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The Great Rift Valley of East Africa

by Iliyan Hoskins, age 11

The East African Rift is a beautiful and astonishing region, home to some of the most spectacular animals on Earth. It also offers a unique glimpse into human evolution.

The East African Rift System (EARS) is a geological feature where tectonic plates are moving apart, creating new land. Tectonic plates are massive sheets of rock that cover the Earth's surface. The Great Rift is a vast crack in the Earth's crust that has been widening over millions of years. The rift stretches across several countries, including Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. This region features diverse landscapes such as grasslands, hills, and mountains, many of which are volcanic. The East African Rift System is approximately 4,000 miles long and 30–40 miles wide on average.

The rift system has a main branch, the Eastern Rift Valley (often called the Great Rift Valley), which runs the length of the rift. In the north, the rift includes the Jordan River, the Dead Sea, and the Gulf of Aqaba—part of the broader Syrian-African Rift. The rift continues southward through the Ethiopian Danakil Plain and includes notable lakes such as Lake Turkana, Lake Naivasha, and Lake Magadi in Kenya. The Nile River, which originates to the north of the rift, flows through Egypt but is not part of the East African Rift system. [Read More]

How Many Counties Does Wisconsin Have, Anyway?

by Estefania Garcia-Fox, age 13

Many Wisconsin counties were named after historical figures, such as John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States.

Wisconsin used to be British land; however, it was transferred to American control in 1783, and in 1848 became a part of the United States.

States are divided into counties. Each county has a county seat where the county government offices are located. There are 72 counties in Wisconsin. In this state, there are county officials that are elected by voters for a four-year term. County officials work to ensure that counties continue to prosper and remain safe for their communities. County officials include the sheriff, county executive, district attorney, register of deeds, and treasurer. [Read More]

The Duchess Who Became Queen of Two Countries

by Cataleya Garcia Fox, age 12

Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the most powerful and influential rulers in medieval history, serving as both Queen of France and England.

Born in 1122, Eleanor was the Duchess of Aquitaine, a wealthy region in southwestern France. After her father died in 1137, at the age of 15, Eleanor became one of the most sought-after brides in Europe. King Louis VI of France arranged for her to marry his son, Prince Louis. Shortly after their wedding on July 25, 1137, Louis VI died, and Eleanor and her husband became King Louis VII and Queen of France.

Eleanor and Louis VII had two daughters, Marie and Alix, but their marriage began falling apart due to their inability to produce a male heir. This, along with Eleanor’s independent nature, led to their marriage being annulled in March 1152. The annulment returned Eleanor’s vast lands in Aquitaine to her control. [Read More]

International Wood Sculpture Festival Honors the Legacy of Harry Whitehorse

By Elim Eyobed, age 13

A festival in honor of Harry Whitehorse, a late Ho-Chunk sculptor from Wisconsin, brought people from all over the world to our backyard. A group of Simpson Street Free Press reporters attended the event and watched some of the world's best woodcarvers create their masterpieces in real time.

The Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival was a week-long event showcasing woodcarving styles from various cultures. The festival took place at San Damiano Park in Monona, from June 14-22.

A semicircle of tents greeted guests arriving at the festival. The tents, which were designed based on traditional Ho-Chunk homes that used to be on the property, housed the artists in residence. In front of their respective work stations stood each artist’s national flag. [Read More]

The Tuskegee Airmen Broke Racial Barriers and Combat Records in World War Two

by Max Moreno, age 12

Some of the many unspoken heroes of American history during World War II are the Tuskegee Airmen, the first Black American pilots in the military.

Before the Tuskegee Airmen, Black Americans were not allowed in the Air Force due to racist Jim Crow laws that enforced segregation. But during WWII the U.S. needed pilots.

Even though the Civilian Pilot Training Program started training Black Americans in the 1930s, there were debates among leaders outside of the military regarding Black Americans serving in the Air Force. But the NAACP and other organizations fought for inclusion. [Read More]

Discovering Aztalan, Wisconsin's Hidden Ancient Civilization

by Aria McClinton, age 13

Aztalan was an ancient civilization located in what is now southern Wisconsin. It was discovered in the 1820s by American settlers, who named the hidden civilization but did not explore its origins.

