Pollinator essay

   Pollinators all around the world are dying because of pesticides. It is important we keep bees alive for our survival. If we don't we’d be slowly killing ourselves,because of the species closely tied relationship.Today I will show you how we can save them, and what’s killing them.


   Firstly,pollinators all around the world are dying because of pesticides,and herbicides. Bees always travel back to the hive. If they carry back a pesticide it destroys the whole hive.
One pesticide called Atrazine changes the gender of male frogs.”Panna.org says,” More than 75 million pounds are used in United States farm.” In conclusion I have noticed that pesticides affect everything,not just plants and animals. I didn’t know pollinators were dying until I started researching about them.

“Environmental Impacts.”
         Pesticide Action Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2016

   Secondly,Pollinators help spread pollen by traveling plant to plant. Pollinated plants produce fruit and  seeds which is twenty five percent of a bird's food. Without we would collapse the food chain.  A source I have been researching Plants.usda.gov says,”there are 200,000 different types of species that act as pollinators.”If companies keep distributing pesticides they could be gone. Now that you see, how companies are still selling pesticides and how pollinators keep pollinating the plants with pesticides on them. Is there any way we can stop this cycle?

"Native Elements."
    AccessScience (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 10 May 2016.
 

    In effect to losing pollinators one third of our food supply would be gone. Plants.usda.gov says, “At least 185 species are considered threatened or extinct.”If pollinators became extinct it could collapse the food chain. Pollinators don’t just help us make food. They can help us make beverages and condiments too. In Conclusion Pollinators are very important. If we kill them we would lose more than just food. We could lose medicines,beverages,and condiments.

"Native Elements."
    AccessScience (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 10 May 2016.

   To address this issue we need to make other people aware by making companies change policies concerning pesticides.Bee keeping was not allowed in New York until 2010. Nytimes says, “Walmart also started a policy where they put damaged chemicals and pesticides into a bucket liner so that none of that pesticide or chemical leaks.” There are so many ways companies can change this. Maybe with organic pesticides, or labeling lethal pesticides.
Now that you can see, how we can make people,and companies aware. And how there are so many ways these companies can change what they’re doing wrong.


Clifford, Stephanie. "Wal-Mart Is Fined $82 Million Over Mishandling of Hazardous Wastes." The New York Times. The New York Times, 28 May 2013. Web. 18 May 2016.

At Massabesic Middle School we are addressing this issue by hoping to plant wildflowers and milkweed for a butterfly habitat. We have taken soil samples around our school that test the acidic levels of the ground. If the acidic level is to high we can’t plant certain flowers.We have also been studying articles about pesticides. We have also started to write letters to companies who sell pesticides.

Now that you can see, how much pollinators are important for our survival,and how pesticides are slowly making pollinators extinct, because of are closely tied relationship. We can stop pesticide use  if we convince companies to change their policies. Which is why here at Massabesic Middle School we’re testing the soil,writing letters to companies who sell pesticides, and creating a butterfly garden.Together we can save the pollinators.

Pollinators

The Importance Of Pollinators
By: Chloe Babb


Pollinators are crucial to everyday life and some of us don't don't even realize how important the are. But pollinators have started to die out from the harmful GMO and pesticides we are putting in our crops. From recent studies it shows that an average of 30% of bee hives decrease each year. These are some of the thing that pollinators help us with. For example, they help pollinate those sweet, juicy fruits. But one of the biggest issues that people don't realize is how much money we keep in our pockets because of the pollinators. This means that they help us save money by pollinating our crops for free. instance, farmers don't need to pay someone to come and help pollinate their crops because pollinators will do it for free.

       Pollinators are dying do to the harmful pesticides we are putting in our foods in our crops. By putting pesticides in our crops we are poisoning our pollinators that come to pollinate our crops. One example of this is, “ Protecting pollinators is just one of the many reasons we eat organic foods.” This is important because it shows one of the ways humans are trying to help save the pollinators. Stated by Beyond Pesticides Organization. This is just one of the many reasons why pollinators are dying off.

       Again, the importance of pollinators is extensive but one of the ways they are important is by pollinating our crops. By pollinating our foods they are providing us bunches of foods by pollinating them. One example of this is,“ Pollinators pollinate approximately 75% of crops.” This is important because it shows us how much of our crops pollinators pollinate.  Stated by NRCS. This is just one of the ways pollinators are important for our food supply.

        The consequences of losing pollinators is a big concern in the U.S. because they provide humans with food, but they also are a food source for other animals and insects. One example of this is, “ Bee populations have dropped 30% per year since 2006.” This is important because it shows how much and how quickly bee populations are declining.Stated by NRCS. This is just one of the many concerns the U.S. has about losing our pollinators.

         Some people have started planting flowers with no pesticides, to provide a food source for the pollinators. Do to this issue food prices have gone up because there is so little of the product being sold. Americans are also losing money because we don't have the goods to sell to the other countries to make profit. One example of this is, “ For example, it has been estimated that insect-pollinated crops directly contributed $20 billion to be United States economy in the year 2000.” Stated by NRCS. This shows how much pollinators help contribute to the profit we make from the goods we send to other countries. This is one of the ways pollinators help bring money into this country.

         What most people don't realize is how easy saving the pollinators can be. One simple way to help is by planting flowers around your home or neighborhood. This what we hear at Massabesic Middle School are doing to help this matter. We are planting a garden which not only benefits the pollinators by giving them a habitat to live in but it also benefits our school. One example of this is, “ Bring bees to areas where they are thriving and try to make them healthier before they get sick.” Stated by Noah Wilson-Rich. This shows how easy it can be to help this matter. This is one of the ways you can help save the pollinators.

           In conclusion, pollinators are crucial and some of us don't don't realize the importance of pollinators. For example, pollinators pollinators pollinate our sweet, juicy fruits. The biggest issues people don't realize is how much money we keep in our pockets because of the pollinators. For instance, farmers don't need to pay someone to come and pollinate their crops because pollinators do it for free. But the harmful pesticides we are putting in our crops are causing the pollinators to die off. Because the pollinators are important because they provide humans with food by pollinating our crops. By losing our pollinators we aren't only losing some our crops but the small insects and animals food source. These are some of the reasons why we need to do something about this issue before the pollinators die off.

   Pollinators are important because we need the food they pollinate to survive, and pollinators keep flowers alive for commercial farmers or gardeners that sell them. This is because of pesticide use. There are several consequences but one of them is losing some of our food. People need to give awareness to the declining population of pollinators or else there will be none left. You can also plant habitats at your house or stop using chemicals in your garden or lawn.

   First off, Pollinators are dying because of certain chemicals like pesticides. This is one of the major reasons why the pollinator population is dropping so much. For example, “More than 75 million lbs. of herbicides and pesticides are on U.S. farms every year.” That is a lot of chemicals which could harm pollinators and maybe people. This causes, “Bee population to drop 30% since 2006.” (Panna.org, 4-28-16). That is just over ¼ of the bee population, this is not good because bees are the most efficient pollinators we have. We need to find an alternative to pesticides and herbicides so that we don't kill off the pollinators and have to face the consequences that will come.

  Secondly, One consequence of losing pollinators is we would have a big decline in our food. For example, “Without pollinators we would lose ⅓ of our food supply.” (Louie Schwatzberg, 5/9/2011). This is all of the fruits and vegetables that are good for you that we would lose. Another example is, “Approximately 90% of all plants require pollinators to survive.” (Beyond Pesticides, 4-25-16). That includes the vegetables and fruit plants too. Another consequence of losing pollinators is, having to pollinate plants ourselves so that we don't lose all that food that we would if we didn’t have pollinators.

