The classroom writing implement has roots in exploding stars, the French Revolution, the British crown jewels and Walden Pond. Trace The Remarkable History Of The Humble Pencil A class of ...

A class of fifth-graders from Green Acres Elementary in Lebanon, Ore., asked us to find out how pencil lead is made. That quest took us all the way back to the dawn of the universe and then all the ...

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today. Listen 3:51 Listen to the Story A ...