2nd Grade - Current Events and Books

Assignments

Science rules #1Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 8:29 pm

Mrs. IngleRead these Science stories and a comment on each.

Ms. Richards

Gluttonous Microbes Devour Gulf Oil

Not too long ago it seemed that the Gulf oil spill nightmare would never end - All of BP's efforts to stop the leak kept failing and even after they succeeded, experts fretted about the clean-up and the impact on the region's wildlife. Now, it seems nature has joined us in our clean-up efforts in the form of a gluttonous oil-eating bacteria.

A Week Of Uncanny Resemblances

This week, the news headlines have been bombarded with vegetables and animals bearing an uncanny resemblance to items from animated movies. First came the Shrek fish, then the Spud Trek and now, a carrot that resembles Buzz Lightyear!

Mind-Reading Machine Almost A Reality

A group of scientists at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, recently revealed that they may be really close to perfecting a machine that helps translate brain signals into words, a significant breakthrough that will allow severely paralyzed people to be able to communicate their thoughts clearly.

Video Of The Week - A New Human Domino Record

On August 14th, 10,267 Chinese nationals assembled in the Mongolian city of Ordos, to establish a new human domino record.

Too Tall To Go To School!

At 6ft-9inches tall, 14-year-old teen Elisany Silva, certainly stands high above the rest of her family and friends - Not surprising, given that she is currently one of the tallest teenagers in the world!

Cooking With Miranda - Fresh Berry Jam

Trying to hold on to the last remnants of summer fruit? What better way to do it than making delicious berry jam. You can use just strawberries or mix up all your favorite berries - Either way, it is delicious!

Ozone Layer On Its Way To Recovery

Given the constant barrage of grim press about global warming, it is nice to hear some positive news. Earlier this week, a newly released report indicated that our depleting Ozone layer is being replenished, a little faster than had been originally anticipated.

Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold - Have Scientists Finally Found The 'Goldilocks' Planet?

It's not too hot, not too cold, not too large, not too small, not too far from its star, not too close . . . . . . In short, it is perfect, should we dare say it? To harbor life! At least that's the opinion of two smart astronomers - And many others seem to agree with them.

Could Jellyfish Protein Power Nano Medical Devices?

Researchers at Sweden's Chalmers University of Technology, believe that protein from jellyfish may be a new source of energy - one that could aid medical science power nanotechnology devices (tools that can manipulate matter on a molecular or atomic scale).

Funky NewsSunday, July 25, 2010 at 5:40 pm

Mrs. IngleThis week is full of fun and wacky news from all around the world.

Read and be prepared to discuss next week.

Ms. Richards

'Green Slippers Please!'

What do you do when a little baby bird is born with curled toes - buy it a pair of bright green slippers of course! At least that's what happened at Paradise Park, a wildlife sanctuary for endangered birds in Cornwall.

Atacama Desert - The World's Driest Desert

While deserts are by definition, places where rain is scarce, there is only one area on this earth - the central portion of Chile's Atacama Desert, where it never ever rained - at least since humans started keeping a record - about 400 years ago!

World's Biggest Skateboard = One Giant Wipeout!

How many people does it take to ride a skateboard? Think the answer is obvious? Not so, when you are trying to steer a 36 feet 7 inches long skateboard that is 9 feet wide and weighs nearly 3,800 pounds, and, is officially the World's Largest Skateboard!

Asian Elephant 'Toys' Around With Lizards

Madhuri, an Asian Elephant that resides in India's Corbett National Park has figured out a new way to keep herself entertained - Getting hold of live lizards and tossing them around like toys - for days on end!

The Countdown To Abu Dhabi's Ferrari World Has Begun

The countdown to one of the most world's most anticipated theme parks has begun - In 98 days on October 28th, 2010, Abu Dhabi's Yas Island will be home to the world's first Ferrari theme park and, just like the car, it promises to be fast and furious!

The World's Biggest Commuter Is - A Tiny Seabird!

