Learning Network: Our Annual 15-Second Vocabulary Video Contest!

Plus our Review and Personal Narrative contests.

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story November 13, 2020 Dear Reader, The Vocabulary Video Contest is one of our most beloved annual traditions. Working on a site devoted to the news can sometimes be grim, but judging this contest has always guaranteed our staff at least a few weeks every year of cracking up at our desks. (Or, this year, on Zoom.) We’re thrilled to announce: This year’s 8th Annual 15-Second Vocabulary Video Contest is now open for entries. To participate, all that a middle or high school student needs to do is choose any word from our list of 2,000-plus Words of the Day and then create a 15-second (or shorter) video that defines or teaches the word. Examples of words that students can use across subjects are: aristocracy, beneficent, autopsy, puerile, gerrymander and macabre. Also, our Personal Narrative Writing Contest is still accepting submissions — until Nov. 17. And our Review Contest, in which students write a critical review of a book, play, restaurant, video game or other work, will accept entries from Dec. 8 to Jan. 26. If you want to know more about all of our contests, visit our 2020-21 Contest Calendar. Tens of thousands of students from around the world participate every year. Best, Michael Gonchar, editor ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS Weekly News Quiz for Students Weekly News Quiz for Students: Historic Election, Congress, Alex Trebek How well did you follow the news this past week? How many of these 10 questions can you get right? Compiled by John Otis and Jeremy Engle student opinion Where Do We Go From Here? We’ve been asking you questions about the candidates, the electoral process and our democracy for months. Now we’d like to hear about your hopes for the future. By Katherine Schulten Film Club: Two Short Animated Films About Childhood What are your most vivid childhood memories? By The Learning Network PICTURE PROMPTS Crowds and Covid How do you feel about celebratory crowds these days? By The Learning Network student opinion Which Celebrity Performer Would You Like to Challenge to a Friendly Battle? Nandi Bushell, 10, is engaged in an epic drum battle with her idol on social media. Which of your heroes would you like to compete against? By Jeremy Engle PICTURE PROMPTS Off the Grid What is this image saying? By The Learning Network student opinion How Are You Feeling About Winter This Year? Do you generally like winter? Does this year feel different? What plans have you made? By Jeremy Engle Country of the Week How Much Do You Know About Liechtenstein? Can you find Liechtenstein on a map? What else do you know about this small European nation? Compiled by John Otis Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS Contests Our 8th Annual 15-Second Vocabulary Video Challenge We invite middle and high school students to create a short video that defines or teaches any of the words in our Word of the Day collection. Contest Dates: Nov. 10-Dec. 15, 2020. By The Learning Network What’s Going On in This Graph? | Nov. 18, 2020 Which foods are unusually popular in each state on Thanksgiving? By The Learning Network current events conversation What Students Are Saying About Loved Ones With Opposing Political Views, Expectations for an Unusual Winter and Taking Naps Teenage comments in response to our recent writing prompts, and an invitation to join the ongoing conversation. By The Learning Network current events Lesson of the Day: ‘Pfizer’s Covid Vaccine: 11 Things You Need to Know’ In this lesson, students will learn about the promising developments toward a coronavirus vaccine and what it means for the fight against the pandemic. By Jeremy Engle current events Lesson of the Day: ‘Why a Perfect Spiral Football Pass Doesn’t Break the Laws of Physics’ In this lesson, students will learn about the forces behind a quarterback’s pass and consider how they can apply what they learn to improve their own spiral. By Natalie Proulx current events Lesson of the Day: ‘Biden Wins Presidency, Ending Four Tumultuous Years Under Trump’ In this lesson, students consider what the Biden-Harris victory means for the United States. By Shannon Doyne and Michael Gonchar current events Lesson of the Day: ‘What Makes Sand Soft?’ In this lesson, students will learn about the complicated properties of sand. Then, they will design their own science experiment. By Nicole Daniels Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Like this email? Forward it to your friends, and let them know they can sign up here. ELSEWHERE IN THE TIMES Will Any More Schools Reopen in 2020? Philadelphia, Minneapolis and other major cities have suspended reopening plans, as cases rise nationwide By Amelia Nierenberg and Adam Pasick What Happens to Some L.G.B.T.Q. Teens When Their Parents Reject Them Over a third of young people in foster care in New York City identify as L.G.B.T.Q. and are struggling to find the support they need, according to a new survey. By Amanda Rosa The Latest on Kids’ Antibodies A new study might shed light on why children experience the virus differently. By Amelia Nierenberg and Adam Pasick How are we doing? We’d love your feedback on this newsletter. Please email thoughts and suggestions to LNfeedback@nytimes.com. Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. 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