After 50 Years, the Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald Remains a Mystery

by Will DeFour, age 16

Fifty years ago, the Edmund Fitzgerald sank on its way from Superior, Wisconsin to Detroit, Michigan. It remains the largest shipwreck on the Great Lakes.

A “maximum-sized” Great Lakes ore carrier, at 729 feet, named after the chairman of the Milwaukee-based company that contracted it, the Edmund Fitzgerald launched on August 7, 1957. It was the largest ship on the Great Lakes until 1971. The Fitzgerald spent its career on the Great Lakes carrying small iron pellets called taconite from mines near Duluth, Minnesota, to steel mills near Detroit. [Read More]

How Did Wisconsin Get Its Name?

by Daniel Li, age 17

Few details about Wisconsin’s past have caused as much confusion or speculation as the origin and meaning of its name. Folklore and rumors have persisted for centuries. But it wasn't until recently that the source of the name was discovered.

In short, the name 'Wisconsin' is the English spelling of a French typo of an explorer's interpretation of a phrase from the Miami Native American tribe, which describes the Wisconsin River and its surrounding landscapes. But like the river itself, the word had a long and winding journey to reach its final form. [Read More]

The Transcontinental Railroad Changed Travel and Trade in America

by Tajha Holthaus, age 10

The transcontinental railroad was built in the 19th century to transport people from Sacramento to Omaha.

The railroad took about six years to build. The railroad construction was disrupted due to the Civil War. Afterwards, railroad companies did not find enough workers, so they recruited Chinese and Irish immigrant soldiers to work for them. Most of the transcontinental railroad is still being used today. [Read More]

New Ancient Human Species Discovered

by Dayanara Flores, age 17

A group of scientists has discovered an ancient human species while digging for fossils in East Asia. This newly discovered species is called ‘Homo juluensis.’

The species name Homo juluensis, meaning ‘big head,’ was chosen due to the notably large skulls of this hominin. [Read More]

New Research Shows Ancient Clovis Hunters Were “Megafaunal Specialists”

by Elim Eyobed, age 14

Imagine stalking mammoths across frozen tundras. This is how the Clovis people survived the Ice Age, hunting mammoths, bison, and other animals to thrive in a harsh, frozen world.

The Clovis people who originated in Siberia and crossed the Bering Land Bridge to the Americas during the last Ice Age. Clovis is a term used to represent a whole culture known primarily for their stone tools, one of which was a weapon called the Clovis Point. This culture hunted large animals such as mammoths, but they also consumed other creatures such as bison and small animals. Research shows that they had an average of 12,800 calories per day, consisting of 21% bison and 79% mammoths and other small to medium animals. [Read More]

Sheep Leaf Sea Slug Uses Photosynthesis to Survive

by Dulce Vazquez, age 16

The sheep leaf sea slug was discovered on Kurashima Island, in Japan, back in 1993. It can also be found in the marine environments of the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. It has a unique feature only found in a few other animals.

Sea slugs have many small features. They can be a variety of different colors, including yellow, red, blue, green, white, and purple. Sheep leaf sea slugs typically have white faces with black eyes. A unique feature they have is their two rhinophores that look like ears. Rhinophores are organs that help find food and detect chemicals in water, such as algae. These slugs have green cerata (leaf-like appendages) around their upper bodies, which are used to help with respiration and defense. [Read More]

The Oldest Mummies Are Not Egyptian

by Ermiyas Abiy, age 9

When you think of mummies, you probably picture an Egyptian pharaoh wrapped in strips of cloth. It might surprise you to learn that the world’s oldest mummies are actually thousands of years older and found thousands of miles away.

The Chinchorro mummies of modern-day Chile were preserved more than 7,000 years ago, and are still being found to this day. The Chinchorro people began mummifying and preparing the dead for the afterlife in a harsh environment, with the driest place in the world located in Northern Chile or the Pacific coast of South America. [Read More]

UW-Madison Physics Professor Inspires Generations of Students

by Kaleab Afeworki, age, 13

Dr. Dan McCammon is a real-life rocket scientist. He studies x-rays, launches sensors into space, and somehow still finds the time to open the doors of his lab to students with an interest in science.

That’s how a group of students from Simpson Street Free Press got an up-close look at Dr. McCammon’s work. Each year, during the UW-Madison’s annual Physics Fair, Simpson Street reporters visit his lab. This year, several of us sat down with him afterwards for an interview.

A physics professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. McCammon is known for his research on x-ray astronomy through his X-ray Astrophysics Group laboratory. He uses his expertise and research experience to help undergraduate students find their way in the field of physics and build their careers. [Read More]

When O’Keeffe’s World Went Dark, She Still Saw Art

by Edwin Torres, age 13

Georgia Totto O’Keeffe is known as one of the most famous and remarkable artists of the 20th century. Throughout her life, O’Keeffe explored various artistic styles.

