Teaching Strategies, Tactics, and Methods

Gravity is the force that pulls all objects toward each other. Every object has gravity, an invisible force that pulls things toward its center. The bigger the object, the greater the gravitational force. The Sun is huge, so gravity keeps the planets in our Solar System orbiting it. The Earth’s gravity controls us and everything around us on its surface.

But this doesn’t mean that the sun’s gravitational pull will pull the planets towards it. The sun’s gravity is met by the planets’ speed which stops them from moving toward the sun. The sun’s gravitational pull and the planets’ velocity are balanced, which keeps them in orbit.

Read on to find out:

• Why gravity is important in everyday life;
• Who discovered gravity;
• What is the measure of the force of gravity;
• Which planets have gravity;
• Why gravity is different on different planets;
• Ten interesting facts about gravity for children.

Gravity is a pulling force exerted by the Earth on falling objects, causing them to move toward the ground. It feels like it is pulling ‘you down,’ but that’s because wherever you are on Earth, it is pulling you ‘down’ toward Earth. Your feet are still on the ground, and because of gravity, ‘down’ feels the same wherever you are on Earth. So you could be in the Northern Hemisphere in Europe or the Southern Hemisphere in New Zealand.

Why is Gravity Important in Everyday Life?

Gravity is very important in our everyday lives. The Sun’s gravity keeps the Earth in orbit, and the Earth’s gravity keeps it the right distance away from the Sun. Without gravity, anything you tried to place on a table wouldn’t stay there — imagine trying to eat from a plate if the plate and food were all floating! Without the Sun’s gravity, the planets in our solar system would move around chaotically. If the Earth got too close or too far from the sun, we would not be able to survive.

Can you imagine any daily actions that would be easier without gravity? For example, we wouldn’t have to exert ourselves lifting heavy objects or climbing stairs – but this wouldn’t necessarily be a good thing. Gravity is important in keeping us strong and healthy in everyday life. The constant pull of gravity creates resistance that our bodies must work against, increasing our muscle and bone mass. If a lack of seriousness weakened these, we would be frail. It means that astronauts in space who are living in zero-gravity conditions have to take exercise every day so that they don’t become weak.

Who Discovered Gravity?

We’re all aware of it now, but which scientist discovered gravity? Sir Isaac Newton discovered gravity and defined it. He was an English scientist, mathematician, and natural philosopher who lived from 1642 to 1727. You can click the link above to learn about the scientist who discovered gravity.

But how was gravity discovered? Legend has it Newton was hit on the head with an apple, which is how he discovered gravity. It isn’t quite true, however. He did see an apple fall from a tree, but rather than hitting him on the head, it got him thinking, and that’s how he worked out that some force must exist to have pulled the apple towards the ground — and so he eventually discovered gravity.

Newton was not the first to notice gravity, but he was the first to answer the question, ‘How does gravity work?’

So, how was gravity discovered? Newton performed many experiments, and he eventually figured out that gravity’s force depends on how heavy objects are and how far apart they are. The heavier an object, the stronger its gravitational pull. The further away from that object, the less we would feel its gravitational pull.

Another scientist who helped answer the question, ‘How does gravity work?’ and defined gravity was Albert Einstein. Einstein discovered that gravity affects not only mass but also light. When you shine a torch upwards, the light will turn redder because it is pulled at by gravity. Our eyes can’t see it, but this change can be measured.

Black holes have so much mass that they can pull anything, including light, toward them with such strong gravity that nothing can escape.

Sadly, the answer to the question, ‘how does gravity work?’ is that nobody fully knows yet. But we might find out one day with more space exploration and experiments. Until then, we can thank Newton and Einstein for helping to discover gravity!

What is the Measure of the Force of Gravity?

Defining gravity for kids? They’ll have to understand how we measure gravity to understand it fully. Isaac Newton and his findings have given us the knowledge to calculate the measure of the force of gravity. The unit of energy we use is called the Newton (N) — unsurprisingly! The measure of the force of gravity can be calculated using a formula which is: mass x acceleration.

The Earth always produces the same acceleration on every object. If you drop something small like a peanut or something big like a table, they will gain velocity (speed) at the same rate. Despite the gravitational force is different, as are their masses, the acceleration is the same. The Earth’s gravitational force accelerates objects when they fall; it is constantly pulling and the object’s speed up.

The weight of an object is the force caused by gravity pulling down on the object’s mass. Weight is measured by using a force meter. The bigger weight attached to the force meter, the more the spring inside will stretch.

What is the Relationship Between Gravity and Distance?

So, we know what gravity and distance are separately, but what is the relationship between gravity and distance? Well, the amount of gravity an object possesses directly correlates to its mass and the distance between it and another object.

The first person to discover the answer to discover the relationship between gravity and distance was Isaac Newton. Newton came up with the law of universal gravitation, which states the force (F) of gravitational attraction between 2 objects with mass 1 and 2 at a distance (D). The universal gravitation equation is:

F = G(mass1*mass2)/D squared.

(G represents the gravitational constant, which has the same value throughout our universe.)

Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity can be used to add to Newton’s thinking on gravity and distance. The theory of relativity states that objects with a large mass change the form of the space around them, which, in turn, causes light to deflect into them. It has never been proven, however. Another of Einstein’s theories that remains unproven is that gravity can travel in waves.

The work of scientists more recent than Einstein is really helpful in determining the reason behind the relationship between distance and gravity. Scientific theory states that distance is proportional to gravity because everything with a mass emits tiny particles called gravitons. These gravitons cause gravitational attraction; the more mass an object has, the more gravitons there are. This theory is known as Graviton Theory. Graviton theory can also explain the differences in gravitational attraction over distances. The majority of gravitons exist in a cloud around the object. As the distance from the object gets larger, the density of the graviton cloud decreases, meaning less gravitational attraction.

What is mass?

Mass is the word used to describe the amount of matter in something. To find out how much mass there is, we weigh things. Typically, the more matter there is, the more something will weigh. It is typically the relationship between matter and size, but some exceptions exist.

People can confuse mass and weight, often assuming they are the same thing. However, there is a big difference between the two. The difference is that mass is the amount of matter in an object, while weight measures how the force of gravity acts upon that mass.

