National Geographic Explorer (Student Magazine)

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Penguins: Tim Davis, Getty Images

Bedbug: © Dennis Kunkel Microscopy, Inc.

Cowboy: Denver Public Library, Western History Collection, Z-147

Dragon: Dallas & John Heaton/Stock Connection, IPNstock

Melting Away
All over the world, temperatures are rising. Weather is changing, affecting plants, animals, and people too. Why?


	BODY BEASTS Habitats are places where things can live. Every living thing, including you, lives in a habitat. But did you know that your body is also a habitat? Lots of tiny living things call the human body home. Some are harmful, such as bedbugs (left), ticks, or hookworms. Others, including some bacteria, can actually help keep you healthy. Meet these and other body beasts on page 12 of our January-February 2005 issue. Explore More Robert Buckman, Human Wildlife (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2003) Kathy Darling, There's a Zoo on You (Millbrook Press, 2000) National Geographic: Parasites Come face-to-face with some wild critters that live on other living things. KidsHealth: Hey! A Tick Bit Me! Learn how to avoid being lunch for a tick. And find out what to do if you are bitten. KidsHealth: Lice Aren't So Nice Learn more about the tiny insects that love to live in hair.


	FORGOTTEN COWBOYS There are great stories and legends of the people who settled the American West. But many African-American cowboys, such as Nat Love (left), have been forgotten by history. Black History Month is a great time to remember them. Meet some cowboys on page 18 of our January-February 2005 issue. Explore More William Loren Katz, The Black West (Touchstone, 1996) Eric Oatman, Cowboys and Cattle Drives (National Geographic Reading Expeditions, 2004) National Geographic: African-American Cowboys "Are there really black cowboys?" someone asked photographer Ron Tarver. His portfolio answers "Yes!" Black Cowboys on the Internet Read the stories of Nat Love, Bill Pickett, and other famous African Americans of the Old West.


	BRING IN THE NEW YEAR! All over the world, people welcome the New Year on different days and in different ways. From the 100-foot-long dragons of Chinese New Year parades (left), to the wild costumed festivals of the Bahamas, New Year is a chance to celebrate. Read more on page 22 of our January-February 2005 issue. Explore More Kevin Supples, China (National Geographic Reading Expeditions, 2001) Celebration of the Chinese New Year Read about the many traditions of the Chinese New Year. Junkanoo In the Bahamas, Junkanoo is a lively New Year parade with drums, dancing, and the wildest costumes you'll ever see. Find out more and hear the music!