  Lastly, To address the pollinator issue, people need to give awareness about it by forcing companies to change their policies concerning pesticides, habitat loss, and beekeeping. One law that has been changed a little bit ago is, “In 2010 New York changed a law so you can keep bees in the city”. (Noah Wilson Rich, June 2012). Another example of someone trying to make a difference and giving awareness is Barack and Michelle Obama, “At the White House there is home to a hive of about 70,000 bees.” (Lauren Edwards, 5/2/16). That is what some people are doing to help and now it's your turn!

  At Massabesic Middle School we are planting wildflowers and milkweed to promote pollinator habitat. We have taken soil sample of study sites around the school property. We also researched how different seeds need different conditions for soil, sun, and temperature. Pollinators are really important in our environment because we need the food they pollinate to survive, and pollinators keep flowers alive for commercial farmers or gardeners that sell them. Chemicals like pesticides are harming many animals especially pollinators. Pollinators are the most effective and efficient way to pollinate plants and flowers. If pollinators die out the most major problem will be losing our food. That is why we need to do something about the pollinator issue

    You may think the pollinator such as bees, bats, and butterflies are just pesky little creatures constantly getting in your way, but really we are just constantly getting in their way of the flowers. They're helping us out a lot in their own way so therefore we should help them out just as much. Pollinators are helping provide us with the nutrients that we need to survive, so therefore we should be helping them out just as much by saving their habitats and protecting their help. They have been disappearing constantly and it is all our fault. By using toxic pesticides on our gardens and farm fields we are contaminating the pollinators with these pesticides which, which are killing them off. We are also not planting quite enough flowers for the them to be able to get the food (pollen) that they need. For these reasons, the pollinators are dying off and is up to us to help them.

     Pollinators are dying due to how most people are not aware of what they're doing in their everyday lives that is harming these creatures. If they are aware of what bad things they're doing, well, they're not doing much to stop it. The major issue is that there are too many toxic pesticides being used in farms, and even gardens as well. When the bees pick up these pesticides from the plants, they are not only hurting themselves, but they are spreading the disease to the rest of the hive, maybe even the queen, causing the whole colony to die. The second thing that is causing the pollinators to disappear is that there are not enough wildflowers and plants for the pollinators to feed off from. In addition to these reasons, there are many other small things that are causing the pollinators to disappear. According to Newsela, “There are many culprits. One is a change in farming so there’s not enough different kinds of crops and wildflowers for the pollinators.” (Newsela, March 14, 2016). This example demonstrates how it is things that we are doing that is killing off pollinators. In this example, it is that there is not enough food (nectar) for pollinators to survive off from. Bees are picking up unbelievable amounts of pesticides from only a single plant. Marla Spivak explains, “Every batch of pollen that a honey bee collects has at least six detectable pesticides in it.” (Marla Spivak, September 17, 2013). This evidence models how much of these horrible pesticides are out there that we are completely oblivious to. Overall, there are a lot of thing that we are doing, maybe not intentionally, that are causing the pollinators to die off, and these thing must stop.

     Pollinators are extremely important to our environment because they pollinate crops – transferring pollen from one plant to another. Plants can be "hand pollinated”, but when animals do it, not only do the crops come out more lush and full, but it is also much more efficient. Only a small percentage of the plants on Earth are pollinated by wind or water. The rest are all taken care of by the animals. Without pollinators we would not be able to survive, proving that there is an amazingly strong relationship between pollinators and humans. According to an article about native pollinators, animals are a very important part of pollination. The article says, “Approximately 90 percent of all flowering plants require pollinators to survive.” (Unknown Author, April 25, 2016). This evidence illustrates that pollinators are indeed the key to human survival.

     If we lose pollinators, then we lose a substantial amount of our fruit and vegetable crops. If pollinators die off, humans will have to do almost all of the work, and will not even get as nice of a product. Humans rely on pollinators, and pollinators are starting to need to rely on humans just as much. As the pollinators population is declining, our economy is being affected as well. Noah Wilson-Rich explains, “The costs of over 130 fruit and and vegetable crops that we rely on for food is going up in price.” (Noah Wilson-Rich, June, 2012). This is only one example of how much we rely on pollinators for survival and how important they are to our economy and food supply. In conclusion, there are many different consequences to losing pollinators, and we still need to learn just how many horrible effects there are.


     Many things are already being done around the world and in America to save the pollinators, just not quite enough. Some companies, including Lowe's and Home Depot, have even agreed to stop using toxic pesticides or label them that they are toxic when selling them and even start selling organic pesticides like Bacillus Thuringiensis (commonly known as BT) instead. President Obama has even noticed that there is a problem and has taken action. According to Nandita Bose, “In 2014, the White House announced a plan to fund new honey bee habitats and to form a task force to study how to reverse the honeybee declines.” (Nandita Bose, June 9, 2015). This example demonstrates that it is not just a few people that care, but also people with more power, such as in this example, the president. If the White House cares, and we care, then you should care too. Many things are being done about the issue of the pollinators population declining, we need our voices to be heard, and with more people, we can make that happen more easily.

     To address these issues and save the pollinators, people can stop using toxic pesticides in their gardens and farm fields, plant wildflowers in empty field and garden spaces, among a variety of other things. Here at Massabesic Middle School, we are planting wildflowers and vegetable gardens around the school to help provide nectar and pollen for the pollinators. Some countries around the world are already seeing fabulous results. According to, “Many European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Slovenia have already banned neonicotinoids in response to the threat, and beekeepers in these countries report that hives are beginning to recover.” (Author Unknown, May 13, 2016). This models that when you actually do something about the problem, such as banning the dangerous pesticides, a major improvement can occur. The other thing that we can do to help pollinators, planting wildflowers to provide pollen and nectar to the pollinators, is very important as well. An article talking about what we can do to help save pollinators shows us details about this. The article says, “Both nectar and pollen flowers should be available throughout the growing season.” (Unknown Author, May, 2005). This detail illustrates that the pollinators really are having to rely on us for food, just like we are relying on them to produce, through pollination, our food. In the end, there are many things that we can be doing to save the pollinators and these were only a few examples of the really important ones.

     On the other hand, some people believe that pollinators are not the most important key to having food on our plates. They think that pesticides and GMOs are much more important. This is because the pesticides are killing off the bad bugs that are killing the crops, and some believe that this is more important than protecting the good bugs. They think that, though many pesticides can be toxic to bees, neonicotinoids are not part of the problem. Others, though, believe that pesticides are not part of the problem at all. They think that there would be just as many bad results, such as the yield of crops going down just as much as they would if there were not enough pollinators. Some also think that just like if there were no pollinators, the price of many foods would go up and the nutrition levels of foods would go down. According to Hembree Brandon, “Without herbicides, the most widely-used class of pesticides in the United States, crop production and yields would drop, pristine habitat would have to be plowed under to accommodate more crop acres, and the additional cultivation would result in more soil erosion, said Leonard Gianessi of the National Center for Food & Ag Policy.” (Hembree Brandon, May 3, 2002). This shows that there are many cons to getting rid of pesticides as well as many pros. In the end, you just have to sort out who it is that you agree with.