Then came Increase A. Lapham, a natural scientist from Wisconsin. He revisited Aztalan in 1850 after the settlers. Lapham couldn't tell what used to be there. He studied and made detailed drawings of the area. These maps helped future researchers see what Aztalan was like before much of it was turned into farmland.

In 1919, Samuel Barrett, the founder of the Milwaukee Public Museum, did detailed research under the surface of Aztalan. At first, he thought the hills and bumps were effigy mounds from the Native Americans. Later, Barrett discovered that the Crawfish River cut a ravine through some of the land. He was excited because this revealed more tools, bones, and other artifacts. Later in his studies, he could tell that it was a very advanced civilization from things like structures or pottery. [Read More]

The Profound Effects of Music on the Human Brain and Emotions

by Aissata Bah, age 13

Music serves as a form of art and tradition, expressing a wide spectrum of emotions, including anger, amusement, and sadness. It wields a remarkable emotional power that can transform one's mood, evoke physical sensations, and trigger the retrieval of long-lost memories.

The human brain responds to music in profound ways. When we listen to music, various parts of the brain come into play, including the temporal lobe, amygdala, frontal lobe, cerebellum, and hippocampus. These brain regions are involved in processes related to memory, emotions, communication, and muscle control. They help individuals analyze the components of music, such as instruments, lyrics, and musical chords. Moreover, the brain can recognize harmonies and notes, grasp lyrics, and synchronize with the rhythm, giving rise to new emotional experiences.

Music holds a special place in the hearts of many people, offering both enjoyment and therapeutic benefits. According to the Berklee Music and Health Institute, music can open pathways to healing. It has been used as a therapeutic tool for various conditions, ranging from alleviating subjective distress in chronic pain syndromes to influencing the reward circuitry in addiction disorders, the psychomotor pathways in Parkinson's disease, and even the functional connectivity changes in autism spectrum disorders. In simpler terms, music can serve as a form of medicine for trauma, chronic pain, addiction, and conditions that involve a disconnection between the brain and the body. Remarkably, music therapy can provide strength to patients undergoing surgeries, chemotherapy, and other medical treatments due to its emotional effects. [Read More]

Nellie Bly Trailblazed a New Kind of Investigative Journalism

by Cataleya Garcia Fox, age 11

Elizabeth Jane Cochran, also known as Nellie Bly, was a journalist and record-setter who traveled around the world.

She was born in Cochran’s Mills, Pennsylvania, on May 5, 1864. Bly grew up with her older brothers and parents, who loved her very much. Unfortunately, her father passed away when she was six. Her family needed money, which led her to work more often. Bly truly wanted to teach but had to drop out of school to provide for her family.

When Bly was 16, she started reading an article in the Pittsburgh newspaper that described women as helpless and pathetic. The article shocked and offended her. She was not afraid to show that she had her rights. Thus, Bly wrote a letter to the editor expressing her thoughts and detailing how the article was offensive to women. The editor was impressed by Bly’s confidence; in fact, he wrote back, offering her a job. [Read More]

Enormous Dinosaur Footprints Discovered in Texas Riverbed

by Dakota Wilson, age 12

In Texas, recent droughts have exposed dinosaur footprints, each measuring several human hand lengths. These prints were uncovered in the Paluxy River, located within Dinosaur Valley State Park.

If you're seeking an enjoyable place to visit, Dinosaur Valley State Park is the perfect destination. Thanks to the low river levels caused by droughts, the tracks have become visible to visitors in a way never seen before. The Paluxy River and the drought conditions have provided a unique opportunity to observe dinosaur prints.

These dinosaur prints were created by two distinct types of dinosaurs: sauropods and theropods. Sauropods, such as Diplodocus and Brontosaurus, were herbivores, while theropods, like Tyrannosaurus and Velociraptor, were known for their three-clawed feet. Both sauropods and theropods perished at the end of the Cretaceous period, likely due to an asteroid impact. These groups left their mark in Dinosaur Valley State Park. [Read More]

Two Black Holes Orbiting Each Other Were Discovered in Cosmic Light Show by Astronomers

by Allison Torres, age 14

Scientists have made a remarkable discovery - a previously hidden black hole has emerged from obscurity. This colossal black hole is accompanied by a smaller partner that had remained undetected until now. Astronomers have recently confirmed the emission of light from this smaller black hole. When these two black holes orbit each other, they generate bursts of light, known as a blazar, which emits intense radiation into space, specifically in the OJ287 region.