O’Keeffe was born on November 15, 1887, on a farm near Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. She was the second of seven children. O’Keeffe and her sisters took art lessons with a local watercolor painter. In 1905, when O’Keeffe graduated from high school, she already had plans of being an artist. She studied art at the Art Institute of Chicago, but her studies were interrupted when she fell ill from typhoid fever. [Read More]

Exploring Mesoamerican Creation Myths: Feathered Serpents, Cycles of Rebirth, and People Made of Corn

by John Agbo, age 14

The Aztecs and Mayans shared numerous mythological figures. For instance, both cultures worshipped a feathered serpent as a central mediator between the heavens and the earth. The Mayans recognized Kukulkan as the god of cycles, encompassing life and death, while the Aztecs viewed Quetzalcoatl as a cosmic entity who ruled over the sun during one of the five eras, or “suns,” in their creation story. [Read More]

Marquette and Joliet’s Bold River Expedition in 1673

by Mahalia Pearson, age 13

Jacques Marquette was an explorer in the mid-1600s. Marquette was born in Loan France, on June 1, 1637. At the age of 17 he joined the Society of Jesus.

Marquette studied and taught at a Jesuit college 12 years before he was assigned to a mission. In 1666, Marquette was assigned to be a missionary to the Americas. He made his first stop in Quebec, Canada. During the time Marquette was in Canada, he learned six different Native American dialects. In 1668 he was sent on more missions deeper into the western Great Lakes region.

Marquette had a friend named Louis Joliet. Joliet was a French-Canadian explorer and fur trader. Marquette and his friend were chosen to lead an expedition to explore where the Mississippi River ended. For this expedition the two friends were given five men and two canoes. The Native Americans called the river “Messipi”, which means, “The Great Water.” [Read More]

Prescribed Burns in Wisconsin Restore Nature with Fire

by Siheon Park, age 12

Prescribed fires are controlled by the local government in a predetermined area, intended to restore balance to natural communities.

There are several benefits to prescribed fires as they stimulate plant growth, create pockets of water, increase biodiversity, and enrich the soil. Without these burns, organic matter builds up, making the soil worse and putting forests at risk of more intense wildfires. For thousands of years, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians used fire to support species of plants and animals, including those in Wisconsin which have adapted well to fire. In the 20th century, cultural burning was paused due to government efforts to suppress all fires. Over the past few decades, however, cultural burning has become more widely accepted. [Read More]

Vel Phillips Honored with Statue Outside Wisconsin State Capitol

by Will DeFour, age 15

Last summer, a statue of Vel Phillips was unveiled outside the Wisconsin state Capitol. Phillips was a pioneer who championed legislation to advocate for civil rights and in many cases, was the first woman of color to hold many offices in Wisconsin.

In 1971, Phillips was appointed a judge in Milwaukee County, the first African American appointed to this role in Wisconsin. Only seven years later, she was elected secretary of state in Wisconsin, the first woman of color to hold that position. [Read More]

What Is the Opposite of a Black Hole?

by Kevin Chen, age 17

Black holes are among the most mysterious objects in the universe, pulling in everything that goes near them. But what if there were cosmic objects that did the exact opposite– expelling matter instead of capturing it? The concept of white holes emerges from the same set of equations that describe black holes, yet they remain purely theoretical. While nothing can escape a black hole, nothing could enter a white hole. Some physicists believe white holes might exist, while others argue they are not possible.

They were first proposed as a solution to Einstein's general relativity equations by physicist Karl Schwarzschild in 1916, just a year after Einstein’s theory was published. Schwarzschild’s calculations describe black holes as completely collapsed objects, but since general relativity does not dictate a fixed direction for time, the equations also allowed for a similar object – a white hole. [Read More]

New Dinosaur Discovered!

UW Researchers Find North America's Oldest Dinosaur

By Camila Cruz, age 17

Earlier this year, the University of Wisconsin Geology Museum announced the finding of a brand new species of dinosaur – one that lived 10 million years earlier than when researchers thought the oldest dinosaurs roamed in North America.

The team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, co-led by Dr. David Lovelace and graduate student Aaron Kufner, discovered an ankle bone in a Wyoming excavation back in 2013. The bone belonged to a dinosaur the team later named Ahvaytum bahndooiveche. Their findings over the past 12 years were published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society on Jan. 8, 2025.

When dinosaurs emerged has always been a subject of scientific debate. The announcement of this new dinosaur species makes scientists question their understanding of prehistoric life. [Read More]

Wisconsin’s National Marine Sanctuary is a Museum Beneath the Water

by Elim Eyobed, age 13

Wisconsin is one of just 15 places in the nation to have a national marine sanctuary. This is because the state borders Lake Michigan and its coast is home to many shipwrecks.

Wisconsin's Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary was created in 2021 to protect abandoned shipwrecks and other marine discoveries. There are 36 known shipwrecks within the sanctuary’s boundaries and hundreds more in Lake Michigan overall. There are estimated 780 shipwrecks in Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan waters and about 250 have been discovered. The cold freshwater has helped preserve many of these shipwreck sites. [Read More]

Book Review: Voices & Votes: How Government Works in Wisconsin

by Sandy Flores, age 18

The Wisconsin Historical Society recently published the latest edition of Voices & Votes: How Government Works in Wisconsin. This book is aimed at younger readers in grades 3-5, introducing children to the fundamental concepts of voting, democratic society, and the importance of civic engagement – even for those who are not yet eligible to vote.

