Model-turned-scientist trying to pique students' interest

Surrounded by stacks of biology textbooks and popular science books, posters (one of the Periodic Table of the Elements, another of the film "Mama Mia") and a green-dress-wearing Barbie with long, dark locks, Joanne Manaster turns on the camera and waxes poetic about the inner child of scientists.

For this particular vlog, which she later posted on YouTube, she recommends reading science books aimed at middle school and high school students and written by Joy Hakim. Even if you're not a middle school or high school student.

Also on this date

• Officials: Turbines could energize county's coffers
• Local builders see signs of turnaround in C-U housing
• Hoopeston's Arends Bros. bringing back windmills
• Senior Odyssey team putting what it has learned to test
• UI student trustee rouses rabble when necessary
• Centennial cements return to glory with state title
• Obituaries

» More