Explainers
PM paves way for Voice to Parliament vote
explainersAustralian voters could soon decide in a referendum whether to change the Australian Constitution to include a First Nations Voice to Parliament
Vic zoos cancel close encounters
animalsIndonesia’s outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease prompts Victorian zoos to cancel visitor encounters with animals at risk of catching the virus, as politicians debate border and airport security
Traditional Indigenous games build sports skills
indigenous newsOlympian Beki Smith loves learning traditional Indigenous – or Yulunga – games from her eight-year-old son. You can try them too by downloading the special Yulunga games guide in this story
Latest
What does Anzac Day mean?
Each year on April 25 we commemorate Anzac Day. Kids News explains how the day began, what it means and how there’ll be a return to tradition after two years of Covid-19 disruptions
New law bans homework in Australia
A nationwide ban on homework for Aussie kids is news worth celebrating … or is it?
Why do we have daylight saving?
As many Australians prepare to wind back their clocks to regular time this weekend, let’s take a look at where daylight saving came from and why some states have it and others don’t
It’s lights out for the planet this Earth Hour
Millions of people around the world will switch off their lights for Earth Hour this weekend. What’s this event all about?
NASA’s new ‘time travel’ telescope
NASA’s cutting-edge new James Webb telescope has captured the imagination of stargazers everywhere with the magic words ‘time travel’ – but what does that really mean and how can it be?
What is happening between Ukraine and Russia?
The situation between Russia and Ukraine is tense and a little scary – but it helps to understand what is going on and what other leaders are doing in response
Why kids are better at fighting Covid
Children’s "innate" immune systems are better at overcoming Covid-19 than adults’ – and another factor stalling the spread in schools is really something to sing about
Cheetah Kulinda is just wild for zoo life
Life is never boring for cheetah Kulinda thanks to special enrichment programs designed to keep animals healthy and happy at our zoos
What is World Children’s Day all about?
Celebrated November 20 each year, World Children’s Day is the ideal time to think about other children, their lives and challenges. Find out about World Children’s Day and its history
What is Remembrance Day all about?
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is a special time to remember those who have fought and died for our country. Find out more about Remembrance Day and what it signifies
What is the Census all about?
The story of our nation is updated every five years at Census time – and what a strange chapter this one promises to be as people around Australia continue to live, work and learn through Covid
NASA releases stunning view of Milky Way
An astronomer has spent a year working from home during lockdowns to create a composite image of our galaxy, including billions of stars and countless black holes
Footy celebrates Indigenous links
The history, culture and achievements of Our First Nations peoples will be in the sporting spotlight this week as the AFL and NRL kick off their Indigenous rounds
Get set for a very special lunar eclipse
The first lunar eclipse of 2021 is going to happen on May 26. This is going to be a super lunar event with a supermoon, a lunar eclipse and a red blood moon all at once. Here’s how it happens
PM resolute on keeping the drawbridge up
When it comes to international travel, it doesn’t look like our Prime Minister is ready to open up Fortress Australia anytime soon, which gives Mark Knight lots of fun metaphors to draw
Trillions of Brood X cicadas about to hatch
Cicadas are about to emerge from the soil in a hatch so big, noisy and incredible the whole world has been eagerly waiting for it to happen. Kids News researches whether this is as scary as it seems
Charlotte still queen of the playground
The 2021 Baby Names Report is out, which analyses trends over the past decade. For the eighth time in 10 years, Charlotte is the top girls’ name with Oliver also consistently number one for boys
How does the coronavirus vaccine work?
The first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses have arrived in Australia and the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine now has approval to be used in Australia too. Kids News looks at how vaccines work
Welcome to the Year of the Ox
Millions — perhaps billions — of people around the world are preparing for a very important annual celebration — Chinese or Lunar New Year. Here’s what you need to know to join the fun
How to tell if your dog is a genius
An experiment that’s easy to try at home has shown “talented” dogs are able to learn the name of a new object after hearing it four times, an ability previously thought to be confined to humans
New height agreed for Mount Everest
China and Nepal jointly announced a new and slightly higher official height of 8848.86m for Mount Everest on Tuesday, ending a disagreement between the two nations
Santa gets special permission to travel at Christmas
The coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt travel around the world but the Prime Minister has confirmed that no matter what happens to Australia’s borders Santa will be able to do his job
Solving the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle
Ships and planes have disappeared without a trace in the Bermuda Triangle. But is there really anything strange going on? Kids News looks at the history of this fascinating phenomenon
‘Iso’ declared Australia’s word of the year
The Australian National Dictionary Centre has named ‘iso’ — slang for self-isolation — as the word of 2020 from both a year and a shortlist of words dominated by the coronavirus pandemic
At work with a Sydney Harbour Bridge climber
Could Nick Hayes have the best job in the world? Or perhaps you think it would be the worst job. Find out what happens on a typical day for a climb leader on the Sydney Harbour Bridge
US election: How does it work? What could happen?
