1.02 Main Idea 2

Recycling things like paper, plastic, and metal helps the Earth by cutting down on trash. Yet many people throw away their newspapers, bottles, and cans instead of recycling them. The question, then, is how to encourage more people to recycle. One way that works is to put recycling containers in more places. Seeing more recycling bins helps people remember to use them. Another way is to teach people why recycling is important. If we make recycling easier and teach people why it matters, more people will join in.

What is the main idea?

• We can get more people to recycle by putting out more bins and teaching people about why recycling matters

• We need to get more people to recycle so that we stop throwing out so much trash

In September 2015, scientists working off the Alaskan coast made a surprising discovery. At the bottom of the ocean were parts of two whaling ships from the 1800s. Fifty to sixty ships were known to have been lost in that area. The team of scientists also found chains, anchors, and pots for holding whale oil. Interestingly, warmer temperatures may have played a part in the discovery of the whaling ships. The plant's warmer temperatures have caused melting of ocean ice in areas near the poles. Because of warmer weather and less ice, the team could work well into the fall.

What is the main idea?

• In the 1800s, it was common for whaling ships to become lost off of the coast of Alaska

• The warming of the planet caused warmer weather and less sea ice to be present in Alaska

• The warming of the planet may have made the discovery of lost whaling ships possible

During the American Civil War, soldiers were supposed to be at least 18 years old. Because of the great need for soldiers, however, both sides accepted younger people. Thousands of boys between 13 and 17 fought for the North and the South. Even boys as young as 10 could be drummers or messengers. Drummers used different drum rolls to send messages on the battlefield. Messengers were fast runners who passed messages between officers. In fact, so many boys served in the Civil War that it became known as "The Boys' War"

What is the main idea?

• Drummers and messengers played an important part in the Civil War

• Many boys served in the Civil War because both armies needed more help

• 10 year old boys served as messengers or drummers during the Civil War

In 2015, scientists discovered that a type of East Asian spider had settled in Georgia. How did these spiders make their way to North America? Most likely, they crossed the ocean in ships. Worldwide trade has made it easy for insects and spiders to move to new places. Spiders usually make their new homes near the ports where they first come off ships. However, these spiders were found far from poin portsrts. How did they get there? There may have been spider eggs hidden on a truck carrying goods on interstate highways. The baby spiders probably hatched after the shipment arrived.

What is the main idea?

• Spiders often come off ships and settle in ports

• An East Asian spider was found in Georgia in 2015

• Trade between countries helps spiders move around the planet

The space shuttle Challenger was supposed to take off on January 22, 1986. Because of bad weather and other problems though, the launch was put off for several days. When the new launch day arrived, the weather was colder than usual. Some scientists warned that parts of the shuttle might not work well at those temperatures. They worried about rubber rings, called O-rings, that are used to launch rockets. In spite of these warnings, however, Challenger lifted off at 11:59am on 1/28/1986. Less than 80 seconds after liftoff, the shuttle exploded. Later it was found that the O-rings did in fact fail, leading to the explosion.

What is the main idea?

• Because O-rings on the Challenger didn't work correctly,, the space shuttle exploded

• The launch of the space shuttle Challenger was delayed for several days

• The space shuttle Challenger exploded only seconds after it lifted off the ground