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[Page i]A BAHÁ’Í COMPANION FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS

Brilliant Star

brilliantstarmagazine.org VOL. 52 NO. 2

HOW WILL YOU HELP SAVE OUR PLANET?

STOP THE ZOMBIES! TAME YOUR TRASH

Harmony with Nature

[Page ii]Brilliant Star BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 1233 Central Street, Evanston, Illinois 60201 U.S. 847.733.3409 brilliant@usbnc.org Subscriptions: 1.800.999.9019 brilliantstarmagazine.org

Copyright 2022 by the 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 Heidi Parsons ASSOCIATE EDITOR Katie Bishop ASSISTANT EDITOR Foad Ghorbani PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Lisa Blecker ARTIST & WRITER Donna Price WRITER Darcy Greenwood WRITER Dr. Stephen Scotti STEM EDUCATION ADVISOR

MANY THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Benjamin Alsop Josiah Amusin Lana Berkey Anees Derakshan Alast Neday Diznab Sasha Eblaghie lan Hamilton Charlotte Hockings Quddus Ismoilova Christy Jensen Faye Loghmanee Adeline McVay Christine Muller Daniel Perell Dr. Gary Reusche Layli Sampson Iulia Schneeweis Naysan Sedghi. Zayn Ta'ati Hannah Testa

FAVORITE FEATURES

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Mission of Peace His teachings and presence transformed ‘Akká.

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.

Brilliant Star empowers kids to explore their roles as world citizens. Inspired by the principles of peace and unity in the Bahá’í Faith, we encourage readers to use their virtues to make the world a better place.

The Bahá’í Faith is the second most widespread religion in the world, with over five million Bahá’ís. It was founded by the Prophet Bahá’u’lláh ("Glory of God" in Arabic) in 1863. Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, interpreted His teachings and led the Bahá’í community after Bahá’u’lláh’s passing. Today, Bahá’ís work to bring love and justice to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds.

ISSN 0884-3635

ART AND PHOTO CREDITS

Illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted By Lisa Blecker: Watercolors: photos By Foad Ghorbani: Art Historical photos courtesy National Bahá’í Archives, unless noted

STORY AND ACTIVITY CREDITS

By C. Aaron Kreader By Amy Renshaw By Heidi Parsons By Katie Bishop By Foad Ghorbani By Lisa Blecker By Donna Price By Darcy Greenwood

SUBSCRIPTION RATES AND RENEWALS

To subscribe, visit brilliantstarmagazine.org or contact Bahá’í Subscriber Service: Toll-free: 1.800.999.9019/Email: 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)

RIGHTS, PERMISSIONS, AND CLASS USE

All content in Brilliant Star 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, use form at www.brilliantstarmagazine.org/permission-request or write Brilliant Star, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Teachers may photocopy pages in limited quantities for classroom use. "Brilliant Star" and volume/number or issue date must be present on all copies, and proper credit given to the copyright owner.

Cosmo's Corner

A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon

aMAZEing ADVENTURE

Help polar bears reach their pals across the ice. [Page 1]HARMONY WITH NATURE VOL. 52 NO. 2

NEW DESTINATIONS

2 Seashells of Service Scramble to help save the seashore.

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

6 Gardens of Love Shoghi Effendi’s vision bloomed at Bahjí.

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

10 Helping Hands Match climate-caring kids to their homes.

13 Fabulous Fungi Explore connections in a forest ecosystem.

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

20 Space Ace Scientists answer your cosmic questions.

25 Tame Your Trash Zap the zombies in your wastebasket!

27 Nur’s Upcycling Workshop Unwanted items become cool crafts.

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 to use. 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 planet—for today and tomorrow?

LOVE, BRILLIANT STAR

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]

Seashells of Service

“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-Bahá

It’s fun to find seashells on the beach. Did you ever wonder where they come from? Most are created by mollusks—soft-bodied ocean creatures such as clams, oysters, and snails. Their cells release proteins and minerals that harden into a protective layer. There are an estimated 200,000 species of mollusks, and each shell is one of a kind, like a fingerprint!

When mollusks die, shells they leave behind help the ocean and its creatures. Hermit crabs, octopuses, fish, and other animals use them as homes or as places to hide from predators. Shells help stop beaches from washing away, and they enrich the seafloor with minerals.

Collecting a seashell as a souvenir is tempting. But you can keep beaches healthy by leaving shells on the sand and taking photos instead. If everyone pools together, we can turn the tide and save our seas!

Unscramble each cluster of shells to discover virtues that can help us care for Earth in unity.

WHAT DO CRABS DO ON THEIR BIRTHDAYS? WE SHELL-EBRATE!

LEAVE SHELLS ON THE BEACH!