The book has seven chapters, each offering a lesson about Wisconsin’s government and the broader national political system. Topics include the different levels of government, the history of voting in Wisconsin, and the relationships between state, tribal, and federal governments. [Read More]

Why the Great Wall of China Is More Than Just a Wall

by Ermiyas Abiy, age 9

The Great Wall of China is one of the most remarkable wonders of the world. It is a very well-known tourist attraction and a national icon in China.

The Great Wall was built in 221 B.C. and is most known for its tremendous length. The total length of this wall is approximately 21,000 kilometers long and 15-30 feet tall. [Read More]

Progress and Challenges for the Lower Yahara River Trail Extension

by Moore Vang, age 15

Dane County park officials have been working on a boardwalk that includes North America’s longest inland pedestrian boardwalk bridge for non-motorized transportation for more than 25 years. Some progress has been made, but the project still battles challenges.

The trail between Madison and Stoughton has been on pause since the summer of 2017, when the first section of construction, from Madison to McFarland was finished. There is a major issue with connecting the two existing sections of the path. The consequence of this is that bikers now have to go along the busy Highway AB for nearly two miles until they can get back on route. [Read More]

Mallard Ducks: Beloved Residents of Wisconsin’s Waterways

by Joseph Zheng, age 10

In Wisconsin, mallard ducks are very common, especially near water. They are so common that the “Madison Mallards” is the name of a Wisconsin baseball team.

Mallards might plant nests in your roof, flowerpot, or chimney. Be cautious and prepared whenever they come and make a home out of your belongings. [Read More]

Dane County’s Nine Springs E-Way Is an Important Local Natural Resource

by Jacob Dunn, age 15

The Lewis Nine Springs E-Way is a natural area located in Madison, Fitchburg and the surrounding area. It is Wisconsin’s first E-Way.

An E-Way is a protected corridor that connects nature to the urban areas around it. Nine Springs E-Way provides opportunities for environmental education, exercise, and outdoor recreation. This E-Way, an ecological conservation area, is crucial for local wildlife and is open to public.

These thriving environmental habitats stretch from around Lake Waubesa to the Dunn's Marsh area and include parts of urban Madison. The Lewis Nine Springs E-Way was developed to preserve natural ecosystems within and around the urban areas of Dane County. [Read More]

New Street Drugs Worsen Opioid Crisis

by Moore Vang, age 15

Dane County and Milwaukee County health officials are concerned about a synthetic drug that can worsen the opioid crisis. This drug is known as medetomidine, an animal tranquilizer that is being mixed with fentanyl along with other street drugs. Although medetomidine has not been linked with overdose deaths in Wisconsin, it has been in other places nearby such as Chicago and is an example of the dangers of these new incoming drugs.

Medetomidine has multiple health side effects including sedation, decreased heart rate, and difficulty breathing which can worsen with opioid and non-opioid sedatives. These effects are similar to another animal tranquilizer that has entered Wisconsin: xylazine, also known as Tranq. Effects of these drugs can not be treated by opioid-reversing drugs such as Narcan, thus overdose is a serious risk when these drugs are present and abused. [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. [Read More]

The Driftless Historium: A Journey Through Time in Mount Horeb

by Dayanara Flores Gonzalez, age 16

There is a museum in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin that’s well worth a visit. The Driftless Historium and Mount Horeb Area Historical Society are only a short drive from Madison, but inside the facility are objects and exhibits that teach history and spark the imagination.

It’s been a while since student reporters from Simpson Street have been to this fantastic museum. But we’ve seen the photos of prior visits and read the reviews from former students. So, we were excited to hit the road and visit Mount Horeb and the Driftless Historium. Of course, we also wanted more photos of trolls. But that’s a different part of the story. [Read More]

FAFSA Problems Cause Big Drop in Financial Aid Applications

by Camila Cruz, age 16

Delays and changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) earlier this year led to far fewer students applying for money meant to help pay for higher education. The problem is exacerbated for students of color and students from low-income households.

According to a report from the nonprofit Wisconsin Policy Forum, only a third of seniors attending public high schools in Wisconsin had applied for financial aid by the end of April. This is 14% fewer than last year. [Read More]

Archeologists Make Historic Discoveries in Lake Mendota

By Dani Garduño, age 13

Lake Mendota is known for mysterious secrets and historic discoveries. Now, archeologists are saying one of Lake Mendota’s oldest secrets might have just been revealed. Recently, a relic canoe was discovered and may be the oldest dugout canoe dating back to 2500 B.C.

With the help of the Wisconsin Historical Society, researchers were able to identify who built it and what materials they used. [Read More]

Why Is New York City Sinking?

by Sofia Zapata, age 15

New York City and other coastal cities are experiencing vertical land motion, with some areas sinking while others are rising. The regions that are sinking are facing a faster rate of subsidence compared to those that are rising. In New York City, specific areas such as lower Manhattan, southern Brooklyn, and Queens are slowly subsiding.