Which Planets Have Gravity?

Everything with a mass also has gravity — even people — but only things as large as celestial bodies have enough gravity for us to feel it. It is also why gravity is different on different planets. For example, all of the planets in the

All of the planets in our solar system have gravity. Gravity is what formed the stars and planets in our solar system. Atoms have gravity, which means that they pull things toward them. After the Big Bang, gravity made atoms clump together to form stars and planets.

Why is Gravity Different on Different Planets?

The strength of gravity changes with the mass of a planet, meaning that gravity is different on different planets in our solar system. When a planet is larger than Earth, like Jupiter, the force of gravity pulling things towards its center is stronger than it is on Earth. So although the weight of an object (or a person!) doesn’t change on each planet, it would feel lighter or heavier on different planets depending on the planet’s mass. For example, things would feel heavier on a planet that is smaller than Earth, like Mars.

We know that the Moon has a much lower surface gravity than Earth. If the Moon had a stronger gravitational pull than Earth, how would the astronauts have been prepared to handle this? What would be different if they — and everything they took from Earth — weighed more on the Moon?

10 Interesting Facts About Gravity for Kids:

Here are a few interesting facts about gravity for kids that are brilliant for dropping into your science lessons. They can help children understand how important gravity is for our existence and encourage them to think about how gravity affects their day-to-day lives.

• We can measure the power of gravitational force on a person or object in units known as “g-force.” For example, suppose you’re sitting down at home. In that case, you should currently be experiencing 1 unit of g-force or 1 G. This is the standard amount of gravity applied to any stationary object on the Earth’s surface. It’s what keeps us all from floating off into the sky!
• The gravitational forces we experience can be increased mechanically. You’ve probably felt a funny feeling in your tummy before when you’re in a car that stops suddenly or goes over a bump at high speed. It’s even more noticeable when you’re on a plane taking off or landing or on a rollercoaster. This feeling is caused by an increase in the g-force you’re experiencing. It effectively makes your body heavier than it is under normal gravitational forces. If you’re experiencing 2Gs, your body will feel twice as heavy as it normally does, even though it stays the same size.
• You’ve probably experienced g-forces that are higher than normal before. One of the surprising facts about gravity is that the effect it has on you increases whenever you work against it. It means it improves when you jump, for example. In addition, its effect can be increased through the use of machinery. For example, the peak amount of G-force experienced when taking off in a standard commercial airplane is around 1.4G. It means you’ll feel about 40% heavier during take-off than normal. That’s what causes that strange feeling in your tummy!
• Racing drivers regularly experience high levels of g-force. For example, Formula One drivers regularly share around 6G when taking fast corners or braking. That means that they’ll feel 6 times heavier than normal! To help them withstand these pressures, drivers must do special exercises to ensure that weaker areas, such as their necks, can withstand the pressure.

• The more mass an object has, the more gravitational pull it will create. It means that planets with more mass than Earth produce greater gravitational forces. For example, the planet with the highest gravitational pull in our solar system is Jupiter. The gravitational force applied to a stationary object on Jupiter is around 2.5 G. This means that you’d feel two and a half times heavier on the surface of Jupiter than you do on Earth.
• The less mass an object has, the less gravitational force it will produce. It is why if you look at footage of astronauts on the moon’s surface, they seem almost floating. It is because the moon has much less mass than the Earth and so doesn’t have as strong a gravitational pull. The moon has around 6th of the gravitational pull Earth does, or 0.16 G. This means that you’d feel 84% lighter on the moon’s surface!
• The moon’s gravity causes the tides on Earth. The Earth’s gravitational pull is far greater than the moon’s; that’s what keeps it orbiting around us. Despite this, the effects of the moon’s gravity can still be felt on Earth. Perhaps most notably, the moon’s gravitational pull causes the sea’s tides to rise and fall throughout the day gradually.
• The sun is the object with the most powerful gravitational pull in our solar system. It produces a gravitational force of 27.9 G, nearly 30 times that of the Earth. The sun’s gravity keeps the Earth and all the other planets in the solar system orbiting the sun. Without it, all of the planets in the solar system would crash into each other or float off into space, making this one of the most important facts about gravity.
• Black holes have the most powerful gravitational pull in the universe. These are incredibly dense objects in space, which scientists believe are caused when very large stars explode. They produce so much gravitational force that they can suck in planets and stars. Their gravitational pull is so powerful that not even light can escape them. Some scientists have theorized that they could even suck in time with their gravitational force! Scientists have theorized that an average black hole can produce gravitational forces of 153 trillion G.
• People grow taller without gravity. For example, people become about 2 cm taller in space without the pull of Earth’s gravity.

Try dropping a few interesting facts about gravity for kids into your classes to help keep pupils engaged and attentive.

The Sun and Moon’s Gravity

The Sun is huge, so gravity keeps the planets in our Solar System orbiting it. The Sun’s gravity is 274 m/s².

We know that Earth’s gravity is stronger than the moon’s because Earth is bigger than the moon.

The Moon’s gravity is one-sixth of Earth’s gravity, so an object with the same mass will weigh differently on Earth than on the Moon. The Moon’s gravity is 1.6 m/s²

This astronaut weighs 120 kg on Earth. So even though the astronaut doesn’t change size or mass, their weight on the Moon would be just 20 kg.

What is Zero Gravity?

Even when astronauts are in space, they are still affected by gravity from the Sun and planets. Again, it is because there’s a tiny bit of gravity everywhere in space.

Zero gravity is not quite the correct explanation for this. Instead, it is microgravity — meaning there is a tiny bit, but not none.

When things, including astronauts, are far enough away from a planet, they are only affected a little bit by gravity from that planet. It means they float around and are not dragged back to the planet’s surface, as the gravity isn’t strong enough from that distance.

Why Do Astronauts Float in Orbit Inside The Space Station?

Astronauts are experiencing ‘weightlessness,’ which is due to the speed they are traveling. It’s more like being in free fall. Do you know that moment you reach the top of a fairground ride or the top of a trampoline bounce before you start coming down? Well, that’s a moment of weightlessness.

