borrow from a_. (p. 25)

12. Alast, Naysan, and Josiah all admire the virture of (pp. 16-18)

18. The James Webb Space ___was launched in 2021. (p. 21) 14. Gary Reusche runs a camp in this country. (p. 22)

11. Creating something new from items we don't want or need anymore is called -(p. 27)

13. Like any heroic effort, caring for Earth works better witha . (p. 3)

FROM OUR MAILBOX

| ANSWERS

Brilliant Star makes me feel like a completely KEY: T=Top, C=Center, B=Bottom, L=Left, R=Right different person when | read it. It makes Page 2: 1) Determined, 2) Honesty, Page 13: 1) biodiversity, Cooperative, F aes 3) Kindness, 4 Patience 5) Respect 2) kingdom, Charitable; 3) species, Giving me feel important. It inspires me to 6) Responsible, 7) Service, 8) Justice 4) Yeast, Loyal; 5) fireflies, Moderate; become a good person. I've learned that 9) Unity 6) medicines, Orderly; 7) carbon, Reliable;

Pag Gets oh wuss bal ora 8) spores, Supportive ) studies, Versatile distinguish yourselves... Through them the Pages 20-21: C) Infrared Light, Dark Energy brightness of your light can be shed upon the and Dark Matter

... kindness is the best virtue. [A theme I'd choose is] global warming. | think it

whole earth.” . ist Page 25:1 Ignorant nk Catidg, 2) Biased Bag, (teeta for people to understand Page 10: 1) Rwanda, 2) Sweden, 3) Costz Rica, 3) Supeor Spoon, 4) Stubbom Styrofoam, that many animals are vulnerable 4) Singapore, 5) US., 6) Morocco, 5) Bullying Botle, 6) Selfish Straw, 7) Careless A 7) New Zealand Can, 8) Dishonest Disc, 9) Rude Wrapper because of pollution. Page 11: Argentina, American alligators Page 27: Can a C, tube at BR, bottle at CL,

jeans at TL, milk carton at TL, shirt at BR, jar at

—Benjamin Alsop, age 13, North Carolina, U.S. BL, pape bog at BC, shoebox at BR

28 Brilliant Star * [Page 29]ea

GLOBAL GLACIERS

c Dp‘ you know that glaciers are vital? These massive bodies _the world. This makes glaciers melt, causing sea levels to rise, of ice serve as air conditioning for our planet by reflecting which can harm people and ecosystems. the sun’s rays. They even store around 70% of the world’s But humans are resourceful. Each of us can do our part AL freshwater supply! Tiny animals like ice worms live on glaciers. _ to protect our planet in big and small ways. You can help by Birds, polar bears, and other creatures feed or travel there. carrying a reusable water bottle, planting trees, taking shorter Because of climate change, glaciers are indanger. When showers, unplugging appliances that aren't in use, and more. we burn fossil fuels, like oil, coal, and natural gas, greenhouse _Telling others about climate change is important, too. If we all gases are released into the atmosphere and trap more heatin _ team up, we can help Earth and its glaciers cool down! <<: = ee Ss

& Help these polar bears reach their friends across the Wally pe

eMAZEing

ADVENTURE

• Brilliant Star 29

[Page 30]“Moving humanity to a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with the natural world will require a strong and actionable consensus, along with collective will...”

-Bahaii International Community

Brilliant Star

Harmony with Nature - VOL.52 NO.2

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

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