Earth CARE-acteristics

1 _____________________

2 __________

3 __________

4 _______________

5 __________

6 _________________________

7 _______________

8 _______________

9 __________ [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-Bahá

How 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 a lot 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. I learn the facts about climate change and share them with others. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

2. I take quick showers to save water. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

3. When I’m heading out, I bring my reusable water bottle with me. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

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

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

6. I try not to use plastic straws. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

7. I carry a handkerchief so I use fewer tissues. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

8. I try to find new ways to use old stuff instead of throwing it away. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

9. I recycle as much as I can. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

10. I bring reusable utensils with me so I can skip plastic ones. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

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

12. I pack food in reusable containers instead of one-use plastic bags. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

MY SCORE [ ]

36–28 POINTS Wow! You’re a powerful force for protecting our planet. Invite friends to join in!

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

19–12 POINTS You’re on your way to becoming a planet protector. Choose a few tips to strengthen your training.

Learn more: brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/climate-change-myth-or-fact [Page 4]

A Brief Timeline of the Life of Bahá’u’lláh

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: 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.

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Mission of Peace — Uplifting ‘Akká

The sun blazed as Bahá’u’lláh and His companions approached the sea gate of ‘Akká (now in Israel). Before they even stepped off the boat, false rumors had spread that the Bahá’ís were evil criminals who deserved cruel treatment. The lies circulated through the city like one of the illnesses that were so common in ‘Akká at the time.

As the Bahá’ís 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 Bahá’ís were dangerous and no one should talk to them. In a prison-city filled with murderers, thieves, and other outlaws, the innocent Bahá’ís were among the most hated and feared.

By this time in His life, Bahá’u’lláh 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. Bahá’u’lláh called ‘Akká the "Most Great Prison."

But throughout all of these exiles, Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings brought a refreshing breeze of hope to each location. It was the same in ‘Akká. When His eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 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 insights from the Bahá’í Faith. He earned the trust and respect of ‘Akká’s citizens, who went to him for guidance. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá never owned much, but he always gave to the poor.

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

As people in ‘Akká began to learn from Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s example, their attitude toward the Bahá’ís shifted. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said that Bahá’u’lláh’s light "first had been a star; now it became a mighty sun..."

‘Akká was known for its filth and lack of natural beauty, but its environment began to change. Bahá’u’lláh 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. ‘Akká often seemed protected from epidemics that tore through surrounding areas.

Soon, talk was stirring about the Bahá’ís again, but this time it was positive. [Page 5]“If the daystar of justice . . . were to shed its light upon men, the face of the earth would be completely transformed.” —Bahá’u’lláh

The townspeople called Bahá’u’lláh an “august leader.” They said that the improvements in the city and in their lives were all due to Him and the uplifting effect He had on those around Him.

Bahá’u’lláh praised God for ‘Akká’s changes. He said, “The Almighty . . . hath transformed this Prison-House into the Most Exalted Paradise, the Heaven of Heavens.”

With its fresh air, abundance of color, and bubbling fountain, the Ridván Garden near ‘Akká offered welcome relief from the polluted prison-city.

Use the key to decode a quote from Bahá’u’lláh about transformation.

“It is through your deeds that ye can distinguish yourselves . . . through them the brightness of your light can be shed upon the whole earth.” —Bahá’u’lláh [Page 6]

GARDENS OF LOVE

One evening in April 1952, Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá’í 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 Bahjí; I am asking every available man to be there, as we have some very important work to do."

Bahjí, the location of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, is the holiest spot on Earth for Bahá’ís. It stands near the mansion where Bahá’u’lláh 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 Bahá’u’lláh is the sacred spot toward which Bahá’ís turn in prayer each day.

One guest that night was Dr. Ugo Giachery, a Bahá’í 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 Bahjí. Ugo helped him trace nine paths that radiated in an arc from the shrine. These were 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 reach the Shrine, the approach to which I 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-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum. 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. "I am 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 Bahjí, 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 I 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, Bahá’ís from around the globe visit Bahjí as part of a pilgrimage to the Faith’s holy sites, where they can be uplifted by the Guardian’s imaginative vision.

Shoghi Effendi’s verbal quotes are from Dr. Giachery’s memories and may not be his exact words. [Page 7]

YOU Can Save the Earth!

How are you inspired to help our planet? Kids are helping in amazing ways! At age nine, Robbie Bond learned that U.S. National Parks were in danger of closing. He collected 5,000 signatures to save them and started the group Kids Speak for Parks. Hannah Testa was 10 years old when she got passionate about stopping plastic pollution. Now a teenager, she’s given presentations to nearly 30,000 kids and adults around the world!* Chloe Mei Espinosa was 11 when she created the Skip the Plastic Straw effort, inspiring individuals, schools, and hospitals to eliminate single-use plastic straws.

These kids each started with a small seed of an idea and used their creativity, determination, and passion to help it grow. One person can make 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!

• Who can help?
• I hope to learn
• I’ll stay motivated by
• I’ll celebrate success by
• Ideas for handling challenges
• Videos, websites, or books to help
• Steps I can take today
• MY GOAL:
• I plan to reach my goal by this date:
• Virtues I’ll use:
• Skills I’ll use:
• My goal can help the planet by
• Supplies I’ll need
• Challenges I may face

• Meet Hannah on page 11.