A dictatorship is a form of government where absolute power is held by a single person or a small group of people. In a dictatorship, the person or people in power are not held to account by any form of constitution or other constraints on what they can and can’t do.

Dictators typically come to power by using force, intimidation, and bribery. They similarly hold onto this power, intimidating their citizens and suppressing their freedoms to ensure no one can challenge them. They might also use propaganda and mass brainwashing to maintain public support. This wiki will help you to answer some of the questions you might be asked when teaching about dictatorships to kids.

How is a dictatorship different from a democracy?

In a dictatorship, the dictator or dictators have complete control over their government. It means that whatever they say goes, regardless of what their citizens think. So, a dictatorship is a government controlled by the person or people in charge. It is almost the exact opposite of a democracy.

A democracy is a form of government where the people make the rules. The word democracy comes from the Greek demokratia, which combines demos (‘people’) and kratos (‘rule’). In a democracy, a country’s laws, policies, and leaders are all decided by its citizens, typically through voting. Because of this, countries with democratic governments tend to have a better quality of life, and their people have more freedom.

Where does the term dictatorship come from?

The term ‘dictatorship’ comes from the Latin word dictator, meaning ‘the one who gives orders.’ In Ancient Rome, a dictator was a temporary ruler given new and extraordinary powers to deal with a large and ongoing crisis or military emergency. This position was intended to be quick but was last and most famously held by Julius Caesar, who made himself dictator of Rome in 46 BCE. However, Caesar wasn’t so keen about the ‘temporary’ aspect of the role and held onto his power until he was assassinated two years later.

Caesar’s refusal to give up his power is an example of a common trait in dictators throughout history. Modern dictators have more in common with Ancient Greek tyrants than the original Roman dictators. Tyrants tend to come to power through illegal or unconstitutional means and are cruel and oppressive to their people.

What are some examples of modern dictatorships?

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the rules of kings and queens were starting to be replaced by different forms of government. Generally, these governments were either a democracy or a dictatorship.

In the case of Latin America, many dictatorships formed in the 19th century after the nations there were freed from Spanish rule. Spain had colonized (taken over) most of Latin America hundreds of years before. After they relinquished control, many self-proclaimed leaders took over certain territories with the help of private armies. Similar events occurred across much of Africa after Great Britain, France and Belgium lost their colonial control of these regions.

Many dictators in the 20th century came to power by leading a democratically elected party into government, then using their power to stop any other party from getting elected. They would generally get themselves elected in the first place with cheating and bribery. A good example is Hitler’s rise to power in Nazi Germany through the 1930s, which resulted in World War II.

Many of these dictatorships have collapsed or been overthrown, but there are still dictators in power worldwide, primarily in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Some famous dictators include:

• Adolf Hitler – Germany
• Joseph Stalin – Russia
• Benito Mussolini – Italy
• Francisco Franco – Spain
• Idi Amin – Uganda
• Kim Jong-Il – North Korea
• Augusto Pinochet – Chile
• Muammar Al-Gadaffi – Libya

How do dictators come to power?

There are lots of different ways for dictatorships to start. Sometimes an individual or group takes advantage of a weakened state to place themselves in power and gain control. It has often been the case in Latin America and Africa, where the removal of colonial powers like Spain and Britain left a ‘power vacuum,’ allowing someone with military or political power to step in their place.

Cheating is another key method of taking control as a dictator. Many dictatorships have been started by people who have either bribed or otherwise got the support of powerful and wealthy groups, such as bankers and landowners. Forging or lying about the results of an election has also been used to seize power.

Sometimes, dictators come to power by force, either through violent revolution, as in Soviet Russia, or through a military coup. A military coup is when a certain figure or set of figures gains enough control of a country’s military to take over the government.

There are some cases – notably Hitler in Nazi Germany, among others – where governments have given special emergency powers to leaders in times of crisis. But, like Caesar, those leaders refused to give them up after the problem had passed. It isn’t always the case, though – during World War II, both Great Britain and the USA allowed special powers to their respective leaders, which ended after the war’s end.

How do dictators stay in power?

There have been various methods used to maintain control in dictatorships. Most often, dictatorships are maintained through terror and force. Dictators will often use the threat of violence, imprisonment, or death to intimidate others into following their rules.

Propaganda is also a common tool of dictators. Propaganda is material or other means of spreading information biased towards a particular cause. In dictatorships, dictators will often use government announcements, broadcasts, and printed material such as newspapers, advertisements, and leaflets to spread misleading messages to attack their political opponents and promote their aims.

Some common traits of more recent dictatorships were the presence of a single political party, a charismatic leader, and an official set of rules or ideologies. Some hold fake elections to look like they are a democracy to the rest of the world. These are ways to make the dictatorship seem more official and legitimate and convince the people under the control of its absolute power.

The longest river in the world and central to the development of Ancient Egypt, the Nile River remains an important natural resource today, and its history is truly fascinating.

How Many Miles is the River Nile?

The River Nile is 4,132 miles long (6,650 km), making it the longest river in the world.

Nile River History

There is debate over the formation of the Nile. Experts state it formed millions of years ago, with some suggesting the Nile is 30 million years old! Formed through movement within the Earth’s mantle.

For thousands of years, the Nile River has allowed the arid, desert land on its banks to become successful agricultural land. It is because the river acts as a natural irrigation system, providing a permanent source of water that hydrates the land immediately surrounding it. As the Nile floods, this also deposits nutrient-rich silt on the riverbanks.

Land within the Nile River delta also has nutrient-rich soil due to the deposits the river makes as it leads into the sea. It is one of the reasons Cairo, Egypt’s capital located in the river’s delta, became the country’s largest city, as the Nile provided healthy land and a source for transport and trade.

Ancient Egypt and the Nile River

By providing fertile land and providing

As heavy rain in the highlands fell, this allowed the Nile River to flood its banks. This floodwater produces nutrient-rich soil called silt. As a result, the Ancient Egyptians could plant seeds and successfully grow various crops to sustain and grow their population.

The Nile also provided the Ancient Egyptians with the following:

• Papyrus. Growing on its banks, these reeds were used to create paper for writing and material to build boats.

