Congress Approves $19 billion for NASA

Late Wednesday, Congress approved that $19 billion would go to NASA so NASA could develop a heavy-lift vehicle. NASA passed by the Senate's agreement. Because of the Senate's approval, NASA could progress on President Barack Obama's plan of strategy, including space commercial development for space transportation. Congress and Obama are supposed to sign the check. The money is expected to be given to NASA after the November election.

NASA is proud to announce that another rocket is expected to be launched from NASA, between February 2011 and June 2011.

Unfortunately, when the program for the shuttle ends, 9,000 people that took a big part in the ship functioning and production, are expected to loose their jobs. Today, 1,200 people were laid off from shuttle working. Many people departing, have worked with the shuttle from the beginning of the production.

Facts of Congress — Why Primary Sources Matter

If you're doing a history test on Congress then you should go to the Federal Library.
Not possible to go the Federal Library in D.C.? Check out the library's website, which includes all sorts of primary source for research. Primary sources are documents that are very close to the original. With the Federal Library, the sources are photographed or scanned (digitally copied) materials like letters, diaries, and the Constitution.
Still not sure what a primary source is? It's like when your friend writes a note to you and another friend says that it was a mean note. That's to weird to believe, right? So, what do you do? You check it out -- it's not a mean note.


That's what primary sources are. You can watch this video below for more information.

The Congress Is Back

This week the Congress came back from their summer vacation. But, some might ask, "What is Congress?"
The Congress is part of the legislative branch. The legislative branch is the part of the government that controls the money, makes the laws, and declares war.
The executive branch includes the President and Vice President. The executive branch is the part of the government that enforces laws, spends money if allowed by Congress, declares problems, appoints judges to the Supreme Court, and gives pardons for crimes.
The judicial branch is the branch that includes the Supreme Court. The judicial branch changes view on laws, judges when a law is unconstitutional, and makes plans for prisoners. If you want to learn more about the branches click here.

How a Bill Becomes a Law?

With all of the commotion concerning the new health care law, it leads one to be curious. Some are start asking, "How does a bill become law anyway?"

If the public wants a certain law, they call on a representative. Before passing into law, the rule starts out as a bill. A bill that would affect the nation (if passed) is debated on Capitol Hill in Congress. If it is approved by the House of Representatives, it moves on to the other house, the Senate. If passed with amendments, it's sent back to the House of the Representatives; without amendments, it's passed on to the president. When and if the bill is passed and agreed on with amendments, it moves to the president's office. The bill, if not vetoed, will most likely become law by January first of the next year.

Now, read about The Herald post about the health care bill.



sources: Wikipedia, http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/bil2lawd.html School House Rock
by Brigette W.

Congress Is Back in Session: Go to the Source

Student: Faryn

Watch the video below and then write an article that explains what "primary" documents students can use to research the start of Congress. Look at some of the primary materials, or documents, that the Library of Congress has scanned for the public to use. Here is another U.S. government resource. Ms. Moorhead will help you understand these in class.

Once you have a good sense of the video and one or two primary documents, write a news story highlighting the video, one or two primary sources, and why primary materials are better then, say, Wikipedia.

Summer Break Ends — for Congress, Too

Student: Anya

It's back to school — er, work — for Congress this week. Write a news story announcing that Congress is back at work and what does that mean? You will be answering the W's of a good news story through Congress:

• Who: Congress (and "who" specifically for California?) Use the U.S. government's website for kids to write this story.
• What: Congress — the 111th Congress, second session — is back to work this week. What does that mean? Hint: Read this article on Kids in the House for help in explaining what Congress does.
• When: This week.
• Where: Explain — and show — where. Use both words and pictures to do this.
• Why: Again, use the U.S. government's website for kids to help you answer this portion of your story. What is the job of Congress?

Just for fun, link to this Congressional crossword puzzle on Kids in the House.

Also, embed the following videos:

The Week Kicks Off the 112th Congress

Student: Clara and Alysen

Wednesday marked the first session of the 112th Congress. Read this Time for Kids news story, and tell Hillwood Herald readers about what this new session might mean for them.

You will also want to give a great deal of background information about who makes up Congress and what Congress, as an entity, does. Feel free to consult the Kids in the House Website, as well as Wikipedia. Include a run down of the key people involved in the 112th Congress.