Blue Diamond 3:  Archived Current Events

 

The events below were used to teach current events during previous school years.

 

"Jet Man" to Set Flight Record Over English Channel

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/09/080924-jet-man.html

 

(Ferriter---September 25)

 

A Swiss pilot has designed a single wing jet pack that he is planning to use to fly across the English Channel.  While this current event is simply for fun, it can be used to teach movement because it is an attempt by humans to find ways to easily move from place to place----which could effect travel in the future.

 

Questions to use:

 

 

Which of the following best describes Swiss pilot Yves Rossy?

 

1. Irresponsible and Crazy
2. Satisfied and Content
3. Adventurous and Exciting
4. Timid and Shy.

 

 

 

'Eta' bomb kills Spanish officer

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7628555.stm

 

(Ferriter---September 24)

 

This article details a recent Eta bombing in the basque region of northern Spain.  In the most recent attack one police officer lost his life and another was seriously injured.  this was the third bomb to be detonated in recent days.  Eta has resumed it's violent campaign for independence, but Spainish Prime Minister Zapetero said Spain will not deal with gangs.

 

Eta is a terrorist group that is trying to argue for a free Basque region---an independent country in Northern Spain and Southern France.  They're determined to find independence because their region has unique languages and customs---and they were treated horribly in the 1960s by Spanish Dictator Franco.

 

This current event can be used to discuss the different ways that people go about seeking independence and protesting injustice.  The key question can be, "Is violence ever a good way to stand up to the government?"

 

Questions to use:

 

Which of the following best describe the mood of Prime Minister Zapatero?

 

1. Frustrated and Angry
2. Satisfied and Content
3. Calm and Respectful
4. Silly and Giddy

 

 

 

VIDEO: Huge Quake Lab Smashes Buildings

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/09/080922-quake-video-ap.html?source=rss

 

(Ferriter---September 23)

 

In an effort to predict the damage that earthquakes can cause to buildings, researchers in Japan have created a full size earthquake simulator.  This simulator can replicate earthquakes and test full size buildings.  It was developed after a major earthquake in Japan that destroyed many buildings that were thought to be "earthquake proof." 

 

This is an example of human-environment interaction.  Humans are trying to develop better systems to protect themselves from environmental disasters.

 

Questions to use:

 

Which of the following best describes the Japanese researchers?

 

1. frustrated and angry
2. interested and curious
3. carefree and relaxed
4. disappointed and sad

 

 

 

 

 

Based on the information in the selection which relationship is most similar to the relationship between ETA and Spain?

 

1. Tiger students to Salem Middle
2. People living in South Ossetia to Georgia
3. Al Queda to the World Trade Center
4. African migrants to Southern Europe

 

 

 

BBC NEWS | House made of recycled paper

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7617802.stm

 

(Ferriter---September 19)

 

In this current event, a Cypriot artist is trying to make a statement about the impact that humans have on their environment by building a house completely out of newspapers.  This article can be used to talk about human-environment interaction---one of the themes of geography---and to push the idea that humans have to be responsible for their waste.

 

Questions to use:

 

 

Based on the information in this selection, which relationship is the most similar to the relationship between newspapers and the viewers of the recycled house?

 

1. Brainpop's relationship to students on the Grizzlies.
2. A teacher's relationship to her students.
3. A plate boundary's relationship to volcanos
4. A baker's relationship to a cake.

 

 

 

 

Plate Tectonics Photos

http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/photos/plate-tectonics-gallery/virunga-mountains.html

 

(Ferriter---September 18)

 

 

A great collection of images demonstrating what happens at each of the different types of plate boundaries on earth.  Includes a picture along with a description of the type of boundary that each image sits on. Can be used to teach students about what each of the different plate boundaries looks like---and how plate boundaries often result in natural landforms like mountains, earthquakes and volcanos. 

 

Questions to use:

 

Based on the information in this selection, which relationship is the most similar to the relationship between plate boundaries and natural landforms like moutains, earthquakes and volcanos?

 

1. A cup's relationship to your hand.
2. A brain's relationship to your body.
3. Excercise's relationship to sweat.
4. A poodle's relationship to dogs. 

 

 

 

 

BBC NEWS | Bee mystery in Italy

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7613786.stm

 

(Ferriter---September 16)

 

An interesting video current event describing the collapse of bee colonies in Italy.  Describes the impact that pesticides have had on bee colonies---and the link between bee colonies and agriculture, one of Italy's primary sources of cash!

 

Can be used to introduce the idea of human-environment interaction.  In their attempts to get as many crops to market, farmers began using pesticides to control harmful insects.  As a result, they've started to harm the valuable insects too---and have actually decreased their potential to pollenate crops.