This year’s presidential election is one of the most watched in US election history – regardless of whether Donald Trump or Joe Biden is the winner. Here’s a guide to what will and could happen
A typical day in the life of a ballet dancer
To celebrate World Ballet Day, Kids News talked to Australian dancer Naomi Hibberd about what she loves and finds challenging about being a dancer, plus what her typical day looks like
What is dyslexia? Is there a cure?
Dyslexia is the most common cause of reading, writing and spelling difficulties. But the good news is dyslexia is not a disease and you can have dyslexia and be really good at lots of things
How do birds fly? Why can’t humans fly?
It’s spring and that means there are soon to be a lot of baby birds learning to fly. They look awkward first go, but they soon work it out. How do they do it? And why can’t humans fly too?
How do bees make honey?
It’s spring! Plants everywhere are springing to life and flowering after winter. Bees are pretty excited, too, because flowers are vital for honey making. Kids News researched how bees make honey
Hope for diabetics in three-minute thesis
Scientist Khalia Primer’s award-winning video cleverly explains years of complex gene therapy research that could help solve some of the serious health problems faced by people with diabetes
Two giant pythons drop in for a visit
A Queensland man came home to a collapsed kitchen ceiling and two massive snakes making themselves comfortable elsewhere in the house. Kids News looks at how to keep safe around snakes
Human-sized wormholes are possible
Scientists have used quantum mechanics and maths to show that gateways connecting two points in space and time and big enough and stable enough for human travel are theoretically possible
Brain holds key to Antarctic ice ship mystery
Conspiracy theorists claim they’ve found a huge capsized ship about 160km off the coast of Antarctica but the mystery is most likely solved by looking at how human brains work
How cold was it in the coldest part of the Ice Age?
Scientists have calculated just how cold it got on Earth during the coldest part of the last Ice Age, using ocean plankton fossils and climate models
Human blood is warm, but cool too!
Kids News is celebrating National Science Week by taking a look at the approximately five litres of hardworking red blood pumping around a person’s body that gives us our get up and go
How to find your voice and talk to a crowd
A teenage public-speaking whiz is on a mission to help kids reeling from coronavirus disruptions master the art of talking to a crowd, finding their voice and their confidence
Kids urged to get real on fake news
You might have heard US President Donald Trump use these words, but what exactly is fake news and how do you spot it?
Simple steps to ease your worries in tough times
There are things you can do to keep up your spirits and maintain a sense of hope if you feel worried about the coronavirus pandemic, writes Beyond Blue’s Dr Grant Blashki
Do you recognise this face?
Most Australians will have seen her face but few would know the remarkable story of Mary Reibey and how she came to be on our $20 banknote
Volcano on Pacific Ring of Fire erupts
Indonesia’s Mount Sinabung has erupted, sending ash 5km into the sky. It’s the latest eruption along the 40,000km-long line of volcanoes, faults and trenches called the Pacific Ring of Fire
The history of the Olympic Games
We should have been cheering on our Olympic heroes in Tokyo right now. But with coronavirus putting the Games on hold for another year, it’s a chance to take a look at where the magnificent sporting tradition started
Australia, the land of great ideas
Whether you’re in your classroom or reading this story on Kids News from home, you’re most likely using Wi-Fi, an Australian invention and one of a long list of smart ideas we’ve had so far
What does it feel like to touch a cloud?
You might already know how it feels to touch a cloud without realising it. We explain what a cloud is and why they sometimes turn into rain, snow and hail
Why do we get wrinkly skin as we age?
Wrinkles are a normal part of ageing, except for the wrinkly fingers and toes people of any age can get when they’ve been in the bath or pool for too long. Kids News researched wrinkles
Why don’t you sink in the Dead Sea?
Ask people what they know about the Dead Sea and most will tell you that it’s impossible to sink when you’re swimming in it, but not everyone knows why. Kids News did some research
How your brain plays tricks on you
Optical illusions show us that a picture or an object in front of our eyes is only part of what we “see”. Our brain makes up the rest. Test yourself on these cool illusions to find out for yourself
What it takes to become an astronaut
The SpaceX launch of two NASA astronauts is getting a lot of people excited about space travel. But becoming an astronaut requires much more than just enthusiasm. Here’s how to succeed
Why are there big protests around the world?