Scientists have identified two primary factors contributing to this sinking. One potential cause is the alterations to the Earth’s surface due to construction and land modification, which make the ground less compact beneath buildings. Another cause traces back to the most recent ice age and the natural processes that followed. Around 24,000 years ago, a large ice sheet covered most of New England and upstate New York. After this ice sheet melted, the Earth's mantle has been slowly readjusting, leading to the gradual subsidence observed today. The land where New York City stands was once uplifted by the ice sheet, and as the ice melted, the land began to sink back down. [Read More]

A Fascinating Visit to Mazomanie's Historic Museum

by Siheon Park, age 11

On a recent warm sunny day, reporters from Simpson Street Free Press departed South Towne Mall in Madison and headed toward Mazomanie, Wisconsin. We were heading to western Dane County. We had heard and read about the history museum located in this small town and wanted to see it for ourselves. [Read More]

Investigation Reveals Cars Are Data-Collection Machines

by Daniel Li, age 16

Recent investigations by Mozilla's Privacy Not Included project have uncovered a startling reality about modern vehicles. Far from being mere transportation devices, these cars have transformed into sophisticated data-collection machines, raising concerns about privacy and personal data security.

Mozilla's study meticulously evaluated 25 major car brands, concluding that none of the cars followed fundamental privacy and security norms in their internet-connected vehicles. All brands, including giants like BMW, Ford, Toyota, Tesla, and Subaru, failed Mozilla's assessment. These vehicles are not just tracking mundane details like location or driving speed; they are delving into intensely personal aspects such as the driver's race, facial expressions, weight, and health information. [Read More]

The Battle of Wisconsin Heights

by Ayelen Flores Ruiz, age 14

The “Black Hawk War'' refers to the conflict between the U.S. and Sauk American Indians. It was named after Black Hawk, the leader of the Sauk tribe, who led the Fox, Kickapoo and Ho-Chunk tribes in battle. The Battle of Wisconsin Heights was the turning point of the Black Hawk War, an historic event that helped shape Wisconsin. It is also a very important battle because it was the last Indigenous battle to happen in the United States. [Read More]

Learn the History of Wisconsin's State Capitol Buildings

by Atisse Robbins, age 13

Did you know Wisconsin's first capitol was not built in Madison? The first capitol building, called the territorial capitol, was built by James Atchison in the town of Old Belmont. The capitol was built around 1836, using wooden pieces made in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Today, the territorial capitol remains in Lafayette County as one of Wisconsin's historical sites.

The first state capitol was built under the supervision of James D. Doty and John O'Neill. Construction started in 1837, but it was not finished until 1848. It was expected to cost $40,000, but after it was completed, the expenses were $60,000.

Due to the growing state, the legislature of 1857 planed for the expansion of the capitol. Soon, the construction of a second state capitol began. The legislature established the second state capitol as they believed that the first state capitol was no longer adequate for the growing state. [Read More]

Why Writing by Hand Is Better for Memory and Learning

by Camila Cruz, age 16

There’s been evidence for years that it’s better to take notes by handwriting than typing. New research is finally giving us an answer as to why.

Handwriting uses more regions of your brain and builds connections between physical and visual parts of the brain. That makes it easier to learn and pay attention, according to a recent study in Frontiers in Psychology by Audrey van de Meer and Ruud van der Weel at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The two researchers dove into the intricate workings of the brain during note-taking by using helmets with sensors to monitor students' brains. [Read More]

Göbekli Tepe Is the World's Oldest Temple

by Dayanara Flores Gonzalez, age 16

The Gobekli Tepe, also known as "Hill with a Navel" or "Potbelly Hill," is found ten miles northeast of Sanliurfa, an ancient city in southeastern Turkey. It was once named "Edessa" and is known as "The City of the Prophets."

Gobekli Tepe was discovered by a German archeologist named Klaus Schmidt, who formerly worked on a different ancient site that predated Gobekli Tepe. This site is the oldest man-made place of worship that has been discovered and dates back to 10,000 BCE. [Read More]

Genghis Khan and the Rise of the Mongol Empire

by Marco Flores, age 9

The largest land empire was none other than the Mongol Empire. The empire stretched from Hungary to Korea and had more than one hundred milion people living within the empire. They lived as nomadic tribes in a region that is now known as modern day Mongolia.

During the early 13th century, Temujin, a warlord, united the Mongol tribes. The Mongols warriors were fierce and had great skills for riding horses and archery. Temujin was given the name Genghis Khan for his great leadership. [Read More]

Jackie Robinson, The Legend Who Changed Major League Baseball

by Max Moreno, age 11

Jack Roosevelt Robinson, also known as Jackie Robinson was a legendary baseball player who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball by becoming the first Black American to be in the MLB. However, Robinson wasn't just any ordinary baseball player.