• Food. The river also provided the Ancient Egyptians with fish, forming a large part of their diets. The Ancient Egyptians also used nets to catch birds flying close to the water.
• Trade. Because the length of the Nile allowed Ancient Egyptians to travel significant distances and trade successfully.
• Flax. It was grown along the Nile to make clothing.

The Ancient Egyptians also went one step further, creating tools to utilize the water as much as possible. For example, mud bricks trap as much water as possible during flooding. It meant they created their reserves and didn’t need to over-rely on the Nile. The same mud bricks were also used to construct buildings. A’ shaduf’ tool was also created to carry water out of the Nile and transport it elsewhere.

The Ancient Egyptians also used the Nile to construct their calendar.

Ahket: July-October – Flooding season.

Peret: November-February – Planting the fields season.

Shemu: March-June – crops harvested.

Nile River Facts

• The Nile is the longest river in the world, measuring 6,660 kilometers long.
• The Source River Nile is located in the rivers that flow into Lake Victoria in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The river flows north through eastern Africa, eventually reaching its mouth in the Mediterranean Sea.
• The Nile flows through and along 10 African countries. Burundi, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, and South Sudan.

• 95% of Egyptians live within a few miles of the Nile.
• The three main tributaries are the White Nile, the Blue Nile, and the Atbara.
• Animals that live in the Nile River include the Nile crocodile, hippopotamus, soft-shelled turtle, Nile River snakes, and African tigerfish.
• Crops grown along the Nile were cereals, emmer, wheat, and barley.
• The Egyptian god ‘Hapy’ was thought to be the bringer of water and fertility. Hence, he’s known as the Nile god.

The Nile River Today

The Nile remains an important natural resource in Egypt today. Canals were built to connect to the Nile, using the water to rinse and sustain farms and cities. In addition, the Nile is an important trade route, allowing for trade between African and European countries. The Aswan High Dam, built in 1970, has also allowed the Nile to be used as a source of hydroelectric power.

However, annual flooding no longer occurs in sections of the Nile. Also, the Aswan High Dam has resulted in sediment that would typically flow out the mouth of the river to build up behind it. These two things combined have resulted in the Nile River becoming increasingly polluted.

Prehistory is any time that occurred before Human societies developed writing systems. Because different cultures across the world developed writing at other times, prehistory ends at varying historical points depending on location.

Prehistory is made up of every point since the universe’s beginning. However, for world history, it is typically used to refer to the period between the first humans’ evolution to the development of writing. For example, prehistory is thought to have ended around 3200 BC in Egypt.

Historians use a three-age system to divide the ages of Human progress in Eurasia. These are:

The Stone Age

The Stone Age lasted 3.4 million years and ended between 8,700 BC and 2,000 BC. During this age, Humans used stone tools such as axes. The Stone Age is divided into three periods:

The Palaeolithic or ‘Old Stone’ period – Five Essential Facts

1. Humans originated in Africa
2. Humans were nomadic and lived in temporary huts or caves.
3. Small tribes of Humans would travel to look for food, typically berries, deer, or bison.
4. Humans would paint depictions of hunts on cave walls; some of these cave paintings can still be seen today
5. The fire was discovered in this era

The Mesolithic or ‘Middle Stone’ period – Five Essential Facts

1. This period lasted from the end of the Ice Age until the discovery of farming
2. Humans developed hunting techniques by carving small pointed stones for arrows and spears
3. Humans began to domesticate animals in this period
4. Though Humans were still hunter-gatherers, they started to settle in more permanent structures
5. In some places, the invention of pottery happened in the Mesolithic era

The Neolithic or ‘New Stone’ period – Five Essential Facts

1. In this period, Humans began to cultivate the land and grow crops; this is called agriculture
2. The wheel was an invention that made it easier to transport things across long distances
3. The sail was invented, allowing Humans to cross oceans and improving fishing techniques
4. The plow was invented, which in turn led to increased food
5. The increase in food led to a rise in the population

The Stone Age ended with the discovery of metalworking, which led to the Bronze Age.

The Bronze Age

The Bronze Age started around 3300 BC and ended between 1200 BC and 600 BC. During this age, Humans discovered how to work metals with low melting points, such as copper and tin, which led to the discovery of bronze.

Although humans could still not use iron due to its high melting point, working with bronze allowed them to refine their techniques and create more effective tools and weapons. In addition, it led to further improvements in hunting techniques and agriculture.

Human society further evolved with the rise of trade. Early trading systems involved Human settlements exchanging excess food or resources for things they needed in a bartering system. Trade routes appeared both on land and across seas.

The Iron Age

The Iron Age started in about 1200 BC and has different endpoints for other countries worldwide, with some moving out of the Iron Age as early as 700 BC.

When Humans discovered how to use iron to make tools, bronze was soon replaced as iron was cheaper and more plentiful, meaning many more people had access to the tools they needed.

Iron is a much stronger metal than bronze, and the ability to make tools and weapons from iron led to significant technological progress for humanity.

During the Iron Age, Humans began to build forts, establish large religions, wage wars and develop their society with advancements in language and medicine.

Pablo Ruiz Picasso was a Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, and theatre designer.

He was born on October 25th, 1881, in Spain and died on April 8th, 1973, in France, where he spent most of his adult life.

Picasso’s full name is Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de Los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Ruiz y Picasso.

Throughout his life and career, Picasso created more than 20,000 paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, and other art pieces, such as theatre sets and costumes. He began making art early in his childhood, perhaps because his father was a painter and professor of art.

At 16, he attended a prominent art school called the Royal Academy of San Fernando in Madrid, Spain. Still, he decided to stop attending classes because he wanted more artistic and creative freedom.

The Art of Pablo Picasso

What Materials did Picasso use?

Picasso used traditional materials, such as oil paint, chalk, and charcoal, and more unusual materials, such as newspapers, sand, and sawdust. In addition, he also used found objects, such as the seat and handlebars of a bicycle, in his sculpture “Bull’s Head.”

