Confucius (551-479 B.C.) is a well-known person in Chinese history. He had many followers who believed in what he taught and who spread his ideas throughout the country. Confucius continues to influence many parts of Chinese life. What were his ideas? How do they still affect China today?

In Brazil, a man has discovered a new way of saving, or rescuing, people from drowning in the ocean. This new rescue method involves a person using a motor-powered aircraft to work with lifeguards on the beach. How do these people work together? Is this an effective way of saving lives?

Mary Lou Robertson is a young girl in Florida who has an interesting hobby; she watches birds. In fact, she loves birds so much, that at age 13, she's even writing a children's book about them. Why does Mary Lou love birds so much? How did she write a book at such a young age?

In Japan, a young woman named Umechika dreams of becoming a geisha and has left home to follow her dream. This mysterious Japanese profession requires years of difficult training. What happens during the training of a geisha? Why does Umechika want to be one?

Beagle Patrol

by Rob Waring

Published 14 December 2008
Beagles are dogs with an extremely powerful sense of smell. They often work at airports to find illegal or unsafe items. Before they can do the job, they must go through training. What does it take to be on the Beagle Patrol? What happens to dogs that don't make it?

People from around the world travel to Coober Pedy, Australia, with hopes of getting rich. This town is full of valuable stones called 'opals'. Some opals are worth millions, but they are extremely hard to find. What influences the value of an opal? What does it take to find them?