Passage 3 What would it be like to take a walk on the surface of Mars? If you could design the tallest building in the world, what would it look like? Do you dream of being the next J.K.Rowling? This summer, you can experience all of these things, and more. All you need is an Internet connection and your imagination. A recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that kids spend an average of 1 hour and 29 minutes online each day. Many kids like to use that time to chat with friends, play games or check e-mails. But next time you get on the Web, try exploring the world instead. “With the Internet, you can go back 11,000 years in time, or go 11,000 kilometers across the planet,” said Russell, Web search expert of Google. “The whole scope of history and the world is open to you.” There is a wealth of information to be found online. For example, if your family is going on vacation somewhere, do a quick online search on the area before you even get into the car. “What’s the background of the place; what’s the history?” says Russell. “I like to tell my kids, ‘Whenever you have a question, whenever you have a doubt, search it out.’” Ready to launch a virtual journey of your own? Here are a few starting points to get you thinking and to help you on your way. You can invite your parents along for the ride, too. Always ask for permission before downloading programs and software into your computer. And, check with a parent or adult before visiting any new website. Navigate the world in 3-D with Google Earth. Begin in outer space and zoom into the streets of any city, from Hong Kong to San Francisco. Or, visit ancient monuments and watch the changing rainforests over time. With the moon in Google Earth tool, you can walk in Neil Armstrong’s famous footsteps. Take a guided tour of the moon’s surface with Armstrong’s fellow shuttle mate astronaut Buzz Aldrin.