In the town of Lampang in northern Thailand, there is an unusual group of musicians. They play many different kinds of music—from traditional Thai songs to music by Beethoven. Both children and adults love this group. What makes them so popular? Is it their music? Their looks? Yes, it's both of these things, but it's also something else: they're elephants.

    These musical elephants are from the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) in Lampang. The TECC protects elephants. It teaches people to understand and care for these huge, but gentle, animals. And, like many zoos around the world, the TECC encourages elephants to paint.

    Richard Lair works with the TECC. He knew that elephants hear better than they see. So he had an idea: if elephants are intelligent and they have good hearing, maybe they can play music. To test his idea, Lair and a friend started the Thai Elephant Orchestra. During a performance, the elephants play a variety of instruments, including the drums and the xylophone. The animals also use their voices and trunks to make sounds.

    But can elephants really make music properly? Yes, says Lair. they're very creative. Humans may encourage the animals to play instruments, but the elephants make their own songs; they don't just copy their trainers or other people. There are now CDs of the group's music, which make money for the TECC. And the music these artists create is pretty amazing.

    Some people ski (滑雪) down mountains. Others climb huge rocks or photograph dangerous animals. Why do people enjoy risky activities like these?

    Some people take risks simply because it makes them feel good. Psychologist (心理学家) Marvin says that this kind of explorers (探险者) are always looking for change and excitement. When people do something new or risky, a chemical (化学物质) in the brain creates a pleasant feeling. They love this feeling and want to experience it as often as possible.

    Other people don't take risks for the feeling of excitement but to achieve a goal. For example, Mike Fay went on a dangerous 2,000—mile special journey in central Africa. He worked to help save the wildlife there. Fay's expeditions helped create 13 national parks.

    For other people, such as extreme athletes (极限运动员), taking risks is part of their job. Sports psychologist Shane says extreme athletes see the world differently. In a dangerous activity, most people probably do not feel in control. Extreme athletes are different: they feel in control in dangerous situations. The danger can even help them. For example, skier Daron Rahlves says that being afraid makes him try harder to succeed.

    Most of us are not extreme athletes or explorers. However, we still take risks in our lives. Some of us take social risks, such as speaking in front of a large group of people. Sometimes, we take financial risks, such as buying a house. And sometimes we take career risks, such as leaving a job or starting a business. Most people take risks in some areas of life, but not in others. What kind of risk—taker are you?

A Trip to the Smithsonian

    Ms. DeJohn stood at the front of the room."Okay, everyone,"she began,"as you all know, we'll visit the Smithsonian Institution on Monday. We are going to spend some time this morning discussing what you would like to see there."

Ty raised his hand."How many museums are we going to see?"he asked.

    "That's a good question, Ty, "replied Ms. DeJhon."We're going to choose four museums. I'd like to hear some of your suggestions. What interests you most at the Smithsonian?"

    "Can we go to the National Museum of Natural History?"asked Emma."I'd like to see the dinosaur skeletons (恐龙骨骼) there."

    "I want to see Anita and Arabella,"said Calvin."They're the space spiders(蜘蛛). A student wanted to know if spiders could spin webs in space, so two spiders were sent into space on Skylab Ⅱ. Anita's and Arabella's bodies are housed at the National Air and Space Museum."

    Ms. DeJohn began to list the students' suggestions on the board.

    "If we go to the National Zoo,"said Deepak,"we can see pandas from china. I think that getting to see them in person would be really amazing."

    "I'd like to go to the Museum of the African Art,"said Imani."My parents moved from Kenya when they were children, but I've never been there to visit. My family collects African art, so I'd like to learn more about it."

    "I think we should go to the National Museum of American History."said Chris."They have show on the Information Age. It has some of the very first computers and even Samuel Morse's telegraph (电报) machines."

    I like this idea, too." agreed Emma."They have a 'hands on history' room where you can actually try things from history, like sending a telegraph."

    Ms. DeJohn smiled at the class."How knowledgeable you all are! Now, all we have to do is take a vote, and we'll be on our way to the Smithsonian!"