[Page 8]

Inspired by Nature: Make a Sailboat

"All the existing arts and sciences were once hidden secrets of nature." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Making arts and crafts really lights me up! But this week, I was having a hard time feeling radiant. No matter how long I 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!

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 I got home from the pond, I 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!

You'll Need

• 7" (17.8 cm) round, coated paper plate
• scissors
• ballpoint pen
• ruler
• thick paper
• decorative paper
• wooden skewer
• stapler
• 12" x 4" (3.8 x 10.2 cm) cardboard tube
• used plastic sandwich bag
• packing tape
• tacky glue
• two 9" (22.9 cm) pieces of string
• two ring-shaped hard candies
• 52" x 72" (14 x 19.1 cm) flat cut-out or lid of used plastic food container
• Optional: toy minifigures

Steps

1 Fold plate in half. Cut along crease.

2 Draw a line 2" (5.1 cm) from straight edge of each portion. Cut along lines.

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. [Page 9]

Nur’s Nook

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.

6 Turn boat right side up. Use ruler and pen to make a dot at top center of paper tube. Repeat for deck. Push pen tip into each dot to create holes.

7 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.

8 (a) Cut out 3½" x 6" (8.9 x 15.2 cm) and 2" x 3" (5.1 x 7.6 cm) decorative paper rectangles, for sails. Trim so edges are curved. (b) Press pen’s tip ¼" (.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.

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.

[Page 10]

Helping Hands

From the tiniest raindrop to the tallest mountain, and the countless creatures in between, we’re all part of Earth’s amazing ecosystems. Just as trees provide oxygen, and shellfish help clean oceans, we can do our part to care for the planet.

Earth is suffering from pollution and the dangers of climate change. But communities all over the world are answering the call to action. Some are changing daily habits—such as by riding a bike instead of driving a car. Some are using smarter gardening approaches or inventing cleaner technologies.

Climate-care leaders offer hope and inspire us to help Earth heal. Each action, large or small, leads to a brighter future for humanity and our planet.

At a climate fair, these youth are sharing how their communities help Earth. Read the clues, then match each with their country.

1. KNOWN AS “LAND OF A THOUSAND HILLS,” MY CENTRAL AFRICAN NATION BANNED SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAGS AND PACKAGING MATERIALS.
2. PART OF MY COUNTRY IS ABOVE THE ARCTIC CIRCLE, WHERE YOU CAN SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS! 99% OF OUR WASTE IS RECYCLED OR USED FOR FUEL.
3. MY TROPICAL LAND HAS OVER 100 VOLCANOES! WE’VE PLANTED ENOUGH TREES TO DOUBLE THE SIZE OF OUR RAINFOREST.
4. WE’RE THE ONLY ISLAND THAT’S A CITY AND A COUNTRY! MANY OF OUR BUILDINGS ARE GREEN—THEY USE THINGS LIKE RECYCLED MATERIALS AND ENERGY-SAVING TECH.
5. IN OUR HOME NEAR CANADA, MY INDIGENOUS SWINOMISH COMMUNITY MAKES SUSTAINABLE CLAM GARDENS—ROCKY TERRACES ALONG THE SHORE WHERE CLAMS THRIVE.
6. IN NORTHERN AFRICA, MY COUNTRY SPEAKS A DIALECT OF ARABIC CALLED DARIJA. WE BUILT THE LARGEST SOLAR FARM IN THE WORLD!
7. OVER 80% OF THE ENERGY ON OUR PACIFIC ISLAND IS RENEWABLE, AND WE HAVE SOME OF THE CLEANEST AIR ON THE PLANET.

Countries: Morocco, U.S., Singapore, Rwanda, New Zealand, Sweden, Costa Rica [Page 11]

EXPLORE AND PROTECT THE EARTH AND ITS CREATURES

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

WE ARE ONE

EARTH-SAVING TIP

Part with Plastic

Write down or photograph all the plastic you use in a week. Note what items are only used once. Consult with your family about how to eliminate some plastic waste.

WOW, REALLY?

We use up to five trillion plastic bags a year worldwide! But now, 127 countries have limited, taxed, or banned them.

OUR CONNECTIONS

Fungi are tiny, but they have a big job! They help break down natural items (like leaves) so they decompose 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.

PROTECTING OUR PLANET

Hannah Testa is an environmental activist, author, and speaker from Georgia, U.S. When she was 10, she founded the group Hannah4Change, which educates people about global issues. At age 17, she wrote Taking On the Plastics Crisis. Hannah says, “Do not stay silent in the face of injustice. Now more than ever, the world needs you and your voice.”

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

The Perito Moreno glacier is one of hundreds of glaciers in the South American ice fields. These ice fields are the third largest reserve of freshwater ice in the world. The glacier averages 230 ft. (70 m) high and covers 100 sq. mi. (250 sq. km). Unscramble the letters to find its country.

RAGINNETA

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

AMAZING ANIMALS

The largest reptiles in the U.S. can grow up to 13 ft. (4 m) 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.