Mauri Valtonen, who reported this discovery during a meeting of the American Astronomical Society in New Mexico on June 7, emphasized the extraordinary nature of this find, stating, "We've never seen anything like this before."

Predictions made in early 2022 anticipated the most recent flare's appearance. Since that forecast, astronomers have diligently monitored OJ287 using both Earth-based and space telescopes to gain a clearer perspective. [Read More]

Learn the History Behind the Black Hawk War

By Max Moreno, age 12

The Black Hawk War started on April 6, 1832, and was the result of a series of misunderstandings and broken promises, leading to a tragic massacre of hundreds of Native American men, women, and children.

In 1804, future president William Henry Harrison and two representatives of the Sauk Nation signed a controversial treaty that sold all the Sauk land east of the Mississippi for $2,500, a deal widely seen as unfair even at the time. Many Sauk chiefs in Illinois and Wisconsin did not agree to the treaty, so they considered it invalid and continued to live in their village of Saukenuk near the Rock River in western Illinois.

About 25 years later, lead mining became common in the area, and thousands of settlers crowded out the Sauk. The Sauk leaders believed it was pointless to resist since the settlers were backed by the American military. The U.S. government ordered the Sauk to move west of the Mississippi, promising them enough corn to survive the winter. However, when the Sauk moved west, the U.S. failed to deliver the promised supplies. [Read More]

'Dumb Phones' on the Rise with Gen Z

by Allison Torres, age 15

Flip phones became popular in the 1990s and 2000s. At that time, they were a great invention in communicating with people wherever and whenever.

Over the years, phones have advanced technologically, which can be seen in both positive and negative ways. In 2007 smartphones came along, replacing flip phones with iPhones and Androids.

Smartphones have many advanced features like cameras, GPS, and many more applications, that can incorporate your data. This incorporation of personal information concerns people about their data being collected, shared, and used by companies. [Read More]

Wisconsin's Beloved Fast Food Franchise Celebrates 40 Years

by Allison Torres, age 16

Culver’s, the Wisconsin fast food staple, is celebrating its 40th birthday in 2024. Over these past four decades, the restaurant has grown while staying true to its roots.

Craig Culver, who created Culver's, wanted to be independent from his dad, who worked in the farming industry. In 1961, he and his wife decided to buy the Sauk City A&W restaurant. Craig wanted to start a business but had no clue how. He then began to work at a fast food restaurant and soon after began brainstorming the business approach for the A&W building they had purchased. He and his wife painted the building blue and white and fixed the outside. They opened for business on July 18, 1984.

The first few years were difficult because they didn’t know how to run a business. Their first menu consisted of Craig’s fresh frozen custard, butter burgers, cheese curds, tender roast beef, and of course their famous fish fry on Fridays. [Read More]

Nature's Lumberjacks: How Beavers Shape Ecosystems and Cultivate Harmony

by Dayanis Cruz, age 13

Beavers are one of the greatest engineers in the world. They make improvements to their habitat by creating waterways, dams, and lodges. They can cause conflict with farmers by eating their crops, or by building a lodge near a pond or a river.

A lodge is a dome that is made out of sticks and mud. There are underwater entries that lead to greenery above the water levels. To make a peaceful pond, beavers create dam walls that stop the current of water systems. Many peer groups of beavers share dams for several generations, but sometimes the ponds will fill up with dirt, forcing beavers to find a new location.

Beavers feed and build new lodges in their environment at night. Through winter, they hardly ever emerge from their lodge since it keeps them warm, making it perfect for the winter season. [Read More]

Vinnie Ream Hoxie: The Woman Who Sculpted Lincoln

by Allison Torres, age 15

The famous statue of Abraham Lincoln in Washington D.C. created by Vinnie Ream proved to society that women could create valuable art.

