Millions of children in the United States go to summer camps. Some go to play outdoors at traditional camps in the woods, in the mountains or on lakes. But families now have many choices of special camps. These can be in the middle of nature or a big city. Special camps offer young people the chance to learn about different subjects: Anything from space exploration to business to medicine.
In technology camps, one subject that children can learn about is video game design. They learn how to use computer programmes to create games of their own. One programme that teaches video game design is called Cybercamps. Children can learn how to design their own virtual(实际上的) worlds to set their video game in. Then, they programme their own rules and objects into the game.
Cybercamps also offers courses in robot building and Web design. A recent story in the Washington Post described how one child made a robot that could sing a song. Another made a robot that could follow a black line drawn on a piece of cardboard. Also, children can learn how to make Web sites. One child made a site for pokeman, one of his favourite cartoon shows.
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A. I can't wait to go there. B. May I speak to Amy? C. How soon will you be back? D. What's your favourite place? E. How long will you stay there? F. What's the weather like in Beijing? G. What place would you like to visit? |
A：Hello! Who's calling, please?
B：Hi! This is Jack speaking in Beijing.
A：Hey, Jack! This is Amy. Why are you in Beijing now?
B：I've come to see my aunt with my parents.
A：
B：It's now very warm and comfortable in May, just right for sightseeing.
A：That's why many people go there for sightseeing at this time of year.
B：For five days.
A：
B：I like the Summer Palace best. When I was there, I lost myself in the beautiful scenery.
A：Really？
B：I'm sure you will have fun there.
You may have heard of MOOCs—Massive Open Online Courses(大规模在线开放课程).
These courses are given by famous universities around the world. They were usually for university students or adults, but that's changing. MOOCs are also for younger learners now.
Mr Wei is a teacher from a middle school in Shanghai. He opened several computer courses last year. He recorded his courses and put them on the Internet as a part of the "MOOCs Go to Middle School" project in China. Middle school students can now choose from those online courses and study by themselves outside school.
Some teachers are worried. Although they can learn a lot from MOOCs, middle school students may not have enough time to take MOOCs outside the class.
In November, 2012, a university in the USA opened the world's first free MOOC for middle school students—a three－week class on biology. About 200 middle school students took the class and some were from as far away as China. You see, time and distance are not problems for eager learners.
While Mr Wan, his wife and their little daughter were in Europe, they decided to drive three days to Germany. His little daughter had never travelled at night before. She was scared the first night in the car, with the deep darkness outside.
"Where are we going, Daddy?" "To your uncle's house in Germany."
"Jave you been to his house before?" "No."
"Do you know the way?" "Kind of, we will read the map."
"Do you know how to read the map?" "Yes, we will get therc safely."
"Where are we going to cat if we get hungry before arriving?" "We can stop at a restaurant if we get hungry."
"Do you know if there are restaurants on the way?"
"Yes, there are."
"Do you know where?" "No, but we will be able to find some."
The same dialogue repeated a few times during the first night and second night. But on the third night, his daughter was quiet. He couldn't help wondering why she was not asking the questions anymore.
"Dear, do you know where we are going?" "Germany, to Uncle's house."
"Do you know how we are getting there?" "No,"
"Then why aren't you asking me anymore?" "Because Daddy is driving."
Because Daddy is driving. That answer from his little girl gave Mr. Wan strength（力量）for many years after，whenever he had questions and fears（恐惧）about his life journey.
You get the first prize.
—Thanks. It _________my father two days to make it.