○ ME ○ IC ○ N ○ ○ LLIG ○ TO ○ S

Images: Portrait by Christy Jensen; Romanovskyy, zianlob, kavram, passion4nature, all via Getty ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 [Page 12]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.” —Bahá’u’lláh

CLEANING UP THE FUTURE

Plastic is everywhere! My junior youth group picked 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 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!

EARTH-FRIENDLY CHALLENGE

Ready to help out? Talk to your family and see how many actions you can do in the next two weeks.

• Eat one or two vegetarian meals or snacks in a week.
• Help your family finish leftover food to reduce waste.
• Start a compost bin so food scraps don’t go into the trash.
• Make your own snacks instead of buying packaged items.
• Choose drinks that aren’t sold in single-use plastic bottles.
• Pack food in reusable lunch bags and containers.
• Use cloth napkins instead of paper.
• Write to a restaurant and ask them to use Earth-friendly take-out boxes and straws.
• Bring reusable bags to the grocery store.
• Need to shop for something? Try to find it at a secondhand store.
• Swap used toys, books, and clothes with friends.
• Walk, bike, or carpool when possible to use less gas.
• Grow native plants to help pollinators and the ecosystem stay healthy.
• Plan or participate in a neighborhood clean-up event.
• Hold a “fix-it” night with friends to help each other repair broken items.
• Try to mend clothes instead of throwing them out.
• Reuse gift bags, or wrap gifts in colorful fabric.
• Hang up laundry to dry instead of throwing clothes in the dryer.
• Time yourself taking a shower, then make the next one shorter.
• Use bar soap instead of soap in plastic bottles.

Add your own ideas here:

• _________________________________________________
• _________________________________________________
• _________________________________________________

• Learn more on page 11.

[Page 13]

Fabulous Fungi

Nature can teach us a lot about cooperation, and a cool example is the fantastic world of fungi. Some fungi produce mushrooms, which are like the “fruit” of the fungi. But underground, like secret agents, there are vast networks of thread-like fungi called mycelia that can extend for miles!

Mycelia are essential to our forest ecosystems. They help plants and trees find water and nutrients. In return, the fungi get access to the food these plants create. Mycelia can even help trees communicate with each other, sending signals about harmful insects and other dangers. When a creature dies, fungi help break down its chemicals so new life can grow.

All this teamwork makes the forest healthier, so it can provide food and shelter to animals and people. When we appreciate the mysterious ways that all living things are connected, we can give our planet the care it deserves.

Fill in the missing letters to discover the virtues and wonders of fungi and forests.

• FORESTS PROTECT B_OD_VERS_TY, PROVIDING HABITATS FOR MILLIONS OF SPECIES.
• FUNGI EXIST AS THEIR OWN KI_G_OM, SEPARATE FROM PLANTS AND ANIMALS.
• FUNGI ARE DIVERSE! THERE ARE AT LEAST TWO MILLION _PECIE_.
• Y_AST IS A FUNGUS USED IN BREAD, CHOCOLATE, AND OTHER FOODS.
• LIKE _IRE_LIES, OVER 80 SPECIES OF MUSHROOMS GLOW IN THE DARK.
• MANY M_DICIN_S ARE MADE FROM FUNGI, INCLUDING THE ANTIBIOTIC PENICILLIN.
• WITH HELP FROM FUNGI, FORESTS CLEAN THE AIR BY ABSORBING CA_B_N POLLUTION.
• TO SPREAD, MUSHROOMS RELEASE MICROSCOPIC SPO_ES CARRIED BY THE WIND.
• A SCIENTIST WHO S_UDI_S FUNGI IS CALLED A MYCOLOGIST.

1 Coo_era_ive Cauliflower 2 Char_ta_le Chanterelle 3 Gi_ing Greencracked Brittlegill 4 Loy_l Lion’s Mane 5 Mo_erate Morel 6 Or_erly Oyster 7 Re_iab_e Red Pine 8 S_pporti_e Caesar’s 9 Ver_atile Violet Coral

YOU ARE ALL SUCH FUN-GUYS!

Don’t eat mushrooms you find growing outside; some are poisonous. [Page 14]

LIGHTNING & LUNA

WHAT VACATION?

1. 93

BAXTER AND BRIDGET

AT THE BLAZE HOME . . .

FINALLY! WE’RE SO HAPPY YOU’RE HOME!

ME TOO!

QUASAR’S BEEN UPDATING US, BUT WE WERE WORRIED.

IT WAS WILD!

GET SOME SLEEP. IT’S A SCHOOL NIGHT!

CAN’T WE TAKE A DAY OFF? IT’S NOT LIKE WE WERE ON VACATION!

YOU MUST BE SO TIRED!

MAYBE IT’S TIME TO TAKE A BREAK FROM SAVING THE WORLD?

YEAH . . . I REALLY NEED . . .

WE’RE FINE! BAX JUST NEEDS SOME REST.

IN THE MORNING . . .