 

Questions to use:

 

Based on the information in this selection, which of the following relationships is most similar to the relationship of bees to the Italian farmers.

 

1. A doctor's relationship to his/her patients.
2. An older brother's relationship to his little brother.
3. A boxer's relationship to his opponent.
4. A teacher's relationship to his/her students.

 

 

 

 

Sicily mayor offers bargain homes

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7596341.stm

 

(Ferriter---September 15)

 

This article details the plan of the mayor of a small town (Salemi) in western Sicily, in which the town council will sell you a home in the historic district for one Euro.  The only hitch is that most of the homes are crumbling and falling apart and if you choose to buy a villa you must also promise to repair it to a certain standard.  It appears to be a popular idea and even rock stars like Peter Gabriel are interested in buying a villa.

 

 

Questions to use:

 

According to the article, "The idea is the brainchild of mayor Vittorio Sgarbi, convinced it is the only way to revitalise its crumbling historic heart."  Which of the following would be the best synonym for revitalise?

 

1. wrecked
2. purchase
3. rebuild
4. return

 

Which of the following best describes mayor Vitorio Sgarbi?

 

1. angry and bitter.
2. responsible and determined
3. fearful and lazy.
4. clever and tricky

 

 

 

 

Vesuvius Magma Chamber Rising; May Mean Milder Eruption

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/09/080910-vesuvius-eruption.html?source=rss

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2007/09/vesuvius/clark-photography

 

(Ferriter---September 11)

 

 

This article discusses research being done on by scientists on the magma chamber of Mt. Vesuvius.  By studying lava rocks, scientists have been able to determine that the magma chamber of Mt. Vesuvius has been slowly moving towards the surface, which will keep stored magma warmer.  Such a change will lead to less violent eruptions in the future---as opposed to eruptions of volcanos with magma chambers deep inside volcanos where magma is cool and viscous.

 

 

This current event can be used to study the implications that living near a volcano has for people.  Particularly interesting are pictures of the towns surrounding Vesuvius, which grew, in part, due to tourism.  While these cities have benefitted from living close to Vesuvius, some day they will have to live with the consequences of another eruption.

 

Questions to use:

 

Which of the following best describes the residents of Pompeii?

 

1. careless and foolish.
2. kind-hearted and thoughtful.
3. anxious and in constant danger.
4. outgoing and energetic.
    
    

 

 

 

 

BBC NEWS | Breaking the organ donor taboo

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7598743.stm

 

(Ferriter---September 9)

 

An interesting article on organ donations in Greece---a nation where very strong religious beliefs make it unlikely for people to donate their organs after suffering a fatal accident.  As a result, many people die while waiting for transplants.  Can be used to study the theme of place:  What makes a region unique or interesting.  In this case, a religion's beliefs against "destroying" a body after death is making it difficult to save lives. 

 

Questions to use:

 

 

Which experience is most similar to Costas Gribilas experience in this selection?

 

1. Finding an unexpected bit of money in your pocket after your mom does laundry.
2. Discovering that you have the ability to help a friend in need.
3. Failing to accomplish an important task.
4. Being surprised by a friend who helps you to solve a challenge you never thought you could solve. 

 

Which of the following best describes Oliver Zammit, the father who offered his son's organs for donation in Greece?

 

1. angry and bitter.
2. kind-hearted and thoughtful.
3. responsible and determined.
4. outgoing and energetic.

 

 

 

 

BBC NEWS | Spain's radical plan for migrants

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7568887.stm

 

(Ferriter---Sept. 8)

 

This current event talks about a new plan being tried out by the Spanish Government to deal with immigration:  They are offering immigrants about $28,000 to go back to their home countries and to promise not to return to Spain for 3 years. 

 

This can be used to talk about the ways that immigrants help societies (providing cheap labor and doing unwanted jobs), and the way that different countries respond to the challenges that new immigrants pose to societies (taking social services at higher rates).

 

Questions to use:

 

Which experience is most similar to Spain's experience with immigration in this selection?

 

1. Being afraid to talk to someone of a different language.
2. Earning attention for doing something really well.
3. Trying to support a friend who is struggling.
4. Working hard to solve a challenging problem. 

 

Which of the following best describes the Spanish government?

 

1. angry and bitter.
2. clever and somewhat tricky.
3. responsible and determined.
4. fearful and lazy.

 

 

Police 'beat' protestors in Burma

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7010000/newsid_7013600/7013640.stm

 

Burma---a country ruled by military leaders---is seeing its largest protests in years after the government doubled the price of gasoline.  Protesters---which include thousands of Buddhist monks who are widely respected in the country---are being arrested and beaten by the government.