     Overall, pollinators are very important key to our survival. They help us by transforming the simple blossoms of flowers into lush, full, fruits and vegetables. Pollinators are helping provide us with the nutrients that we need for survival so in return we should be protecting their health and habitat just as much. They provide us with nutrients by carrying the pollen from one flower to another in a process known as pollination. These animals are disappearing rapidly and it is up to us to help them. They are dying due to how they are losing habitat because of buildings being put up. Also, a lack of wildflowers and plants, because of a change in farming (not enough of a variety of crops being planted) is causing pollinator population decline as well. Thankfully, many things are already being done to protect the pollinators, not just in the United States, but in other countries as well. Some of these things are limiting toxic pesticides and providing more wildflowers and vegetables, which provide food for the pollinators. The places around the world that are making these changes are seeing very impressive results. There are many different opinions about whether or not pesticides are dangerous or not. I believe that a lot of pesticides can be toxic and cause horrible things to happen. Others, though, if they are good for the environment can be necessary and have many pros in farming and gardening.  You just have to make sure that you are using the good pesticides that are good for the environment and that you are using them in the correct ways. No matter what you are doing, you just have to make sure that you have a good balance of doing what is right for the environment, our economy, and our pollinators.

Pollinators in Decline: Causes and Effects

Pollinators in Decline: Causes and Effects
Written by Maia Alling

     Pollinators are in charge of pollinating many food crops and wildflowers. They help supply us with food, beverages, medicine, and spices produced by plants. Without pollinators, humans would not be able to live the way we do now - we would not be able to walk into a grocery store and see the variety of healthy foods anymore. It is important to realize that humans and other creatures depend on pollinators for their overall health, and ultimately their own survival.
     First of all, it is critical for people to understand exactly what pollinators are and what they do. A pollinator can be defined as any creature who pollinates flowers and crops, but the most popular species of pollinators are bats, birds, bees, and butterflies. Some species of pollinators are more efficient at their job than others, as “In a small apple orchard, 250 females of a kind of native bee called the blue orchard bee can do the work of 35,000 honey bees.” (National Wildlife Foundation) This is just one example of how native pollinators are usually quicker and more efficient at pollinating than their non-native counterparts. Yet, non-native or native, all pollinators should be equally appreciated and considered important.
     However, pollinators are starting to die out at an alarming rate. One example of this is how “beekeepers lost 42 percent of their colonies between April 2014 and 2015.” (The Washington Post) If the bees are dying so suddenly, and so quickly, there is obviously a major problem with the way we treat pollinators. For example, humans have been increasing the use of monoculture farming methods (growing only one type of crop over a large strip of land) which limits the quantity and variety of food available for pollinators. Also, research has shown that using harsh chemicals or pesticides on flowers and crops can cause bees’ brains to become severely damaged, leaving them unable to find their way back to the hive and ultimately causing “Colony Collapse Disorder,” or killing the bees upon ingestion of the pesticides. (Maria Spivak)
     Pursuing this further, pollinators are becoming extinct due to anthropogenic mistreatment and humans will have to face the consequences. Pollinators are vital to the survival of multiple plant and animal species, including humans. For an example, if wildflowers and fruit-bearing plants are not pollinated, creatures that depend on vegetation for food will die out, resulting in humans having less reliable sources of protein from meat. Pollinators also help provide more than ⅓ of the world’s food supply, (Maria Spivak) and pollinate 75% of the crops grown worldwide. (National Resource Conservation Service) Without pollinators, humans and other animal species will not be able to survive due to a corrupt food chain.
     To summarize, numerous plant and animal species, including humans, would not be able to survive without pollinators. Pollinators are dying out due to increasing popularity of monoculture farming methods and continued use of harsh chemicals and pesticides. If we continue to let this happen, pollinators will eventually be completely wiped out, resulting in a corrupt food chain and the slow extinction of the human race.
     Fortunately, it is not too late to prevent this disastrous outcome. People can help supply pollinators with the proper shelter and food they need to survive by avoiding the use of harmful chemicals on flowers and crops, planting a pollinator garden complete with wildflowers and milkweed in their backyard, or just by simply spreading awareness about this issue. Here at Massabesic Middle School, team Carrabassett is planting a pollinator garden to encourage the survival of pollinators native to our state of Maine. It is possible to reverse the damage we have done to pollinators. If we take action now, we could be saving the human race from extinction.

                                                           Pollinators

 
   Pollinators have an important role in the community and the environment. Both plants and people need pollinators, without pollinators, our food sources would be very sparse because pollinators supply a lot of food for us. Pollinators play a major role in the environment, plants need them, people need them. Overall, pollinators provide a food source for humans.
   One example is, pesticides, varroa mites, and human activities are causing pollinators to die. People have been spraying pesticides on their plants to help them grow, but unfortunately, it is causing harm to pollinators. Varroa mites are also harmful to pollinators, they attach on to the bees’ backs and kill them. They attach onto the bees’ backs by the varroa mites already being on the plants. Finally, human activities are causing pollinators to die, by paving, building and so on. For example, “Many species of wild bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are heading towards extinction.” (Associated Press, March 14, 2016) It would be a big deal if pollinators became extinct because they provide our food sources.
   Another example is, pollinators are very important, without them ⅓ of our food supply would be gone. Pollinators pick up pollen by traveling from plant to plan. While they are doing that, the pollen gets on to the bees’ back and stomach. They then bring the pollen back to their hive. Here are some examples of foods that need pollinators, “Cucumbers, carrots, melons, apricots, plums, apples, blueberries and more, depend on pollinators.” (Unknown, April 25, 2016) Pollinators play a huge role in our environment.
   The next example is, there is a big consequence of losing pollinators. There would not be nearly as much food as there is now. Also, the plants need the pollinators just as much as us. Here is an example of how many plants need pollinators to live, “Approximately 90% of plants need those pollinators to survive.” (Unknown, April 25, 2016) Plants need the pollinators, people need pollinators, the pollinators are a big part in our community and the environment.
   Another reason is, a couple things are being done to address the pollinator issue. Laws are starting to change. For example, companies are starting to change the amount of pesticide usage. Also, in 2010 New York started being allowed to beekeep. For example, “Beekeeping was illegal in New York until 2010.”(TED Talk, June, 2012) There are a lot of bee hives in New York now, and that is a good things because we need pollinators.
   The next reason is, we are being activists at Massabesic Middle School by planting our butterfly habitat so we can help the pollinators. We can address these issues by planting what the pollinators need to pollinate. “We need to plant what the pollinators need, to get food.” (Associated Press, March 14, 2016) We need the pollinators, or else our food sources would be very sparse, so to help the pollinators we are planting a butterfly garden.
   In conclusion, pollinators play a huge role in the environment, plants need the pollinators, people need pollinators. Overall, pollinators provide a food source for humans. For example, pesticides, varroa mites, and human activities are causing pollinators to die, without pollinators ⅓ of our food would be gone, plants also need pollinators, laws are starting to change, and, by planting our butterfly habitat at MMS we can help the pollinators. Pollinators play an important role in our community and the environment.

Pollinator issue
Written by: Madison Bors

     We may not think about other pollinators like the humming bird or the ladybug, but they are still a very important part of pollination. We also may not think about that pollinators providing humans with a healthy food source. However, they even play a very important role in pollinating flowers that grow into plants designed for human consumption.  Pollinators are dying off due to the issue of harsh chemicals and pesticide use. Also, we should realize that pollinators play a great role in our everyday lives.
 
    First off, We need to realize that pollinators are dying off very quickly around the globe due to the use of pesticides that affect the pollinators health and pollination skills. They are also dying from habitat loss and destruction. Even the mite, called the Varroa Mite is spreading at an alarming rate through North America  and South America. For example, wild pollinators have suffered Multiple Anthropogenic Insults which is a combination of habitat destruction, fragmentation, and pesticide use. It is very important to understand that buildings and companies have built right on top of habitats, destroying the habitats, of different types of animals including a lot of important food providing pollinators, and we all deserve to know that pesticide use isn't the major issue we are concerned about. We are concerned about the chemicals that pesticides contain. These chemicals affect the pollinators work habits.
 
