Problem: Article: Cut 2 pieces of cotton fabric, 2 pieces of cotton batting, and 1 piece of heat-resistant fleece. Set the template aside when you're done. You can use the same color/pattern for both cotton squares, or you can use different ones. For example, 1 piece could be solid-colored while the other could be patterned. Set 1 of your cotton squares on the table, right-side-down. Place the batting on top, followed by the fleece. Set the second piece of batting on top of that, followed by the second cotton square, right-side-up.  Stack the pieces in this order: fabric, batting, fleece, batting, fabric. The right side of the fabric is the same as the front. The wrong side is the back. Use a ruler and chalk to draw a diagonal line from the top-right to the bottom-left corner. Continue to draw parallel lines to either side of it until you reach the opposite corners. Repeat this process for the top-left and bottom-right corner. Consider using a different chalk color to make the lines easier to tell apart. Don't worry if the last set of lines are a little further than 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the corners. The bias tape will cover this up.
Summary: Use the template to cut your fabric, batting, and fleece. Stack the pieces, with the cotton on the outside and the rest in the middle. Draw diagonal lines, 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart, to make a quilted pattern.

Problem: Article: If you want to have a good reputation in middle school, pay attention and try to do well in every class you're in, even if it's something that doesn't come easily to you. Do your homework and turn in all of your assignments, and try not to daydream when the teacher is giving your lessons.  Being cool doesn't mean skipping school and failing tests, although you don't necessarily have to have the highest grade in your class, either. If you make a habit of breaking the rules, though, you'll have a reputation as a troublemaker, rather than a reputation for being cool. As a bonus, paying close attention in class might make your after-school assignments easier to finish, so you'll have more time to spend with your friends! The coolest people always seem to be the ones who have a great understanding of who they are. Think about what makes you unique—maybe you have a cool eye for fashion, are great at drawing, or you can run really fast. Then, look for ways to express those qualities. For instance, you might always wear unique, funky outfits if you're into fashion, you might draw illustrations for the school paper if you love art, or you might try out for the track team if you're a runner. When you're just starting to use social media, it can be hard to know how to use it without oversharing. Just remember that you can't take anything back once it's online, so keep your most personal business private, and don't share any pictures online that you would be embarrassed for everyone to see.  Also, don't share or post unkind comments about anyone, especially if you wouldn't say those things to that person's face. Internet bullying can be very hurtful, and it won't make you seem cooler. If you see online bullying, do your best to ignore it, even if it's directed at you. However, you can report the bullying, either online or to a parent or teacher. Keeping up with trends can help you seem like you know what's cool, so when you see a trend you like on TV, online, or at school, don't be afraid to try it out. You don't have to follow every trend that's out there—that will make you seem unoriginal. Just pick the ones you really like!  For instance, if you see your favorite celebrity wearing an awesome pair of sunglasses, you might look for a similar pair when you go shopping. If a lot of your friends wear baggy jeans, you might look for a pair of relaxed-fit jeans. However, going against trends can make you seem cool too, so if you want to wear skinny jeans instead, go for it! If it's possible, try to find clubs, sports, competitive teams, or other activities at your school that fit your personal interests or hobbies. Getting involved in after-school activities can be a great way to expand your social circle. Also, if you're busy with activities, you'll seem cooler than you would if you just went home every day.  For instance, if you're athletic, you might try out for your school's soccer, baseball, cheerleading, or dance team. If you love music, you might join the band or choir. If you're really great at math or science, you might join the robotics team. Don't join a club you don't really like just because you think it will be cool. For instance, if you're not into sports, cheerleading probably isn't a good fit for you, even if that seems like a good way to get popular.
Summary: Do your best in school. Embrace what makes you an individual. Use social media thoughtfully. Pay attention to trends. Join a club or team at your school.

Problem: Article: Make sure that the rack is in the upper third of the oven. Broiling is different from regular baking in that the heat comes from the top of the oven. Your s'mores will also be ready much faster. Place half of the broken graham crackers on a baking sheet, leaving a few inches/centimeters of space between each one. Set the rest aside for later. How many crackers you break depends on how many s'mores you want to eat. One graham cracker is enough to make one s'more. Make sure that you set them flat-side-down so that they  don't roll off. Keep the oven door cracked open and watch the marshmallows closely; things brown quickly in a broiler! They are ready when the marshmallows turn golden-brown. The best type of chocolate to use for s'mores are the type that you can break into smaller squares. You should be able to fit 2 to 4 squares on each s'more. Press down gently on the s'more to help seal everything together. This gives the chocolate enough time to soften up and turn gooey. It will also allow the marshmallows to cool down a little.
Summary: Preheat the broiler on your oven. Break some graham crackers in half. Place a marshmallow on each graham cracker half. Bake the s'mores for 45 to 75 seconds. Top each s'more with some plain chocolate. Top each s'more with another graham cracker half. Let the s'mores rest for 1 minute before eating them.

Problem: Article: You can buy aloe vera plants online or at a local greenhouse. To extract the gel, slice the plant straight down the middle of the leaf. Move the knife slowly to avoid slipping up and accidentally cutting yourself. Make sure to use a sharp knife, as it can be difficult to make a clean cut with a dull blade. Use a tablespoon to extract two tablespoons of aloe vera gel. Aim for the clear gel inside the leaf. There will be some yellowish gel near either end of the leaf. Do not gather this gel as you should only use clear aloe vera gel on your hair. Place the gel in a small container you can set in the shower, like a Tupperware container. Depending on the size of your plant, you may be able to get enough aloe vera gel from one leaf. However, if your plant is smaller, you may have to collect gel from another leaf until you have two tablespoons. When you shower, you can apply the gel when you would normally apply your conditioner. Work it into your hair, moving from the roots to the tips. Use it exactly how you would use your normal conditioner. For example, if you normally let conditioner sit in for a few minutes in the shower, do so. After apply the gel to your hair, rinse it out. Make sure to get all the gel out of your, especially the sticky bits. If you have a hair type that responds to aloe vera gel, your hair should be noticeably softer.
Summary:
Slice an aloe vera leaf. Remove the gel. Apply the gel in the shower. Rinse out the gel.