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

(STRESSMETER: 62)

Min! We’re back! Template:Smiley Walk to school together?

B! Template:Heart Sorry, photo club B4 school. Template:Frown

PHOTO CLUB MEETS BEFORE SCHOOL NOW?

ROBOT CLUB, TOO. COLIN SAYS IT’S DUE TO THE HEAT WAVE.

WELL, NO DAY OFF, BUT YOU’LL GET TO DO MATH. YOU LOVE THAT!

I’VE BEEN DOING MATH IN MY HEAD JUST TO STAY CALM.

IT WOULD DO THE OPPOSITE FOR ME. AT LEAST WE’LL SEE COLIN AND MINNAH AT LUNCH.

HERE’S ALL THE WORK YOU MISSED. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? SAVING THE WORLD?

I-UH-

(STRESSMETER: 76)

• See Episodes #81-83

[Page 15]THAT’S ROUGH, BRIDGET. MAYBE YOU CAN REVIVE IT?

LOOKS LIKE COLIN AND MINNAH MADE NEW FRIENDS.

YEAH. WE HAVE BEEN GONE A WHILE.

GREAT! OUR WORLD TRAVELERS HAVE ALL THEIR WORK! TURN IT IN BY NEXT FRIDAY!

ALERT 94 STRESS-METER

LATER THAT DAY . . .

TIPS 77 STRESS-METER

TRY TO MEDITATE OR PRAY.

32 STRESS-METER

AT THE UPLIFTERS’ HQ . . .

I’VE CONTAINED THE CUBE FROM PROFESSOR PROWD’S ANTI-UPLIFTER WEAPON.*

WHAT ABOUT THE CUBE THAT FLEW OFF, ZAPPO?

OUR DRONE TRACKED IT TO IDAHO, THEN LOST IT. THIS IS VERY ADVANCED TECH. I CAN’T DRAIN THE POWER.

I’LL SCAN IT TO LEARN MORE.

<GASP!>

PULSAR? PULSAR! ANSWER ME!

<MOOOOAN>

Enjoy more episodes of Lightning & Luna in our iPad app, available for free download in the Apple App Store! [Page 16]

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?

Naysan Sedghi

Age: 13 I live in: Washington, U.S. I want to be: NASA engineer This career interests me because: I am very intrigued with space and what lies beyond. Virtue I admire most: Generosity Favorite Bahá’í activities: Junior youth group A hero or role model: [Civil rights leader] John Lewis I’d like to tell world leaders: Even though fossil fuels might have a positive impact on the economy, their use has a very negative impact on the environment. In nature, I love to: Go kayaking and paddleboarding To help the environment, I like to: Pick up litter on the trail when I’m hiking I’m amazed by: How plants are able to grow in some very harsh conditions To help Earth, I’d invent: A Zamboni-like machine that, instead of placing water down, would plant tree seeds in soil. This would help with the deforestation crisis.

Alast Neday Diznab

Age: 11 I live in: Australia I want to be: A meteorologist or a Tazhib artist (Tazhib is a form of Persian art) This career interests me because: I like weather and art. Virtue I admire most: Generosity Favorite Bahá’í activity: Children’s class Place I’d love to visit: Japan A hero or role model: Bahá’u’lláh Favorite animal or pet: Japanese dwarf flying squirrel I’d like to tell world leaders: To not think about the expenses, but think about the planet itself In nature, I love to: Climb trees To help the environment, I like to: Try not to buy things that are wrapped in plastic I’m amazed by: All the different species of things in nature To help Earth, I’d invent: Something that disintegrates plastic and reshapes it into something new, so we don’t throw it in the ocean

Anees Derakshan

Age: 10 I live in: California, U.S. I want to be: Soccer player or LEGO builder This career interests me because: I like building with LEGO bricks, and I love playing soccer. Virtue I admire most: Patience Favorite Bahá’í activity: Children’s classes Place I’d love to visit: My grandma’s house A hero or role model: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Favorite animal: Eagles I like to help people by: Making them feel happy if they are sad I’d like to tell world leaders: Help the world by not using gas and by making electric cars cheaper. In nature, I love to: [Explore] lakes and trees To help the environment, I like to: Clean up trash and not use plastic plates, forks, and spoons I’m amazed by: How an ant can carry over 40 times its weight To help Earth, I’d invent: [Something] that can make trash disappear forever and make the environment very clean [Page 17]“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

Layli Sampson

Age: 9 I live in: Maryland, U.S. I want to be: Worker at Best Friends Animal Society! [a U.S. group that helps homeless animals] This career interests me because: I love animals, and I want to help them. I am also vegan (I don’t eat any animal products). Virtue I admire most: Kindness to animals! Favorite Bahá’í 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.