Protests — some peaceful and some violent — continue across the US and elsewhere around the world over police treatment of black people. Kids News explains why people are protesting
Caring for the billions of microbes in your mouth
Donations of spit from about 1500 people are helping scientists understand how the billions of microbes in our mouths work to keep us healthy and what you can do to keep them healthy too
What makes eyes different colours?
Do you have brown eyes? If that’s a yes, you’re in the majority. In fact, it’s thought that 10,000 years ago, every human had brown eyes. Kids News researched the science of eye colour
Coronavirus restrictions to ease across Australia
A visit with grandma and grandpa, a return to school or a kick of the footy with friends? What do the easing of coronavirus lockdown rules mean for you?
Astronomers find closest black hole to Earth
Two stars dancing in the night sky and visible without a telescope have led astronomers to find a black hole so close to Earth it’s “just around the corner” in space terms
How the tradition of Mother’s Day was born
Celebrating mothers on a special day of the year isn’t a modern idea. Kids News researched the history of honouring and thanking mothers across Australia and around the world
Dolphins dance through glowing algal bloom
A pod of dolphins has been filmed dancing and surfing through waves full of bioluminescent plankton. Kids News looks at the science behind the living things that glow
Exploring the 250th anniversary of Cook’s arrival
Wednesday, April 29, 2020 marks the 250th anniversary of James Cook’s arrival at Botany Bay. We explore why Cook came to Australia and why some celebrate and some lament this day
Easter eggs, bunnies and traditions around the world
For many, Easter means chocolate eggs, bunnies, hot cross buns and church services. Kids News researched why we celebrate Easter, when it will be and how common traditions began
Why do grey seals clap like humans?
Amazing video captured by a marine biologist after 17 years of waiting shows breeding grey seals clapping at each other underwater to warn off competitors and attract mates
Exploring the lost city of Pompeii
On April 1, 1748, a Spanish engineer rediscovered Pompeii, changing the way we thought about historical artefacts and beginning the longest archaeological dig in the world
Why do we pull pranks on April Fools’ Day?
Watch out … today is April Fools’ Day and it’s the day for playing pranks on unsuspecting people. We look at why we celebrate on April 1 and some of today's best jokes
What and where is the equator?
Parachutists have set a world record for crossing the equator 12 times in a single jump, which got us wondering what the equator is, where it is and why do they launch space rockets there?
Big COVID-19 questions and simple answers
Using World Health Organisation information, we answer important questions about COVID-19, such as: "What is a virus?" and "Why are there new rules for everyday life?"
Hand washing: How does soap work?
As people around the world work to slow the spread of the virus called COVID-19, everyone is telling us to wash our hands with soap. Kids News explains how soap works
It’s not all bad news; there is good news too
Australian Childhood Foundation’s Dr Joe Tucci has a positive message for children about worry and bad news, and a reminder that there is still a lot of good news around if we look for it
Komodo dragon mum has three sons, solo
A female komodo dragon has produced three baby dragons without a male mate through a rare process called parthenogenesis
WHO officially declares COVID-19 coronavirus a pandemic
As WHO officially declares the global coronavirus crisis a pandemic, PM Scott Morrison announces a $2.4 billion package for Australia’s health system to help it respond to the crisis
Why do leaves change colour and fall in autumn?
The leaves on deciduous trees turn forests, parks and gardens a rainbow of yellows, oranges, reds and browns. Why do leaves change colour? And why do the trees let them fall?
What is a leap year? Why is there one this year?
There is a February 29 on this year’s calendar. We explain why and what it has to do with the Sun, the Earth and a calendar created way back in 1582
We’re flipping out over Pancake Tuesday
Australians are becoming world leaders at cooking and eating pancakes on Pancake Tuesday, a fun food day that has its origins as a religious festival
Why do we cry and what are tears?
