(Describer) In computer animation, different news scenes in rectangles move fast around a turning globe.

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(Describer) In front of a blue background with a triangle and circle, title: Teen Kids News. A girl sits at a desk with monitors behind her.

You're watching "Teen Kids News." I'm Veronique. Here's this week's top story.

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(Describer) The Teen Kids News logo is on curved screens that form a turning cylinder. Passing around it, title: Top Story.

This report is sponsored by the National Road Safety Foundation. For months, we've been behind the scenes of the Drive Safe contest. Winners in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. worked with a TV production company to turn their ideas into PSAs. Now the contest heads to the Midwest, but it's a bit different.

(Describer) A man speaks with three girls around a car. A cameraman shoots in the car. Another shoots outside an SUV.

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(female reporter) For the second time, the top three finalists in the Drive Safe Chicago PSA Contest are from the same school. Cheyanne Montozzi, Haynen Johnson, and Lauren Royter are all seniors at Porter County Career Center in Valparaiso, Indiana.

(Describer) Instructor Bob Phelps:

When we found out that we won again, two years running, we were surprised, but also honored.

(Describer) Lauren:

Mr. Phelps came in with his Snapchat on and told us that Cheyanne won. He pointed at Haynen, and said, "You won too!" And he goes to me, "Lauren, you did too!" I was like, "Oh!" It was exciting. It showed our hard work with the writing process and recognizing why being a good writer is important.

(reporter) Open to students in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Indiana, the contest invites teens to write their ideas for a public service announcement on why driving distracted is dangerous. The three best ideas are then produced with the help of Emmy Award- winning TV professionals. The idea of my PSA is, "Don't go live; stay alive."

(Describer) Cheyanne:

Teens tend to go live on social media, even at concerts-- anything they do, even driving. It's important to touch on that.

(reporter) Cheyanne cast two friends in the PSA. Before shooting, they rehearsed with the director and cameraman. You guys want to eat? How's pizza? Yeah, pizza. I was the bad guy.

(Describer) Diana Miller:

I was in the passenger seat and went live. I was in the backseat, informing them of the crash.

(Describer) Hannah Christy:

I was the driver that got distracted,

(Describer) Cheyanne:

so we crashed.

(Describer) Katie:

Let's take a look at Cheyanne's finished PSA. You guys want to eat? How's pizza? Yeah, pizza. I'm down.

[music plays]

(Describer) Cheyanne drives down a street.

I love this song. Me too. Hey, guys, let's go live.

(Describer) Cheyanne turns it up.

(Describer) Diana holds up her phone and streams video.

(both) Yeah, let's do it!

♪ The stars look like amethysts and you have missed a lot ♪

♪ The reminisces of your kiss ♪

(Describer) Cheyanne turns to the camera.

♪ Lingers... ♪ [horn honks]

Watch out! [crashing]

(Describer) Title: Don’t go live. Stay alive.

(Describer) Cheyanne:

I hope to make teens get off their phone and pay attention. Everything doesn't need to be documented on social media.

(Describer) In a driveway....

(reporter) Lauren's idea focuses on types of distracted driving that are often overlooked. Many people don't realize that changing your radio could be a distraction. That's something we do so frequently. Texting and driving takes focus. There's laws against texting, but not changing your radio and using your navigation system. Terrific. You ready?

(reporter) Lauren wanted to work behind the camera, so her friend played the driver. It was exciting, different, and a lot of fun.

(man) Action, drive. Here's how Lauren's PSA, "Avoidable Dangers," turned out.

(Describer) Titles are typed: Distracted Driving is anything that takes your attention away from driving. Josie drives while typing on her phone.

(Describer) Titles: Distracted Driving kills about nine people a day. On the phone...

Did you go to the game? They did so good!

(Describer) Titles: Teens have the most Distracted Driving fatalities. Josie types on her car’s navigation system. Titles: In 2013, more than 400-thousand people were injured in crashes caused by Distracted Driving. She goes through her car radio presets. Title: The dangers of Distracted Driving are avoidable.

[stations changing]

(reporter) When "Teen Kids News" returns, we'll show the third and final PSA. We'll be right back.

(Describer) Spinning with the triangle and circle, title: Teen Kids News.

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(reporter) We're continuing our report on the Drive Safe Chicago PSA Contest, sponsored by the National Road Safety Foundation.