      So now that you know, what is killing off these important food proving pollinators you should know what they do for us. So, pollinators are sometimes underestimated, but don't let their size or shape trick you. Pollinators such as bats, birds, bees, and butterflies, along with a wide variety of other insects, pollinate our flowers and different types of plants so that we have fresh fruits and veggies on our plates, and they also provide not only humans, but also animals with a food source. For example, bees pollinate 75% of crops in the U.S. This shows just how much pollinators, especially bees, really do for us. Overall, they make it so all living things are healthy and well.

      Now that you know, what pollinators do for us, you can see that without pollinators we would not have a healthy food source, neither would animals for that matter. For example, without pollinators ⅓ of the food we eat today would be gone.We would also be left without pollinated plants and flowers. Losing pollinators would have a negative impact on humans and the environment. Another thing is, if we lost pollinators we would have to have to hand pollinate with a cue-tip. For example, take in consideration the sparrows in China. This is shows how hard our life routine would really be like without pollinators.

   In conclusion, we can lower pesticide use and be more careful about the products we use that could eventually lead to pollinator extinction. We can also realize how important bees are to the environment and you should surely see now how difficult it would be without pollinators. So next time you see a pollinator whether it is a bee, a butterfly, a bat, or a bird make sure you realize how much it really does for you and your environment. Also, make sure you never underestimate a pollinator for its size or shape. Maybe when you see a pollinator the next time, think to yourself what can I do to help?
 

Pollinators play an important role in our environment by giving us food. Every second of every day of every year, countless other creatures. Pollinators carry pollen from flower to flower. The pollen fertilizes the flower, which allows them to make seeds and fruits. They do this by assistly but the fertilization of plants when human and animals consume.

    Pollinators are dying do to pesticides and the varroa mites. Every batch of pollen grain has about six pesticides in them. One example is,“ some soil contains neonicotinoid pesticides at levels that could harm or even kill the bees” ( unknown, June 9, 2015 ). In 1942, there were 4.5 million bees but in 2000 there were about 2 million bees. The varroa mites also kills bees by sucks bees blood and circulates virus but bees can’t get them off because they have no hands and if they use their stinger they die. They are also dying off do to habitat loss, “ many remaining habitats degraded by invasive plant species making them less suitable for native pollinators and other wildlife.

     Pollinators help spread pollen by traveling plant to plant. Some insects are famous for munching huge number of pests. A ladybug, for example may eat 500 aphids before it grows up. Aphides are  sape sucking insects that are also known as plant lice. Without pollinators ⅓ of our food supply would be gone. Another example is, “ all these species with humans rely on pollinators to do their jobs. Some estimate put the value of pollinating at roughly $15 billion a year,” ( Newsela staff, 6-5-15 ). More than 200,000 different species of animals around the world act as pollinators.


     One consequence of losing pollinators population includes a decreased amount of food for humans. One effect of losing pollinators is hand pollination and in the u.s. you would get paid $7.50 an hour. That isn't a lot of money. An example is, “ 90% of all flowering plants require pollinators to survive,” ( unknown, 4-25-16 ). Another example is, “ we are in a period of decline and there are going to be increasing consequences,” said report's lead author Simon Potts.

      To address the pollinators issue, people have to bring awareness by facing companies to change their policies concerning pollinators. On May 19, the Obama administration announced the first national strategy to promote the health of honey bees and other pollinators. An example is, “ W. Atlee Burpee & company has donated more than one million seed packets to different places around the country,” ( Newsela staff, 6-5-15 ). In 2010 New York started to have beekeeping because it was illegal till 2010.

       At Massabesic middle school we are planting wildflower and milkweed to produce pollinators habitats. Our school for the past couple months has collected data, soil samples and more that twenty websites. We have been learning about companies like Monsanto, Home Depot,Walmart, Lowe's and how they're hurting our environment. They're more that 4,000 species of pollinators in America, and our team want to help the pollinators in New England. We're excited to learn more about the connection between companies and the environment.

      In conclusion pollinators give us more than 75% of the world’s crops. Pollinators are dying off due to  pesticides and the varroa mites that sucks out all the the bees blood. Pollinators can travel more than 60 miles delivering pollen from flower to flower. In 58 years we’ve lost more than 2.5 million bees. People need to bring awareness about pollinators because one day we will not have them. You could help the pollinators by doing what my assay told you.

          Earth's pollinators are endanger of becoming extinct. Without them we could
starve or lose our flowers. No one ever thinks that pollinators are one of our most important animals that we need to survive. We need these pollinators because without them we could lose up to one-third of our food supply. They also help our plant’s flowers grow and fruit to blossom. This is why we need to have pollinators on Earth.

          My first reason why pollinators are dying is, because of all the pesticides people are
using on plants. My evidence for this is, that scientists are experimenting on bees to see if different pesticides have different effects on bees. I know this because of a scientist named, (Wilson Rich). Some pollinators specifically Honey Bees are dying because of an insect called the, Varroa Mite. The Varroa Mite latches on to the bees back and sucks the blood from the bee and causes the bee to die due to the loss of blood.

          Pollinators are important because they move pollen from flower to flower and
plant to plant. If the pollinator didn't spread the pollen most plants would not produce seeds or fruit. Bees are one of the top pollinators for America’s food crops. They pollinate by traveling from plant to plant while they are eating and collecting nectar. The bees do not know they are pollinating because the flower applies the pollen onto the bees back. And when we spray our plants with pesticides the pesticides get on the pollen, which gets on the bee. When the bee gets in the hive the pesticides come off the bee and onto another and it continues to spread all around the world.

          The consequences of losing pollinators is that we would lose some our food
supply. Around 80% of crops need pollination. Losing pollinators would lead to less flowers. The flowers would just sprout and not grow the fruit or vegetables. One example of losing pollinators is pesticides. The pesticides makes the bees less productive and can kill them. They wouldn't collect their food in time and they would starve. This would limit pollinating and force us to do self pollinate.

          To address the pollinator issue some states are changing their laws. In some
states it is now legal to do beekeeping. For example, in 2010 New York passed a law making beekeeping legal. The pollinator decline effected America in 1987. Some companies have changed the way they grow their flowers. For example, Lowe’s creating labels and putting them on plants that have been exposed to pesticides. They have also reduced the amount of pesticides they’ve been using.

          Massabesic Middle School is addressing this issue of decreasing pollinators by
raising awareness. Another example of us raising awareness is learning about it, studying it, and sharing our knowledge other students. One example of us raising awareness is we are making a butterfly garden.The butterfly garden will attract other pollinators besides bees and butterflies. These are some examples on how Massabesic Middle School is raising awareness about the pollinator decline.

          In conclusion, pollinators are becoming extinct. They are dying because of
pesticides and the Varroa Mite. Pollinators help our plants and flowers grow. They do this by traveling from plant to plant. Losing pollinators would limit our food supply. To keep this from happening some states have changed their laws, companies are also changing the use of pesticides. Learning about pollinators and sharing our knowledge will hopefully change the pollinator issue.

Child Labor doesn’t make anyone feel good. It is sad and upsetting that children have to go through things like that. Child Labor is unfair and not good for children’s safety. Child Labor makes innocent children have to end the school year early to work, children have to do way more work than they should, but luckily, there are some people out there that want to help.

    The first reason is, children are having to leave school early to work. For example, “Dora Perez has to leave her school year early so her and her family can travel 30 hours to Minnesota to harvest sugar beets.”(Scholastic) This is important because, Dora Perez should not have to do that work, neither should all the other children that are put through that. They do it to help their families, but since they leave school so early, they have many months of lost education. And because of that lost education, they struggle to catch up to their classmates.

