IDEAS (February '12)
Synopses and Activity Ideas
1. The Fall of Singapore: 70 years after [pgs 5-11]
We remember [pg 5] A team of young adults has created a board game to keep alive the Malay Regiment story.
Never again [pg 6] DPM Teo Chee Hean talks about how his family, like so many others, suffered when the Japanese invaded. And, hence, the importance of total defence.
Ghosts of war [pg 7] Places full of war memories - Changi Chapel & Museum, Bukit Chandu and Labrador Nature Reserve.
Trade and talk [pg 8] Germany and Japan have benefitted more through trade than war. And, water agreements have enabled countries to peacefully share rivers such as the Mekong, Nile and Danube.
The Long Peace [pg 9] Some call this era The Long Peace. Reasons range from nuclear-bomb phobia to humans having evolved into more peace-loving beings.
Is war ever right? [pg 10] History once glorified war but now we see it as justifiable only as a last resort. Even then, the Geneva Conventions should apply.
The enemy is hatred [pg 11] Why war stories need to be told and how they may contribute to the healing. Also, An amazing friendship between the mothers of a 9/11 terrorist and the mother of a 9/11 victim.
We remember [pg 5] A team of young adults has created a board game to keep alive the Malay Regiment story.
Never again [pg 6] DPM Teo Chee Hean talks about how his family, like so many others, suffered when the Japanese invaded. And, hence, the importance of total defence.
Ghosts of war [pg 7] Places full of war memories - Changi Chapel & Museum, Bukit Chandu and Labrador Nature Reserve.
Trade and talk [pg 8] Germany and Japan have benefitted more through trade than war. And, water agreements have enabled countries to peacefully share rivers such as the Mekong, Nile and Danube.
The Long Peace [pg 9] Some call this era The Long Peace. Reasons range from nuclear-bomb phobia to humans having evolved into more peace-loving beings.
Is war ever right? [pg 10] History once glorified war but now we see it as justifiable only as a last resort. Even then, the Geneva Conventions should apply.
The enemy is hatred [pg 11] Why war stories need to be told and how they may contribute to the healing. Also, An amazing friendship between the mothers of a 9/11 terrorist and the mother of a 9/11 victim.
2. Making memories again [pgs 12-13]]
Photohoku, a project in Japan, helps disaster survivors recreate family photo albums. Side panel explains what portmanteau words are.
Fantasy Art [pg 13] shows how artist Patricia Piccinini's life-like, bizarre sculptures challenge stereotypes about beauty.
Photohoku, a project in Japan, helps disaster survivors recreate family photo albums. Side panel explains what portmanteau words are.
Fantasy Art [pg 13] shows how artist Patricia Piccinini's life-like, bizarre sculptures challenge stereotypes about beauty.
Beauty vs Utility
English & Art, level 3
English & Art, level 3
3. US soldiers pull off bold night-time rescue [pg 14]
The daring rescue of two American hostages in Somalia by the US elite force of Navy SEALs.
The daring rescue of two American hostages in Somalia by the US elite force of Navy SEALs.
4. Food court with a mission [pg 15]
The stalls at Dignity Kitchen, a food court in Kaki Bukit, are run by people with disabilities and others from disadvantaged backgrounds. Read about how their "Children Working with Disabled" and "Hawker For A Day" programmes are helping break down stereotypes about people with disabilities.
The stalls at Dignity Kitchen, a food court in Kaki Bukit, are run by people with disabilities and others from disadvantaged backgrounds. Read about how their "Children Working with Disabled" and "Hawker For A Day" programmes are helping break down stereotypes about people with disabilities.
5. Closer and closer views of Mars [pg 17]
Part 2 of our Curiosity series informs about the progression from early fly-by missions to orbiters, landers and rovers. Curiosity is the most advanced mission to Mars in 50 years of exploration.
Part 2 of our Curiosity series informs about the progression from early fly-by missions to orbiters, landers and rovers. Curiosity is the most advanced mission to Mars in 50 years of exploration.
6. Charles Dickens: From 12-year-old factory worker to bestselling author [pgs 18-19]
Local playwright Ng Yi-Sheng pays tribute to one of English literature's greatest writers on the occasion of his 200th birthday.
Local playwright Ng Yi-Sheng pays tribute to one of English literature's greatest writers on the occasion of his 200th birthday.
7. Secret cameras to capture nature's secrets [pg 19]
WWF's camera traps are helping scientists to study rare and secretive species. Top Shots [pg 20] shares some of the spectacular photos captured by camera traps in the wild.
WWF's camera traps are helping scientists to study rare and secretive species. Top Shots [pg 20] shares some of the spectacular photos captured by camera traps in the wild.
8. Cool It Down! How to Disagree [pg 21]
This month's installment gives a step-by-step approach to expressing one's views without upsetting others. Except when in danger, the key is to be kind and polite even when disagreeing.
This month's installment gives a step-by-step approach to expressing one's views without upsetting others. Except when in danger, the key is to be kind and polite even when disagreeing.
One Thumb Down for What's Up
English & CCE, level 2
English & CCE, level 2