Level 2 (grades 8 and up)

Stranded
in
Space Includes
• A News Story
• Assignments
Article page 5 • A Quiz
Questions page 7 Subscribe to receive 3 additional
articles, answer keys, and more!
Infographics page 10
Map page 15
Sample edition
Quiz page 17 2024/2025: Issue 2

A monthly current events resource for Canadian classrooms

 What you’RE missing
national
A new link between neighbours
A futuristic new six-lane bridge linking Windsor, Ontario with Detroit,
Michigan is nearing completion. It is slated to fully open for traffic in
September 2025, but the first vehicles may begin crossing before then.
The span, called the Gordie Howe . . .
Subscribe to read the full article. www.lesplan.com

International
PWHL builds on the first season
Enthusiasm is mounting as players, coaches, and fans get ready for the 2024-
2025 season of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Players will
report to training camps on November 12 and the season will start shortly after.
The new season is just the second . . .
Subscribe to read the full article. info.lesplan.com

International
A ‘fixed’ election in venezuela
A recent general election in the South American country of Venezuela has
thrown that impoverished nation into turmoil and despair.
Widespread protests and at least 25 deaths occurred in the hours and days after the
polls closed on July 28. Over 2400 people . . .
Subscribe to read the full article. 1 (888) 240-2246

* SUBSCRIBE TODAY & GET IT ALL *

With a subscription, you’ll receive eight full issues. “Of the reams of educational resources out there, What in
the World? is easily one of my favourites.”
Each issue includes four articles, a political cartoon,
- G. Shuley, Nanaimo, BC
a news photo assignment, maps, questions, quizzes,
and answer keys – everything you need to help “I love this publication! It is an excellent complement to
my Social Studies curriculum and the activities enable me
your students understand current Canadian and
to cover many provincial outcomes.”
international events and issues. - S. Giffin, Dartmouth, NS

www.lesplan.com • 1-888-240-2212 • [email protected]

 to the Teacher
What in the World? Mission Statement
Level 2, 2024/2025: Issue 2
LesPlan Educational Services Ltd. aims to help teachers develop students’
PUBLISHER engagement in, understanding of, and ability to critically assess current
Eric Wieczorek issues and events by providing quality, up-to-date, affordable, ready-to-use
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF resources appropriate for use across the curriculum.
Janet Radschun Wieczorek

ILLUSTRATOR
Mike Deas

CONTRIBUTORS
Vivien Bowers
Krista Clarke
Rosa Harris
Catriona Misfeldt

What in the World? © is published eight

times during the school year by:
LesPlan Educational Services Ltd.
#1 - 4144 Wilkinson Road
Victoria BC V8Z 5A7
www.lesplan.com
[email protected]

Phone: (toll free) 888 240-2212

Fax: (toll free) 888 240-2246
Twitter: @LesPlan
Subscribe to What in the World? ©
at a cost of $28.75 per month per school. I have had many parents comment to me
Copyright and Licence
about how great they think What in the
These materials are protected by copyright. World? is, and they look forward to each
Subscribers may copy each issue for use by
month’s issue coming home... This is a
all students and teachers within one school.
Subscribers must also ensure that the materials are
great resource for a small country school to
not made available to anyone outside their school. explore the global issues that affect us all.
K. Camelon, Grade 7/8 teacher
Complimentary sample
Please let us know if you or a colleague would Admaston, ON
like to receive a complimentary sample of any of
our publications.

Hay’sxw’qa!
e Get breaking news
LesPlan is grateful to the Lkwungen Peoples, the
More stories free online
Fre
Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, on whose unceded
Articles and supplementary materials for
land we now live, and do our work.
breaking news stories are posted at
We welcome your comments and appreciate your
www.lesplan.com
suggestions. Please contact us at any time.
Download as many as you’d like!

Level 2 • No. 2 What in the world? • Sample Page 3

 Science, Technology, and the Environment
Stranded in Space
BEFORE READING
1. Have students organize themselves in groups of 3.
2. Write the 5W’s (who, what, where, when, why) and how on the board. Have each member of the group choose two
question words.
3. Next, tell students that they are going to watch a news report about two NASA astronauts who were stranded in space
in June of this year. While watching the video, each student will be responsible for taking note of the details that answer
their two question words.
4. Tell students that you will play the report twice. During the first viewing, students should just watch to get a sense of
where in the report their information is presented and to understand the overall message. During the second viewing,
students can take dot jot notes of the information relative to their two question words:
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6487740 [3:47]
5. Debrief details as a class.
6. Finally, invite students to set a purpose for reading the article, referring to the resource page Setting A Purpose Before
Reading as needed.