   Another reason is,Many children have to do way more work than they should. One example is, “The children weren’t even allowed to get up and stretch.”(Freedom Hero) One of those children is, Iqbal Masih. Iqbal had to go through some rough times. When he was 4 years old, his father sold him to a carpet weaver for $12. Fortunately, when he was 10 years old, he escaped, left Pakistan, and started speaking out against child labor. Unfortunately, he went back to Pakistan when he was 12 years old and got shot and killed.

   Luckily, some people out there want to help the children that are put through child labor. Such as, Craig Kielburger. In this article, it talks about someone that tries to help, “Craig Kielburger appeared on TV, talked to politicians and testified to a U.S. Congressional Committee.” (Newint.org) This means a lot to everyone that is against child labor. Craig Kielburger made a difference. Ever since Craig Kielburger was 12 years old he wanted to make a difference. He wanted to stop child labor. People started to hear about Craig. When he was 14 years old, The New Internationalist Magazine interviewed him. Craig wanted people to listen and understand him more. He traveled the world speaking out against child labor. And some other people understand what those children have to go through and want to help.

    In conclusion, Child Labor is unfair and not good for children’s safety. Child Labor makes innocent children have to end the school year early to work, children have to do way more work than they should, but luckily, there are some people out there that want to help. Dora Perez has to end the school year in May so her and her family can travel 30 hours to harvest sugar beets. Iqbal Masih was sold to a carpet weaver when he was four. And Craig Kielburger traveled the world speaking out against child labor.

Abandoned pets draft -Xavier Larose

Abandoned pets have been found and sent to the pound to be killed because people can't keep their pets. If you can't keep your pets then give it to your family don't leave them there to be sent to the pound and killed because you can't keep them. Do you know that the pound gets over thirty dogs per week. Also do you know that pets or strays get killed after two weeks if there not adopted yet.

Pets being abandoned and left alone with no food or no hope
First of all, “If you can't keep your pets then give it to your family don't just leave them there to be sent to the pound”. This is important because when people have to move and get a new home that can't have pets they just leave them behind. Ways we can help these animals are you can adopt them or give them a home.

Strays all over need help
Second of all, “Do you know that the pound gets over thirty pets per week. This is important because after two weeks in the pound the pound kills them”. That is important because dogs shouldn't be killed because they are unwanted they should at least keep them in the pound until they get a new home. You can help the animals be sold by putting up flyers or post on a website or maybe ask permission to put posters up in your school.


Pets being killed
Lastly, “Do you know after two weeks in the pound and if the animal has not been adopted in those two weeks they kill them”. This is important because they shouldn't kill animals because no one has adopted them yet they should just wait until they're adopted. Ways that we can fix this is have donations for them and food drives for them and help raise money for them to build more room so they can fit more animals.

In conclusion pets getting abandoned or killed is wrong. If you  cant keep your pets then give it to your family dont just leave them there to be sent to the pound and killed.Do you know that the pound gets thirty dogs per week. Do you know that if an pet has not been adopted in two weeks they kill it. Donate and raise money for the pound and animal shelters to feed and builded more room. People help out the animals don't let the animals suffer and die help them out maybe get a new pet it well sure start to help one of them.

Abandon Pets

                    The shelter can't find  homes for the dogs because there is a pet overpopulation issue,one reason is in over pet population is because of natural disaster,however people can help with this issue by volunteering at the shelters.

         The shelter can't find homes for the dogs. ”I've always thought that it seemed hypocritical for shelters to say they save the dogs only to kill them.”(Animal Shelters Another Risk At Life Or Death) It's important because she is saying the shelters save animals only to kill them only to kill them.Why would you save the animals only to kill them.It should be shelters goals to save animals instead of killing them.

     Hurricanes and floods are natural disasters that go with to being over filled.“Hurricanes and floods displace countless animals who become orphaned and in need of care.”(Sullivan) It's important because the animals have no homes so they get abandoned and in need of care.

     They fix shelters and keep dogs with other people till adoption.“Amanda Iannuzzi and a group of her friends started a rights group to advocate for laws against animal abuse.”(Sullivan) It's important because they are helping at shelters against animal abuse.So the animals have homes and also so they can help take care of the animals.

        In conclusion,the problems are the animal shelters say they save animals only to kill them from over pet population.Hurricanes and floods destroying shelters leaving the animals homeless.However people can help with this problem by helping out at shelters.

       


           

       

              Some kids that want to make a change try to change their community to a better place and make it more green, so that they can have a healthier lifestyle. Some groups of kids want to change the earth and speak against global warming. Both of these kinds of kids are child activists. A child activist is a kid that fights for a difference. And i'm going to tell you some information about  some child activists.

       
           Clay Mullen is a 17 year old that wants to change his community to something more green. The environmental youth group is a bunch of teens that want to stop global warming. These two are the same, and different in many ways.

          Clay Mullen is a 17 year old that wants to make a difference. He is still your regular teen, he likes fishing, and rock climbing. But when he was 11 he started to worry about the environment. He started a crusade to help him out. He helped his school adopt the phrase “West G is Idle Free.” When he started Clay estimated that he spent 2000 hours on environmental causes. And he said “It’s worth it, I want the nature to be preserved.” This shows that even though this work takes time to do, he is still willing to do it. When Clay saw the kids at his school waiting for there busses outside in the freezing cold rain and some not even having a coat or sweater on, he helped pay for micro fleece blankets for students to wear if they don’t have anything to keep them warm. Clay wanted to make a change so bad that he passed a law where teachers have to teach their students about how to keep their environment clean. All these attributes show that Clay is a teen activist that is up for a challenge.     -Clay Molten: teen passionate about saving the environment: community heros 2011

          This group of teens are taking the nation by storm. The Environmental Youth group is a group of teens that are trying to spread the word about global warming. There goal was to gather people to help them fight against climate change. The founder of this group is Mary Doerr, she estimated that she has spent over 3000 hours fighting global warming. This group has been to numerous schools across the country to teach the students about global warming and how they can stop it. They say “it’s been amazing to see such strong reception to our work so far.” This means that they’re happy that people are responding to what they are doing. All these facts prove that the environmental youth group are a bunch of teen activists that care about the planet.   - Environmental Youth: teens taking on global warming

           Clay Molten, and the environmental youth group have a plenty in common. Both Clay Molten and the environmental youth group both want to make a change to what them and others see and feel, they both want to make their communities and world a better place so them and others can be happier with what they see around them, and Clay Molten and the environmental youth group both spread the word by taking it to the books and the schools. But both also have a lot of differences. For example clay Molten said “I want the community to be a better, happier, cleaner place.” The environmental youth group says  “global warming is a cause that has to be addressed.” By reading these quotes you can tell that they both want to make a change and will do it.   - Environmental youth- teens trying to stop global warming
                            clay mullten


       In conclusion Clay Mullen is a 17 year old that wants to change his community. The environmental youth group wants to stop global warming from happening around Earth. A difference between them is Clay wants to change his community, but the environmental youth group wants to change the world. Their similarity is that they are all teens that want to make a change. That is some similarities and differences between Clay Mullen, and the Environmental Youth group.

Bullying

          Bullying happens to a lot of people. Which can cause self harming behaviors. Many kids have been cyber bullied once or twice. Often times kids don't tell their parents about that they've been cyber bullied. On the internet a kid named Casey Heynes fought back because he has been bullied a lot. Casey Heynes came popular on youtube because there was a video about Casey Heynes fighting back to a bully.