Ream was born in 1847 in Madison, Wisconsin, where she lived for ten years. Her family moved to Missouri, but later relocated to Washington D.C. during the Civil War. In 1863, Ream had a chance to visit Clark Mills’s studios and see multiple sculptures. Inspired by what she saw, she began sculpting. Ream recalled, “I felt at once that I, too, could model and, taking the clay, in a few hours I produced a medallion of an Indian chief’s head.”

She began sculpting busts of prominent men, including General George Armstrong Custer, Congressman Thaddeus Stevens, and New York editor Horace Greeley. Eventually, her friends helped arrange for her to sculpt a bust of President Lincoln. [Read More]

Rare Sighting of Gray Whale in Massachusetts Waters

by Aria McClinton, age 13

The recent sighting of a gray whale in the Atlantic Ocean has alarmed scientists. Typically, sighting this rarely-seen species is a good sign for the ocean; gray whales are intended to be spotted in the North Pacific Ocean, not the Atlantic Ocean. The species has hardly been seen in the Atlantic Ocean since its population faded in the 18th century.

Fortunately, gray whales are not endangered. However, in the last 15 years, there have only been six sightings of gray whales in the Atlantic and Mediterranean waters. “I didn’t want to say out loud what it was because it seemed crazy,” said Orla O’Brien, a researcher with the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life. In March, O’Brien and her co-worker, Kate Laemmle, spotted the whale near Nantucket.

The gray whale is closely related to the six different species of the family Balaenopteridae. Two distinct populations of gray whales exist in the western part of North America, and the other is on the coast of Asia, from South Korea to Russia. Gray whales migrate twice over nearly 12,000 miles of the ocean every year. Despite their extensive migrations, it still doesn't explain why this specific whale was spotted near Massachusetts waters, as this is not a typical area they visit. “My brain was trying to process what I was seeing because this animal was something that should not exist in these waters,” Laemmle said. [Read More]

Craving Control: The Science Behind Junk Food Addiction

by Elim Eyobed, age 13

If you've ever had a craving for junk food, you're certainly not alone. Whether it's chips, pizza, donuts, or cake, these processed foods are so flavorful that they can become extremely addictive. As a result, it can be very difficult to stop eating.

While addiction is typically associated with drugs or alcohol, some researchers have discovered that junk food can elicit similar addictive responses. The stimulating effect of junk food triggers a recurring cycle within the brain's reward circuit. Junk food induces the release of dopamine, which in turn brings about a sense of happiness in a similar fashion to drugs and alcohol.

The primary concern here isn't necessarily the presence of carbohydrates or fats, as healthier foods such as nuts and meat contain fats, and oats are rich in carbs. Rather, the issue lies in the fact that many unhealthy foods lack the essential nutrients that unprocessed foods used to contain. Consequently, the combination of sugars and fats in these foods creates a cycle that makes it challenging to resist eating them. [Read More]

Baseball History in Wisconsin: The Story of the Milwaukee Brewers

by Max Moreno, age 12

The Milwaukee Brewers were not always called the Brewers, and the story of the team's origin stretches back more than 100 years. The history of the Brewers name is a fascinating chapter in American sports history.

Baseball appeared in Milwaukee around the 1840s, and the first team was known as The Cream City Club. They obtained this name from the light-colored bricks used in many of Milwaukee's city structures. Milwaukee's first professional team, the Grays, started in 1878 in the National League. The name had been thrown around before but it wasn't until around the 1900s that the name Milwaukee Brewers was associated with Major League Baseball (MLB) with the name stemming from the rich brewing history of Milwaukee. In the year 1900, they were one of the eight charter members of the American League.

The Grays franchise moved to St. Louis, where they played as the Browns for 53 years before moving again to Baltimore to become the Orioles. After the Grays moved locations another team with the name the Milwaukee Brewers took their place. This team would prove to be more enduring. The club began to play in 1902 and was a Minor League team that found a home in Borchert Field along Chambers Street. The team attracted lots of young fans including the future owner of the Brewers and MLB Commissioner, Bud Selig. [Read More]

Revolutionizing Space Communication Through Lasers

by Allison Torres, age 15

Lasers represent the future of communication. Currently, the International Space Station relies on 5G and broadband internet for its Earth communication. However, this mode of communication involves a delay of approximately 2.5 seconds for information transmission.

