Current Events

Find out what Current Events are happening this week from IST Grade 2…

What is a Current Event? A Current Event is something that is happening somewhere in the world NOW! Current Events are news stories that include a title, author, and date of publication. Grade 2 students are doing more than just looking up information, they are asking, “What is happening in our world TODAY?”

Each week two students choose an article to present from newspapers, magazines and Internet sites. Students read the article and then use our Current Events Note Taking Form to answer questions like Who, What, When, Where and Why. Students include their opinion about the article and then present their information to the rest of the class.

This week Aryan shared with us an article titled Costa Passengers Describe Panic As Cruise Ship Crashed Into Pier from USAToday online.

Aryan stated that, “On the 7th of May in Egypt, a cruise ship crashed into a pier. There were holes on one side of the ship so the captain turned the ship so it would not sink.”

Aryan continued by stating, “I think this article is important because three people died and three other people got hurt.” He also shared with the class, “I wouldn’t want to go on a cruise ship because it might crash.”

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Faris shared with the class an article titled, Earth-Friendly Fabrics from Science News For Kids online.

Faris told the class, “This article is about companies that make fabric out of bamboo and corn. People began to understand the need to protect the environment. They started new ways of making fabric using natural products that are easily replaced.”

Faris shared the following facts, “Bamboo fabric is made in the USA, Canada, China, India, Taiwan and Turkey. Corn fabric is made in the USA and China.” Faris continued by saying, “I think this article is important because we need to save our planet Earth and to keep the environment clean and healthy.” He concluded his presentation by saying, “I was surprised to learn that fabric is made this way and I think this is good for the environment.”

Faris used the following slide presentation to share information about his article.

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Thank you Aryan and Faris for presenting your articles to the class. Both students answered questions and accepted constructive feedback from their audience at the conclusion of their presentation.

Current Events

Find out what Current Events are happening this week from IST Grade 2…

What is a Current Event? A Current Event is something that is happening somewhere in the world NOW! Current Events are news stories that include a title, author, and date of publication. Grade 2 students are doing more than just looking up information, they are asking, “What is happening in our world TODAY?”

Each week two students choose an article to present from newspapers, magazines and Internet sites. Students read the article and then use our Current Events Note Taking Form to answer questions like Who, What, When, Where and Why. Students include their opinion about the article and then present their information to the rest of the class.

This week Koby shared with us an article titled Boy, 7, Saves Family by Dialing 911 from Social Studies for Kids online.

Koby explained to the class that, “A seven year old boy named Carlos made an emergency phone call by dialing 911 to save his parents from armed robbers.”

Koby felt that this article was important because, “It shows how emergency numbers such as 911 are useful.” Koby finished his presentation by stating, “If people are being robbed, we should help them by also calling 911.”

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Diya shared with the class an interesting and a bit scary article titled, Girl Survives Sting by World’s Deadliest Jellyfish from the Telegraph online.

Diya stated that, “Rachel Shardlow, a 10 year old Australian girl, survived after being stung extensively by Box Jellyfish. She was swimming in the Calliope River in Queensland, Australia when the Box Jellyfish stung her. Her brother pulled her to the shore where she became unconscious for half an hour.” Diya continued by saying, “She was treated for six weeks. She suffered short term memory loss and she developed scars of the tentacles on her limbs.”

Diya explained to the class that this article is important because, “People stung by Box Jellyfish can die within three minutes! Rachel’s survival will give scientists clues as to how they can help other people who are stung by the Box Jellyfish.” Diya finished her presentation stating, “I think it is a miracle the Rachel is still alive even though she was badly stung by the deadly Box Jellyfish.”

Diya used the following slides to share information about her article and teach us more about the Box Jellyfish.

For more information about Box Jellyfish:

National Geographic – Box Jellyfish
ThinkQuest – Poisonous Plants and Animals

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Thank you Koby and Diya for presenting your articles to the class. Both students answered questions and accepted constructive feedback from their audience at the conclusion of their presentation.

Current Events

Find out what Current Events are happening this week from IST Grade 2…

What is a Current Event? A Current Event is something that is happening somewhere in the world NOW! Current Events are news stories that include a title, author, and date of publication. Grade 2 students are doing more than just looking up information, they are asking, “What is happening in our world TODAY?”

Each week two students choose an article to present from newspapers, magazines and Internet sites. Students read the article and then use our Current Events Note Taking Form to answer questions like Who, What, When, Where and Why. Students include their opinion about the article and then present their information to the rest of the class.

This week Said shared with us an article titled Portsmouth Into FA Cup Final from CBBC – Newsround online.