Robinson was born on Jan. 31, 1919, and grew up in Cairo, Georgia. During high school he played many sports like baseball, basketball, football and track. He was also named the state's MVP in 1938. He attended UCLA, where he was the university's first student to win varsity letters in four sports. In the 1940s Robinson met his future wife, Rachel Isum, when they were attending UCLA and got married in 1946. However he had to drop out of UCLA just shy of graduation because he didn't have enough money. [Read More]

Marie Curie is a Trailblazer in Science and Radioactivity

by Siwoo Park, age 12

Marie Curie, one of the world’s beloved scientists, was a pioneer in the study of radioactivity and her discoveries revolutionized cancer treatment. Through her discovery of radium, she became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in two different fields, and eight years later won a subsequent prize. [Read More]

Rapidly Intensifying Hurricanes Could be a Consequence of Climate Change

by Dulce Vazquez, age 15

Throughout several decades, hurricanes have seen a trend of increasing intensity. The increasing strength of hurricanes has led people to be unprepared for their effects.

A thunderstorm that formed on the western coast of Africa turned into Hurricane Lee within a day. Hurricane Lee spun more than 130 km per hour placing the storm at a Category 1. A day later, it came across warm water in the North Atlantic. This doubled its wind speed from 130 km to 260 km per hour. [Read More]

History Tells New Story of First Black American to Reach the North Pole

by Aubrey A Bevenue, age 12

Robert Peary is recognized as the first person to set foot on the North Pole. While he did not get a lot of recognition at the time, the African-American explorer, Matthew Henson was also ultimately recognized. [Read More]

Amateur Fossil Hunter Finds “Underwater T-Rex”

By Iliyan Hoskins, age 11

150 million years ago, an ancient apex predator roamed the ocean. The species was called a Pliosaur, and it possessed jaws more than twice as powerful as those of today’s saltwater crocodiles. It killed its prey with just one bite from its 130 long, razor-sharp teeth, earning it the nickname "underwater T-Rex." The underwater T-Rex existed 150 million years ago, spanning the early Jurassic to the Cretaceous periods. An adult Pliosaur was a 30-foot-long sea creature capable of traversing the ocean at high speeds. That’s why scientists bestowed upon it the name underwater T-Rex.

The skull of this formidable predator was discovered in southern England, among many other fossils. An amateur fossil hunter named Phil Blake was strolling along a beach in search of something special when he spotted the tip of the Pliosaur’s snout sticking out of the sand, near the water's edge. Scientists consider this rare discovery one of the most intact and complete examples of a Pliosaur ever found. [Read More]

Chichén Itzá Fusiona las Civilizaciones Maya y Tolteca

por Kimberly Rodríguez, de 11 años

En el siglo X d.C., la civilización Maya habitaba Chichén Itzá. Ubicado en México, este sitio era de gran importancia para los Mayas y más tarde para los guerreros Toltecas.

Los guerreros Toltecas tomaron el control de Chichén Itzá de manos del pueblo Maya y lo transformaron en una versión mejorada de su capital, Tula. El templo de los guerreros albergaba innumerables objetos tallados como piezas de arte, incluyendo motivos de jaguares y águilas para representar a los guerreros Toltecas. Esta civilización conquistadora gobernó Teotihuacán y México desde mediados del siglo X hasta mediados del siglo XII d.C. [Read More]

Joe McCarthy and the Red Scare: A First-amendment Case Study from History

by Sandy Flores-Ruiz, age 17

A recent column in The Capital Times reported that according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only about 22% of American students are proficient in civics. One good way for students in our state to study civics is through an infamous episode from the 1950s when a journalist stood up to a powerful U.S. Senator from Wisconsin. [Read More]

New Research Leads to More Fentanyl Testing

by Camila Cruz, age 16

Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 44. However, due to outdated drug testing standards in emergency rooms, fentanyl overdoses are often missed or mistreated.

A nationwide study done by Epic and the University of Maryland-College Park shows that only about five out of 100 emergency departments do a screening test for synthetic drugs like fentanyl.

Just two milligrams of fentanyl, or the equivalent of about 10-15 grains of salt, is enough to be fatal. [Read More]

Can Ultrasound Waves Remove Microplastics from Water?

by Ayelen Flores Ruiz, age 13

Pollution has become a big problem in today’s economy. Microplastics are a type of pollution that is really small and barely visible yet they are found in our bodies, causing a lot of damage. Microplastics can contain toxic chemicals, viruses, and bacteria.

These plastic bits are an issue for humans and wildlife. These plastics are incredibly hard to see, even smaller than a sesame seed, and no more than five millimeters wide. The bits can be found in water, air, and foods leading to their accumulation in human bodies as resources are utilized. The materials within these bits can contain toxic chemicals. Additionally, both bacteria and viruses can attach themselves to the microplastic. Wildlife can also ingest plastic bits through drinking water from rivers or the ocean. [Read More]

Did You Know Red Pandas Are Not Actually Pandas?

by Arsema Biruk, age 8

In contrast to their name, red pandas are in fact not pandas. It may come as a surprise what animals they are actually related to. [Read More]

Is a Massive Underwater Volcanic Eruption Imminent?

by Oliver Zink, age 14

A volcano 300 miles off the coast of Oregon is nearing eruption, and no one may realize when it is happening. Scientists at the University of Washington have used a network of sensors on the seafloor to monitor the volcano. In late March and April, sensors detected more than 1,000 earthquakes every day. The volcano is slowly swelling, a sign that it is filling with molten rock. Scientists estimate that it will erupt between now and the end of the year. [Read More]

