Maker Moment

    Last year, Izzy Goldstein, 12, learned in science class that we can reduce air pollution by using natural energy sources, such as wind and solar power, instead of gasoline. This made her wonder what she and her schoolmates could do to help the environment. "Maybe if my school got  a bike rack（架子）, more kids would bike to school instead of depending on cars," Izzy told TIME for Kids. Rather than ask their school to buy a rack, Izzy and her friends decided to make a bike rack by themselves.

    They came up with a design. They calculated how much wood they might need. They measured how long the boards should be. They used power tools to cut them and put them together safely. And they did all this in their school's makerspace.

    Makerspaces are workspaces where kids can learn to create objects using technology, engineering, art and design. These spaces often feature a mix of high-tech machines, such as 3D printers and robotic Kits(工具箱), and simple materials like clay and cardboard.

    Izzy goes to the Harley School in New York. It is one of a growing number of schools across the United States with makerspaces. Makerspaces are largely inspired by Maker Faires(创客盛会), which are events that give people a chance to share their creative projects. Each year, about 250,000 people attend the Maker Faires in San Mateo, California, and Queens, New York. Maker Faires have also spread to countries around the world, including Egypt, France and Thailand.

    Schools are introducing makerspaces to the curriculum(课程)because makerspaces give kids a way to have ideas and build something from those ideas. Kima Enerson is a makerspace teacher at the Harley School. But she says kids can become extraordinary makers in an ordinary classroom, too.

    In Harley's Lower School (pre-kindergarten to Grade 4), students learn about the basics of computer software. By third grade, they study coding and how electricity works. In sixth grade, they learn to safely use tools such as drills and saws. When students get to high school, Enerson shows them how to apply their skills to solve global problems. "Throughout the process of designing, students are learning to create something to better the world," she says

    It's ten o'clock in the morning. It's raining heavily. The students of Class 3 are in the computer room. It's time for them to begin their computer lesson. Since the teacher hasn't arrived, the students are acting badly. Jenny is talking loudly and excitedly. Beside her, Tony is eating something. Mike is playing games on the computer and Mary is putting down her wet umbrella near the computer, which may be bad for the computer.

    Where is Emma? Oh, she is still on the way to the computer room.

    Rules of the Computer Room

Jenny:⑴{#blank#}1{#/blank#}

Tony:⑵{#blank#}2{#/blank#}

Mike:⑶{#blank#}3{#/blank#}

Emma:⑷{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

⑸{#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    If you dropped a piece of fruit on your computer keyboard, would you think about eating it again? What if you dropped it in the toilet? Bacteria can live everywhere, even in some unexpected places.

    If you eat at your computer, sneeze on your keyboard, or sit down to surf the Internet without first washing your hands, your computer keyboard could be bad for your health. According to the US National Research Centre, the average computer carries 400 times more bacteria than a toilet bowl does.

    Could one of the dirtiest things in your home be right in your hand? Yes: the TV remote control. It gets dropped on the floor, put on the sofa and everyone in the house holds it. Scientists found that about half of the tested remote controls carry the cold virus.

    Don't forget your toothbrush. Do you put it in the bathroom? Studies show that flushing the toilet releases bacteria in the air. Bacteria can remain in the air for at least two hours. They may pollute your toothbrush. You can find ways to solve this problem. Try to keep your toothbrush far from the toilet. Make sure that it is in an upright position after each use. It's also important to change your toothbrush every three months.

    Here are some other places to watch out for:

    At home

    The kitchen is one of the places with the most bacteria—more than the bathroom. Dishcloths and kitchen sponges are great places for bacteria since they are always wet after being used. Try to make them dry.

    At school

    When you put your schoolbags on the floor or in the bus, many bacteria can live on the bottom of it. Try to clean your schoolbag often.

    In public places

    Escalator handrails, shopping cart handles, public books and magazines are top bacteria carriers. That's why the first thing to do when getting home is to wash your hands.

    Yes, bacteria are everywhere. But don't be too afraid to touch those things. Most of bacteria are harmless. Just remember to wash your hands regularly. It is the most useful way to protect yourself from bacteria and viruses.

    Answer the following questions with no more than 6 words.