Grade 8

A competitive streak can be the driving force behind excellence in school, sports, and other pursuits. Some young people take competition too far, however, or fear competition and avoid it at Read More →

“The discovery both of [geometry] and of the other sciences proceeded from utility.”—Proclus Lycius, Greek philosopher, fifth century CE “Geometry is the knowledge of the eternally… Read More →

Conflict—nobody likes it. And from the hallways of your school to the family dinner table, conflict can be hard to avoid. But conflict doesn't have to be all bad. If you handle a conflict… Read More →

Consent isn't just about sex. From an early age, kids are taught to respect personal space. They learn to express themselves and how they feel. While they must be taught that kissing,… Read More →

Ancient societies built massive monuments, many of which still stand. How did ancient engineers and builders raise up the Great Wall of China or the Great Pyramids of Egypt? They often needed Read More →

After the Contamination—an epidemic caused by the super-trendy diet drink SlimPro that turned ordinary citizens into shambling creatures unable to control their violent impulses—the… Read More →

Rachel's junior year is going to be perfect—she's taking AP classes, is first-chair viola, and is busy planning her college visits. Then Misty, Rachel's wild and unpredictable cousin, lands… Read More →

As a part of the British Commonwealth, Australia's culture shares many similarities with British culture--and their menu is no exception. Paired with the cuisine of the Aboriginal peoples… Read More →

Over the centuries, Austria was settled by many different groups and became the center of a large empire. Each group brought its own customs and cuisine, eventually mixing to create the rich… Read More →

The fifth largest country in the world, Brazil stretches across nearly half of South America. Home to a vibrant blend of indigenous, African, European, and immigrant cultures, Brazil boasts a Read More →

With abundant textures and tastes that differ from island to island, the food of the Caribbean is a delicious blend of traditions. Reflecting the cultures of a diverse population, Caribbean… Read More →

The seven countries of Central America share many culinary traditions, while offering their own unique specialty dishes. The region is home to a wide range of resources, including various… Read More →

The oldest continuing civilization in the world, China is not much larger in area than the United States. However, its population is over four times as large. With only 13 percent of its land Read More →

Combining the cultural traditions of Spain, indigenous Cubans, Africans, and various other immigrants, Cuban cuisine is simple and filled with flavor. Rich spices such as garlic, oregano, and Read More →

Featuring the cooking of several East African countries--Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania--discover the significance of the two main meals eaten daily in each of these countries. Read More →

English cuisine is often regared as unexciting, but with flavorful dishes such as tender roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, buttery scones, tasty fish and chips, and sweet triflees, it's… Read More →

Cooking is a fine art in France. With savory recipes and interesting background information on French regions, peoples, and traditions, readers are introduced to the sutleties of French culture. Read More →

With its appealing sausages and roasts, savory dumplings and spaetzle, and rich pastries and tortes, Germany has been known for its delicious cuisine. Focusing on the food and traditions… Read More →

Greek cuisine is both exciting and rich in tradition. Influenced by both western European and Middle Eastern foods, contemporary Greek dishes reflect an interesting combination of old and new Read More →

Completely landlocked, Hungary has endured many invasions by foreign powers and has lived under many kinds of government. Through it all, music and food have remained important parts of… Read More →

The contrasts of geography, climate, religious beliefs, and population in India result in its strong and distinct culture. These differences have greatly influenced Indian menus. However, one Read More →

The world’s largest archipelago, Indonesia is made up of over seventeen thousand islands. Located along the lines of ancient trade routes, Indonesian culture has been saturated by the… Read More →