(Describer) Haynen Johnson:

My concept is eating while driving. When I was writing it-- When people think of distracted driving, they think of their phone, playing with the radio. I thought outside the box and did eating as distracted driving.

(Describer) He sits in a car.

Driving shot. And this is the side shot.

(Describer) He’s shown photos.

Food will be here.

(Haynen) I sat down with the camera guys, went over the production, while my friend, the actor, sat with the director to learn what to do. Then we staged it and got multiple viewpoints to make sure we had the continuity and sequences. Okay, so here's the food. Here's the script.

(reporter) We should mention that all three PSAs were produced under the watchful eyes of the Valparaiso Police Department. Their officers closed streets so the teens could model distracted driving safely. Now let's watch Haynen's PSA.

(Describer) Tyree gets in a car, putting the bag in the passenger seat, and drives off.

[music playing]

(Describer) He reaches in the bag and pulls out a wrapped burger. He takes a bite. With the burger between his legs, he reaches in the bag again and puts fries with ketchup on top of the burger, and eats.

(Describer) He pulls out a beverage cup, and puts in a straw. Raising it to his mouth, he drops it on the floor, then reaches down for it.

[horn honking] Whoa!

(Describer) Title: Distracted Driving is tasteless.

(reporter) All three PSAs ran on the Facebook page for this year's Chicago Auto Show. People were invited to vote for their favorite. The PSA with the most votes would win $2,000 and debut on the big screen at the auto show. Despite the nail-biting competition, Haynen put the experience into perspective. Someone's gonna win $2,000 and go home happier than others, but it'll be a cool experience for whoever wins. My classmates are happy for each other, so it'll be good.

(Describer) Lauren:

I would tell students about the NRSF contest--Try it. You might not become a finalist, but you can educate yourself and your peers and friends.

(Katie) So which was your fave? "Tasteless," "Avoidable Dangers"... Did you go to the game? ...or "Don't Go Live"?

♪ Lingers... ♪ [horn honking]

Watch out! The PSA with the most votes was "Tasteless." Congrats, Haynen, and props to you, Mr. Phelps. You must be proud of your students. Will it be a triple hat trick? We'll continue to enter this contest, and every year, we'll hope to win. If we don't, they'll at least get the experience writing a public-service announcement and having a goal. If they do win, that's icing on the cake.

(reporter) To enter the contests offered by the National Road Safety Foundation, check out teenlane.org. For "Teen Kids News," I'm Katie.

(Describer) Ava:

Global warming could be making us itch. Researchers track the effect of warmer temperatures on poison ivy, poison sumac, and oak. They're growing faster and producing more potent oils. Even barely touching them, you might get a rash. So learn how to identify those plants and avoid them. To do things with style, you can outdo the French, even when honoring the dead. I'll have that next on "Teen Kids News."

(Describer) Veronique:

Every state has one, and each is unique. Here's Flag Facts.

(Describer) Different flags flash by, with various colors and seals. A couple dozen are shown together, then appear in the word 'flag'. Title: Flag Facts. It’s on a flag.

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(female reporter) The first thing you notice about Wyoming's state flag is that big critter in the middle. Don't call it a buffalo. It's a bison.

(Describer) Randy Howe:

(man) The bison was important in the Wild West. But in Wyoming, Verna Keyes, who designed the flag, thought it was a great symbol of branding, which cattle ranchers all used to keep track of their animals. The bison was called the "monarch of the plains." She thought that was a great symbol.

(reporter) The name Wyoming comes from a Native American word for "Great Plain." Today it would be considered politically incorrect, but the flag's designer paid tribute to those once called "Red Men" with the red border. She said the red also signifies the blood of the pioneers, who fought to claim the land. We can understand why a cowboy and a miner are pictured in the center, but what are those words in the banner? The phrase on the Wyoming state flag is "Equal Rights," speaking of Wyoming's history as being friendly to women. It was first territory where women could hold public office and vote, way back in 1869. To attain statehood, it's necessary to have 60,000 citizens. The leaders knew this would help get people to live there. Before you know it, Wyoming was a state. Wyoming was way out front on this issue.

(Describer) Alexa:

The U.S. government didn't give women the vote for another half century. With Flag Facts, I'm Alexa.

