Current Events Reading - America's Favorite Giant Panda Celebrates First Birthday

Article Comprehension:

Every animal turns one so why was Bao Bao's first birthday so special?

While first birthdays are always special, this one was even more so, given that only one other giant panda born at the National Zoo, Bao Bao's brother Tai Shan, has survived to celebrate this all-important milestone.

How did the zookeepers celebrate it?

In keeping with ancient Chinese tradition, the party commenced with the young panda being offered a choice of three honey-dipped bamboo shoots. Next to each, was a colorful hand-painted poster labeled 'Long Life,' 'Good Health' and 'Many Cubs'. Given that the panda's first choice is believed to predict its future, it was fortunate that Bao Bao immediately gravitated to the'Long Life' bamboo.

They also made her a tiered cake that was crafted from frozen diluted apple juice and dyed various shades of pink, with beet juice. Frozen in between, were slices of Bao Bao's favorite fruits - apples and pears. Flower appliques carved from carrots and sweet potatoes adorned the top and a large number '1', carved from frozen apple juice, completed the perfect treat. Like any one-year-old, Bao Bao attacked his birthday cake with a vengeance and kept it in a tight embrace, until it was all gone.

What are some of the things Bao Bao has learnt during his first year?

The smart panda who now weighs a healthy 44lbs, has even learnt to respond to her name and stand tall on the scale, during her monthly weigh-ins.

What are some of the things in store for her before she turns two?

As the year progresses, she will gradually stop drinking her mother's milk and then just like pandas in the wild, move away from 'home', which in Bao Bao's case means shifting to a separate enclosure. Of course, this will only be a temporary home.

 

Dangerous Decibels

Dangerous Decibels

25.8.14

Today I did Dangerous Decibels with the teacher Toni. She talked to us about our ears and she taught me lots of interesting facts about Decibels.

 I learnt that lots of different sounds like bass drum and MP3 can effect your hearing which is not good for when you need to listen. I also learnt that 85 dB are the safe levels and 130 dB can cause an instant hearing loss. 

 I enjoyed experimenting the tuning fork because I liked the funny sound that it made when you hit it lightly against the floor and put next to your ear, but not on your ear because it will damage your hearing and it would hurt. 

Here are some facts you may did not know: 

Up to 85 dB are safe levels. 90-120 dB may result in hearing loss. At 125 dB + pain can begin. 

130 + can cause instant hearing loss.

Current Events - Mining Cavern Transforms Into World's Largest Underground Trampoline Park

Article Comprehension:

How is Bounce Below different from other trampoline parks?

It is different because Bounce Below is underground, other trampoline parks are in buildings above the ground. Also Bounce Below have to wear overalls and safety helmets they then embark on an old mine train for the short ride into the mountain, Which other trampoline parks do not have have. They also have a mind-blowing 60-foot plunge, as well as, chutes and ladders. They can also experience some of the other fun activities offered by its parent company, Zip World. Other Trampoline parks don't have that either.

What are some of the things visitors will experience at Bounce Below?

They can experience jumping on a giant trampoline that is underground. Also they get to experience the plunge that is a mind-blowing 60-foot drop. As well as, chutes and ladders. 

What are the two zip lines called?

The two Zip Lines are Velocity or Titan that lie within 45 minutes of each other. As you may have guessed, neither is ordinary.

What is special about each one?

Velocity the mile-long, which stands 500 feet above the ground is not just Northern Hemisphere's longest zip line, but also, its fastest, allowing daredevils to fly across at speeds exceeding 100mph.

With over 8km of zip lines, the newly opened Titan is no slouch either. Besides being the largest of its kind in Europe, it is also the first in the world to feature four lines, side-by-side. This means that families and friends can experience the thrill of flying across at 70mph, simultaneously! And they are not done yet. Zip World is now focusing its efforts on building the world's first underground zip line - So stay tuned!

Word Search:

Maui And The Giant Fish Animation

Homework Challenges: Excellence In The Arts

Learn an instrument or craft or join a dance school/team during the year:

I have joined the Jump Jam team this term. I had to do two trials. Mrs Stell (teacher) would choose out 40 people for the first trial. I got picked out of that 40. Then we had to do a second trial and I also got picked. There are 8 people in the Jump Jam team. I love the Jump Jam team, we all get along well. We all love dancing. I can't wait till the competitions! 

Homework Challenges: Physical Activity And The Outdoors

Compete in a sport for an entire season:

I have played Netball for the last two terms. I love playing netball because Netball is fun and energetic. I started to play Netball at Primary year 4 and I love it that is why I am still playing. The reason I play Netball is because my oldest sister's play Netball so then I used to practise with them at home, my sisters taught me. I went to all of their Netball games which made me think every time I went that I would a Netball player, maybe even a famous Netball player. I have been ever since out in my backyard practising, because I am my teams shooter I have to do 100 goals everyday. All my sister's and I, even my mum love playing Netball, we all have played Netball and are in top teams.