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Nature Study: Why Skunks Are Good For Gardens!

As parents, we often teach our children to avoid certain creatures in the garden, like skunks, due to their pungent odor and reputation for mischief. However, what if I told you that these striped critters are actually unsung heroes in the garden ecosystem?  In this blog, we'll explore why skunks are beneficial for your garden and why they deserve our appreciation. Skunks as Gardeners 1. Natural Pest Control Skunks have a voracious appetite for many garden pests that can wreak havoc on your plants. They are especially fond of insects like beetles, grubs, caterpillars, and even small rodents like mice and voles. By preying on these pests, skunks help keep their populations in check, reducing the need for harmful chemical pesticides. 2. Soil Aeration Believe it or not, skunks are great gardeners! Their habit of digging for food helps aerate the soil, allowing oxygen and nutrients to penetrate deeper, which promotes healthier plant growth. Additionally, their digging can help expose a

Lewis Latimer: Inventor, Engineer, Author

 

Photo of Lewis Latimer, Inventor & a true renaissance man


Lewis Howard Latimer was an American inventor, draftsman, and engineer. He was born on September 4, 1848, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and died on December 11, 1928, in Flushing, New York.

Latimer is best known for his contributions to the development of the electric light bulb. He worked for the inventor Alexander Graham Bell and helped draft the patent for the telephone. Later, Latimer went to work for the Edison Electric Light Company and was instrumental in developing the electric light bulb by creating a longer-lasting filament.

In addition to his work with the electric light bulb, Latimer also patented several other inventions, including an improved system of ventilation for railway cars, a device for cleaning and renewing carbon filaments in incandescent lamps, and a method of making carbons for use in electric lamps.

Latimer was one of the few African Americans working in a field dominated by white men at the time. Despite facing racial discrimination, he was recognized for his technical skills and creativity, and he went on to have a successful career in the field of electrical engineering.

Today, Latimer is remembered as one of the pioneers of the electrical industry and a trailblazer for African Americans in STEM fields. His legacy continues to inspire future generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Learning Opportunities:

1. Read a kids book about Lewis Latimer
2. Watch a brief documentary on Lewis Latimer
3. Visit the Lewis Latimer House in person or virtually.
4. Create a 'Family Tree' or diagram showing the history of 'light'...from natural to harnessed or try one of these projects
5. Share the new found knowledge with anyone who may not know. #BlackHistory

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