Said explained to the class that he LOVES football. We as a class discovered the following about the FA Cup from Wikipedia.com:

“The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football, run by and named after The Football Association. The name “FA Cup” usually refers to the English men’s tournament, although a women’s tournament is also held. The FA Cup was first held in 1871–72, and is the oldest association football competition in the world.“

Said reported, “Portsmouth is a football team in England. This football team sometimes loses when playing against other teams. However, they have made it to the finals even though the Portsmouth club is losing money.” Said continued by stating, “My opinion is that Portsmouth should not give up because of money when they are in a match.”

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Aliyah shared with the class a popular article titled, Volcano Eruption in South Iceland from BBC News online.

Aliyah started her presentation by explaining, “A volcano in Iceland erupted causing a lot of different effects to the environment and people of Iceland and the whole world!”

Aliyah created posters and a slide presentation to explain her news article and to teach us more about volcanoes; how and why they erupt.

She concluded her presentation by saying, “About 500 people were moved away from their homes, to keep protected. All flights were stopped and roads were closed. Ash from the volcano has reached as far as all over Europe, which is why flights are canceled. People are stranded in different countries and can not fly home! Volcanic ash has endangered animals and farmers too because the smoke and dust from the ash can be poisonous and affect plants and food.”

For more information about Volcanoes:
Weather Wiz Kids – Lots of interesting information about volcanoes
Discovery Kids Volcano Explorer – Learn about volcanoes and what happened in Pompeii
National Geographic: Quiz Your Noodle – See what you know about volcanoes
Scholastic Volcano Lab – Test your volcano knowledge
Natural History Museum – Answer questions to build a volcano

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Thank you Said and Aliyah for presenting your articles to the class. Both students answered questions and accepted constructive feedback from their audience at the conclusion of their presentation.

Current Events

Find out what Current Events are happening this week from IST Grade 2…

What is a Current Event? A Current Event is something that is happening somewhere in the world NOW! Current Events are news stories that include a title, author, and date of publication. Grade 2 students are doing more than just looking up information, they are asking, “What is happening in our world TODAY?”

Each week two students choose an article to present from newspapers, magazines and Internet sites. Students read the article and then use our Current Events Note Taking Form to answer questions like Who, What, When, Where and Why. Students include their opinion about the article and then present their information to the rest of the class.

This week Edward shared with us an article titled Swarms of Locusts Hit Australia from CBBC – Newsround online.

Edward reported, “About two weeks ago, locusts (an insect that looks like a big grasshopper) landed in Longreach Australia and they ate all the plants and crops!” Edward continued by stating, “People lost their food and even other insects can’t find food! I think this article was fascinating and interesting. I didn’t know locusts could eat so much.”

Here are a few places where you can learn more about locusts:
National Geographic – Animals/Bugs/Locusts
Pitara Kid’s Network – Why do locust swarm?

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Bertha shared with the class an article titled, Schoolboy to Climb Mount Everest from CBBC – Newsround online.

Bertha started her presentation by explaining, “A 13 year old boy is planning to make history by becoming the youngest person ever to climb the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest.” Bertha continued by saying, “This article is important because it’s the first time a child has ever climbed this high. I think that this boy, Jordan, is very courageous to attempt to climb Mount Everest.”

Bertha concluded her presentation with the following slide presentation quiz for the class.

For more information about Mount Everest:
Scholastic – Learn about Sir Edmund Hillary
National Geographic Kids – Quiz Your Noodle about Mt. Everest
Panoramas.dk – 360 degree photo of Mount Everest

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Thank you Edward and Bertha for presenting your articles to the class. Both students answered questions and accepted constructive feedback from their audience at the conclusion of their presentation.

Current Events

Find out what Current Events are happening this week from IST Grade 2…

What is a Current Event? A Current Event is something that is happening somewhere in the world NOW! Current Events are news stories that include a title, author, and date of publication. Grade 2 students are doing more than just looking up information, they are asking, “What is happening in our world TODAY?”

Each week two students choose an article to present from newspapers, magazines and Internet sites. Students read the article and then use our Current Events Note Taking Form to answer questions like Who, What, When, Where and Why. Students include their opinion about the article and then present their information to the rest of the class.

This week Aryan shared with us an article titled The Killer-Whale Attack at SeaWorld: How It Happened from Time online.

Aryan said, “There was a terrible accident that happened at Sea World in Orlando, Florida. Tillikum, the killer whale, pulled his trainer Dawn to the bottom of the pool by her ponytail. He held her underwater and she died.” Even though this was a shocking news story, Aryan went on to explain, “Dawn was a trainer at Sea World and she died. This teaches us that wild animals are wild and not safe. I think it is sad that the best trainer died.”

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Noah shared with the class an article titled, Snake Caught Attacking Dinosaur—First Fossil Proof from National Geographic Daily News online.

Noah explained to the class, “Some scientists found the fossil of a snake eating a baby dinosaur!” Noah continued by saying, “This dinosaur was eaten 67 million years ago! I think the scientists worked hard to find these fossils. Fossils help us to learn more about nature.”