(Describer) On the lawn in front of the White House, titles fall: White House Kidz – with a Z. Abe Lincoln sits in a statue.

["Hail to the Chief" playing]

[crashing]

(female reporter) One of our greatest presidents, he guided our nation through a civil war. Sadly, he faced personal tragedy as well.

(Describer) A page is pulled from the book 'First Kids'.

President Abraham Lincoln and his wife Mary had four sons, but only one would reach adulthood. One of Lincoln's sons, who didn't live long, Eddie, died at home during childbirth. Willie died inside the White House because of a disease that he got.

(Describer) Noah McCullough:

Then Tad died after his dad died. Robert Lincoln was the only one who reached adulthood, of all the four Lincoln sons.

(reporter) The son who survived, Robert Todd Lincoln, became a successful lawyer and lived until 1926. With White House Kidz, I'm Lila.

(Describer) In an art gallery, animated paint splats on the screen, and different famous figures from paintings appear, like the Girl With the Pearl Earring, The Scream, a couple from Sunday in the Park, and a portrait of a man with a big red turban on his head. Title: Art Smart. Katie:

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[screams]

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Some works of art became famous because of confusion over words. Artist Andy Warhol created five portraits of a most popular actress-- Marilyn Monroe. The story goes, a visitor to Warhol's studio asked if she could shoot the portraits. Thinking she intended to photograph them, Warhol gave permission. To his shock, she fired a gun, hitting four paintings that were stacked together. Ever since, these paintings have been called the "Shot Marilyns." See where the hole was repaired. The bullet hole didn't hurt their value. The "Shot Marilyns" were sold for tens of millions of dollars. With Art Smart, I'm Katie.

(Describer) French landmarks and historical figures are shown in the flag’s colors of blue, white and red. Title: Vive La France.

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(female reporter) When Louis XV became ill, he said if he recovered, he would build a church. He did recover and keep his promise. The king commissioned the construction of this building, originally a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, credited with saving Paris from being attacked by the rampaging armies of Attila the Hun. But the church dedicated to Saint Genevieve didn't stay a church.

[dramatic music playing]

(Describer) Paintings depict military battles, with parts of buildings destroyed.

The French Revolution brought a tidal wave of anti-monarchy anger. The revolutionaries didn't want a building that reminded them of kings. They changed it from a church to--I'll get to that. They renamed the building the Panthéon, since it had been modeled after the Pantheon in Rome.

(Describer) Large statues stand inside.

The massive interior is indeed breathtaking.

(Describer) A circular design is in the floor.

There are huge works of art recounting famous events from the country's history. This honors the heroes of the French Revolution. Speaking of revolutions, one of science's most famous experiments took place here in 1851.

(Describer) ...in another circle.

By suspending a pendulum-- a ball at the end of a wire attached to the ceiling-- Léon Foucault proved that the earth rotates.

(Describer) Huge columns stand across the entrance.

But what the Panthéon is most famous for is being a giant mausoleum. That's what you call a building that is basically a tomb.

(Describer) People walk out of a corridor inside.

Beneath the main floor are the final resting places for many of France's most prominent citizens. For example, the philosopher Voltaire is buried here. The great writers, Victor Hugo and Emile Zola, share a crypt. Hugo's is on the left, Zola's on the right. Carved above the entrance to the Panthéon are the words... ...which is literally true. For the longest time, the Panthéon's burial chambers were for men only. It wasn't until 1995 that a woman was so honored-- Marie Curie, the scientist famous for her work with radioactivity.

(Describer) Emily:

Interestingly, France wasn't Curie's homeland. She had been born in Poland, though she did eventually become a French citizen. For "Teen Kids News," I'm Emily. There's lots more ahead on "Teen Kids News." Don't go away. We'll be right back.