The Clever Tricks Flowers Use to Attract Pollinators

by Delia Moreno, age 7

Flowers have adapted in many unique ways to attract pollinators. Some of these characteristics include landing platforms for insects, brightly colored petals, and leaves or structures with special shapes to make sure insects are covered in pollen. [Read More]

Endangered Sea Turtles Fill Key Role in Aquatic Ecosystems

by Layla Calahan, age 12

Sea turtles are very important to ocean ecosystems, and they have lived for 100 million years. Unfortunately, some species of sea turtles are critically endangered. [Read More]

Pheasant Branch Project Aims to Tame Madison’s Floodwaters

by Ayelen Flores, age 15

Since Madison experienced large floods in 2018, city leaders have been searching for a solution. They’ve landed on the Pheasant Branch Project, a series of improvements to solve the flooding events on the far west side of Madison. Engineers and planners have put immense work into the project, and construction is just beginning. [Read More]

The Unique Colors of the Lilac-Breasted Roller

by Sessina Zerezghi, age 8

Lilac Breasted roller, also known scientifically as Coracias Caudatus, was given its name in 1766 by Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish scientist. [Read More]

The Great Pyramid of Giza Is an Ancient Wonder

by Layla Calahan, age 12

In Giza, the Great Pyramid stands on the edge of the Egyptian desert, west of the Nile River. In the 26th century BC, when the Great Pyramid was built, it was believed it was for Pharaoh Khufu. In the 4th Dynasty, other kings built their own pyramids near the Great Pyramid. The three pyramids form the world’s best-known buildings. [Read More]

Invasive Mussels Threaten Great Lakes

by Will DeFour, age 15

As invasive mussels devastate the Great Lakes, scientists are looking into new ways to combat the threat and protect important parts of the local ecosystem, such as spawning grounds for native fish. [Read More]

Sand Boa’s Hunting Skills and Goofy Eyes Go Viral

by Lincoln Roos, age 12

An unusual creature thrives in the deserts of Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, this amazing creature is called the Arabian Sand Boa. Its name represents where it is from and the way it makes burrows deep in the sand. Being a nocturnal creature this snake hunts from dusk to dawn. [Read More]

Madison Public Library Celebrates 150 Years of Community and Books

by Theodore Morrison, age 17

“It was a pleasure to burn.” This is the opening line of the book Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. In this world, the main character lives in a dystopian society where firefighters start the fires, not put them out. It is these worlds that the Madison Public Library brings to our community by circulating all kinds of books, ranging from steamy romances to horror & suspense, and everything in between. These books empower Madisonians to access new worlds and challenge everyone to appreciate newer and more unique perspectives. These are the things we are celebrating - access to these amazing stories - as we honor the Madison Public Library’s 150-year legacy. [Read More]

Invasive Mussels Threaten Lake Ecosystems

by Will DeFour, age 15

A close relative of the highly invasive zebra mussel, known as the quagga mussel, has spread across the Great Lakes, removed valuable nutrients from the water, and even begun moving into smaller lakes across Wisconsin. [Read More]

Shipwreck from 1893 Found in Lake Michigan

by Oliver Zink, age 14

On September 30, 1898, the schooner Margaret A. Muir sank a few miles from the entrance to Algom Harbor on Wisconsin's Lake Michigan coast in 50 feet of water during a fierce gale. [Read More]

Sugar Gliders Are Tiny Flyers With a Sweet Tooth

by Ermiyas Abiy, age 9

This creature glides through the night sky but it's not a bat or owl. It is often mistaken for a flying squirrel. It's the sugar glider, a fascinating animal with a sweet tooth! [Read More]

Movie Review: The Six Triple Eight

by Ayelen Flores, age 15

It is not often that a war movie tells the stories of the unsung, behind-the-scenes heroes who make our military function. “The Six Triple Eight” does exactly that. “The Six Triple Eight” is a new movie about hidden struggles during WWII. It premiered on December 20th, 2024. It is based on true events and is available for streaming on Netflix. [Read More]

How One of South America’s Tallest Mountains Turned Deadly

by Edwin Torres, age 13

The Cordillera Blanca mountain range in Peru is one of the tallest and largest in the Andes. This region is recognized for its harsh climate and high peaks, including Mount Huascarán. [Read More]

Toucans Are More Than Just Big Bills and Bright Feathers

by Kai Shade-Adamus, age 8

There are roughly 10,000 species of birds always moving around the world. Birds, in general, are the descendants of feathered dinosaurs from long ago, and their limbs turned into wings over time. There are two types of feathers. One is the strong-stalked “contour.” where are the outer feathers. Beneath the contour feather are fluffier “down” feathers, which keep birds warm. [Read More]

Discover UW-Madison’s Zoological Museum

by Kevin Chen, age 16

Who would’ve guessed that you can find a 13,000-year-old giant beaver skull right here in Madison? It is among the 750,000 different species of animals in the UW-Madison Zoological Museum. [Read More]

