Julie Ellis

A graph is a picture or chart showing the differences between things that we can measure. It helps us to understand information when we can see the facts in a picture. We use different kinds of graphs to show different kinds of information.

Beautiful coral reefs are found in warm, shallow seas. They stop beaches and shorelines from being washed away by waves and storms. They are home to thousands of different types of sea animals. The reefs are made of the skeletons of millions of little sea creatures called polyps. They take thousands of years to build up into coral reefs.

Children around the world eat all kinds of food. In some countries their food is different from ours. It looks different and it tastes quite different, too. Did you know that some of the foods you eat came from another country? How do people make their kind of food?

You are sure to know about the Olympic Games. Have you heard about the Paralympic Games, which are held after the Olympic Games? Athletes with disabilities compete against other athletes with the same disabilities. How?

If you could get a pet, what pet would you get? Would you get a rabbit or a mouse? Would you choose a goldfish or a turtle? How would you choose?

A volcano is a mountain that erupts — it explodes! Hot, melted rock called lava blows out of the top. It runs down the side of the mountain. The volcano shoots out steam and smoke and ash. It is dangerous for people and animals. Hot lava can cover farms and towns and houses.

Have you used a map to find out about places? A map is a drawing of a place. It helps us find out how far it is from one place to another. A map can show rivers, mountains, and roads. Sometimes it shows a whole country or the whole world. You could make a map of your school or your town to show where everything is.

Things that we don't want any longer can be called rubbish, trash, junk or garbage. What do we do with it? What happens to it at your house? Do you recycle it? Recycling means reusing something that would otherwise be thrown away. What things could we recycle from our rubbish?

Marbles is a game that has been played for hundreds of years. Children like to have their own collection of marbles. There are many different ways to play with them. Have you ever played with marbles?

Young Pythagoras can't seem to stay out of trouble. Every time he tries to help, people get angry. What's a curious kid to do? On a trip to Egypt, Pythagoras' curiosity helps him discover the secret of the right triangle. A clever introduction to the Pythagorean Theorem.