Thank you Aryan and Noah for presenting your articles to the class. Both students answered questions and accepted constructive feedback from their audience at the conclusion of their presentation.

Current Events

Find out what Current Events are happening this week from IST Grade 2…

What is a Current Event? A Current Event is something that is happening somewhere in the world NOW! Current Events are news stories that include a title, author, and date of publication. Grade 2 students are doing more than just looking up information, they are asking, “What is happening in our world TODAY?”

Each week two students choose an article to present from newspapers, magazines and Internet sites. Students read the article and then use our Current Events Note Taking Form to answer questions like Who, What, When, Where and Why. Students include their opinion about the article and then present their information to the rest of the class.

This week Lucca shared with us an article titled Une Nouvelle Espèce de Léopard (A New Species of Leopard) from lesclesjunior online. Lucca explained to the class that this article is about a new species of leopard that has recently been discovered in Borneo.

Lucca said, “I think this article is important because it is rare to find new species of plants and animals. It is very important for our planet to discover new species.”

At home, Lucca spent time creating colorful posters to share information and pictures with the class during his presentation. Lucca also shared the following video as well.

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Aidan shared with the class an article titled, Triple Fossil Find Puts Australia Back On The Dinosaur Map from Science Daily online.

Aidan explained to the class, “Scientists have found three new dinosaur fossils in Queensland, Australia.” Aidan continued by saying, “I think this article is important because lots of people have worked hard to find these fossils and it is cool to know that there are new species of dinosaurs being discovered.”

Thank you Lucca and Aidan for presenting your articles to the class. Both students answered questions and accepted constructive feedback from their audience at the conclusion of their presentation.

Current Events

Find out what Current Events are happening this week from IST Grade 2…

What is a Current Event? A Current Event is something that is happening somewhere in the world NOW! Current Events are news stories that include a title, author, and date of publication. Grade 2 students are doing more than just looking up information, they are asking, “What is happening in our world TODAY?”

Each week two students choose an article to present from newspapers, magazines and Internet sites. Students read the article and then use our Current Events Note Taking Form to answer questions like Who, What, When, Where and Why. Students include their opinion about the article and then present their information to the rest of the class.

This week Koby shared with us an article titled Blue Peter Star Sets World Record from the CBBC Newsround online. Koby explained to the class that, “Helen Skelton was trying to break the world record by kayaking down the Amazon River on her own.” Koby stated that he felt this article is important because, “Helen broke the World record to be the first woman to kayak the longest distance in a day!” Koby also shared his opinion of this article stating, “I think it would be fun to break a World record. Helen is brave, I hope she will continue to break more World records.”

Daniel shared with the class information from three articles about the devastating flooding happening in Madeira, Portugal. The articles he shared were titled Madeira Floods and Mudslides Kill 32, Portugal Rushes Aid to Madeira After Deadly Floods and Briton Killed as Flash Floods Devastate Madeira from BBC News online.

Daniel explained to the class that there has been a major flood happening in Madeira since last Saturday, 20 February, 2010. Madeira is an island in the Atlantic Ocean. Daniel stated his opinion, “These articles are important because at least 23 people died and at least 100 people are homeless. I think these article are sad news.” Daniel shared his information with the class in a serious manner. He chose to sit at the floor with his friends to help communicate the sad news of life lost.

Map image from the World Atlas online.

Students made numerous connections to other weather related disasters including our recent current event presentations about flooding in Mexico and Haiti.

Thank you Koby and Daniel for presenting your informative articles. Both students answered questions and accepted positive feedback from their audience at the conclusion of their presentation.

Current Events

Find out what Current Events are happening this week from IST Grade 2…

What is a Current Event? A Current Event is something that is happening somewhere in the world NOW! Current Events are news stories that include a title, author, and date of publication. Grade 2 students are doing more than just looking up information, they are asking, “What is happening in our world TODAY?”

Each week two students choose an article to present from newspapers, magazines and Internet sites. Students read the article and then use our Current Events Note Taking Form to answer questions like Who, What, When, Where and Why. Students include their opinion about the article and then present their information to the rest of the class.

This week Edward shared with us an article titled Snow Storms Cause Chaos in US from the CBBC Newsround online. Edward explained to the class that Washington DC, the United States capital, has been experiencing heavy snow storms this year. Many schools are closed and people are without electricity because of the 139 cm of snow fall so far this year. Edward shared his opinion with the class, “This article is interesting because this is the most snow Baltimore has ever had!”

Talin shared with the class two articles about the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver BC Canada. The first article she shared was titled The Olympic Games from Enchanted Learning online. Talin used this article to give the class a brief introduction to the history of the Olympic Games. She explained, “We have just started another Olympic season. The torch has been lit and the games have begun!” Talin not only dressed for the occasion but she was also able to share the Olympic Torch experience with the class.