Unlike radio waves, lasers constitute invisible light with greater robustness. Their wavelengths are also 10,000 times shorter than those of radio waves. Consequently, lasers require a mere 0.0003 megabits per second to traverse from one point to another. Introducing lasers into the orbit within our solar system stands to significantly enhance the speed of data transmission via satellites.

The application of lasers extends beyond space-related endeavors. We currently employ lasers in various technologies, including 3D scanners, laser surgery for cancer treatment, barcode scanners, and information processing in DVDs, and Blu-rays. [Read More]

Hanno the Navigator Explored Africa's Coast in Ancient Times

by Aissata Bah, age 14

Hanno the Navigator, from Tunisia, Africa, was one of the most important explorers of the 5th century B.C. His journey down the coast of Africa, took him thousands of miles, as he mapped new landmarks.

It’s believed Hanno was a king and seemed to be born into a family fascinated with science, geography, and exploration. From his home city of Carthage, he sailed south in search of new resources and trading opportunities, bringing cultural exchange, an important aspect of African history.

Hanno sailed to various places in Africa. He was best known for his naval exploration off the western coast of Africa. However, the only record of his long voyage is in a periplus (manuscript), a document listing ports, coastal landmarks, and approximate distances. The ships in this era weren’t meant for rigorous sailing as they were made out of wood and had a single sail. Also, considering the technology and knowledge of the time, compasses weren’t used in sailing and instead, people had to depend on the stars for navigation. [Read More]

African Dwarf Crocodile Is the World’s Smallest

by Dakota Wilson, age 12

All crocodiles are big and scary, right? Not this one, the African dwarf crocodile is just five feet long, making it the smallest crocodile species.

Osteolaemus Tetraspis or the African dwarf crocodile has many names such as the Black crocodile, the broad-nosed crocodile, and the Dwarf crocodile. These crocodiles are covered by black bony plates that form coarse armor on their skin. They also have yellow underskins and blunt short muzzles. The hatchlings are identified by light brown stripes on their tail and body and yellowish markings on their head.

Dwarf crocodiles are carnivores and solitary hunters. They mainly hunt during the night, preying on small animals such as crabs, insects, snakes, and lizards. Black crocodiles are cold-blooded; they constantly have to maintain their body temperature. To stay cool in the heat, the crocodile will lay in the water and ambush any prey that stumbles on its path. In the cold, they usually tend to sunbathe. [Read More]

Science Fiction Writer, Octavia Butler, Recognized by NASA

by Elim Eyobed, age 11

Who is your favorite writer? Hemingway? Shakespeare? Well, one great writer you may have never heard of is Octavia E. Butler. Butler was an esteemed African American author who was recently recognized by NASA for her groundbreaking talents. NASA scientists even named a Mars landing site after her.

Butler was raised by her mother and grandmother and was extremely shy as a child. When she was 12 years old, Butler started to read fantasy books, and later wrote science fiction when she was a teenager. The science fiction she wrote helped make her a very strong writer. In fact, she became such a powerful writer that her books won the New York Times Notable Book of the Year award, The Nebula award for the best science fiction novel published in that year, and the Macarthur Genius Grant.

During the 1960’s, Butler attended college at Pasadena City College, California State University, and the University of California. She wasn't a good student in particular, but an avid one. While in Washington, Butler participated in the Black Power movement. She became familiar with The Clarion West Workshop, which was a well-known place for writers. [Read More]

What Life Was Like for Wisconsin's Early People

by Max Moreno, age 12

It is challenging to think about what life was like a thousand years ago. However, how about thinking all the way back to 10,000 years ago, when Wisconsin Natives were constructing living areas, tools, and mounds.

As time went on, people from different regions began to settle in what is now known as Wisconsin. For example, native groups from the Mississippi area traveled up the Mississippi River to reach Wisconsin. They planted gardens and began to set up living areas, growing crops such as corn and beans.

These early people in Wisconsin also were forming communities, and establishing rules and traditions that were shared from one family generation to another. [Read More]

Rare Black Bears from Mexico Move into South Texas

by, Aria McClinton age, 13

Scientists have found that East Mexican black bears are moving from Mexico to southern Texas. Although these creatures are at risk of extinction, there is hope because their numbers are increasing, leading to bears spreading into Texas.