 

Questions to use:

 

Based on this selection, what is most likely to happen next?

 

1. The country of China will invade to stop the riots.
2. The protests will end because the government ordered the protesters to stop.
3. The military junta will be overthrown and replaced.
4. The protesters will come to an agreement with the military government to improve the country. 

 

 

Spain begins anti-migration ads

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/7004139.stm

 

The country of Spain has started running commercials in Senegal to try to discourage immigrants from making the trip from Africa to the Canary Islands.

 

Questions to use:

 

Which experience is most similar to Spain's experience in this selection?

 

1. Being afraid to talk to someone of a different language.
2. Earning attention for doing something really well.
3. Trying to support a friend who is struggling.
4. Working hard to solve a challenging problem. 

 

Which of the following best describes the Spanish?

 

1. angry and bitter.
2. clever and somewhat tricky.
3. responsible and determined.
4. fearful and lazy.

 

What is the effect of setting on the characters and plot of this selection?

 

1. The immigrants will fear heading off to sea.
2. The immigrants will be excited about trying a new adventure.
3. The reader will better understand the concerns of the Spanish.
4. The reader will learn more about life in Africa. 

 

 

Nigerian Militants Call Off Truce

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7010028.stm

 

Mend, a militant group in Nigeria, has declared that they will resume attacks against government officials and oil industry operations in an effort to take control of the country's oil resources----which seldom get to the people of this poor African nation.

 

Questions to use:

 

Based on the information in this selection, which of the following relationships is most similar to the relationship of Mend to the Nigerian Government.

 

1. A doctor's relationship to his/her patients.
2. An older brother's relationship to his little brother.
3. A boxer's relationship to his opponent.
4. A farmer's relationship to his crops. 

 

Based on this selection, what will most likely happen next?

 

1. Mend will commit several violent attacks in the Niger Delta.
2. The people of Nigeria will support Mend's attacks against the government.
3. The government of Nigeria will fear Mend and stop stealing money.
4. American oil companies will leave Nigeria for safer countries. 

 

 

MAN ROWS GONDOLA TO ST PETER'S

http://www.lifeinitaly.com/news/news-detailed.asp?newsid=6675

 

An Italian man from the Northern city of Venice has rowed a small boat all the way to St. Peter's Square in Rome to draw attention to the needs of sick children in Africa.

 

Questions to use:

 

What is the effect of setting on the characters and plot of this selection?

 

1. The Adriatic made the task easier for Vittorio.
2. The deep sea adventure gives us insight into life in Italy.
3. The deep sea adventure makes the story more interesting for us.
4. The Adriatic made Vittorio's efforts harder because his boat is not made for ocean traffic.

 

 

How does the setting of this story affect the mood of the reader?

 

1. The reader feels the fear and bravery of Vittorio as he tackles his challenge
2. The reader is confused by Vittorio's decision because it is dangerous.
3. The reader learns to dislike Italians because they are selfish.
4. The reader learns that Italians are willing to take only small risks to help others. 

 

 

Head Trauma Contributed to Iceman's Demise

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/08/070831-iceman-death.html

 

The cause of death of an ancient iceman found in Italy has been identified by researchers.

 

 

How does the setting of the story affect the mood of the reader?

 

1. It adds mystery and interest to the reader.
2. It confuses the reader.
3. It helps the reader to understand the life of ancient peoples.
4. It makes the reader feel sympathy for Oetzi.

 

 

 

Which of the following best describes Oetzi?

 

1. a farmer or some sort of working man
2. an active walker, but not a working man
3. Italian researcher
4. an ancient killer

 

 Which experience is most similar to Albert Zink, the director of the Institute of Mummies, in this selection?

 

1. Learning a foreign language
2. Excitement after figuring out a very difficult math problem
3. Frustration at not knowing how to do a math problem
4. Going into a store and not having any money

 

 

 

Two Brits walk the coast of eastern Spain to raise funds for endangered species

 http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_12515.shtml

 

In this article details a fundraising walk set upon by two British men who want to raise money for the Iberian Imperial Eagle.

 

Question to use:

 

Based on the information in this selection, which of the following relationships is most similar to the relationship of the Brits to the Imperial Eagle:

 

1. A cook to his customers
2. A mother's to her child.
3. A police officer's to the members of his community.
4. A bully to his victim. 

 

Which of the following best describes the Brits?

 

1. Thoughtful and surprisingly caring.
2. Determined but ineffective.
3. Courageous and intelligent.
4. Smart but uninterested.

 

 

Leading Spanish bullfighter carries on after being gored

 

http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_12522.shtml

I think this one speaks for itself.

