March 2016 – Letter from Truman
Hi, Kids!
Did you know that Earth is not round – only round-ish? I had no idea. When I learned about the many things that influence the shape of this big beautiful planet on which we live, I was surprised. And what I found out was quite interesting. Check out the “Connections” section to learn more.
Ecuador holds a special place of honor when it comes to the shape of Earth. It is home to Mt. Chimborazo. It is not the tallest mountain, but it is the highest mountain above sea level. Ecuador is also the home of a very special kind of music — pasillo. With beautiful lilting chords, pasillo is played with guitars (sometimes mandolins) and a rondin a flute-like instrument. It is the official musical genre of Ecuador. You can read more about it in the “Cultural Connections” section.
Chris Moore has a cool job. He is an astrophysicist. He studies the stars and space. You can find out more about what he does in the “What’s It Like to Be …” section.
It’s been decades since the first man walked on the moon, but it is still something not many people get to do. Would you visit the moon if you had the chance? I would!