The numbers of bears moving to southern Texas are unknown, but they are often found in forests around Texas and moving along the Rio Grande in Mexico. Black bears in Texas are on the endangered species list; in Mexico, they are listed as ‘in danger of extinction’. Fortunately, Mexican black bears can adapt to live in many different environments like forests or mountains.

These bears like to scavenge for their food and their behavior is driven by their excellent sense of smell. That's also why they prefer to live near humans as it’s easy to access garbage, pet food, and fruit in the wild black bears like to hunt. They often have a wide diet of pine nuts, acorns, insects, and small mammals. [Read More]

Battles and Behaviors of Prehistoric Beasts

by Iliyan Hoskins, age 11

Dinosaurs in prehistoric times had unique methods to catch their prey and protect themselves from predators. Fossil evidence has unveiled fascinating glimpses of battles among different dinosaur species, shedding light on their behaviors.

One notable fossil pair illustrates a gripping encounter where a dinosaur thrust its tail into the flesh of another. In 1971, Velociraptor and Protoceratops fossils were initially assumed to be victims of a sandstorm. However, paleontologists later discovered that they were engaged in a fierce battle. The Velociraptor was caught in the act of slashing the throat of the Protoceratops, while the Protoceratops was simultaneously biting the right arm of the Velociraptor. This finding represents just one of many such combats unearthed in the fossil record.

Among these prehistoric creatures were the Coelophysis, small carnivorous dinosaurs that primarily scavenged on deceased remains. Despite their size, measuring 10 feet in length and three feet in width, they possessed remarkable speed and agility. [Read More]

What Should You Do if You See a Coyote? — by Max Moreno, age 12

Coyotes live all over Wisconsin, but these dog-like animals are potentially dangerous. Knowing how to handle an encounter with a coyote can help you be safer outdoors. [Read More]

Madison Night Mares Softball Team Enjoys Successful First Season — by Aria McClinton, age 13

Madison’s new collegiate women’s softball team, the Madison Night Mares, completed their first season this summer. The team is part of the Northwoods League Softball Summer Collegiate League, which also includes teams from La Crosse, Wisconsin, Minot, North Dakota, and Mankato, Minnesota. [Read More]

Scientists Discover the Largest Snake Lurking in the Amazon Rainforest — by Elim Eyobed, age 13

The northern green anaconda is a species that has been recently discovered in the Amazon rainforest. The anaconda is also known as the giant anaconda, emerald anaconda, common water boa, or southern green anaconda. [Read More]

Rare Black Leopard Discovered in East Africa — by Allison Torres, age 14

Leopards are one of the most fascinating big cats from Africa. They are one of the strongest climbers and can kill prey even larger than themselves.It is very rare to see black leopards in desert areas of Africa. Scientists say only about 11% of leopards around the world are black. All leopards have spots, no matter what color they are. But, that is what makes black leopards special: their spots are hard to see. [Read More]

The Story of Priscilla Presley — by Cataleya Garcia-Fox, age 11

Priscilla Presley was born on May 24, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York. She is well known as the wife of Elvis Presley, the famous Rock ‘n’ Roll star, but she was also a successful actor and businesswoman. [Read More]

The Enigmatic Beauty of the Flower Hat Jellyfish — by Dayanis Torres-cruz, age 13

The Flower Hat Jellyfish is a translucent jellyfish that lives in the Western Pacific Ocean. Although the Flower Hat Jellyfish has a similar appearance to other jellyfish, it is not technically considered one. [Read More]

Kylian Mbappé, A Rising Star in World Soccer — by Iliyan Hoskins, age 10

At the young age of 24, Kylian Mbappé is one of the best soccer players in the world. [Read More]

Why Is Halloween Celebrated on October 31st? — by Elim Eyobed, age 13

On October 31st, people in the United States celebrate a holiday called Halloween. During this holiday, people walk through neighborhoods knocking on doors for treats, an activity commonly known as trick-or-treating. This holiday has roots that go back more than 2,000 years, while the trick-or-treating tradition as we know it today has been around for about a century. [Read More]

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