Places I’d love to visit: Japanese Cat Island and Rabbit Island [home to hundreds of roaming cats and rabbits]! I 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, I love to: Go to a quiet place in a forest, not on a trail

Faye Loghmanee

Age: 8 I live in: Illinois, U.S. I want to be: Dancer in a Mexican folkloric dance group This career interests me because: When folkloric dancing, I learned to move with gracefulness and balance, like I had a candle on my head. Favorite Bahá’í activity: I love the skits in children’s classes. Places I’d love to visit: Miami, Florida, or the [Bahá’í] House of Worship in India A hero or role model: My parents A favorite food: Chicago deep dish pizza

In nature, I 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: A machine that runs on water and makes bags out of leaves so we don’t need plastic bags anymore

Quddus Ismoilova

Age: 12 I live in: Turkey I want to be: Astronaut This career interests me because: Space is fascinating. Virtue I admire most: Honesty Hobbies or sports: Basketball Favorite Bahá’í activity: Junior youth [group] Favorite animal: Orca

Places I’d love to visit: Haifa [Israel], because it’s the Holy Land, and Chernobyl [Ukraine], because it’s a city frozen in time . . . A hero or role model: My grandfather, because he has taught me about the simple things in life I like to help people by: Passing the Word of God to others In nature, I love to: Go to the sea. I love swimming, because I want to see life in the water and every corner of the world. To help the environment, I like to: Use recycled products I’m amazed by: There are more stars in the universe than there are grains of sand on earth, but there are more atoms in one grain of sand than there are stars in the universe. To help Earth, I’d invent: Trash cans full of acid so the trash could immediately disappear

How to be a Radiant Star:

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 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). [Page 18]

Lana Berkey

Age: 9 I live in: Washington, U.S. I want to be: Geologist This career interests me because: I like rocks, and I want to teach geology to middle school students. Virtues I admire most: Trustworthiness, humbleness Hobbies or sports: Reading and practicing shooting in basketball Favorite Bahá’í activities: Bahá’í summer school Place I’d love to visit: ‎Mamata Matamata‎, 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.

A hero or role model: [Pilot] Amelia Earhart In nature, I 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

Zayn Ta’ati

Age: 9 I live in: Arizona, U.S. I want to be: A builder, an actor, and a homeopath [health care provider using natural remedies]! This career interests me because: I like to measure and put things together. I like to write plays and heal people. Favorite Bahá’í activity: Teaching the Faith to younger children I’d like to tell world leaders: Change will happen when people listen to God’s commandments. When united, people will come up with solutions we can’t think of now. Please promote unity.

A hero or role model: My mom In nature, I love to: Look for animals in the woods To help the environment, I like to: Breed endangered species, plant seeds, and not buy much I’m amazed by: Petrified wood To help Earth, I’d invent: A freeze ray machine to stop the ice caps from melting!

Josiah Amusin

Age: 8 I live in: Illinois, U.S. I want to be: A writer This career interests me because: I like making comic books. Virtue I admire most: Generosity Hobbies or sports: Baseball, basketball, art, theater, science Favorite Bahá’í activity: Singing prayers with friends

Favorite animal or pet: Beardie, my bearded dragon [lizard] A favorite food: Pizza A hero or role model: My friend Quincy Loghmanee I like to help people by: Giving kindness . . . I’d like to tell world leaders: Please recycle and lower your carbon footprint! In nature, I love to: Explore creeks at Morton Arboretum [in Illinois] To help the environment, I like to: [Take care of] our tree nursery in our yard I’m amazed by: We found a baby bunny nest in the backyard!

Sasha Eblaghie

Age: 9 I live in: Maryland, U.S. I want to be: Artist This career interests me because: I enjoy drawing. Virtue I admire most: Sincerity Place I’d love to visit: Singapore Favorite Bahá’í activity: Feast* A hero or role model: My mom I like to help people by: Visiting others to bring them food I’d like to tell world leaders: No cars, and everyone use bikes! Favorite food: Pasta, pizza, or mooncake—I can’t pick!

Favorite animal: Elephant In nature, I love to: Bike on a trail To help the environment, I like to: Clean up the neighborhood and buy things with little or no packaging I’m amazed by: Really, really large trees To help Earth, I’d invent: A wand that removes germs from anywhere it touches—this way we can prevent the spread of new viruses

• Feast is a Bahá’í community gathering with prayers, consultation, and fellowship.

[Page 19]

Planting a New Vision

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

Long before climate change was a known crisis, 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 a group called “Men of the Trees,” and women were included, too. It continues today as the International Tree Foundation.

When Richard became a Bahá’í 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. [Page 20]

ASK A SPACE SCIENTIST

Our universe is full of mysteries, and some of the most mind-boggling are in space. Curious kids asked questions, and we sent them to a space scientist. Have questions about space? Send them to brilliant@usbnc.org (with your name and age).

Can you notice environmental issues or changes from up in space? — Iulia, age 12

Hi, Iulia,

Yes! Scientists detect environmental effects on a 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 difference between energy received from the Sun and energy radiated back to space from Earth. The energy budget is important to understanding our climate. When less energy goes back to space than Earth receives, the planet gets warmer. This is called global warming. It affects both the global climate and local weather conditions, such as heat waves.