(Describer) Veronique:

Many teens may be putting their teeth at risk. Jacelyn tells us more. We see them on TV and drugstore shelves-- those little strips to whiten your teeth. But is that a good idea? Dr. Gerry Curatola teaches dental students to become dentists. Hi, Doc. Hi! Thanks for having me. It's great to have you. We all want nice, white teeth. Should we use those whitening strips? First let me say, anyone younger than 16 should not be using whitening products at all because these products make the enamel of your teeth porous. Your teeth are still developing younger than 16 years of age. They have large nerves. They may still be forming the roots. So damage could be done. All right. If you're over 16, what can you do? If you're older than 16, there are many options. I recommend you visit your dentist and consult with your parents as well for two types of systems that are most effective. Your dentist can whiten you in the office safely by isolating the gums and putting white gel on your teeth. Sometimes we use a light to activate this gel, which whitens the teeth. Another system which is very popular is the dentist taking a mold of your teeth and make this clear tray. A gel can be placed and it is worn at night while sleeping. Why are some people's teeth not as white as others'? Do they not brush properly? It has nothing to do with brushing. Most people that have yellower teeth actually may have a thinner layer of enamel on their teeth, allowing the dentin, underneath the enamel, to shine through, and that's yellower in color. Others may have taken antibiotics when they were younger, which can cause discoloration. There are lots of reasons why teeth are yellower that have nothing to do with brushing. Brushing is important because you remove surface stains of the teeth. But the natural color of your teeth could be due to many things. Fascinating. Dr. Curatola, once again, thank you so much. My pleasure. Now you know the truth about what not to put on your tooth. "Teeth" didn't rhyme.

(Describer) Hannah:

Not all snack foods are bad. New research shows some of our favorites actually have health benefits. For example, salsa, dark chocolate, and grass-fed beef jerky contain powerful proteins, great vitamins, and cancer fighters called antioxidants. That doesn't mean you should pig out. As the ancient Chinese saying goes, "Anything in excess is without virtue."

(Describer) A woman draws eyeliner on a girl as various pencils and lipsticks go by. Title: Teen Kids News Makeup Tips. Jackie:

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With makeup, a girl's best friend can be concealer. Makeup expert Jeanna Doyle offers this tip.

(Describer) With a model...

I always do the concealer last, because doing eye shadow, you'll have fall-out of color. Then you would have to remove that and reapply. So do concealer last. By the way, concealer isn't just for girls. More and more guys are using this cosmetic camouflage. Whether male or female, find a concealer that closely matches your skin tone. Avoid oil-based concealers that will block your pores. That'll make acne worse. Be sure to completely cleanse your face before bed. For "Teen Kids News," I'm Jackie.

(Describer) A Viewer Email says, 'I have been begging my daughter, who is 16 now, to watch the news sometimes to learn about current events in the world, but of course, she isn’t interested in watching the regular news show. I have always said I wish there was a teen news show on and I just discovered your news show today! Thanks! Gabrielle G.' Titles: Coming up, History of Barbecuing.

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(Describer) Spinning with the triangle and circle, title: Teen Kids News.

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(Describer) Daniella:

The barbeque is as American as apple pie. Yet it didn't originate in America. Most historians say that the barbeque was born in the Caribbean.

(Describer) Three tall ships cross the Atlantic.

As the story goes, Christopher Columbus discovered that the natives had a special way of cooking. Rather than roasting over a fire, they cooked by indirect heat, using green wood-- wood recently cut down. Since it's filled with moisture, green wood doesn't easily catch fire. The natives put meat on a layer of green wood, with hot coals underneath. The heat and smoke cooked the meat, adding a unique flavor in the process.

The natives called this barbacoa, "sacred fire pit." We call it barbeque, which means "delicious." This cooking style eventually made its way to the American colonies. Over the years, barbeque has evolved based on different regions of the country. In fact, there's actually a barbeque belt, where you can find four different styles of barbeque-- Carolina, Texas, Memphis, and Kansas City. By the way, what most people call barbequing really isn't. Throwing a hamburger on a backyard grill is grilling. To be a true barbeque, the meat needs indirect heat for several hours. Or as the experts say, "low and slow." That's what makes it so good. For "Teen Kids News," I'm Daniella.

(Describer) Veronique:

Hope you enjoyed this week's program. Join us next week for "Teen Kids News." Bye for now.

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(Describer) Titles: Director/Writer: Alan J. Weiss Producer: Marilou Yacoub Senior Editors: Rick Lavon, David Lauterbach Director of Photography: Sean Wilk Additional Writing: Deborah Gobble Copyright Eyewitness Kids News LLC, 2018Created by Executive Producers: Albert J. Primo, Alan J. Weiss Accessibility provided by the US Department of Education. Alan Weiss Productions

Accessibility provided by the U.S. Department of Education.