Black History Month: Harriet Tubman Receives Military Honor
The month of February is a time to honor and remember the stories and contributions of Black Americans. Harriet Tubman–an enslaved person and one of the most famous conductors on the Underground Railroad–was recently named an honorary brigadier general in Maryland’s National Guard. This is in recognition for her service to the Union Army during […]
Soma Bags Upcycles for Education
You have probably heard of recycling, but have you learned about upcycling? Upcycling takes waste materials and finds new and important uses for them. This week btw takes a closer look at Soma Bags, a Tanzanian start-up company that meets a vital need by upcycling discarded cement bags into a way to help children in […]
Trump’s Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship
Birthright citizenship is the principle that anyone born on American soil is guaranteed U.S. citizenship—with only a few specific exceptions. This right is guaranteed under the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (adopted in 1868). But just hours after taking office, President Trump issued an Executive Order modifying birthright citizenship. So, what does this mean? […]
Ghana Fights Back Against Fast Fashion
You’ve heard about fast food, but what about fast fashion? That’s the term used for clothing that is mass produced very cheaply, usually in Chinese factories, and then purchased in Western countries like the U.S. The clothing is so cheap that Westerners often only wear it for a little while, before donating it or throwing […]
President Biden Designates Francis Perkins National Monument
Have you ever heard of Frances Perkins? She was the first woman in a presidential Cabinet, and a key part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration during the Great Depression. She was also the longest-serving Labor Secretary in U.S. history. Last month, President Biden honored Perkins’ service and legacy by designating the Frances Perkins National […]
Remembering President Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. Aside from being the longest-living president in history, Carter also was known for his service, his faith, and his commitment to the environment and social justice. After his death, Carter was honored with more than […]
Foldscope: The World’s First Paper Microscope
Have you ever heard of a Foldscope? It’s a paper microscope that costs just under $2 to make. These inexpensive microscopes are changing the way that everyone from students to scientists can see the world. Here, btw takes a “closer look” at how it came to be . . .and why this little invention may […]
Notre Dame Cathedral Reopens After Fire Repairs
On April 15, 2019, the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral–one of the world’s most famous churches–was partially destroyed by a fire. Five years and nearly $1 billion later, the 800-year-old World Heritage Site will reopen to the public this month. Here, btw takes a closer look at what it took to restore the landmark and what […]
Native American Heritage Month: Kuwohi
Each year, millions of American and international tourists visit the over 400 National Park Service sites around the United States. The most popular park is Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. (Other popular national parks include Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona; Zion National Park in Utah; […]
Ancient Woolly Rhino Fossil Discovered
Imagine a rhinoceros that is: six feet tall and sixteen feet long; is covered in fur; and has a horn the length of a human child. That’s the woolly rhino–a creature that roamed northern Asia during the Ice Age, tens of thousands of years ago. Recently, a very rare woolly rhino fossil specimen was discovered […]