Picasso liked experimenting with new materials and techniques in his artwork to challenge the status quo. For example, Picasso was one of the first artists to make a collage. His 1914 painting “Pipe, Glass, Bottle of Vieux Marc” combined traditional materials such as graphite, India ink, and gouache with a piece of newspaper glued to the canvas. Picasso and his contemporary, Braque, were both responsible for creating the modern idea of the collage.

Picasso’s sculptures also used a large variety of materials. His early sculptures were modeled in clay and wax. However, he also used wood, ceramic, and bronze. For example, in his 1914 series of sculptures, “Glass of Absinthe,” Picasso cast six bottles of Absinthe in bronze and decorated them with real spoons. Another unconventional sculpture is Picasso’s “Guitar.” This sculpture featured planes of sheet metal and metal wires. Sheet metal is a common material for buildings, but it was not commonly found in fine art and sculptures.

What is Pablo Picasso’s most famous piece of art?

Picasso’s most famous piece of art is a Guernica painting.

Not only is it Picasso’s most famous piece, but it’s also one of the most famous art pieces in the world in general. Moreover, it’s the most Google-searched piece of art!

Guernica was painted in 1937 and took Picasso around a month to complete. He painted it while at his home in Paris as a response to the bombing of Guernica, which is a Basque Country town in northern Spain. Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy attacked the city by order of Spanish Nationalists during the Spanish Civil War, which made it an important and political piece of art.

Famous art by Pablo Picasso

• Family of Saltimbanques (1905)
• Ma Jolie (English title: My Pretty Girl) (1912)
• La Vie (Life) (1903)
• Girl Before a Mirror (1932)
• Three Musicians (1921)
• Le Rêve (The Dream) (1932)
• The Old Guitarist (1903)
• The Weeping Woman (1937)
• Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (The Young Ladies of Avignon) (1907)

Click the image below to explore Pablo Picasso’s art with an interactive PowerPoint, suitable for ages 5+. What do your children think about these paintings?

Why is Picasso important?

Pablo Picasso was the most dominant and influential artist of the first half of the 20th century. He is known for pioneering the Cubism movement alongside a French painter named Georges Braque. He also invented the collage art style and was a prominent figure in the Symbolism and Surrealism artistic movements.

Cubism

Picasso began experimenting with his artistic style, and in 1907-1917, he successfully pioneered a new art style and movement called Cubism. It is believed that this was Picasso’s response to an ever-changing world and that he was also inspired by African art and the modern urban life of Paris.

Through Cubism, Picasso challenged conventional, realistic, and traditional art forms. He wanted his art to reflect the modern world and to emphasize the difference between a painting and reality.

To create this effect, he used bright colors and unusual shapes, which eventually developed into the style that we now call a collage.

Famous Picasso quotes.

‘The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily lives off our souls.’

‘The world today doesn’t make sense, so why should I paint pictures that do?’

‘Everything you can imagine is real.’

‘All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.’

‘Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth.’

Gymnastics is a sport that combines lots of different movements that require balance, coordination, flexibility, strength, and endurance.

The sport of gymnastics developed from exercises used by the ancient Greeks to mount and dismount their horses.

Who can do gymnastics?

Children and adults of any age can practice gymnastics recreationally or competitively.

What equipment is needed for gymnastics?

Some equipment that is useful to have when teaching gymnastics includes:

• A balance beam
• Pommel horse
• A trampoline
• Cushioned mats
• PE benches

What are some skills taught in gymnastics?

At the beginning of gymnastics lessons, children will become familiar with these gymnastic movements:

Body tension

Using muscles to hold limbs straight and create complex shapes. You can encourage children to persevere with making and holding shapes with strong body tension. Exercises that develop the core muscles will help children with this.

Bridge

A challenging gymnastic move that progresses from a crab walk. You must ensure children are supported when attempting this in the first instance.

Chassis step

The gymnast moves forward or sideways onto the balls of one foot and then brings the ball of the other foot to meet it before jumping again to the first foot. This move is performed quickly and fluently.

Egg roll

Curl up like an egg with your chin tucked in and rolled sideways with your body tense.

Forward roll

The forward roll is a good initial gymnastic move to teach the need for control and momentum. However, it would help if you clarified that children need to move quickly to complete the roll. They’ll also need to plant their hands firmly and in parallel to make sure they come out of the roll in a straight line.

Half turn jump

A jumping movement in which the gymnast jumps in the air and turns 180 degrees, landing upright and facing the opposite direction.

Jumping jack

Jump from two feet, bending your knees and pushing upwards. Open arms and legs sideways to create a star shape in the air. Land on the balls of two feet, bending the knees. Bring the arms in front and up to shoulder height for landing.

Landing

The ending position of a skill or movement.

Log roll

Roll sideways from back to front in a stretched position with legs together, and arms stretched above the head.

Pivot

Movement in which the gymnast rotates on the ball of one foot.

Sequence

A combination of two or more skills performed, one after the other.

Straddle

A position in which the body faces forward and the legs are spread out wide to the side.

Straight jump

Jump from two feet to two feet. Bend the knees, hips, and ankles for take-off and landing. Then, jump straight up, keeping the body upright and the head up. Bend the knees when landing and bring the arms in front and up to shoulder height.

Travel

A basic action of movement, e.g., skipping, running, or hopping.

Tuck jump

Jump from two feet, bending your knees and pushing upwards. Bring the knees towards the chest, keeping the body straight and the head up. Take the arms over the head for propulsion and bring them in front, at shoulder height, for landing. Land on the balls of two feet, bending the knees.

Battle of the Atlantic

Start: 3rd of September 1939

End: 8th of May 1945

The Battle of the Atlantic was one of the longest conflicts in World War II. During the battle, the Allies struck a naval blockade against Germany to isolate their naval ports. It resulted in an ongoing struggle to gain control over the sea routes in the Atlantic Ocean. Over the five years that this conflict raged on, thousands of ships took part in more than a hundred smaller battles in the Atlantic Ocean, during which it is estimated that around 100,000 people lost their lives.

