Teaching Strategies, Tactics, and Methods

The circumference is the distance around the edge of a circle.

In other words, it is the perimeter of a circle – however, the word perimeter is generally only used for shapes with straight edges.

Why is finding the circumference helpful?

Finding the circumference is a topic taught from Year 6 through to KS4. Not only is it one of the essential skills in geometry, but finding the circumference of a circle can also be used for many reasons in day-to-day life.

Think about circular everyday items – car wheels, cups and saucers, roundabouts, and even the Earth!

Architects find the circumference when looking at materials for their projects, and it’s also used a lot in farming for fencing and looking at crop yields.

Because the circumference measures the distance around something, it’s an invaluable tool for lots of work that involves area, shape, and measurement.

How To Calculate Circumference

Radius (r) and diameter (d) are two other essential measurements on a circle that is needed before you can calculate the circumference.

This picture shows the circumference, diameter, and radius of a circle:

Using these measurements, there are two different ways to calculate the circumference.

The radius(r) is the distance from any point on the circumference to the circle’s center. The diameter (d) is the distance from one side of the process to the other and is double the radius.

How To Calculate the Circumference Using the Diameter

Step 1:

The first step in working out the circumference is finding the correct formula. To find the circumference using the diameter, you will need to use the following formula:

C = πd

Let’s break this formula down. So, the ‘C’ in this formula stands for circumference, and the ‘d’ stands for diameter. This means that this formula essentially means:

​​Circumference of circle = π × diameter of the ring

*π or Pi is a mathematical constant equal to 3.14159. When you are using pi in maths, it can be simplified to 3.14.

So, now that we know the formula, we can start calculating the circle’s circumference.

Step 2:

This method of measuring the circumference assumes that we already know the circle’s diameter. So, we need to put it into our formula. For example, let’s say that the circle’s diameter is 10.

C = π10

C = π × 10

Put π × ten into your calculator, and you will get 31.4.

Answer: C = 31.4

Let’s look at a few more examples to solidify your understanding of circumference calculating.

Example 1: Find the circumference of a circle with a diameter of 93 cm.

C = πd

Let’s put our numbers into the formula.

C = π × 93

Answer: 292.2 cm.

Example 2: The Smith family has just bought a new dining table that is 13 feet wide. Find the circumference of this dining table.

Since we have not been given the diameter of this dining table, we must work it out with the information provided. We know that the diameter is half of the entire width of a circle, so we must divide our width by two.

Width ➗ 2

13 ➗ 2

Diameter = 6.5 feet

Now that we have the diameter, we can use our formula to calculate the circle’s circumference.

C = πd

C = π × 6.5

Answer: 20.4 feet.

How To Calculate the Circumference Using the Radius

To calculate the circumference of a circle using the radius, we need to use a different formula. The formula for finding the circumference with the radius is:

C = 2πr

Let’s break this formula down. So, the ‘C’ in this formula stands for circumference, as in the one above, and the ‘r’ stands for radius. This means that this formula essentially means:

Circumference of circle = 2 × π × radius

Again, as stated above, you can find π in your calculator, whose numeral value is approximately 3.14.

Because the radius is just half the diameter, the formula for calculating the circumference using the radius is similar to C = πd.

Let’s look at a few examples to solidify your understanding of how to calculate the circumference using the radius.

Example 1: Find the circumference of a circle with a radius of 6 m. The first step in solving this problem is to get the right formula, which we know is: C = 2πr.

Step 1:

The formula is

C = 2πr

Now, let’s put our numbers into the formula:

C = 2 × π × 6

This formula can be simplified as follows:

C = π × (2 × 6)

C = π × 12

C = 37.7

Answer: 37.7 m

Example: Holly’s favorite hobby is hula-hooping. Every day after school, she goes home and plays with her hula-hoop for hours in the garden. A few days ago, Holly broke her favorite hula-hoop, so now she has to look for a new one. Holly wants her new hula-hoop to be the same circumference as her last one. Her old hula-hoop had a diameter of 3 feet. What should the rim of Holly’s new hula-hoop be?