          Many kids are cyber bullied or have had a account hacked which is cyberbullying. The article on the internet says “ 42% of kids have been cyberbullied.”(Adams) For example a lot of kids have been cyber bullied online. Kids have been cyberbullied happened to someone more than once or twice. If you've been been cyber bullied speak up to your parents. Cyberbullying is really mean to some kids it can cause depression and self harming behaviors. Cyberbullying is basically online bullying.

         Often times kids don't tell their parents about that they've been bullied at school or online. The article says “58% of kids haven't told their parents yet.”(Adams).   The quote explains that kids often don't tell their parents about that they have been cyber bullied. Sometimes when kids don't tell their parents it leads to more bullying and more consequences. If you tell your parents the bullying might stop, so speak up. If you don't speak up you'll become a target for all the bullies at school and out of school.

         A video went viral after a kid stood up for himself, he's not any ordinary kid it's Casey Heynes. The the news article says “Casey Heynes fought back to a bully because he's been bullied so much in the past years at his high school.” (TBC News). It's important that Casey fought back because he's been bullied for many years strait. He got punched in the face then in the gut then Casey picked him up and threw him over his shoulder and slammed him on the ground. Now Casey is roaming the school without being bullied.
 
         In conclusion bullying happens to a lot of people. Many kids have been cyber bullied on a game or got a mean Email. Many kids don't tell their parents about that they’ve been cyber bullied or have been bullied. Casey Heynes stopped getting bullied after he fought back to a bully it's good for him because he stopped being bullied now, he's the most popular kid in school. Don't be a bully be a buddy.

Child Labor

                                                                                                                          By: Chloe B.  C6.
                                                                                                                       April 14,2016
Child Labor.                                            

Child labor is caused by many things. Child labor is when a child is being deprived from their

education or just everyday functions. Some of the causes of child labor are poverty, limited

access to education, or limited prohibitions of child labor. Child labor can also cause health

problems. This can happen because if the lack of sunlight, food, and water. This piece of writing

will be about the causes and effects of child labor.

      One of the causes of child labor is poverty. One example of this is, “ Poor children and their

families rely upon child labor in order to improve their chances of attaining basic

necessities.” ( continuetolearn.uiowa.edu) This piece of evidence is important because it

explains how when families need money they depend on child labor by selling their child. By

selling their child to a child laborer they can make money and even be making profit off of child

labor.This is the first cause of child labor.

         Another cause of child labor is limited access to education. An example of this is, “ In

2006, approximately 75 million children were not in school, limiting future opportunities for the

children and their communities.” (continuetolearn.uiowa.edu) This piece of evidence is important

because it explains that since there is a lack of knowledge, then that means that they can not

get a job to make a steady income. So if they can not make a steady income then that means

that they may contribute to child labor as a way to make money. This is the second cause of child labor.

        The last cause of child labor is prohibitions on child labor. One example of this is, “ For

example, the manufacture and exports of products often involves multiple layers of production

and outsourcing, which can make it difficult to monitor who is performing labor at each step of

the process.”(continuetolearn.uiowa.edu) This piece of evidence is important because it

explains how when the product is produced and it is put on the market. So this makes it is hard
O
to tell who is performing child labor. So this means that they can not stop people are performing

child labor. This is the last cause of child labor.

          The effects of these factors are child labor. For some child labor solves their problems,

but for many children it can be the complete opposite. But when you support child labor you

supporting starving children and also deprived children. The causes of child labor are some

things that many people struggle with like poverty and limited access to education, but the

things that people can fix are limited prohibitions towards child labor. In conclusion, child labor is

unsafe and harmful to the children that are being forced to do these acts.


       

Mid Level Informational Writing Environment

There are many different things that an environmental activist goes about to reach their goal. For a teen environmental activist to reach this goal and make a difference in the world, they usually need to have money or donated supplies. They also need to gather a group of peers to help and educate others of their issue to get more people on board. These are usually the most effective ways for these teen environmental activists to get their issue to be successful.
The first cause that environmental activists must have is that they get money or donated supplies for their project. It does not matter if it is through a grant, fundraiser, or something else. One example of somebody who was very successful when he used his resources, such as applying for grants to get money, was Clay McMullen. “Clay, now 17 has won nearly 50 grants totaling $180,000 from organizations ranging from Walt Disney Co. to the Environmental Protection Agency to Sea World.” (Teresa Dixon Murray, 2011). This piece of evidence also demonstrates how someone very successful like Clay, who ended up planting school gardens installing emission control devices in many school buses, and doing many other amazing projects, had to have money to have these accomplishments.  A second example of this is when Jonny Cohen got donations from many different companies to create device designed to redirect the airflow in buses, saving a lot of money. He needed some materials to be able to experiment on. The article says, “Through the help of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT, and the Cook-Illinois Bus Company, which donated a bus for Cohen's experiment, they now have a model that is inexpensive and easy to install, enabling widespread adoption.” (Forbes) This piece of evidence also demonstrates that when an activist gets money or donations they are able to get a lot of work done. Though it is not truly necessary to have money or donations to get an issue further than an idea, it is a really helpful and important key to getting the effect that you want.
The second cause that most teen environmental activists encounter is that they gather a group of peers to help move their cause along. It is really helpful to have other people working with you to get more ideas and opinions.   An example of one person doing this is when Jonny Cohen gathered a group of peers to work on his GreenShields project, “Cohen and his team went through various iterations to improve their GreenShield.” (Forbes) This example illustrates how having a team of people to help you can be a very important part of activism. With a group of people you can get work done a lot faster than when you are independent. Cohen and his team were probably able to get a lot more done than if he had worked independently on this project. Another example of this cause is when a  group of teens worked together to educate people of global warming, “They're a group of teens dedicated to raising awareness of global warming.” (Ryan Merchant). This group of teens in “Inconvenient Youth” was working together to get a project done and they probably would not have been able to make very much progress if they had not been working with each other. These pieces of evidence all show that when you work as a group you can get a lot more done, be more creative, and get a lot more opinions.
The last cause that an environmental activist typically encounters is that they have to educate others of their issue and get more people on board to be successful. If they did not have anybody else with them then they would not get very far and there word would not be spread. One example of this is Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, who was a very good educator. He even won Youth Change Maker of the Year prize from President Obama. This means that he was probably making a significant change in the world. His main goal was to put a price on plastic bags and educate others of all environment issues out there. In the article, Robin Nieryrck says, “He's organized over 100 high-impact rallies, events and conferences around the globe, has spoken for TED, and is one of the youngest people to speak on a United Nations Panel.” (Robin Nieryrck, 2015). This example models how, in order to be successful you have to show people that your issue is important. If you cannot get anyone else on your side, your issue will go nowhere. The second example of this is Team Marine. This is a team of teens in Santa Monica who were determined to ban plastic bags to save the environment. A member of the group says, “So we gathered 40 students to March through the streets of Santa Monica and promote the use of reusable bags and banning plastic bags.” (Whole Foods Market, 2008) This group of peers sure had the right idea to get out there and promote their cause in the streets. This got lots of people on their side when they did not give up and had so many people promoting the cause. This is why it is very important for teen activists to educate the world and get their ideas out their.
The result of all of these causes is that the environmental teen activists are able to change the thing that they thought was wrong with the world and were able to educate others of the problem, hopefully to continue the project in the future. The effect of all of these teen activists was amazing. They were able to get a lot done and make many improvements on our world. One example of a teen environmental activist who was a very successful was Johnny Cohen. The article says, “The newest GreenShield model, the V4, increases gas mileage 10 to 20%, saves about $600 per bus per year, costs only $30, and takes minutes to install.” (Forbes) This illustrates that when all of the causes are put together the effect is great! This project was a great success and was able to reach the goal, making an important change in the world. The second example of this is when and Greg Woodburn founded a nonprofit organization to collect and clean up running shoes for kids who did not have any. “By the end of the first year, he was able to collect and clean-up more than 500 pairs of running shoes, which were sent to kids in inner-city Los Angeles, as well as overseas to Sudan, Uganda, and Kenya.” (Lori Brown, 2010). This also demonstrates that when the three causes were put to use, the result was that a great Improvement in something happens. This is exactly what the effect of teen environmental activism of any kind does.
In conclusion, teen activists have many different causes to come to their general goal, to change something that they think is wrong with the world. But these were only some of the typical environmental activists causes. These three main causes are that they have to have money or a donation of some sort, a group of peers to help them reach their goal, and also need to educate others of their goal to get more support. Activists would not get very far if  they did not get money. Most activists also usually gather a group of peers, though they could do the project independently. The last cause is that they have to get more people on board with their goal and to do so you have to educate others. These are all of the causes to come to the effect of changing something in the world that you do not think is right. Overall, teen environmental activism can have great effect when you do indeed put all these causes together and so we should keep on doing what we’re doing and change our world for the better.