Satellites monitor precipitation, wind velocity, seawater and land temperatures, water levels, and snow depths on land. They also measure chemicals in the atmosphere that affect the ozone layer, which protects us by absorbing harmful radiation from the Sun. Satellites can even track wildfires to help manage them and see how they affect ecosystems.

NASA spends over $2 billion each year for these and other Earth observations. They help scientists understand Earth’s environment and improve computer programs that predict how it may change in the future. — Steve

Artist’s concept of the Landsat 9 satellite, launched in 2021, which measures changes to Earth’s surface from both natural and human causes.

COSMIC QUIZ

The James Webb Space Telescope, the most powerful space telescope ever built, was launched in 2021. Its cameras are protected by a sunshield about the size of a tennis court! The telescope sees the universe in a kind of light that is invisible to human eyes, but we can feel it as heat. This light is called:

A) Night Light B) Gamma Light C) Infrared Light D) Hot Light

Artist’s concept of the James Webb Space Telescope [Page 21]

How long do you think [it will be] before climate change makes the largest impact to our daily life? — Adeline, age 13

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 lots of buildings but only a few green 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

The U.S. averages six heat waves per year, up from two per year in the 1960s.

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 WEB

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

BACK IN TIME

Dr. Nancy Grace Roman (1925–2018) was an American astronomer and the first female executive at NASA. She managed what became the Hubble Space Telescope. A telescope named for her will launch in the mid-2020s to study mysteries including:

D [ ] R [ ] [ ] N [ ] R G [ ] and D [ ] R [ ] M [ ] T T [ ] R [Page 22]

STARGAZER

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 Bahá’í Faith, he was attracted to its message of justice. He became a Bahá’í 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 I was a fanatic when I was seven or eight years old... [I loved] the music, being with other children, and the happiness we felt.

Q: What was the most challenging experience for you as a kid? A: I think it was... problems with my parents, because [they] were not very happy together. When I was about seven years old, ... my father ended up going off to work in Southeast Asia for a couple of years... My mother had to do everything... [But] my sister loved sports and basically got me involved... That was very good for me.

At age 13, Gary lived near an Air Force base in southern Illinois, U.S., and played many sports, including basketball, baseball, and football.

Q: What is agronomy? A: There's two parts of it... One is growing food... learning about seeds, how to take care of the soil, do the planting, and grow crops... Business is the second part... selling together, working together, and finding ways to improve the quality of our community.

Q: Please tell us about the work you've done to help farms develop. A: In 70 countries... we taught them to improve their production and storage and to improve... being able to sell this food to other countries The world is going to have trouble producing food for everybody... We're using too much of the earth's resources... This has to change. [Page 23]

Questions and Answers with an Inspirational Bahá’í

Q: How has Russia's invasion of Ukraine affected kids and families?

A: 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, I believe, will not give up... The people have gone through terrible... incidents to be able to recreate their life in a better way.

Q: What virtues do we need to help the environment?

A: 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. I think that's really important... Live a minimalistic lifestyle... [Bahá’u’lláh] talks about... [how] you don't need this excessive wealth. It's a virtue to say, "We don't need that."

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.

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

A: [In our] tiny village... I 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.

Q: How is helping the environment a spiritual issue?

A: 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. [Page 24]

RILEY'S RAINFOREST

Unwind in Nature

I had a rough day yesterday. I messed up my math test, tripped during lunch and got fruit salad everywhere, and got tons of homework. I 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 body to create vitamin D, which can strengthen your bones and muscles.

Even though I live in the forest, I 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!

NATURE CAN BE HEALING!

Playing 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?

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

Explore & Soar

Try Forest Bathing!

Experiment with these ideas for relaxing outdoors.

□ Choose a quiet, peaceful place, like a park or garden. It doesn't have to be a forest.

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

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

Close your eyes and listen. What do you hear?

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

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

□ How does tree bark feel to touch?

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! [Page 25]

TAME YOUR TRASH

Are there zombies in your trash can? Junk we don't recycle can lurk for ages, it gets buried in a landfill under a pile of gross garbage and may sit for centuries. It can 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, reuse or recycle it.

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

Match each trash monster with a nature Friend that transforms it.

1 Wise Willow Tree 2 Open-Minded Orchid 3 Humble Heron 4 Flexible Frog 5 Loving Lilac 6 Sharing Squirrel 7 Careful Caterpillar 8 Truthful Turtle 9 Respectful Rabbit

Careless Can Selfish Straw Stubborn Styrofoam Biased Bag Rude Wrapper Dishonest Disc Ignorant Ink Cartridge Superior Spoon Bullying Bottle [Page 26]

SHINING LAMP

A Bahá’í who served humanity with radiance Nick Hockings (1942-2012)

During wintertime, Ernest "Nick" Hockings 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 mistake 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.

Exploring Nature

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 Bahá’í Faith. He became a Bahá’í 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.

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 Bahá’í guidance about peace and fairness. Together with a few others, Nick sought justice in court and won legal protection for Ojibwe rights in 1992.

