Scot Hoffman, age 9, of Piscataway, N.J., for his question:

HOW DOES A CAMERA TAKE PICTURES?

Cameras can be very    complicated with expensive lenses, focusing equipment and light meters. Its name comes from the Latin word meaning chamber.  The camera, basically, is a box which light cannot enter except for uncovering a pinhole or lens at one end. A device for holding a sensitive film is at the other end. Open the lens and a light image is produced on the film. Develop the film and you have a picture.