Indholdsfortegnelse for October 2021 i Ask Science and Arts Magazine for Kids and Children

DOLPHINS KNOW FRIENDS’ NAMES Every bottlenose dolphin has its own special whistle, different from other dolphins’. This whistle is like a name—if you walked around shouting your own name all the time. Now scientists have discovered that dolphins recognize the names of many friends. The scientists were studying dolphins off the coast of Australia. Male dolphins here work together in groups to find mates and keep others away. These groups can include up to 14 dolphins. While dolphins swam in the ocean, scientists played recordings of other dolphins’ special whistles. If a dolphin heard the whistle of a group member, it responded right away. Usually, the dolphin turned toward the sound, just like your own friends would turn around if you yelled, “Hey, it’s me!” SEEDS WIN WAITING GAME Some…

In our April issue we asked you to imagine a small superhero. Thanks to all you talented superfans for sharing your mighty minis! John D., age 9 and Laurel D., age 11 Romilly M., age 9, California Super Grasshopper Aurora G., age 7 Lilliana G., age 6 Super Spider Alyssa A., age 10, California Morphing Monarch Chelsea Y., age 9, California Ultra-Wasp Calvin H., age 9, Ohio T-cell Titan vs. Covid Teo Y.-M., age 11, Michigan Fantastic Squirrel Simon P.-K., age 9, California Super Stoat Elena M., age 8, Michigan “Eek!” said the dog. “Ha ha ha!” said Oliver the Good. Eleanor S., Maryland Shreya H., age 8, Illinois Dear Plush, Don’t you love pranks? I do. Pranks are fun all the time. And raccoons are the best animals. Don’t…

It’s no secret. Insects, birds, and many other animals cheat, bluff, and trick each other. Why? Because being deceptive can give animals an edge on survival. It can help them escape their enemies, catch prey, and even attract a mate. Phony Fish Angler fish live in the deep sea. They get their name from some unusual headgear. Dangling from a spine on the top of their heads is a built-in fishing lure. At the tip is a glowing lump that may look like a worm, strings of algae, or tiny shrimp—all tasty tidbits to a passing fish. When an angler is hungry, it flicks its “rod” and jiggles the false bait in front of its mouth. Pity the fish that is fooled and swims near. Snap! Rather than finding a…

Now that Zia has shown us how to make a unicorn photo, maybe you’d like to give it a try? For this month’s contest, construct your own astounding trick photo. Stage a shot, or cut and paste on the computer or with good old scissors and glue. What amazing scene can you come up with? Send us your fantastical photos, and we’ll share a selection of the most surprising in an upcoming issue of Ask. Contest Rules: 1. Your contest entry must be your very own work. Ideas and words should not be copied. 2. Be sure to include your name, age, and address on your entry. 3. Only one entry per person, please. 4. If you want your work returned, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. 5. Your entry must…

On January 7, 1918, world-famous magician Harry Houdini attempted his biggest trick ever—making a 6,000-pound elephant named Jennie disappear! Houdini amazed audiences all over the world with his death-defying stunts and marvelous tricks. But could he really poof a ponderous pachyderm into thin air? “SEE the New Sensational Illusion ‘The Vanishing Elephant’ with the famous mystifier HOUDINI,” the newspaper ad promised. Over 5,000 people came to New York’s Hippodrome theater to watch. Houdini, dressed in a sparkling white shirt and elegant long coat, took the stage. The orchestra played a drumroll, and in a loud voice, Houdini introduced, “Jennie, the world’s first known Vanishing Elephant!” Jennie lumbered onto the stage, her trainer at her side, then ran toward Houdini. Stopping at the center of the stage, she raised her trunk…

Great Houdini Rope Escape Can you escape from a friend if your arms are tied? You can, if you’re as clever as Houdini. The great magician Harry Houdini was also a famous escape artist. And you can be too. This simple trick will amaze your friends, and also leave you free to run away! What you’ll need • Two pieces of string or rope, about 3 feet (1 m) long • A friend or something to be tied to What to do 1. Tie one string around your friend’s wrists, one end around each hand. Fasten with any kind of strong knot. (You can also tie a loose loop around a chair or tree.) 2. Pass the second rope through the first, and tie the ends around your own wrists…