Step 1: In this maths problem, we have not been given the radius straight away, so we must work it out with the information given. We know that a circle’s radius is half its diameter, so we must divide three by 2.

Radius = diameter ➗ 2

Radius = 3 ➗ 2

Radius = 1.5

Step 2: Now that we have the radius, we can use our tried and true formula to calculate the circumference of the hula-hoop.

C = 2πr

Let’s put our numbers into the formula:

C = 2 × π × 1.5

C = π × (2 × 1.5)

C = π × (3)

C = 9.4

Answer: 9.4 feet.

• Rote counting is the power to recite numbers in order from memory. Essentially, it is how to count by saying numbers in order.
• With rote counting, children aren’t “counting” objects; they’re saying numbers in the correct sequence. For example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30.
• Rote counting is a foundational math skill taught in pre-k and kindergarten math.
• Once children master how to count using rote counting, they can tackle more complex math concepts, like addition, subtraction, times tables, division, place value, and money.
• Repetition is the key to mastering rote learning.

How is it different from rational counting?

Knowing how to count with rote counting is a little different than being able to count with rational counting. Rational counting is when children can allocate numbers to the objects they’re counting. With rational counting, the child is trying to determine the quantity. However, with rote counting, they’re demonstrating that they can recite numbers in order from memory.

Example of rational counting: Asking a child to count how many cookies are left in the cookie jar.

Example of rote counting: Asking a child to count from 1 to 10 from memory.

What is one-to-one correspondence?

One-to-one correspondence is a hands-on learning technique that teaches children to count groups of objects. With one-to-one correspondence, children learn how to trust by learning to assign just one number to each object, rather than relying on some things twice or missing other objects altogether.

Example of one-to-one correspondence: Asking a child to count building blocks by picking them out of a container, one by one.

Why is rote counting important?

Rote counting is essential in children’s math development and forms the foundation for learning more advanced and complex math concepts. Ask any math teacher, and they’ll tell you that learning how to count using rote counting is the bedrock of all math learning. Rote counting plays a vital role in helping children to:

• understand numbers and quantities
• memorize numbers in the correct order
• master higher-level skills, like addition and subtraction
• develop their overall number sense
• become more confident in class

The dragon is the fifth zodiac animal in the 12-year Chinese calendar.

In traditional Chinese culture, the term “zodiac” refers to a repeating cycle of 12 years in which each year is represented by a particular animal.

In China, “zodiac” is usually referred to as “shengxiao,” literally meaning “born resembling.”

As this term suggests, the Chinese zodiac animals are similar to the star signs more commonly used in western culture. That is to say that certain personal qualities are associated with the people born during a particular zodiac year. For instance, those born during the Year of the Ox are considered hard-working and honest.

What personal qualities are associated with those born during the Year of the Dragon?

In traditional Chinese culture, the dragon typically embodies the qualities of power, nobleness, leadership, honor, luck, and success. The dragon is often considered the most highly revered zodiac animal of all. Many years ago, it was even commonly thought that the Emperors of enormous dynasties were reincarnations of dragons!

Because of these many positive attributes associated with the dragon, there has been a considerable spike in birth rates during the Year of the Dragon in recent years. This is the result of families planning to have their children this year, hoping they’ll be born with the positive characteristics associated with the dragon.

That said, there are also some negative qualities associated with the dragon. It’s thought that they can often be considered impatient and hotheaded.

Why is the Year of the Dragon, the fifth animal in the cycle?

The order of the Chinese zodiac animals comes from an ancient, traditional Chinese story.

The story begins long ago, with the Jade Emperor deciding that there should be a way to measure and keep track of time.

To do this, on his birthday, he told all the animals in the world that there would be a swimming race. The first 12 animals to cross a long river would have a year named after them.

The winner of the race was the rat, with the dragon coming in fifth place, which is why the Year of the Dragon is the fifth year in the Chinese zodiac calendar.

When is the Chinese Year of the Dragon?

The Chinese Year of the Dragon occurs every 12 years. The next Chinese Year of the Dragon will be in 2024. These are the dates of the Chinese Year of the Dragon since the start of the 20th century (the 1900s):

1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036, 2048

The Chinese Year of the Dragon will continue every 12 years after this. Each Chinese Year of the Dragon has a particular element associated with it, which is either wood, fire, earth, metal, or water.