How Ice Age Hunters Used Clovis Point Technology

by John Agbo, age 14

Archaeologists have discovered intriguing evidence regarding hunting civilizations from 13,000 years ago during the Ice Age. The discovery showcased the hunting techniques of the Clovis people, offering a captivating glimpse into their resourceful ways of survival. Early humans, known as hominids, often hunted large prey like mammoths by surrounding them and attacking them with spears. However, research indicates this method was inefficient, as even a powerful thrust with a spear would likely only pierce a mammoth’s thick skin superficially. [Read More]

Dane County Land Purchase Will Expand Sugar River Wildlife Area

by Dayanara Flores, age 17

The Dane County Board of Supervisors recently approved the purchase of 80 acres of land. The recent acquisition is in the Town of Verona and was purchased to expand the Sugar River Wildlife Area. [Read More]

Study Says Wisconsin’s School Report Card System Is Hard for the Public to Understand

by Daniel Li, age 17

Wisconsin’s school report card system is difficult for the public to understand. A recent study conducted by Arizona State University was highlighted in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel and revealed that parents and the general public often struggle to access clear information about how students and schools are performing. Without this information, it's hard for parents to properly judge how well their child has performed in school. [Read More]

Unmanned Vessel Searches for Lost Plane in Lake Superior

by Edwin Torres, age 13

An airplane carrying three researchers unexpectedly crashed into the waters of Lake Superior on Oct. 23, 1968. Since then, parts of the plane have drifted to the surface, but little is known about what exactly happened to the crew and plane. [Read More]

The Life and Death of Trees, How Nature Takes Its Course

by Ian Kosharek, age 12

The death of a tree is inevitable. From its initial germination to the damages it endures throughout its growth, a tree will eventually surrender at the end of its lifetime. [Read More]

Bizarre Discovery Off Japanese Coast Sparks Fierce Debate

by Mahalia Pearson, age 13

The Yonaguni Monument is under the sea near the island of Yonaguni, Japan. The island is the westernmost part of Japan, so far west that it is only 111 km from the east shore of Taiwan and 2,000 km from Tokyo. [Read More]

Space Probe Returns Asteroid Samples to Earth

by Iliyan Hoskins, age 11

On Sept. 24, 2023, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft delivered an important package that NASA had been anticipating for seven years. [Read More]

The History of a San Francisco Icon and Engineering Marvel

by Lina Al Quraishi, age 10

Spanning one of the largest and safest harbors in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge is 1.7 miles long and has been in use for 87 years. The Golden Gate Bridge opened on May 27th, 1937, linking San Francisco with Marin County, California. The bright red color of the bridge, known as "International Orange," allows for easy visibility even during foggy or rainy weather. [Read More]

American Martens Find Refuge on Wisconsin's Apostle Islands

by Samuel Garduño Martínez, age 17

The American marten, a state-endangered species, has taken refuge in the Apostle Islands of northern Wisconsin. With a geographic range spanning from Alaska and Canada to the mountains of northern New Mexico, the American marten's presence is a testament to its adaptability in various ecosystems. [Read More]

Nebulae: Birthplace of Stars

by Malak Alquraishi, age 13

A nebula is a giant cloud of dust and gas. There are several different types of nebulae, and they are an essential part of the interstellar medium—the space between stars. Nebulae are among the most spectacular sights in astronomy. [Read More]

The History of Corn From Ancient Mesoamerica to Today

by Edwin Torres, age 13

Corn is an ancient grain with an interesting history that most people have not heard about. Originating in Mesoamerica, specifically Mexico, corn is now widely enjoyed and produced across the world. However, only 40 percent of corn that is grown is consumed by people, while the remaining 60 percent is used as animal feed. [Read More]

How the Nile River’s Changing Waters Affect Life in Africa

by Sofia Zapata, age 14

The Nile River, one of the longest rivers in the world, is an important transportation and trade route, but in recent years it has faced new problems. [Read More]

Sea Angels Are Tiny Marine Slugs with Big Survival Skills

by Siheon Park, age 11

Sea angels are semi-transparent marine slugs that swim near ocean surfaces and get their name from the way they glide with their wing-like appendages. [Read More]

How Jane Goodall Changed the World of Science and Conservation

by Sandy Flores Ruiz, age 18

Valerie Jane Morris Goodall is most famously known for her research with chimpanzees and her 1965 documentary “Miss Goodall and the Wild Chimpanzees”. Her research wasn’t easy. Goodall faced criticism for being a scientist without a college degree and a woman in a field that was primarily dominated by men. Nevertheless, she was able to make impactful discoveries and became a leader of the conservation movement. [Read More]

Birds and Humans: A Sweet Collaboration in Honey Hunting

by Sedona Afeworki. age 15

While humans and animals have existed together for thousands of years, cooperation between humans and animals has only been observed in rare occasions and studies now attempt to understand why. One cooperative relationship that has been documented is the connection between honey hunters in Africa and a small bird called the greater honeyguide. [Read More]

This Rare Leopard Stalks the Rugged Forests of Iran

by Ermiyas Abiy, age 9

The Persian leopard, also known as the Caucasian Leopard, is an endangered animal found in Iran. For decades, it has rarely been spotted outside of this country. [Read More]

