Eli's Solar Flare Radio

Ages 6–8

When a solar storm knocks out every phone and screen, Eli must build a radio with no power at all to find out if help is coming.

Curiosity and hands-on problem-solving can light a way through uncertainty, even when the power goes out.

The lights blinked. The TV fizzled to snow. Every screen in the house went black at once. "He zapped the whole town!" said Eli, staring at his dark phone. "I have to find out what's happening," he whispered. "I have to know if help is coming."

"That's a coronal mass ejection," said Nana Rosa's voice from the stairs, calm as ever. "A burst from the sun. It can knock out satellites and cell towers." "But how will we know what's happening?" asked Eli. "Follow me to the attic, little explorer," she said. "I have an old trick."

The attic smelled of dust and old wood. A wooden cigar box sat open on the workbench. "Everything we need is right here," said Nana Rosa. "A tiny crystal. A pencil. A safety pin." Eli grinned. "No batteries?" "Not one," she said.

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