Why are dragons important in China?

Dragons are one of the most respected and admired animals in China! Traditionally, dragons are a symbol of power and strength. They are also strong and independent. Although they may look fearsome, dragons were also seen as loving and kind creatures in Chinese myths, a little bit different from the idea of scary, fire-breathing dragons in Western culture!

Dragons have been traditionally represented as snakelike creatures with physical features of different animals, including eagle talons, deer antlers, and tiger paws. However, in many Chinese arts, dragons have been represented with whiskers on each side of their mouths and horns instead of antlers.

According to Chinese mythology, dragons lived with humans to protect and guide them after humanity was created. Chinese people refer to themselves as descendants of the dragon because the first Chinese imperial dynasty was said to have originated from dragons!

The myths say that dragons were present when the Earth was created. One of the goddesses, called Nu Kua, was part dragon herself. She started to land and made four pillars to hold up the sky. Each post had a dragon on top to hold the weight of the heavens. Nu Kua was also the creator of humans, meaning Chinese people have had a direct link to dragons from the start of their existence.

Some dragons were not as loving, though! The jealous Dragon Kings caused Nu Kua’s creations to be flooded by the Earth’s waters. But the God of Fire came to the rescue and defeated the Dragon Kings. The goddess Nu Kua then returned to Earth to repair the damage and restore her lands. She also created dragons to walk among humanity to help humans recover and restore order to ancient China. Dragons taught humans essential survival skills, like fishing techniques and agricultural skills. Art and music were also introduced to China by dragons. Some dragons were in heaven to oversee the world, ensure balance and protect Chinese people from natural calamities.

So, why are dragons important in China? Because they are protectors, teachers, and part of the Chinese people’s heritage!

Interesting facts about Chinese dragons

Dragons are associated with leadership, wealth, and power in China. These mythical creatures are fascinating, so here are some interesting facts about Chinese dragons for you to enjoy!

1. Chinese dragons come in many forms, such as snake-like, turtle-like, or fish-like creatures.
2. It may come as a shock to you, but Chinese dragons don’t exist in real life! However, these mythical creatures are found in many paintings and people’s imaginations.
3. As water-dwelling creatures, Chinese dragons live at the bottom of the seas, rivers, and lakes.
4. Chinese dragons are believed to control the weather, so they are blamed for causing natural disasters like tidal waves, storms, and floods!
5. Dragons appear in many Chinese proverbs and idioms, such as ‘A dragon among men,’ which means someone who is very talented, or ‘Paint the dragon, dot the eyes’, which means adding the finishing touch to something.
6. Chinese dragons are found throughout the country, with China being the country with most places named after dragons.
7. Boats shaped like Chinese dragons are popular during festivals in China, especially the Dragon Boat Festival. They are long boats with carved dragon heads and long tails.
8. A dragon dance is performed at many celebrations, involving a long Chinese dragon up to 70 meters made of bamboo hoops and glittering fabric.
9. Chinese myth says that the dragon has nine sons with different characters, which are used in architecture, especially imperial palaces.
10. Chinese dragons are even famous in the opera, as there are many Chinese opera shows with ‘dragon’ in the title.

1. “If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams, and you will always look lovely!” – Roald Dahl

A beautiful reflection on the power of positive thinking, this quote inspires us to build up the habit of optimism! Ever noticed someone so happy they’re singing to themselves or smiling as they walk along the street? How did you feel about that person? They probably boosted your mood and lifted your spirits because happiness is contagious!

2. “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop

A kind deed can make a world of difference to someone. Random Acts of Kindness Day will be here soon (17th February), which is the perfect opportunity to explore with your children what being kind means and why it’s essential.

3. “Happiness can always be found, even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light.” – Dumbledore

A classic quote from the brilliant Harry Potter films, these beautiful words remind us to keep hopeful during difficult times. Things will get better in the end! It’s great to remind our children that things will improve and they will feel better again when facing a tough challenge.