Extraordinary Educator

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." [Page 27]

Nur’s Upcycling Workshop

“Arts, crafts and sciences uplift the world of being, and are conducive to its exaltation.” —Bahá’u’lláh

My neighbors are buzzing with concerns about the local landfill. It’s filling up fast with garbage, which can impact our health and neighborhood. We flew together to consult about how to help. We decided that before we buy new things, we’ll try to use or fix stuff we already have.

We also got excited about a cool upcycling service project! Upcycling is when we create something new from items we don’t want or need anymore. Reusing things from our recycling bins can reduce waste. And it’s a fun way to make cool gifts!

We collected cardboard tubes, boxes, old toys, and other items. Then our imaginations went wild! We turned things upside down or put them together, which helped us see them in a new light. You can find ways to upcycle and help our planet, too. For ideas, look around my treehouse!

TIN CAN

CARDBOARD TUBE

SODA BOTTLE

JEANS

MILK CARTON

SHIRT

MASON JAR

PAPER BAG

SHOEBOX

FOR EACH ITEM IN THE KEY, FIND THE FINISHED UPCYCLED CRAFT IT HELPED CREATE. [Page 28]

COSMO’S CORNER

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

HOW DO POLAR BEARS MAKE THEIR BEDS? WITH SHEETS OF ICE AND BLANKETS OF SNOW!

ACROSS

2. We can each set a ____ to help protect our planet. (p. 7)

3. Each of us can do our ____ to protect our planet in big 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 supply! (p. 29)

10. Nick and Charlotte Hockings built a camp where people could learn about Ojibwe ____. (p. 26)

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

13. The James Webb Space ____ was launched in 2021. (p. 21)

14. Gary Reusche runs a camp in this country. (p. 22)

DOWN

1. Being in ____ can inspire us and reduce stress. (p. 8)

3. You can keep beaches healthy by leaving shells on the sand and taking ____ instead. (p. 2)

4. Richard St. Barbe Baker traveled the world planting ____. (p. 19)

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

7. Most seashells are created by soft-bodied ocean creatures called ____. (p. 2)

8. Before buying something new, try to use an item you already have, invent your own things, or borrow from a ____. (p. 25)

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 with a ____. (p. 3)

FROM OUR MAILBOX

Brilliant Star makes me feel like a completely different person when I read it. It makes me feel important. It inspires me to become a good person. I’ve learned that . . . kindness is the best virtue. [A theme I’d choose is] global warming. I think it is important for people to understand that many animals are vulnerable because of pollution.

—Benjamin Alsop, age 13, North Carolina, U.S.

ANSWERS

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

Page 2: 1) Determined, 2) Honesty, 3) Kindness, 4) Patience, 5) Respect, 6) Responsible, 7) Service, 8) Justice, 9) Unity	Page 13: 1) biodiversity, Cooperative; 2) kingdom, Charitable; 3) species, Giving; 4) Yeast, Loyal; 5) fireflies, Moderate; 6) medicines, Orderly; 7) carbon, Reliable; 8) spores, Supportive; 9) studies, Versatile
Page 5: "It is through your deeds that ye can distinguish yourselves . . . Through them the brightness of your light can be shed upon the whole earth."	Pages 20-21: C) Infrared Light, Dark Energy and Dark Matter
Page 10: 1) Rwanda, 2) Sweden, 3) Costa Rica, 4) Singapore, 5) U.S., 6) Morocco, 7) New Zealand	Page 25: 1) Ignorant Ink Cartridge, 2) Biased Bag, 3) Superior Spoon, 4) Stubborn Styrofoam, 5) Bullying Bottle, 6) Selfish Straw, 7) Careless Can, 8) Dishonest Disc, 9) Rude Wrapper
Page 11: Argentina, American alligators	Page 27: Can at C, tube at BR, bottle at CL, jeans at TL, milk carton at TL, shirt at BR, jar at BC, paper bag at BC, shoebox at BR

[Page 29]aMAZEing ADVENTURE

GLOBAL GLACIERS

Did you know that glaciers are vital? These massive bodies of ice serve as air conditioning for our planet by reflecting the sun’s rays. They even store around 70% of the world’s freshwater supply! Tiny animals like ice worms live on glaciers. Birds, polar bears, and other creatures feed or travel there.

Because of climate change, glaciers are in danger. When we burn fossil fuels, like oil, coal, and natural gas, greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere and trap more heat in the world. This makes glaciers melt, causing sea levels to rise, which can harm people and ecosystems.

But humans are resourceful. Each of us can do our part to protect our planet in big and small ways. You can help by carrying a reusable water bottle, planting trees, taking shorter showers, unplugging appliances that aren’t in use, and more. Telling others about climate change is important, too. If we all team up, we can help Earth and its glaciers cool down!

Help these polar bears reach their friends across the way.

START

END [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...” —Bahá’í International Community

Brilliant Star

Harmony with Nature • VOL. 52 NO. 2

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

brilliantstarmagazine.org