Rare Sighting of Gray Whale in Massachusetts Waters

by Aria, 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. [Read More]

Madam C.J. Walker's Legacy in Beauty and Empowerment

by Moore Vang, age 15

A pioneer in African-American history, Madam C.J. Walker has had a lasting impact on the beauty industry and African-American history in the U.S. during the late 1800s to early 1900s. She is most well known for creating hair products for Black women at a time when they did not have access to specific products for their hair. Walker created a successful business for herself and helped provide for others throughout her career. [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. [Read More]

The Mighty Roar and Clever Mind of Lions

by Semaia Zerezghi, age 9

Panthera leo or lions are the kings and queens of beasts and are known for being terrifying regal creatures. However, what most people don't know is that lions are also incredibly intelligent. [Read More]

Future Mission to Saturn Could Use Snake-Like Robot

by Ayelen Flores Ruiz, age 14

The idea of living somewhere other than Earth is fascinating for the future. Traces of chemicals needed for life have been detected from Enceladus, a moon of Saturn. Scientists are trying to find possible ways to explore Enceladus. [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. [Read More]

“Hold Me Accountable” – Joe Gothard’s Interview with Simpson Street Free Press

by Cris Cruz and Leila Fletcher

Following an introductory press conference at Thoreau Elementary School, new Madison school superintendent, Joe Gothard, sat down for an exclusive interview with Simpson Street Free Press. [Read More]

The Nile Monitor is Africas's Largest Lizard

by Ermiyas Abiy, age 8

The Nile monitor is one of the strongest and most formidable predators of the lizard species. These creatures are the largest lizards in Africa, reaching up to six feet long! [Read More]

The Milwaukee Bucks' Historic Victory Over the U.S.S.R

by Zayn Khalid, age 13

The United States and the Soviet National team (U.S.S.R.) had one of the biggest basketball rivalries of the '70s and '80s, especially when the U.S. lost to the U.S.S.R. in the 1972 Olympic finals. Then 15 years later, the Milwaukee Bucks played the U.S.S.R., and the game was not even close. [Read More]

Stargazers in North America Get Ready for Eventful 2024

by Camila Cruz, age 16

Stargazers in North America should start getting ready because they will have much to watch for in 2024. [Read More]

Oceania, A Diverse Region of Islands and Cultures

by Santiago Rosero, age 13

There is a place in the Pacific Ocean that is full of islands named Oceania. This region is located between Asia and America, and its definition can vary. Some islands are excluded, such as the Ryukyu, Kuril, and Aleutian islands, as well as the Japan archipelago. Some countries like Indonesia, Taiwan, and the Philippines, were also eliminated because their cultures are more related to those on the Asian continent. Oceania has more than 10,000 islands, including Papua New Guinea and New Zealand – Australia is not one of them. [Read More]

W. Jerome Frautschi Donates to new Wisconsin History Center

By Valeria Moreno Lopez, age 17

A new Wisconsin Historical Museum will replace the current museum on Capitol Square by 2027. Philanthropist W. Jerome Frautschi recently established an additional $10 million fund, making his total donation to the project about $25 million. [Read More]

Velociraptors: Feathered Predators of the Cretaceous

by Aloniab Gezae, age 9

Velociraptors are not what they look like in Jurassic Park. It was one of the most bird-related dinosaurs and had feathers, not scales. It lived around 80 million years ago in the late Cretaceous period and disappeared about 70 million years ago, millions of years before the asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs. It was first discovered in the Gobi desert, Mongolia in 1923 by Peter Kaisen. Its name means speedy thief or quick plunderer. [Read More]

The Fox River Cleanup, A Battle Against Decades of Pollution

by Sofia Zapata, age 14

The Fox River flows across central and east-central Wisconsin to Green Bay and was contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals during the mid-20th century It took almost 17 years to clean the entire river. [Read More]

Three New Missions Planned to Explore Venus

by Chelsea Zheng, age 11

Venus is considered Earth’s twin due to its similar size and density. However both these planets have developed vastly different from one another. Earth was able to develop and sustain life, while Venus became a scorching and toxic planet. To further understand how Earth’s neighboring “twin” developed a harsh environment, scientists launched spacecraft to study Venus and continue to launch more in the future. [Read More]

How the Carlisle Indians Became a College Football Powerhouse

by Owen Ayite-Atayi, age 16

Richard Henry Pratt, an abolitionist, created a college football powerhouse team called the Carlisle Indians that dominated in the 20th century. Pratt believed that Native Americans should be included in American society. [Read More]

Rosetta Nubin Was the Guitar-Playing “Godmother” of Rock and Roll

by Riya Adhikari, age 12

Rosetta Nubin was an incredible singer who mixed her church roots with the blues. Despite being dubbed "The Godmother of Rock and Roll," her achievements and diverse musical abilities remain relatively unknown. [Read More]

The Unique American (Pine) Marten Calls Wisconsin Home

by Kimberly Rodriguez, age 11

The Pine Marten can be found in multiple places including Wisconsin. They are creatures with beautiful fur and are talented climbers and fishers. [Read More]