4. “Tears fall for a reason, and they are your strength, not weakness.” – Charlie Mackesy

Children must understand that it’s okay to cry and express their emotions. One of the best things you can do to support your child’s emotional and personal development is to help them feel comfortable letting their feelings out. You can sit with them, listen to them, comfort them and reassure them that things will be okay.

We feel emotions for a reason; they give us a message about something. If you’re sad, something has usually upset or hurt you. Perhaps there’s something you can do to relieve the feeling of sadness or a lesson you can learn for the future so you won’t find yourself in the same upsetting situation again, or perhaps you need to process something by letting the sadness out.

5. ”You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha

This is such an important message for children! We tend to spend a lot of time teaching children to care for, be kind to, and love other people, which is brilliant, but how much time do we spend teaching them to love themselves?

Self-love and self-care are essential for happiness. Remember when you’re on a plane, and the flight attendant says you must put on your oxygen mask before helping your child? It might go against your instincts, but this is recommended for a good reason. You need to be able to breathe to support your children and others around you.

6. “Promise me you’ll always remember: you’re braver than you believe and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – Christopher Robin

These remarkable statements are brilliant confidence boosters. They will help your child tap into their inner power and feel great about themselves! Most of us underestimate our strength, bravery, and intelligence, but let’s instill unstoppable confidence and self-belief in our children instead!

7. “Every one of us needs to show how much we care for each other and, in the process, care for ourselves.” – Princess Diana

Caring for others and ourselves will make the world a better place! People don’t remember what you had or did, but they remember how you made them feel.

8. “If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.” – Dolly Parton

As the well-known saying goes, laughter is the best medicine! Smiles and laughs bring us joy and relieve stress at the same time. One smile can be passed on to so many people. When you smile at someone, they will often smile at someone else, and so on. Let’s spread a smile all around the world!

9. “Every child is born a genius.” – Buckminster Fuller

American architect, engineer, and visionary Buckminster Fuller wrote an academic article about every child being born a genius. He said that children are often ‘degeniused’ by the environment or society, but they are born with extraordinary potential and are naturally curious, asking interesting questions about the universe.

10. “One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” – Malala Yousafzai

Telling your child that they can do anything they set their mind to will instill the confidence and self-belief they need to go out into the world and achieve whatever they want!

Reptiles are cold-blooded animals characterized by their scales and ability to lay eggs.

They include animals like crocodiles, snakes, lizards, and turtles. Snakes are reptiles!

Reptiles are tetrapod vertebrates, meaning they all have back-bones and the majority have four legs, with snakes being the exception. Most reptiles’ skin is made up of scales, so they often shed the outer layer of their skin. Some do this quicker than others, but it’s usually all down to the temperature of their environment – so, where they live!

Types of reptiles

Snakes

Snakes are reptiles with long, thin bodies and no legs. More than 3,000 species of snakes worldwide live everywhere except in Antarctica, Iceland, Ireland, Greenland, and New Zealand.

Some lizards look like snakes because they have no legs, but the way to tell the difference is that lizards have eyelids, and snakes don’t!

Nearly all snakes are covered in scales, which serve two primary purposes: they help trap moisture in arid climates and reduce friction as the snake moves.

Crocodilians

Crocodilians comprise a range of giant reptiles, including alligators, crocodiles, caiman, and gharials. They are ferocious predators and can be found all around the world. The larger species can devour large mammals, from antelope to bison. Others prey on smaller animals, and some feed on fish.

There are two types of crocodiles, depending on the environment in which they live: freshwater and saltwater. The saltwater crocodile is one of the enormous reptiles in the world!

Alligator species are primarily found in the Americas, while crocodile species can be found in Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Chameleons

Chameleons mostly live in the rain forests and deserts of Africa. Many chameleons can change color, which helps them attract mates, regulate their body temperature, and keep intruders away.

A veiled chameleon is also known by its scientific name Chamaeleo calyptratus. They live up to eight years and can grow up to 24 inches. You’ll be happy to hear that the veiled chameleon isn’t close to going extinct – this means we can expect to see these cool reptiles around for many years to come! They have a very distinct look as they have a pointed heads, but what makes this even more interesting is that they use this structure to channel water into their mouths.