 

Questions to use:

 

Which of the following best describes bullfighter Cayetano Rivera Ordóñez's initial reaction to being gored by the bull?

 

1. Sorrow as he now had to kill the bull
2. Fear as he knew he was about to die
3. Quick-thinking as he applied a tourniquet and finished the fight
4. Happiness as he can now retire and not fight bulls anymore

 

 

How does the setting of this article affect the mood of the reader?

 

1. The reader understands the popularity and danger of modern bullfighting
2. The reader is confused by the foreign language
3. The reader feels happy for the matador
4. The reader learns Cayetano Rivera Ordóñez is the name of a bullfighter

 

 

Which of the following best describes Cayetano?

1. Nervous and weak.
2. Responsible but slow-witted.
3. Courageous and intelligent
4. Smart, but cowardly.

 

 

Bullfighter wiped out by mosquito

http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSL1416638320070914

 

Bullfighting News Website (complete with pictures of bullfights)

http://www.mundotoro.com/mundotoro/new/Home.asp

 

 

This article details the story of a bullfighter that was knocked out by a mosquito during a tour of Latin America.

 

 

Questions to use:

 

Based on information in this selection, which of the following relationships is most similar to the relationship of Jose to the mosquito:

 

1. A coach giving advice to a player.
2. A girl's relationship to her favorite pet.
3. A cashier's relationship to a customer in a store.
4. A theif's relationship to an innocent victim.

 

Which of the following best describes Jose's intital reaction to his illness?

 

1. Anger and dissappointment.
2. Complete confusion.
3. Understanding and patience.
4. Thankfulness and pride.

 

 

 

Playing Marbles

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4624334.stm

 

This is another article about the Elgin Marbles.  We're going to read the first section, which outlines the basic debate over who should own these ancient sculptures.

 

Question to use:

 

Based on this selection, what is most likely to happen next?

1. The British will realize that they were wrong and return the Elgin Marbles to Greece.
2. The EU will force the British to return the Elgin Marbles to the Greeks.
3. The Greeks will invade the United Kingdom to get the Elgin Marbles back.
4. The Greeks and the British will continue to fight over the Elgin Marbles. 

 

Which experience is most similar to the Greeks experience in this selection:

1. Being afraid to talk to someone of a different culture.
2. Playing a game with someone who is being unfair.
3. Trying to speak with someone who doesn't want to listen.
4. Losing an iPod and seeing another student using it on the bus. 

 

 

Fear and fury among the Marbles

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6986756.stm

 

This is a long article and I only read the first section with the students.  The article details a new film that was created to show what the Elgin Marbles would have looked like in their prime.  The Elgin Marbles are named after Lord Elgin, the British envoy to the Ottoman Empire.  He procured the marbles, which would have decorated the Parthanon in Athens and had them sent to the London Museum.  The Greeks now want them back and the British have said no repeatedly.

 

 

Based on the context of this sentence what does magazine mean:

"But the Parthenon was damaged catastrophically in 1687 when a Venetian army shelled the Acropolis and the Parthenon blew up - the Turkish garrison was using it as a powder magazine."?

 

1. a building or place for keeping military stores, as arms, ammunition, or provisions.
2. a publication that is issued periodically
3. a metal receptacle for a number of cartridges
4. a program with a varied format that combines interviews, commentary, entertainment, etc.

 

 

Iberian cat fight

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/markmardell/2007/09/iberian_cat_fight.html

 

This article is from a BBC blog and talks about the Iberian Lynx, which is most likely the most threatened cat in the world.  Fewer than 150 survive in the wild.

 

 question to use

 

Which of the following best describe Mark Mardell?

 

1. lazy and uninterested
2. caring and interested
3. boring and rude
4. conservationist and local government supporter

 

 

Based on the context of the text, what does the word enrage mean: "I have just learned that the European Commission is going to take action aimed at protecting one of the world's rarest big cats, the Iberian lynx, but the move may enrage locals in southern Spain."

 

1. Please
2. Puzzle
3. Anger
4. Disappoint

 

 

In pictures:  Sheep invade Madrid

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/6986222.stm

 

In this picture gallery a group of herdsmen and women from around the world have marched a group of sheep down a ritzy street in downtown Madrid.  The organized protest is in its 15th year and is meant to bring up the question of grazing rights versus urbanization.

 

Question to use:

 

How does the setting of this article affect the mood of the reader?

 

1. The reader feels small and cozy because of the setting
2. The reader feels the excitement and hustle of a large city
3. The reader gets lost because it is a foreign country
4. The reader feels happy because the sheep are silly