Level 2 • No. 2 What in the world? • Sample Page 4

 Science, Technology, and the Environment
Stranded in Space

Mission Pilot Sunita (Suni) Williams

and Mission Commander Barry The Starliner
(Butch) Wilmore went to space for The Starliner spacecraft was designed and built by Boeing, a global aerospace company
eight days. It may be eight months. that has experienced a number of recent setbacks. Boeing develops, manufactures, and
On June 5, the NASA astronauts services commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems.
blasted off in Boeing’s Starliner The Starliner uses an Atlas V rocket to launch into space. It includes a reusable Crew
spacecraft for the International Space Module and a single-use Service Module that provides energy to the spacecraft and
Station (ISS), an orbiting space lab contains the engines and cooling system. The Service Module is jettisoned before
400 kilometres above Earth. reentry. The Crew Module uses a parachute and an airbag to land.
This was the Starliner’s first crewed The Crew Module is cone-shaped with a diameter of 4.6 metres at its base. It can
test flight. The Starliner has not been hold up to seven passengers, or fewer if cargo needs to be transported.
certified as operational. Things soon
went wrong. The capsule developed
Veteran astronauts scheduled to take command of the
leaks that affected the propulsion
Both astronauts are retired navy space station in October.
system. During the approach to
the ISS, several thrusters used to captains and longtime NASA There were seven astronauts on the
maneuver also failed. The astronauts astronauts. Both have visited the ISS ISS when the Starliner arrived; Ms.
docked safely, but the malfunctions before. “This is my happy place,” said Williams and Mr. Wilmore made
worried NASA. It wasn’t clear why the Ms. Williams in a press conference nine. In early September, a Russian
problems occurred. last September. “I love being up here.” spacecraft carrying three astronauts
Even so, Ms. Williams, worries about brought the total to 12.
Weeks turned to months as experts
sought answers. After extensive missing precious face-to-face time A lab in space
testing, NASA made its call. The risks with her mother. Mr. Wilmore will
The first part of the ISS was sent up in
were too great; the Starliner would be in space for much of his youngest
1998. In November 2000, the first crew
travel back to Earth empty. daughter’s final year of high school.
arrived. The ISS has been continuously
On September 7, the two stranded Adjusting to the unexpected is what occupied since that time.
astronauts watched as the Starliner astronauts are trained for. The two
The station was the result of
left without them. It landed safely on new arrivals settled into ISS life
unprecedented collaboration between
Earth. The new plan is for them to stay quickly, helping with maintenance
the U.S., Russia, Japan, Canada,
on the ISS until next February. and experiments. Ms. Williams is
and the European Space Agency. It

Definitions
international space station: an orbiting space station NASA: U.S. federal independent agency responsible for the
used for scientific and space research, constructed between 1998 civil space program, aeronautics research, and space research
and 2011 with help from 15 nations propulsion: the force that drives something forward