Child Labor

Children that have been faced with child labor have all kinds of obstacles in their way. Some problems they might face is the lack of education. Or child activists making the cause known. I will show you three child activists that have been faced with these problems.Or helped kids solve them.


Firstly, we will talk about Iqbal Mashi and his few years of child labor. Iqbal’s parents sold him when he was young. They traded him to pay off 12 dollar debt. Iqbal left his family to go make carpets.luckily though Iqbal escaped.Traveling Iqbal spoke out against child labor.He traveled to the United States and asked for help from Broad Meadows Middle School in Quincy Massachusetts. But on April 16, Iqbal was shot for speaking out. Starting a new generation of child activists.
Kathy Gannon talks about Iqbal saying, “A bonded worker who could never buy his way free”.She explains the obstacle of leaving the child labor life. It explains how you are stuck making carpets or cocoa beans.You have to pass that obstacle.


Secondly, we will talk about Craig Kielburger. Craig was a 12 year old Canadian child who noticed Iqbal’s story. He started to spread the cause further by gathering some seventh grade classmates and decided to make a website. Although he was focused on the smaller picture. Craig talks about,“We’re not against children working, we’re against children being abused and exploited”.Craig is okay with children working for money. But children who are in danger and being taken advantage of,he’s against.


Lastly,Malala Yousafzai is a child activist who believes in education.Most kids who experience child labor usually lack education. Malala explains,“Education gives you the power to question”.
The quote means that if a child are busy working they can be deprived of their education. Lacking the power to make their own decision. You have to pass the obstacle.


Now that you can see some obstacles child labor victems have experienced.like the lack of education. Or child activists making the cause known.Whether Iqbal, Craig, or Malala have shown you the never ending issue of child labor. Child labor is a huge issue with many obstacles are you willing to make the world a better place?

Child Labor

        Today I am going to tell you about two boys, Iqbal and Craig. Iqbal and Craig are both
child activists who speak out against child labor. They are similar and different from each other. One example on how they are similar is that they both care about child labor and they want to help free child slaves. Another example of how they are different is that Iqbal’s life was at risk every time he spoke out against child labor in Pakistan.

        One example on how Iqbal cared about child labor is, when Iqbal escaped from child
labor to show people that it was wrong and that all of us should put a stop to it. My evidence for this is in an article called, Two Children Against Child Labor and it says, “ At the age of ten, Iqbal
escaped from child slavery and began to speak out against child labor.” (Two Children Against Child Labor). This quote shows that Iqbal cares about child labor and that he wanted to put it to a stop. This was my reason why I think Iqbal cared about child labor.

          One example on how Craig cared about child labor is, when he tried to get everyone
aware of child labor. I think this because of the quote I found says, “ I began to research child labor and then took what I knew to my seventh grade class and told them that I wanted to help. Who wants to help me?” (Craig). This shows that Craig not only wanted to help he wanted others to help to. These are some reasons why I think Craig cares about child labor.

        One example on how they are different is that every time Craig spoke out against child labor his life wasn't at stake but, Iqbal’s life was. I think this because my quote says, “ A few months after returning to Pakistan from his visit to the U.S. Iqbal was shot and killed while riding his bike with his friends.” (Two Children Against Child Labor). This quote shows that because Craig spoke out against child labor he was killed and Craig wasn’t . These are some reasons on how I think Iqbal and Craig are different.

        In conclusion Iqbal and Craig are similar and different from each other. An example of how they are similar is, that they both tried to raise awareness for child labor. They are also similar because they both care about child labor. Another example on how they are different is, that Iqbal’s life was at stake every time he spoke out against child labor but, Craig's life wasn't. These are some examples why I think Iqbal and Craig were similar and different.

Why Child Labor is Bad

    Child activists Iqbal Masih and Craig Kielburger are similar in age, but however there personal experiences with child labor are very different. Child labor is a big problem in some places, it can also be dangerous to young children that get sold into it for small amounts of money. There are lots of organizations trying to stop child labor along with many people against it. Some kids try to escape, some make it and others don’t, if they move back to that place there is a chance for danger. That is why we have people trying to stop this by speaking out about it.

   Firstly, Iqbal Masih was a child slave himself.  An example of how he became a child slave is, “He was sold into the carpet business at the age of four years old for the equivalent of 12 U.S. dollars.” This is important because it shows the poverty level in the country of Pakistan, when we think of it $12 is not that much money but Iqbal was sold for that amount. Iqbal was later shot and killed outside of his grandmother's house. Something that caused this is, “Iqbal went home even though he was in danger, “I need to finish what I started is the words that Iqbal used.” This is important because he put other kids in front of him even though he knew that he could be murdered. That is Iqbal Masih’s personal experiment with child labor and speaking out about it.  I got information from youtube.com, “Schloat”.

   Next, Craig Kielburger is just an activist speaking out about child labor. An example of him being against child labor is, “Craig Kielburger started Free the Children Organization”. This is a website that people can donate on to try to help kids be bought out of child labor. This is important because he started an international organization that is helping to save many kids around the world by going into class, stating his idea and getting other kids to join and help. Another important fact is, “Craig Kielburger was only 12 years old when he started this organization”. This is important because it shows that sometimes people listen to younger kid’s voices more than they would listen to any random adult’s voice. Those are the things that Craig Kielburger did to speak out about child labor. The source of this information is “Two Children Against Child Labour”.

  Lastly, Both Iqbal and Craig spoke out about child labor. However Iqbal has personal experiences with Child labor because he was a child slave himself and Craig just speaks out about it. Iqbal was also murdered because he escaped and then went back to his original home and spoke out, when Craig is still alive. Another similarity is, “Craig Kielburger was the same age as Iqbal when died”. This is important because this made him think about what if it was him. This made him become an activist about child labor.

  In conclusion, Iqbal and Craig are similar because, their age is both 12, they both tried to stop child labor. However different because, Iqbal was actually a child slave himself and escaped when Craig isn’t he just is an activist that speaks out about it.  The age is one way that they are similar and their personal experiences are very different. Iqbal Masih and Craig Kielburger both impacted child slavery by creating a website organization, and escaping child labor and speaking out about it

      World wide 31 million girls under ten years old have never been to school. Other girls have had an education from kindergarten to 12th grade. The countries that do not have a lot, tend to get on the wrong track and think girls can not have an education because of all the traits people say about girls and women.  Girls can make a difference, girls don’t have access to education and girls and women do not have the same rights as boys and men. Girls do have a voice in this world.