While almost all birds migrate between seasons, few take it as seriously as the Arctic Tern, a small seabird that flies a distance of between 70,000 - 81,600 km annually, from its breeding grounds in the Arctic to its winter home in the Antarctic.

Funny SunnyTuesday, July 20, 2010 at 10:02 pm

Mrs. IngleRead all 5 articles and write comments about:

where it happened in the world
what did you like about it 



Ms. Richards

The Badwater Ultramarathon - Not Your Ordinary Jog In The Park!

Described as the 'World's toughest foot race', the Badwater Ultramarathon spans 135 miles, starting at Badwater Basin in  California's Death Valley and ending at the foot of Mt. Whitney.

Etch A Sketch Art Anyone?

Anyone who has played with an ‘Etch A Sketch’  knows how hard it is to draw on, let alone save the creation. However, Cleveland-based artist George Vlosich III, has not only figured out how to make his etches permanent, but also, sell them for thousands of dollars.

Atacama Desert - The World's Driest Desert

While deserts are by definition, places where rain is scarce, there is only one area on this earth - the central portion of Chile's Atacama Desert, where it never ever rained - at least since humans started keeping a record - about 400 years ago!

Asian Elephant 'Toys' Around With Lizards

Madhuri, an Asian Elephant that resides in India's Corbett National Park has figured out a new way to keep herself entertained - Getting hold of live lizards and tossing them around like toys - for days on end!

Rare Primate Caught On Camera For the First Time

It took the researchers from the Zoological Society of London, 200 hours to find this elusive creature, but in the end, it was well-worth it! For they managed to do what nobody else has every done before - take amazing pictures of the Horton Plains Slender Loris, last seen in 1939 and thought to be long extinct!

international Edition #1Saturday, June 12, 2010 at 7:56 pm

Mrs. IngleRead and summarize all the stories from an international perspective.  Do some extra research about the locations and write a couple of specific things about that place.

We will discuss this on Thursday.

Happy Reading

Ms. Richards

B.C. Unicyclist Takes On World Class Bicyclists

Over the last 23 years, world-renowned unicyclist Kris Holm has ridden his single-wheeled bicycle all over the world, across all kinds of terrain. Now, the 36-year old Canadian is preparing for his biggest challenge yet - The B.C. Bike Race (BCBR), a multi-day mountain biking race, featuring some of the world's best bicyclists.

Save The Beaches- A 'Trashy' Hotel With A Message

This week, visitors to Rome's iconic Coliseum will be treated to an unusual sight. Right across the monument is a brand new hotel - built entirely out of beach trash!

The Leaning Tower Of Abu Dhabi?

Earlier this year, Dubai, stunned the world with the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. Now Abu Dhabi, the capital and second largest city in the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled another architectural miracle - One that leans an astounding 18 degrees or more than four times the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

'Jabulani' - The World Cup's Unsung Hero!

Every athlete knows that the key to success is talent, hard work and . . . . Having the right equipment. Swimmers seek out suits that allow them to zip like rockets, while tennis players look for the lightest, most powerful racquets. It is therefore not surprising that in soccer it's all about the ball - In this case Jabulani, the official ball of the 2010 World Cup.

B.C. Unicyclist Takes On World Class Bicyclists

Over the last 23 years, world-renowned unicyclist Kris Holm has ridden his single-wheeled bicycle all over the world, across all kinds of terrain. Now, the 36-year old Canadian is preparing for his biggest challenge yet - The B.C. Bike Race (BCBR), a multi-day mountain biking race, featuring some of the world's best bicyclists.

Save The Beaches- A 'Trashy' Hotel With A Message

This week, visitors to Rome's iconic Coliseum will be treated to an unusual sight. Right across the monument is a brand new hotel - built entirely out of beach trash!

The Leaning Tower Of Abu Dhabi?

Earlier this year, Dubai, stunned the world with the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. Now Abu Dhabi, the capital and second largest city in the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled another architectural miracle - One that leans an astounding 18 degrees or more than four times the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

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