One of the fascinating things about the veiled chameleon is that it can change color! How cool is that? This makes the chameleon one of the more popular types of reptiles, as lots of us find the color-changing nature captivating. These reptiles can change color by loads of pigmented cells in their skin. Furthermore, the color they change can often mimic their surroundings or assert dominance. In other words, show others who’s boss! This makes this type of reptile pretty unique.

Tortoises and turtles

Tortoises and turtles have been around for nearly 200 million years, and very little has changed about them in that time!

Though they look similar, tortoises usually live on dry land and have round, stumpy legs. On the other hand, turtles spend much of their time in the water, and many have adapted webbed feet to help them swim in ponds and rivers. Feet are a helpful way of telling apart a tortoise from a turtle! Tortoise feet typically resemble tiny elephant feet, whereas semi-aquatic and aquatic turtles have webbed feet. It is only the sea turtle that has true flippers.

The Indian Star Tortoise is another popular type of reptile and can be found in Asia. They can live up to 80 years and can only travel less than one mile per hour. This means that they are very slow! Like many others, this tortoise is famous in the exotic pet trade, so you can expect many people to have tortoises as pets in their homes.

Lizards

Lizards are among the most common reptiles, with over 6,000 species worldwide. Many lizards live on the ground, but some species live in trees and others underground, like the worm lizard.

A lizard’s diet usually consists of insects and other small animals, and some lizards enjoy plants. However, there are more giant lizards, like the monitor lizard, that prey on animals as big as deer!

Similar to snakes, lizards shed their skin. However, unlike snakes, their skin usually peels off in large chunks rather than all at once.

Location

Reptiles can be found on most continents except Antarctica.

In Britain, common reptiles include Britain’s only venomous snake, the adder, grass snakes, and common lizards. There are six native species of reptiles in the UK: three snakes (grass, smooth, and adder) and three lizards (joint, sand, and slow worm). Some species have been introduced to the UK.

Reptiles can be found in various habitats, from compost heaps to woodland areas.

In Britain, reptiles are easier to see basking in sunny areas. So chances are that if you ever see a snake, as a reptile, it will enjoy the sunshine to warm itself up.

Body temperature

Unlike birds and mammals, reptiles do not maintain constant body temperature.

They do not have fur or feathers to keep warm or sweat glands and the ability to pant to help them cool down.

Because of this, they actively need to seek sunlight or shade to help maintain their body temperature.

This makes them cold-blooded animals with slow metabolisms. Snakes are reptiles, as you might have guessed because they are scaly creatures who mostly lay eggs to reproduce.

Laying eggs

Reptile reproduction is also dependent on temperature.

Most reptiles lay their eggs in a simple nest and leave, waiting for them to hatch.

Depending on the species, this can take as little as a few days or as long as a few months.

The soil temperature around the nest helps determine what proportion of the eggs will hatch male or female.

Most infant reptiles can walk, move or swim within hours of birth.

Although snakes are reptiles and lay eggs, boas and pythons give birth to live young.

Reptile facts

• Reptiles first appeared in fossil records 315 million years ago
• Because the mother leaves the eggs, snakes have to fend for themselves from birth
• They use methods like biting, hissing, and camouflaging to defend themselves from predators.
• The size of reptiles’ brains relative to their body is much smaller than that of mammals.
• The heaviest reptile alive today is the Komodo dragon, weighing in at up to 92kg!

Vocabulary for teaching about reptiles

Adaptation – a characteristic of an organism that increases its chance of survival in its environment.

Camouflage – an organism’s coloration and shape that allows it to blend in with its surroundings (also known as “cryptic coloration”).

Cold-blooded – an animal that is unable to control its body temperature automatically. Instead, body temperature is dependent on the temperature of its environment.

Environment – the conditions that affect an organism, such as plants, animals, water, soil, weather, landforms, and air.

Food chain – the transfer of energy through various stages due to the feeding patterns of a series of organisms.

Habitat – a place in an ecosystem where an animal, plant, or other organism lives.

Mammal – a warm-blooded, vertebrate animal.

Predator – an organism (usually an animal) that preys on and consumes other animals.

