Author: Lisa Mungovan

Microbes are the tiniest living organisms, and are found everywhere from blistering volcanic vents, to frigid caves. Scientists are studying microbes in Hawaii’s lava caves, where conditions are similar to those on Mars. They contain toxic gases, and see little sunlight. Microbes thriving in extreme conditions, could provide clues to life on other planets.

Today is Soccer Day. Although it’s called football in much of the world, it’s the most popular sport on Earth. Some kids make balls out of old plastic bags, and draw goal posts in the dirt. Challenge your parents to a game, and see if the kids can fake out the adults!

It’s World Nature Conservation Day. Start your morning with a nature walk outdoors. Don’t forget a bag, to pick up any trash you find. Reward yourself with a candy bar, since it’s Milk Chocolate Day! It’s also Waterpark Day. Time to slip down some water slides, or plunge into a wave pool!

Plastic pollution in the ocean, harmful chemicals from sunblocks, or rising water temperatures of only 2-4 degrees Fahrenheit, can cause coral reefs to eventually die. 3D printers, could help repair damaged reefs. Researchers scan coral reefs, and print ceramic pieces, to restore the environment. Then new coral can grow on the man-made reef sections.

Today is Walk On Stilts Day. You might have to make your own stilts, so you can tower over everyone. Once you’ve practiced, you can also celebrate Take Your Houseplant For A Walk Day. Your plant will enjoy some unfiltered sunshine, and with you up on stilts, it’ll be even closer to the sky!

Today is Gary Gygax Day. He created the role-playing game, Dungeons and Dragons, in 1974. Get a group of wizards and barbarians together, and learn to play D & D. You’ll need same snacks, so how about popcorn and crème brûlée, also known as burnt cream. Since it’s Crème Brûlée Day, enjoy a caramelized custard cup.

Today is Bagpipe Appreciation Day. Listen to some lovely bagpipe music, and make sure it’s loud enough for everyone to hear! You can even make your own, out of a garbage bag and recorders. Find the bagpipe instructions on instructables.com. Then you can play bagpipes, for the whole neighborhood to appreciate.

Today is World Mangrove Day. Mangrove trees, which grow in salty water, help preserve shorelines from erosion, and provide a habitat for many fish and animals. They’ve also been used to reforest landfills, and repair hurricane-ravaged coastal areas. Mangroves are so easy to plant, that one man in Sri Lanka has planted millions!

Some people can make cakes, that look like anything. But other people can make beans, that taste like anything! Soybeans are used to make tofu, which can be used in place of meat or eggs, or all on its own! It’s World Tofu Day, so go vegetarian for the day, and eat tofu instead.

Bagels for breakfast, lunch and dinner are on today’s menu, because it’s National Bagelfest Day! The chewy bread comes in many flavors, and you can top them with just about anything. It’s also Coffee Milkshake Day. You can have your coffee and bagels like the grown-ups, but your coffee will be cold and supersweet!