Exploring Leap Years and February 29th

NBC Nightly News Kids Edition covers a range of topics including a measles outbreak, the significance of leap years, updates on panda diplomacy, and a recent moon landing. The episode also highlights a North Carolina school's charitable cereal collection, the inspiring story of a young musician named Shantel, and an interview with Megan Pus, a puppeteer and ventriloquist. The show concludes with a call for viewer questions.

What makes measles highly contagious?

• Its ability to be transmitted through water.

• Only unvaccinated people can spread the disease.

• It can be spread through the air by respiratory droplets.

• The virus can survive outside the body for several days.

Why is February 29th added to the calendar only every four years?

• To compensate for the extra six hours in a solar year not covered by the usual 365-day calendar.

• Because it is an ancient tradition with no scientific basis.

• To align the calendar with the lunar phases.

• As a way to honor historical figures born on February 29.

What was the purpose of the cereal collection at Clemens Elementary School?

• To create an art installation.

• To set a world record for the longest cereal box domino chain.

• For a science experiment on food preservation.

• To donate to a local food pantry as a charitable act.

What inspired Megan Pus to become a ventriloquist?

• Watching Sesame Street as a child.

• Her parents were puppeteers.

• She wanted to become famous.

• Attending a puppetry conference and seeing female ventriloquists.

What is the main difference between a puppeteer and a ventriloquist?

• A puppeteer can only perform with string puppets, while a ventriloquist uses their voice.

• A puppeteer uses puppets on a stage, whereas a ventriloquist performs without puppets.

• A puppeteer manipulates puppets, while a ventriloquist speaks without moving their lips.

• There is no difference; they are just different terms for the same profession.