Prey – an organism caught or hunted for food by another organism

Scales – the shield of skin that protects a reptile. Reptilian scales are made of keratin, like hair, and are in an overlapping arrangement.

Vertebrates – an animal with a vertebral column (backbone or spinal column).

EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language. Usually, this refers to English being taught in a Non-English speaking country but may also refer to any situation where English is introduced to a speaker of another language.

An example of EFL is a Chinese student being taught English in China.

EFL is also known as TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). It is different from ESL.

What is ESL?

ESL stands for English as a Second Language. This refers to teaching someone who has non-native English as their primary language. Where it differs from EFL is an ESL classroom will often have students from different countries and native languages learning English instead of EFL.

Teachers teaching an ESL class will need to be able to interact with different languages and linguistic abilities at the same time. For example, students from China will have different pronunciations when learning English words than a student from Poland. As a result, they will make various linguistic and grammatical mistakes that must be considered in a teaching strategy.

How to teach EFL

Five helpful tips for teaching EFL to students:

1. Learning each student’s name will help to gain their respect.
2. Encourage your students to try only to use English in your lessons.
3. Have a lesson plan and set activities so you know what your students are doing for each task.
4. Find out what English grammar and vocabulary your students already know.
5. Be flexible with your studies and adapt them to suit your students’ needs and abilities.

World Science Day happens every year on November 10th. It started as a way of opening up the scientific research and discovery world to engage everybody in current scientific issues and developments — like artificial intelligence or renewable energy. World Science Day aims to show that — although you may not be a scientist or a researcher — science is all around you and is a part of everybody’s life. By making science more accessible, World Science Day is one way in which science can be used to inspire people to study and participate in it.

Its full name is World Science Day for Peace and Development, and this tells you more about its mission to help bring about cooperation between scientists living in places that are in conflict.

World Science Day was started in 2001 by UNESCO – the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It promoted a smaller conference, the World Conference on Science, which took place in Budapest, onto the world’s stage.

UNESCO also sees it as an opportunity to orientate the extended scientific community (including government actors) around shared goals and values, like world peace and the eradication of poverty. By aligning science more closely with social goals, it is hoped that scientists will be empowered to work together for the benefit of all. In their own words:

“As no country can achieve sustainable development alone, international scientific cooperation contributes to scientific knowledge and building peace.”

In summary, the aims and objectives of World Science Day are as follows:

• To raise awareness of how science can contribute to a more peaceful and sustainable global community.

• To advocate for a transnational scientific community.

• To renew interest in science and technology, particularly as a way to benefit societies.

• To draw attention to the challenges faced by the scientific community in all parts of the world.

Hemisphere is the name given to half a sphere, cut in half through its widest point.

It is most commonly used when describing different areas of the earth.

Any circle drawn around the earth divides it into two halves called hemispheres.

Northern and Southern Hemispheres

The equator (0° latitude) divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

It is equidistant from both the North and South Poles.

On the equator, day and night are each 12 hours long.

Climate differences exist in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres because of the Earth’s tilt toward and away from the sun.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer months are from June through September. In the Southern Hemisphere, summer starts in December and ends in March. When there is summer in one hemisphere, winter falls in the other.

Europe and America are in the Northern Hemisphere, whereas South Africa and Australia are in the Southern Hemisphere.

Eastern and Western Hemispheres

The prime meridian (0° longitude) and the International Date Line (180° longitude) divide the Earth into the Eastern and Western hemispheres.

However, many geographers consider the 20° west line of longitude and the 160° east line of longitude as the Eastern and Western hemispheres.

This calculation is created so that Africa and Europe are not split.

The line between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres

The Prime Meridian, also known as the Greenwich Meridian, is the line between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. This line passes through the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. Greenwich’s Royal Observatory is home to a museum and planetarium. It is also the center of the Earth’s time system because Greenwich Mean Time is a base reference for every time zone in the world.

