CONTEST and LETTERS

Ask, Mar 2008

In our October 2007 issue we asked you to make something glow. We don't have room to print all the entries, so we've put more on our Web site at www. cricketmag.com (click on "For Kids").

Glow in the dark teddy bear

Carly H., age 9, AZ

It would be so cool if teddy bears glowed in the dark, cause then I wouldn't be so scared at night.

Lotus E2000

Gustav H., age 10, MN

This new invention is 550,000 nanometers long. It is installed into your eye for 2,000 dollars. When it is installed it gives you 20/20 vision (if you don't already have it). You also have the ability to zoom in, have night vision and infrared x-ray will be coming soon. It changes setting at thought command. It is powered by any light taken in from your eyes. It can run for 365 days straight. After it runs out of power, your vision returns to normal until you see light. Once its taken out of your body, it cannot be reused. It will be supplied to the military first (as always) in 2030 and to the public in 2033.

Clow in the dark airplane

Jack L, age 9, Washington, DC

My invention would prevent night-time collisions. The glow comes from glow stick liquid mixed with firefly DNA. The glow becomes invisible between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Noon Garden Water

Leora V., age 8, MN

I think that you need moon water to light up your whole backyard like a flashlight at night so you could walk around your beautiful garden and gaze at it. I had this idea in case Plush would need to light up her moon garden even more.

Glowing tree

KaIa N., age 8, FL

I think trees should glow in the dark. The chlorophyll in its leaves are different colors and give off light. Instead of sucking up water the roots suck up light. These can be used instead of telephone poles.

Clow in the dark swimsuit

Evan L., age 7, Washington, DC

Because oceanographers could see in very dark places. It only glows in water.

A glowing drinking bottle

Kate S., age 7, OH

This is an invention. The drink bottle glows in the dark. The caps are off so the glow reflects into three rainbows that go in the triangular boxes. They reflect on lightbulbs that the rocket toy sucks in, so it glows in the dark.

A glow in the dark book

Joshua A., age 8, TX

A glow in a dark book would help people to read at night and dim light without electricity and save some more electricity.

March Contest

imagining Earth' Insides

Earth's insides have fascinated people for a long time. Some cultures believe that Earth is hollow. Others imagine that demons inhabit the deep hot interior. For some, it is the home of gods. Many legends even tell how humans once lived there. What legend might you tell about the Earth's insides? Draw us a picture, and we'll publish a few of our favorites in an upcoming issue of Ask magazine.

Contest Rules:

1. Your contest entry must be your very own work. Ideas and words should not be copied.

2. Be sure to include your name, age, and full address on your entry.

3. Only one entry per person, please.

4. If you want your work returned, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

5. Your entry must be signed by a parent or legal guardian, saying it's your own work and that no one helped you. For information on the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, you or an adult can visit the Policy page at www.cricketmag.com.

6. Your entry must be received by March 31, 2008. We will publish the winning entries in an upcoming issue of Ask.

7. Send entries to Ask Contest, 70 East Lake St., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60601. No faxes, please.