     The first one is, girls can make a difference in their community. There are different ways like contacting the media or putting on a fundraiser like Malala Yousafzai and Annie Gersh. Annie Gersh said,  “Girls leadership is important because girls are half of the world's population.” People think girls and women are fragile and they don’t have a say in anything. Annie Gersh said, “ when they are given the opportunity to be educated they strive to make a difference in their communities and change the path their families will take.” That means when given the opportunity girls will want an education they will try to get their families on the right side, that girls and boys can go to school.

   The second one is, girls don’t have access to education in parts of the world. If they are getting an education most schools are not girl friendly in some way. When girls are educated, this world will change. Annie Gersh attended a private event and spoke to  80 schools to talk to kids about girls education. Malala said, “one child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.” This quote means if a girl if educated you will learn that even doing the smallest thing, you can change parts of the world.

  Finally, girls don’t have the rights as boys. Girls and women are not allowed out of the house unless a boy or man was with you. Malala said to that, “even if it’s a five year old boy.” Menuka Gurung at age 19 said about girls rights, “ if we want to be equal then we need to involve boys as well as girls in advocacy. The boys should know how girls feel when they are teased, or when the boys are allowed to go out but girls have to stay home till after seven p.m.” Girls do not have the same rights as boys but a lot of other people think girls should stay home,clean and take care of people.

                In some countries it doesn’t acer that girls can not do certain things. A lot of countries say girls and women can’t do anything their just housewives and girls who stay in the house. Girls can make a difference in the world by speaking up to others or doing something small. Girls and women do not have the right to be educated like in Pakistan, Nepal, India, Cambodia, Afghanistan and more. Girls and women do not have the same rights as boy because their fragile and more traits that are not true about us. Girls and woman can change the world. When girls and woman stand up for their rights people are amazed by us

Facts from elitadaily.com, The other Malala’s, The girls hero and girls can make a difference.

Child Labor

                                                  Child Labor     Written by: Madison Bors C6
   
    Child labor is something that needs to be prevented. Child labors side effects are often filthy and dirty. Child labor is not a fair way for children to spend their lives. There are many reasons we should prevent child labor from happening. Child labor can have a lot of negative impact on children such as, unhealthy and poor nutrition, no or lack of education, and even unsafe punishment towards the children when mistakes during work are made. This is why we need to help prevent or stop child labor.
    As you would suspect, The safety of children is a very important factor in making sure that they develop properly. Safety is important whether it is physically safe or mentally safe. For example, “If they make any mistakes whatsoever they were beaten and put into these little torture chambers.”- (Freedom Hero). This is an example of how much risk the children are put at when they make even the littlest mistakes. It is certainly not fair that children have to suffer from poor safety habits, which is what happens to these children on a day to day basis.
    Also, Another thing that is very important for children is education. No education can make it hard for children to develop, communicate with others, and find suitable jobs. For example, “In 2006, 75 million children were not in school.”- (Causes Of Child Labor). This shows that because of child labor families can not afford to send their children to school to get an education. If we put an end to child labor, children would be able to get the proper education they deserve, which is not what they are getting right now, as stated as one of the main causes of child labor.
   Lastly, The nutrition of children is also a very important factor in making sure that the children grow and develop in a healthy way. For example, “No food, water, or sunlight”- (Freedom Hero). This proves that children in child labor are or were not getting the proper nutrition they needed. They were not allowed to get proper nutrition like food and water. This is because the owners wanted to keep them small because the smaller the fingers the more work gets done. However, if children stay small for their whole life they will not be able to live an enjoyable life. This is a reason why we should help stop child labor.
     In conclusion,   Child labor can have a negative impact on children. Not being under safe conditions can lead to injuries physically or mentally for the children. Also, not having an education is a big problem that needs to be resolved because the children are suffering from lack of education or even no education. Children aren’t in school because their parents can not afford it. Last of all, nutrition is important because the kids will not develop and grow in a healthy way without it. Child labor can ruin or even end a child's life. It is not a good way for a child to spend their life. If we put ourselves in the children's shoes we would certainly be able to say that they are living an unenjoyable and unfair life.

The Main Causes Of Child Labor

The Main Causes Of Child Labor
By Maia Alling C6

Child labor is, as defined by the International Labor Organization, “work that deprives
children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development.” The living conditions for a child laborer are often dangerous and filthy. Child labor is a practice that is in need of prevention, but to prevent this issue you must first know the causes of it. Child labor is mainly caused by families in extreme poverty, lack of laws, poor law enforcement, and limited access to free education.

First of all, child labor can be caused by desperate families living in extreme poverty.
As stated by Matt Berg, “Many parents in impoverished countries push their children to work out of necessity.” The severe poverty in areas of Asia, Latin America and Africa often cause families to sell their children into child labor to gain money.

Similarly, in areas of the United States, migrant children are often forced to do backbreaking farm work to help their struggling families obtain money. As explained by Karen Fanning, “A typical farmworker earns $7,500 a year or less - hardly enough money to support a family.” Desperate families living in poverty feel the need to have their children perform child labor in able to gain money for necessities such as food, clean water and clothing.

Another cause of child labor is the lack of laws and poor law enforcement in certain countries. Many countries fail to have proper laws against child labor, as the article “Causes of Child Labor” described, “Child labor laws around the world are often not enforced or include exemptions that allow for child labor to persist in certain sectors, such as agriculture or domestic work.” This means that even if the laws claim that child labor is illegal in certain cases, like perhaps carpet manufacturing, it can still be legal in other cases such as working on a cocoa bean farm.

But, even if countries have proper laws against child labor, they are often violated
as there is poor law enforcement. Poor law enforcement is often caused by inadequate funding and lack of employees. As stated in the article “Causes of Child Labor,” “labor departments and labor inspection offices are often under-funded and do not have enough workers, or courts may fail to enforce the laws.” With lack of proper laws and law enforcement, child labor is unfortunately able to persist.

 The last main cause of child labor is limited access to free education. When there is limited access to free education, many families do not see a benefit in paying for their children to go to school, or they may just not be able to afford it. If their children are out of school, they are often forced to work to provide money for their family instead of doing nothing. Limited access to free education is obviously a major issue for many families, as the article “Causes of Child Labor” revealed,  “In 2006, approximately 75 million children were not in school, limiting future opportunities for the children and their communities.” Unfortunately, a community with uneducated citizens will eventually fall apart as nobody is able to take on the vital occupations such as doctors, teachers, police officers, lawyers, and dentists - and that is only to name a few.

In conclusion, child labor is the outcome of families in extreme poverty, poor enforcement and lack of laws, and limited access to free education. Families living in extreme poverty might become so desperate that they sell their children into child labor to obtain money for necessities such as food, clean water or clothing. Lack of proper laws and poor law enforcement are allowing child labor to persist in certain countries. Limited access to free education causes many families to believe there is no benefit to pay for their children to go to school, so instead their children are forced to work. Now that you understand what causes child labor, you can hopefully help eliminate this worldwide issue.

First Post

Good morning scholars!

Today you are going to make your first blog post. This post should be the final edited copy of your mid- level informational essay.

Your job today is to: 

1. Upload your blog

2. Comment on one other students post using the praise. press, and polish method. You want to try to provide one comment of praise, one comment pressing the author to respond to a question that they have left you, the audience with about their work maybe it was an idea that they had. And one suggestion of a polish, or something that the author could improve.

3. Go back  your essay, see the feed back and respond by acknowledging the praise, answering the persons press, and seeing if you can use their suggestions for polish in your work. Please do this is an comment back to them.

4. Apply the feed back to your original post. This will require you to edit your post.