Talin also shared with the class another article titled, Who Are The 2010 Winter Olympics Mascots? from Helium online. Talin created a poster to display and help explain the 2010 Olympic mascots. She introduced us to each character, explaining their purpose and personalities. She also included a short Flash animation movie about the Olympic mascots from the official Vancouver 2010 Olympics website in her presentation.

When asked by her classmates why Talin chose these articles, she responded, “I love sports and I want to be participating in the Olympic Games.”

Thank you Edward and Talin for presenting your informative articles. Both students answered questions and accepted positive feedback from their audience at the conclusion of their presentation.

Current Events

Find out what Current Events are happening this week from IST Grade 2…

What is a Current Event? A Current Event is something that is happening somewhere in the world NOW! Current Events are news stories that include a title, author, and date of publication. Grade 2 students are doing more than just looking up information, they are asking, “What is happening in our world TODAY?”

Each week two students choose an article to present from newspapers, magazines and Internet sites. Students read the article and then use our Current Events Note Taking Form to answer questions like Who, What, When, Where and Why. Students include their opinion about the article and then present their information to the rest of the class.

This week Yusra shared with us an article titled Boy, 10, Enrolls in College from Social Studies for Kids online.

Yusra explained that a 10 year old boy, Alex Jaeger, is going to start college. He learned many things and very quickly. In fact, the more Alex learned, the more he liked to learn! Yusra shared her opinion with the class, “If people have knowledge and they like to learn they will be better at Reading and Writing.”

Diya shared with the class an article titled Mexico Flooding Kills At Least 33, Government Says from CNN online edition.

Diya shared with the class, “The flood in Mexico has harmed many cities and their people. Freak winter rains hit Mexico badly. 33 people died due to drowning, sickness and people have no drinkable water or food. 3500 people have become homeless. Many were killed in mudslides and many people are missing. The government has told schools to remain closed. The government has promised food, medicine and shelter for people.”

Diya also stated, “It is a natural disaster affecting people, animals, plants and the whole country! These types of floods are happening due to global warming and climate change.” Diya concluded by saying, “In the last few months there have been many floods in Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, South Africa, Australia and California. The reason being is Global Warming! We should save the Earth by taking care of it!”

Diya did an outstanding presentation for the class. She created a poster with various information that she researched about Global Warming and floods. She also created the following slide presentation for the class.

Diya also showed the class the following video from Reuter’s online, Mexico Flood Alert Report Feb 5 – Mexican authorities declare emergency in Mexico City as torrential rainfall causes severe floods. Diya used the video without the sound. She narrated and commented throughout the entire video clip explaining what was happening.

Diya was well prepared and presented with confidence. When asked by one of her classmates, “How long did it take you to prepare for this presentation?” Diya replied, “Oh, you have no idea how many hours I spent creating this AND my mom refused to help me!” We were all impressed with Diya’s level of commitment to present important information to the class.

Thank you Yusra and Diya for presenting your informative articles. Both students answered questions and accepted positive feedback from their audience at the conclusion of their presentation.

Current Events

Find out what Current Events are happening this week from IST Grade 2…

What is a Current Event? A Current Event is something that is happening somewhere in the world NOW! Current Events are news stories that include a title, author, and date of publication. Grade 2 students are doing more than just looking up information, they are asking, “What is happening in our world TODAY?”

Each week two students choose an article to present from newspapers, magazines and Internet sites. Students read the article and then use our Current Events Note Taking Form to answer questions like Who, What, When, Where and Why. Students include their opinion about the article and then present their information to the rest of the class.

Today Jodie shared with us an article titled Endangered Animals Get A New Lease On Life from the Yahoo News online.

Jodie explained that zoo keepers in Singapore are breeding endangered animals. They successfully hatched a Komodo Dragon in captivity. Jodie also shared her opinion with us stating, “This article is important because people need to make sure that endangered animals don’t die out. I like this article because people are helping animals from extinction. It is important that everyone can be able to see these animals in the future.”

Jodie created a poster to help deliver information from her article to the class. She also created an informational poster to help us learn more about the Komodo Dragon. She finished her presentation with handing out a quiz she created, assigning this Friday as the due date.

On Friday, Jodie handed back quizzes that students had completed. She marked scores, gave each student an encouraging comment and a sticker for their effort. When asked what it’s like to be a teacher, she stated, “It’s a lot of work!”

Bertha also shared with us another article reminding us about the devastation that took place in Haiti recently. Her article was titled Survivor Pulled From Haiti Rubble from CBBC Newsround.

Bertha shared with the class, “A man has been pulled alive from the rubble in Port-au-Prince two weeks after the earthquake destroyed the city. This article is important because Haiti needs help and everyone needs to care about Haiti!”

Both Jodie and Bertha shared additional pictures from their articles and answered questions from the rest of the class.