The line between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres passes through many countries as it divides the Earth. Starting from the North and ending in the South, the Prime Meridian passes through England, France, Spain, Algeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo, Ghana, and Antarctica. The location of the Prime Meridian is marked at various points on such things as stones and signs. For example, a rock in Sussex, England, was set up by Captain Malcolm Burwood, a yachtsman, and pilot, to mark the Meridian. It was unveiled in 2000 and contained a time capsule! The names and photos of 600 people who attended the nearby church are in the time capsule. There are also signs on the side of a motorway in Algeria to mark the location of the Meridian.

Interesting facts about the Western and Eastern Hemisphere

• The Western Hemisphere is home to the continents of North and South America.
• North and South America contain about 29% of the world’s land.
• The Eastern Hemisphere has more land than the Western Hemisphere.
• About half of Antarctica is in the Western Hemisphere.
• Most of Europe and Africa lie in the Eastern Hemisphere, but part of these continents also lie in the Western Hemisphere.
• Since European nations began to colonize the Americas, the terms Eastern and Western Hemispheres have become significant historically and politically. This is because the Eastern Hemisphere is also known as the Old World, and the Western Hemisphere is known as the New World.
• The Western Hemisphere is a geographical term separate from the ‘western world,’ which describes parts of the world that share the same cultural, economic, and social values, including Europe, North America, and Australia.
• Another name for the line between the Eastern and Western Hemisphere is the Greenwich Meridian (as well as the Prime Meridian).
• Geographers typically divide the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, divided by the Equator.

What is a rainforest?

• Rainforests are a type of habitat. Heavy – often daily – rainfall and dense, evergreen tree cover characterize rainforests.
• Rainforests are sometimes known as the ‘lungs of the planet.’ That’s because plants ‘draw in’ carbon dioxide and ‘breathe out’ oxygen.
• There are different types of rainforests, as they are found on every continent except Antarctica. There are warm, wet tropical rainforests close to the equator, like the Amazon, and more incredible, temperate rainforests farther north.

Layers of the tropical rainforest

Tropical rainforests are made up of four different layers. Different plants live in separate layers. That’s because they experience other conditions: varying amounts of sunlight, different animals may live in the plants (and eat them); it might be rainier and windier, too.

• The emergent layer

This is the top layer of the rainforest. Only a few animals live in this layer. It’s hot, wet, and windy.

• The canopy layer

This is located below the emergent layer. The canopy is home to most of the plants and animals of the rainforest. There’s lots of food and shelter available.

• The understory layer

Beneath the canopy is the understory. It’s very dark and humid – not much light can get through the dense canopy leaves.

• The forest floor layer

The forest floor is dark, hot, and humid. As a result, only about 5% of the sunlight makes it to the forest floor!

These layers create lots of diversity and a beautiful array of plants. So many things we use daily come from plants in the rainforest, especially tropical rainforests of the southern hemisphere. From the food, we eat to the furniture and buildings around us and medicine. We have a lot to thank for plants of rainforests, both tropical and temperate! Here are some examples.

Plants of the tropical rainforest

Many tropical rainforest plants provide a home, food, and tools for those living there and the resources we use daily!

1. Banana plants and pineapples.
2. Rubber trees – yes, that’s where the rubber is from!
3. Vibrant plants with fantastic shapes include Heliconia – or ‘lobster claws.’ The ‘claws’ protect their delicate flowers from birds like hummingbirds.
4. Amazing, varied flowers like orchids
5. The cacao plant – this is where we get chocolate from.

Plants of temperate rainforests

Temperate rainforests in the northern hemisphere include some of the biggest, oldest plants on Earth. They are called mild as they are neither very hot nor freezing. There are fewer temperate rainforests than tropical rainforests. Nevertheless, they support a wide variety of life.

1. Sitka spruce trees, doulgas fir trees, and giant sequoia trees. Coastal redwoods are the tallest trees on Earth. One such tree alive today is over 115m tall!
2. Evergreen huckleberry and western hemlock.
3. Many kinds of ferns, mosses, lichens, and liverworts grow in the understory, where it’s dark and shaded. Lichen is found hanging from tree trunks and branches, while mosses are small plants that do not flower. Instead, you can spot them on rocks and tree trunks.
4. Oak trees, beech trees, elm trees, and birch trees are common in temperate forests of the U.K. Oak trees produce acorns.
5. Bamboo grows in the temperate forests of Asia.