Battle of Dunkirk

Start: 26th of May 1940

End: 4th of June 1940

The Battle of Dunkirk is one of the most famous WW2 battles. The battle began with a German invasion around the French coastal town of Dunkirk, which split apart the French and British armies. It resulted in the Allied forces being completely isolated and vulnerable to attack. Stranded at Dunkirk, the Allies carried out an evacuation of their soldiers under the title Operation Dynamo. German forces still claimed a victory at the end of the Battle of Dunkirk, with the remaining Allied troops surrendering. However, the evacuation under Operation Dynamo was still viewed as a great success.

Battle of Britain

Start: 10th of July 1940

End: 31st of October 1940

The Battle of Britain is another of the most famous battles of WW2. This battle was fought in the skies between Britain’s Royal Air Force, Navy, and German forces. The battle was Britain’s response to Germany’s almost four-month-long air campaign, during which time Britain was subjected to heavy bombing from Germany’s Luftwaffe air force. This campaign was designed to destroy Britain’s Royal Air Force before German troops invaded. The Battle of Britain eventually resulted in a British victory, which was helped by Hitler’s decision to bomb London rather than military bases.

Battle of Crete

Start: 20th of May 1941

End: 1st of June 1941

The Battle of Crete was, as the name suggests, fought on the Greek island of Crete. Nazi paratroopers invaded Crete, which was the first largely airborne attack in history. The invasion was not overly successful for the Germans, but they eventually achieved victory. It is because the Allied forces feared a sea assault and so withdrew pretty soon. In the Battle of Crete, almost 4,000 Allies and over 3,000 Germans were killed.

The Siege of Leningrad

Start: 8th of September 1941

End: 27th of January 1944

During the Siege of Leningrad, German and Finnish soldiers embarked on an almost 900-day siege and blockade of Leningrad. Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, is the second-biggest Soviet city and a major center of industry. The town was cut off from supplies, water, electricity, and transportation, evacuating 1.3 million people. The siege ended with the soviet soldiers breaking through the blockade and freeing the city. This WW2 conflict is particularly tragic because so many civilians lost their lives. Around 800,000 civilians died during the Siege of Leningrad, mostly from hunger.

Battle of Moscow

Start: 2nd of October 1941

End: 7th of January 1942

In the wake of Operation Barbarossa, Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union, the Axis powers (a coalition headed by Germany, Italy, and Japan) launched a campaign to capture Moscow. They wanted to capture Moscow before the harsh Russian winter set in, as these conditions would make conflict extremely difficult. In preparation for this attack, the Soviet Union fortified the city of Moscow and brought reinforcements. The battle raged for months, and both sides suffered great victories and losses. However, the Germans were eventually defeated and forced to retreat.

Battle of Pearl Harbor

Start and End: 7th of December 1941

In a surprise wave of attacks on the U.S. naval base at Oahu Island, Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor, Japan, aligned with the Axis, takes out America’s Pacific fleet (the fleet’s three aircraft carriers were not present during the attack). With approximately 2,400 U.S. troops killed and another 1,000 wounded, President Franklin D. Roosevelt calls it “a date which will live in infamy,” The next day, the U.S. officially entered World War II, declaring war on Japan.

Battle of Midway

Start: 4th of June 1942

End: 7th of June 1942

The Battle of Midway was one of the most important naval wins for the United States during World War II. American intelligence broke codes, thus allowing them to foil a Japanese attack on the US at Midway Island in the Pacific Ocean. While Japan was focused on Midway Island, US forces used this time to attack and sink four of Japan’s aircraft carriers.

Battle of Stalingrad

Start: 23rd of August 1942

End: 2nd February 1943

The Battle of Stalingrad is another of the most famous WW2 battles. The conflict raged between the Allies and the Axis powers in the Russian city of Stalingrad. German forces attacked Stalingrad, but the Allies fought them off successfully, thus bringing an end to the Axis’s Eastern Europe advances. Stalingrad was one of World War II’s longest, biggest, and deadliest battles, with almost 2 million casualties, including civilians. The battle was fought throughout the harsh Russian winter, greatly contributing to the death toll.

Operation Torch

Start: 8th of November 1942

End: 16th of November 1942

In Operation Torch, the Allied forces invaded French North Africa. It was done to draw the Axis powers away from Soviet attacks on the Eastern Front and allow the Allies to gain control over the Mediterranean shipping lanes. The Allies launched attacks on Oran, Algiers, and Casablanca before advancing on Tunis. As a result of Operation Torch, the Vichy French, another name for the French State headed by Marshal Philippe Pétain during World War II, realigned with the Allies.

Battle of Kursk

Start: 5th of July 1943

End: 23rd of August 1943

The Battle of Kursk was the largest tank battle in military history, and it took place on the Eastern Front. It is estimated that 6,000 tanks, 4,000 aircraft, and 2 million soldiers were involved in this WW2 battle. The battle began with Germany attacking the Soviet army near the Russian city of Kursk. However, due to a series of delays, and the racking of the German Wehrmacht code, the Soviet military was prepared for the attack and, therefore, able to keep German forces from conquering Russia.

Battle of Anzio

Start: 22nd of January 1944

End: 5th of June 1944

The Battle of Anzio was fought in an Allied attempt to liberate Italy from German forces. The Allies landed in the Italian city of Anzio and, having the element of surprise, were able to secure a beachhead (a defended position on a beach from which an attack could be launched) during Operation Shingle. However, the Axis powers resisted and launched a series of counter-attacks, eventually resulting in a stalemate between the two sides. This stalemate only ended with the fall of Rome. Despite the early victory, the Battle of Anzio is largely viewed as a failure for the Allies. Although, it was successful in stopping German troops from moving to France in the days before the invasion of Normandy.

Battle of Normandy

Start: 6th of June 1944

End: 30th of August 1944

The Battle of Normandy began with American, British, and Canadian troops storming five beaches at Normandy on the 6th of June 1944. This day is known as ‘D-Day’ and was one of the largest water invasions in military history. The battle was extremely bloody, with more than 2,000 American casualties and 4,000 deaths on D-Day at Omaha Beach. Five days later, on the 11th of June, Allied forces were able to secure the beaches, and the Allied invasion of Normandy began.

