December 2021 - IndyKids

Why is Critical Race Theory Under Attack?

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By Luca Cantagallo, age 11 and IndyKids staff

CRT is a way of reexamining U.S. history through a lens of racism. The academic framework was developed in the 1970s and ‘80s and predominantly taught in colleges and universities. It centers on the concept that racism in the United States is systemic and ingrained in institutions⁠—like government, education and media⁠—which, it is argued, work to perpetuate white supremacy. CRT is a complex theory, and according to AP News, there is “little to no evidence that [it] is being taught to K-12 public school students.”

Line 3 Pipeline Causes Controversy

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By Dayanara Hernandez, age 16

Enbridge, a Canadian pipeline corporation, has recently faced an increase in protests from Indigenous, environmental and citizen groups in northern Minnesota opposing the replacement of the Line 3 pipeline.

More States Are Loosening Gun Laws. We Should Be Concerned.

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By Claire Davis, age 13 and IndyKids Staff

Around the country, some lawmakers are attempting to make it easier to carry a gun in public without training, a permit or being subject to a background check.

Argentina Officially Recognizes Non-Binary People

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By Josey Law, age 10 and IndyKids Staff

Argentina has become the first Latin American country to officially recognize non-binary people. The country is now allowing people to put an “X” on national identity documents if they do not identify as male or female.

News Brief: Manatee Annual Death Record Surpassed in Just Six Months

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By June Fink, age 10

So far this year, more than 841 manatees have already died in Florida, according to the Associated Press. That’s 11 more than the previous record high in 2013, which was for the whole year.

News Brief: Madrid Set to Grow Urban Forest to Fight Climate Change

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By June Fink, age 10

The “greenway” will be made up of nearly half a million trees, which will not only potentially lower the temperature by two degrees, but will absorb greenhouse emissions generated by city pollution.

Proposed Abolition Amendment to Address Modern-Day Slavery

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By Jessie Mitnick, age 13

The Abolition Amendment aims to revise the 13th Constitutional Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States. These representatives are fighting a so-called loophole in the 13th Amendment, which allows for involuntary servitude to continue as a form of criminal punishment.

Science Brief: Flex Those Filtration Mussels

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By Melina Cantagallo, age 13

Mussels are most often thought of as just a food, but they could potentially be used to free our oceans of toxic microplastics.

Science Brief: Thailand Bans Coral-Damaging Sunscreens

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By Zahra Latheef, age 11

Certain sunscreens damage coral reefs by inhibiting growth and reproduction, killing off coral larvae, and causing reef bleaching.

How Much Does the U.S. Really Recycle?

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By Melina Cantagallo, age 13 and IndyKids Staff

The United States produces the most waste per capita, with each person contributing 102 metric tons of garbage in their lifetime. But how much of this waste is successfully recycled?