1. ‘Australia’ was coined from the Latin word ‘Australis.’ 

Australia’s name was derived from the Latin word ‘Australis,’ meaning ‘southern land.’ Long before Europeans discovered Australia, this was the name given to the fictional continent that scientists and explorers believed would exist in the southern hemisphere.

Once discovered by the Dutch explorer Willem Janszoon in 1606, Australia became known as ‘New Holland.’ However, it wasn’t until 1824 that Australia was given the title that the continent is known as today, although some people choose to call Australia by its nicknames such as ‘Oz’ or ‘the land down under.’

2. Canberra is the Capital City of Australia 

Some people may find it surprising that Canberra, located in the South East of Australia, is the country’s capital city. Quite often, people get this confused with Sydney, which is Australia’s largest city.

3. The cities Victoria and Queensland were both named after Queen Victoria 

While a Dutch sailor was the first European to discover Australia,  Captain James Cook, a British explorer, claimed the land in the name of Great Britain in 1770. From here onwards, Britain decided to send over fleets of people to colonize Australia, with the First Fleet landing on the 13th of May 1787. This meant that Britain ruled Australia.

In 1851, a colony in Victoria was established, and the city was formally given its title. By this time, Queen Victoria had been on the throne for 14 years, so the name of this new settlement was given in her honor, and it remains to this day.

4. The world’s largest reef can be found in Australia 

Australia is the home of the Great Barrier Reef. Located off the coast of Queensland and millions of years old, the Great Barrier Reef hosts the world’s most extensive coral reef system and a wide variety of marine life. Its large scale of over 344,400 square kilometers can be seen from outer space!

Inside the Great Barrier Reef, you can expect to find some of the world’s most amazing sea creatures. This includes dolphins, six species of turtles, over 17 different types of sea snakes, and over 1,500 different fish species.

However, despite the Great Barrier Reef being one of the most important aquatic ecosystems on our planet, it faces the threat of mass destruction due to climate change. This means that thousands of species could die as a result.

5. Tasmania and other smaller islands are also a part of Australia 

Tasmania, also known as Apple Island, is the same size as the Republic of Ireland. Located off the south coast below Melbourne, the island of Tasmania is home to over 500,000 people and a unique tropical landscape. Over half of Tasmania’s land belongs to national parks, World Heritage sites, or marine forest reserves.

6. Australia hosts some of the world’s most unique animals 

Australia is a country that is home to some of the most exotic animals on the planet. Australia and its unique climate make this country a special place to find the most amazing animals, from kangaroos to koalas to dingos. Over 80% of our planet’s mammals, plants, reptiles, and frogs are native to Australia, meaning they’re not naturally found anywhere else on the earth.

7. Australia was ‘discovered’ by European explorers in the early 17th Century

The notion of Australia being ‘discovered’ in 1606 means that Australia wasn’t on any form of map or atlas before this date!

So, why was Australia ‘discovered’ so late compared to other countries? This is simply because explorers had not ventured out far enough to reach Australia before this time.

8. Indigenous Australians have lived on the continent for over 65,000 years 

At the time of colonization, it’s believed that between 300,000 to 1 million indigenous Australians were living on the continent. These people are called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. They lived according to their traditional laws, customs, and environmental needs, such as in tribes, and moved from place to place for resources such as food and water.

The British colonization had a devastating effect on these native communities. Between 1788 and 1900, these populations were reduced by 90% due to conflict, new diseases (such as chickenpox, smallpox, influenza, and measles), and the British possession of the land and its resources.

In modern times, around 3% of all Australians have indigenous ancestry, meaning their family relations have descended from aboriginal Australians.

9. Australia has six states 

Much like other countries, Australia is divided into smaller states. These six states are:

• New South Wales
• Queensland
• Victoria
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Western Australia

10. Australia is the second driest continent in the world after Antarctica 

Did you know that Australia is the second driest continent in the world? This means that only 600mm of annual rainfall drops each year throughout the whole continent. This is because Australia has a subtropical high-pressure belt that presses air down rather than lifting it to produce rain.