Battle of Leyte Gulf

Start: 23rd of October 1944

End: 26th of October 1944

This three-day-long conflict was the largest naval battle in World War II. The struggle involved the Allies invading the Philippines to take back the commonwealth and create a Southeast Asian blockade. As a counter-attack, Japan deployed its very first suicide bombers. The Battle of Leyte Gulf was devastating for both sides, with more than 23,000 US soldiers and sailors being killed and almost 420,000 Japanese casualties. This loss was catastrophic for Japan, which lost most of its surface fleet, thus giving the Allies command of the Pacific Ocean.

Battle of Okinawa

Start: 1st of April 1945

End: 22nd of June 1945

The Battle of Okinawa was the final battle of World War II. it began on Easter Sunday with the US army and marine forces invading Okinawa, the fifth-largest island of Japan, located in the Japanese Ryukyus island chain. US forces had orders to take over the island and carry out airstrikes against Japan, creating a blockade. Japan retaliated with suicide bomber attacks and sank 26 Allies ships, damaging 170 more. The battle raged for three long months when more than 12,000 US soldiers lost their lives. In addition to this, Japan lost 100,000 soldiers were killed, as well as 150,000 Japanese civilians. Eventually, the battle ended with an American victory.

The Byzantine Empire/Eastern Roman Empire

The split between the Eastern Roman Empire (later known as the Byzantine Empire) and the Western Roman Empire came about because, during the 4th century, the empire could no longer control its long borders and far-flung outposts. So when Constantine I became emperor, he divided the empire into east and west and set up a capital in the east named Constantinople (now known as Istanbul).

Birth of the Eastern Roman Empire

When looking for a place to build his new capital, Constantine I decided on an ancient Greek site known as Byzantium around 330 AD. He took over a small Greek town and developed the new Eastern Roman capital, Constantinople.

In the coming decades, Constantine set to work setting up his capital and ensuring his Eastern outposts were controlled. The Citizens of the Byzantine Empire saw themselves as both Romans and Christians. Their official language was Latin, but many spoke Greek or Arabic languages too.

As the Western Roman Empire crumbled, the Eastern Roman Empire flourished and expanded its borders. Constantine had chosen the location of his capital well as it was very difficult to attack and was in a strategic location for trade between Europe and Asia.

Some key figures from the beginning of the Eastern Roman Empire

One tumultuous leader from this time was Flavius Zeno, an Eastern Roman emperor from 474 to 475 and 476 to 491.

His reign managed to attract several domestic revolts and religious conflicts. His power also saw the end of the Western Roman empire.

One figure in particular greatly impacted his rule: a Roman general named Illus. Flavius Illus was a Roman general who played a big part in the reigns of the Eastern Roman emperors Zeno and Basiliscus (Emperor of Eastern Rome between 475 and 476).

Basiliscus took the reign from Zeno for one year before Zeno returned. Illus played an important role in the revolt of Basiliscus. His support was short-lived, though, as he quickly changed sides, supporting Zeno’s return in 476.

Illus appeared to serve as a loyal follower of Zeno. He helped him defeat Marcianus  479, a tyrant who tried to replace Zeno by force.

However, Illus, rather unsurprisingly, betrayed Zeno and supported the revolt of Leontius, another usurper, in 484. The rebellion lasted four years, but, unfortunately for Illus, the revolution was unsuccessful, and he was subsequently killed in 488.

Expanding the Eastern Roman Empire

Justinian I

With the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Eastern Roman Empire officially became known as the Byzantine Empire. One of the best-known rulers of this empire was Justinian I. He came to power in 527 and ruled for nearly 40 years. He expanded the empire to include most of the land surrounding the Mediterranean Sea and created beautiful architecture, such as the ‘Hagia Sophia cathedral in Constantinople.

After Justinian I

Unfortunately, to expand the empire so much, Justinian I had to borrow large sums of money. As a result, he left a lot of debt, and the following rulers had to tax citizens to maintain the empire.

The imperial army also found it hard to hold on to the new territory that had been conquered as the Byzantine Empire did not have the same intricate road and travel network that the original Roman Empire had developed.

The Golden Age of the Eastern Roman Empire

During the 10th and 11th centuries, the Byzantine Empire entered a period of peace, there were very few wars, and many of the citizens could reach a level of prosperity. It became known as the “Golden Age” of the empire. Even though the kingdom had lost some of its furthest outposts, its leaders focused on the closest territories and expanding trade/wealth.

Many Byzantine Emperors were skilled at diplomacy and trade links with neighbors to protect the peace and trade they had developed. As a result, trade moved freely from China through Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Britain/France.

Fall of the Empire

The Byzantine Empire acted as a buffer and link between Europe/Asia. Although, as European crusaders passed through the empire to battle Muslims in the Holy Land/Jerusalem, tensions grew. Eventually, the crusaders decided to take control of the city and attacked Constantinople in 1204.

After several attacks by the European crusaders, the Byzantine Empire could never regain control over its territories and existed in a weakened state for two more centuries before being overtaken by the Middle Eastern Ottoman Empire.

Eastern Roman Empire Timeline

• 395 AD: The Roman Empire divides in half, with the Eastern and Western Roman Empires controlled separately.
• 476 AD: The Western Empire falls, and the Eastern Empire is now labeled as Byzantine Empire.
• 526 AD: Justinian I begins his reign and reconquers much of the territory of the lost Western Empire.
• 693 AD: Muslim armies attack Constantinople, but the military is defeated.
• 717 AD: A large force besieges Constantinople from Asia but is held off.
• 800 AD: Charlemagne, King of the Franks, is crowned ‘Emperor of All Romans’ by the Pope.
• 941 AD: The Byzantine Empire destroys the vast fleet of Russian ships during a war with Prince Igor of Kyiv.
• 995 AD: Basil II reconquers Syria and Greece.
• 1055 AD: Italian territories are lost to the Normans
• 1075 AD: Syria is lost to Muslim kingdoms.
• 1096 AD: Crusaders first arrive at Constantinople.
• 1204 AD: The Fourth Crusade attacks Constantinople and captures it.
• 1453 AD: The rest of the Byzantine Empire is overtaken by the Ottoman Empire.

Propaganda is material that aims to push a particular political point of view or agenda, often by using biased or misleading information. Political groups will spread propaganda to influence people and serve their interests.