Crocodile tears are real – though humans are the only animals that cry emotional tears – and babies don’t cry tears at all. Kids News explains tears and crying
Sad love story behind Valentine’s Day
There are several stories about who Valentine was, but the most popular one is that he was a doctor and priest from Rome in the third century who lived and died in the pursuit of love
Hero nippers save tourists from dangerous rip
Young nippers have been hailed as heroes after spotting two tourists caught in a dangerous rip and immediately jumping into the ocean to save them
Being kind online for Safer Internet Day
How can kids be safe and kind online? Treat others and look after yourself online just as you would in real life, says KidsHelpline counsellor Hannah
Impeachment: Trump not guilty on both charges
US President Donald Trump has been acquitted of the charges of abusing his power and obstructing Congress, paving the way for his campaign for re-election
Keeping drinking water safe after fires
Water experts are preparing to keep Australia’s drinking water clean after bushfires, including installing huge fabric curtains across Sydney’s main dam
Celebrating once-in-a-lifetime palindrome day
When the calendar clicked over to 02/02/2020 on Sunday, few people realised it was a universal palindrome, a momentous date that hasn’t happened since 11/11/1111
WHO names coronavirus COVID-19
The World Health Organisation now officially has a name for the coronavirus that has infected more than 40,000 people around the world
Lunch box sweet treats too salty
Kids and parents planning back-to-school lunches are warned to avoid unhealthy salty treats that contain almost the entire day’s salt allowance recommended for a child
Volunteers rescue stranded baby minke whale
A baby minke whale beached in South Australia has been saved by volunteers and rangers. Kids News investigates what is known about why whales become stranded on beaches
Woman trapped in mountain of ‘cornflake’ algae
Seaweed piled high on Queensland beaches has trapped at least one runner, who had to be rescued from the algae. While seaweed is not unusual, people have never seen so much at once
Energy drinks robbing teens of sleep
Energy drinks loaded with caffeine are depriving Aussie teens of sleep, a major new survey shows. Experts want advertising of the drinks banned on public transport
National gun amnesty to keep us safe
Australian firearm owners will be able to hand in guns with no questions asked next year as part of a national gun amnesty designed to keep us safe and weapons away from criminals
Get ready for a jellyfish boom!
Jellyfish populations are booming and blooming all over the world. We asked a jellyfish expert to share 10 fascinating facts to know before you head to the beach or aquarium this summer
Bushfires: Sydney’s hazardous air quality
As people in Sydney are being warned to stay inside due to “hazardous” air quality from bushfire smoke blanketing the city, we look at why it’s bad for your health to breathe in smoke
Love animals? Here’s what a zookeeper does in a day
Danielle Ridgway has only been a zookeeper for just over a year but she has already coached a lazy, cheating cheetah to sprint and worked towards saving critically endangered native species
Media unites in fight against secrecy
Australia’s major media organisations have taken the unprecedented step of uniting to fight for press freedoms and the public’s right to know what’s going on in this country
The mystery of the human belly button
There are more than 7.7 billion human belly buttons on Earth, yet few of us know much at all about this funny-looking squiggle on the middle of our middle. Kids News explains belly buttons
How long do Aussie banknotes last?
What is the lifespan of Australian banknotes? Like most things, our polymer money has a use-by date and the answers for how long each note lasts might surprise you
Magical moonbows explained
A rare moonbow has appeared in the South Australian sky in the middle of the night and been caught on camera. We look at how they form and why seeing one is very special
Inside the eye of Hurricane Dorian
‘Hurricane Hunters’ have taken an incredible photo from inside the eye of Dorian, which has hit the Bahamas and is now heading for the US, where people are doing their best to prepare
Amazon fires: Who will help save the rainforest?
Some world leaders have agreed to help fight fires in the Amazon and try to repair the damage once the fires are out. We look at why the so-called ‘lungs of the world’ is so important
Concussion: what is it and how does it happen?
As cricketer Steve Smith recovers from a hit to the neck, we look at what concussion is, how it happens and how to stay safe in light of new research about kids, concussion and sport
Homeless Australians out in the cold need our help
On any night across the country, one in every 200 people is homeless despite the hard work of many community organisations. We look at what homelessness means and what you can do to help
Brush more and eat less sugar for healthier teeth
It’s Dental Health Week in Australia, but recent research shows too many children’s teeth are decayed and we need to take better care of our dental health all year. Here’s how
Michael celebrates birthday with the gift of life
As Australians are asked to talk about organ donation during Donate Life week, we meet tiny Michael Theobald who celebrated his first birthday with the gift of life after a liver transplant
Why Mack’s small gesture had a giant impact
In our new weekly series, award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight explains the message he was giving readers when drawing Aussie swimmer Mack Horton refusing to stand on the winners’ podium
Celebrating World Emoji Day with Tears of Joy
World Emoji Day on July 17 is a fun, annual celebration of one of the world’s newest ways of communicating. We look at what emojis are, who invented them and if they are a real language