Problem: Australian Flag Designs by Readers of the Sun-Herald We received dozens of responses after inviting readers to send in their designs for a new flag. The designs we received include: James Anthony, Drummoyne James reduces the Union Jack down in size and changes its shape to become a reminder of the British tradition rather than canceling it altogether. At the same time he suggests enlarging the stars of the Southern Cross. His design attempts to use the best of both worlds in a newly designed flag. As he says, "the British part of the Australian Flag is too big and the Australian bits are too small. When you make the stars bigger the Australian flag can look impressive." Joe Bollen, Turranmurra Joe's flag has the main elements of a risen sun, white horizon , red earth at the base and the Southern Cross. He intends to make the risen sun a special Australian symbol on the flag. He believes it represents life. The Southern Cross shows that we live in the Southern Hemisphere. Maria Ieraci, Sydney Maria deleted the Union Jack but otherwise kept the flag as is with the Southern Cross and Federation Star. She says, 'There is only one correct way to change the Australian flag" and that is "to drop the Union Jack ---- when Australia becomes a Republic", which she hopes will be before 2010. Ron Bennett, Sydney Ron recommends using the Aboriginal colors but replacing their image of the sun with the map of Australia. He says, "Australia is unique being an island continent with an instantly recognizable outline at that" and "this will leave no doubt as to which country the flag belongs."
1. Which country is unique in being an island continent with a recognizable outline?
2. Who was invited to send in designs for a new flag?
3. Of what publication?
4. What happens when you make the stars of the flag bigger?
5. What does the Southern Cross show?
6. Who says there's only one way to change the Australian flag?
7. And what is that way?
8. When does she hope Australia will become a Republic?
9. Who thinks it would be a good idea to use the Aboriginal colors but replace the sun?
10. Whose design reduced the Union Jack size and changed its shape?
11. Why did he want to do that?
12. And what did he want to do to the stars?
13. What did he say about the British and Australian parts of the flag?
14. Whose flag has the risen sun, white horizon , red earth at the base?
15. What is another name for Joe Bollen?
16. Who is Syndey Ron really?
17. And Sydney Maria?
18. About how many design responses were received?
19. Who is Drummoyne James a nickname for?
20. And what is Joe Bollen's nickname?
Answer: 1. Australia
2. readers
3. the Sun-Herald
4. the Australian flag can look impressive
5. they live in the Southern Hemisphere
6. Sydney Maria
7. drop the Union Jack
8. before 2010
9. Ron Bennett
10. James Anthony
11. for a reminder of the British tradition
12. enlarge them
13. British is too big and Australian is too small
14. Joe Bollen's
15. Joe
16. Ron Bennett
17. Maria Ieraci
18. dozens
19. James Anthony
20. Turranmurra Joe

Problem: Do you have imagination? Do you like to solve problems? Can you? If so, you could be the next great inventor. "But I'm just a kid",you might be! Don't worry about a little thing like age. For example, one famous inventor-- Benjamin Franklin--got his start when he was only 12. At that young age, he created paddles for his hands to help him swim faster. Finally his creation led to what we know is called flippers!

So you don't have to be adult to be an inventor. One thing you do need, though, is something that kids have plenty of: curiosity and imagination. Kids are known for looking at things in new and unique ways.

So what should you do if you have what is a great idea for an invention? Talk to a friend or family member about it. Get input from others about your idea. Then ask them to help you create a working model--called a prototype of your idea.

Once you have a prototype, you can test it. Sometimes your idea turns out to be not as great as you thought. At other times, though, you realize it is a good idea and your prototype can help you figure out how to make it even better.

If your idea is really a good one, an adult can help you contact companies that might be interested in it. You will also want an adult's help to get a patent for your idea, so that it is protected and can't be stolen by someone else. If you need some inspiration, consider these kids and their inventions:

Jeanie Low invented the Kiddie Stool when she was just 11. It's a folding stool that fits under the kitchen sink. Kids can unfold it and use it to reach the sink all by themselves.

At the age of 15, Louis Braille invented the system named after him that allows the blind to read.

Chelsea Lanmon received a patent when she was just 8 for the "pocket diaper ",a new type of diaper that includes a pocket for holding baby wipes and powder.
1. What inventor became famous a long time ago?
2. How old was he when he started inventing?
3. What did he make?
4. Does this mean kids can invent things too?
5. What should you do once you have a prototype?
6. What will testing it prove?
7. Should you contact someone if it's a good idea?
8. Who should you get in touch with?
9. Can someone steal your idea?
10. What can you do about that?
11. Can a kid get one?
Answer:
1. Benjamin Franklin-
2. 12
3. paddles for his hands to help him swim faster.
4. yes
5. test it
6. whether it's a great idea or not
7. yes
8. companies that might be interested in it
9. yes
10. get a patent
11. no