There are many forms of propaganda, including posters, videos, text, and images. Propaganda is most often used in times of conflict. Governments will use propaganda to spread misinformation about their enemy and make the public aware of the rules and regulations in place.

Why is Propaganda used?

Political groups or activists often use propaganda to convince people to adopt their points of view. Usually, propaganda contains loaded language designed to provoke an emotional response in the reader rather than a rational response.

Historically, propaganda was seen in a neutral light and was used as a tool by both sides in the First World War. However, during the 20th century, propaganda came to be viewed negatively, to the extent that the word ‘propaganda’ is often used to imply that a piece of information contains deliberate lies about a particular subject.

Second World War Propaganda

The political posters used during the Second World War are some of the most famous examples of propaganda. These posters were designed to encourage men to join the army and women to take jobs in factories. The wartime propaganda posters were designed to be eye-catching and convey a particular message.

These propaganda posters often contain a short, catchy slogan written in large, bold letters. They would also have a particularly memorable image or one that is designed to make people scared. During the Second World War, propaganda was important for stopping panic and rumors from breaking out. However, these posters have been criticized in the modern era for using scare tactics and guilt trips to keep people under control.

What is negative propaganda?

Negative propaganda is used to demean or slander a particular group, be it a country, a culture, a business, or a social group. In addition, negative propaganda has been used to turn people against each other. For example, one of the most important reasons why Adolf Hitler took power in Germany was due to a negative propaganda campaign that sought to turn the majority of the German population against the Jewish people living in Germany at the time.

Adolf Hitler and his allies spread misinformation about the Jewish people and created negative propaganda to convince people that Germany’s problems after the First World War were the fault of the Jewish people. Even though there was no evidence to support this, many people believed the propaganda. As a result, it contributed to Adolf Hitler’s rise to power and, eventually, the Second World War outbreak.

What is positive propaganda?

Positive propaganda is a type of propaganda that is used to inform people or encourage them to do things to help benefit society. Unlike negative propaganda, which mostly relies on lies and misinformation, positive propaganda typically highlights alternate ways of thinking, typically presented using facts.

An example is the propaganda campaign that encouraged women to work during the Second World War. These posters contained messages such as ‘We Can Do It, ‘ aimed to convince women that they were just as capable of working in munitions factories as men.

Another example of positive propaganda can be seen in modern times from groups seeking to spread climate change awareness. This propaganda will highlight facts about how human behavior changes our planet to encourage people to adapt their lifestyles to become more sustainable and eco-friendly.

If you are teaching a lesson about propaganda, you can encourage your students to think about the topic and answer these questions:

• What kinds of groups use negative propaganda?
• Why do these groups use negative propaganda?
• Should negative propaganda be against the law?
• What types of groups use positive propaganda?
• Why is positive propaganda better than negative propaganda?

Types of propaganda

• Bandwagon – this aims to encourage people to do something simply because many others are doing it.
• Testimonial – this relies on experts and respected sources to promote a particular idea.
• Transfer – this associates the traits of a well-known person with a product to promote or demote it. Linking an item to a respected person is a positive transfer. Creating an analogy between a disliked person and a product is a negative transfer.
• Repetition – repeating a message helps it stick in the audience’s mind.
• Emotive language gives a message an emotional weight and appeals to the audience.

Texas Independence Day is a state holiday celebrated annually in Texas on March 2 that celebrates the adoption of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The Texan Declaration was adopted on March 2, 1836, and it’s been celebrated in some form in the state ever since.

What is the history of Texas Independence Day?

In 1821, Mexico had just gained independence from Spain and became its own country, which included the entire state of Texas. Because of its tiny population and distance from Mexico City, Mexico’s government started a settlement program in the hopes that Texas would become more developed and integrate with the more populated regions of Mexico. By 1830, a man called Stephen Austin had brought over 10,000 Americans who lived alongside the Mexican Tejano population of 4,000.

In 1833, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna was elected president and began to centralize the power of government back to Mexico City, and tensions rose between Texans and the Mexican government. The incarceration of Stephen Austin was a catalyst for a rebellion amongst Texans, and the Texan War of Independence began on October 2, 1835. Over the next six months, several battles took place between the Mexican army and the Texan revolutionaries, including the famous siege and attack on the Alamo mission, which took many Texan lives.

The war ended on April 21st at the Battle of San Jacinto, where 900 Texan soldiers launched a surprise attack on the Mexican troops and took Santa Anna as a prisoner. It was here in 1836 that Texas became independent of Mexico. Texas was finally admitted to the United States on December 29, 1845, officially becoming the 28th state.

How is Texas Independence Day celebrated?

Towns and cities across the state tend to hold big celebrations to commemorate this day; these events typically include lots of food, music, activities, and historical displays to celebrate Texas’s fight for independence and rich history. It’s not uncommon to see parades, firework displays, and many homes raising the Texas Lone Star Flag. In addition, it’s traditional for Texan friends and families all over the state to spend time with each other by having big gatherings and hosting famous Texan BBQs.

Some people visit places and historic sites associated with this special day, including the Alamo, where the Mexican state of Tejas won independence and became a self-governing republic: Texas. Others include San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, Sam Houston’s Birthday & Texas Independence Day Celebration, and Casa Navarro.

State government workers may choose to have a day off on Texas Independence Day as it is a partial staffing day. Many schools have classroom lessons and activities about the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Fun Facts about Texas

• The Texas State Capitol building is the largest state capitol in the nation. The Texas State Capitol is taller than the US Capitol by almost 15 feet.
• Texas is larger than any country in Europe. If Texas were its own country, it would be the 40th largest land area.
• Texas gets its name from the word for “Friends” in Caddo Indian. The word “teycha,” which translates to friends or allies, was given by the native people who lived here before the Spanish conquest.
• Texas boasts America’s largest rose garden. Tyler in eastern Texas is home to the country’s largest rose garden, spanning 14 acres and showcasing a staggering 38,000 rose bushes of up to 500 species.
• Texas held the world’s first rodeo on July 4, 1883, starting a legacy that has carried over into the present day.