Level 2 • No. 2 What in the world? • Sample Page 5

 Science, Technology, and the Environment
Stranded in Space
shows what's possible if countries The space race
work together. But the ISS era is Starting in the late 1950s, the United
Space-age
winding down. States and the Soviet Union raced developments
Thousands of scientific experiments each other into orbit, fighting for Space leads the way, and private
have been conducted on the ISS. ‘firsts’ in the Space Race. industry finds ways to use the
Research has included investigating technology. Since 1976, technology
In 1956, the USSR launched Sputnik-1, developed for space exploration has
diseases, studying new states of the first artificial satellite. In 1961,
matter, developing ways to grow food helped create over two thousand
cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the spinoff products. Some are obvious—
in space, and many more. first human to travel to space. In 1969, think of communication satellites
The ISS is 109 metres long—about NASA astronauts Neil Armstrong and used by phone companies. Others
the length of a football field. It weighs Buzz Aldrin became the first to walk are less so. Memory-foam mattresses,
more than 400 tonnes. The living and on the moon. Bluetooth headphones, vacuums, and
working space of the ISS includes six The 1980s ushered in NASA’s reusable ski suits all originated with technology
sleeping compartments, each about Space Shuttle program. From 1981 designed for space. There have been
the size of a phone booth, and two to 2011, five space shuttles flew 135 medical advances, too, including laser
bathrooms. A gym lets crew members missions. The shuttles launched eye surgery and improvements in
work out to fight muscle and bone loss and recovered satellites, conducted artificial hearts and mammograms.
from low gravity. A bay window offers research, and helped build the ISS.
a 360-degree view of space. To boldly go…
The end of the Space Shuttle program
The station is a marvel, but it is aging. left a gap. With no shuttles, NASA Why use private companies? Why
Plans are underway for its demise had to rely on Russian spacecraft to doesn’t NASA build a spacecraft or a
in 2031. The station will be pushed transport astronauts to the ISS. new space station? Basically, it’s to free
out of orbit to fall through Earth’s up money, and time, to focus on other
atmosphere and crash into the ocean. The U.S. government offered money bigger objectives.
and assistance to companies who
There is no plan for another ISS, nor could fill the need. Private spaceships In 2014, Administrator Charles
will NASA build its own. Instead, were already being built; in the early Bolden—the top NASA official—said
private companies will develop space 2000s, companies like Blue Origin that “turning over low-Earth orbit
stations, which NASA will use as (founded in 2000) and SpaceX transportation to private industry
needed—like renting a hotel room or (founded in 2002) began working on will… allow NASA to focus on an
an office, but in space. NASA won’t be space travel. Now NASA needed them. even more ambitious mission —
the only client. These space stations A new ‘space race’ had begun. sending humans to Mars.”
could become research laboratories or
space tourist destinations. In 2012, the SpaceX Dragon became In 2017, NASA Instructor and Flight
the first private spacecraft to dock Controller Robert Frost added to this
The change from the ISS to privately- with the ISS. In 2020, SpaceX made idea. “The role of government in space
owned space stations seems symbolic. history again when its new Crew exploration is to do the things that the
Once the domain of government Dragon spacecraft carried astronauts market can’t support, but the people
agencies and programs, space is to the space station. agree are beneficial.” In other words,
becoming increasingly privatized. NASA’s role is to push ahead—to
NASA no longer relied on Russia for break barriers and pursue science
access to space. And space travel, it that may not make money but may,
seemed, was no longer a government eventually, benefit us all. J
affair.

Definitions
cosmonaut: a Russian astronaut (China's astronauts are called Taikonauts)
Soviet Union / USSR: a former federal union of 15 nations in eastern Europe and western and northern Asia, comprising the larger
part of the former Russian Empire: formed in 1921 and dissolved in December 1991

Level 2 • No. 2 What in the world? • Sample Page 6

 Science, Technology, and the Environment
Stranded in Space
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. What does NASA stand for? What is the purpose of this American agency?

2. When did the 'Space Race' begin? What two countries competed with each other? Explain.

3. What does ISS stand for? What is it and how long has it been in space?

4. List at least four important facts about the ISS.

5. How did NASA transport astronauts and supplies to and from the ISS in the 1980s? Explain

6. When the shuttles were retired, what was NASA's plan to continue an astronaut taxi service to the ISS?

7. Which company developed the Starliner?

8. Describe what the Starliner is and how it works.

9. What happened during the recent Starliner test mission to send two astronauts to the ISS? What did NASA decide?

10. When are Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore now expected to return to Earth?

Level 2 • No. 2 What in the world? • Sample Page 7

 Science, Technology, and the Environment
Stranded in Space
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER THOUGHT
1. Reread the following passage from the article: "The station [ISS] was the result of unprecedented collaboration between
the U.S., Russia, Japan, Canada, and the European Space Agency. It shows what's possible if countries work together."
As you see it, how might this quote apply to events happening in the world today? Give examples to support your ideas.

2. The International Space Station will be shut down in 2031 with no plans to rebuild. Instead, private companies will
develop space stations which can serve as research laboratories, space tourist destinations, or 'stopovers' for NASA when it
needs them.
In your opinion, what might be some of the advantages and disadvantages of space becoming more privatized? Explain.

3. The article quotes NASA Administrator Charles Bolden: “Turning over low-Earth orbit transportation to private
industry will… allow NASA to focus on an even more ambitious mission — sending humans to Mars.”
Do you believe that one day humans will settle in space? Why or why not?

Level 2 • No. 2 What in the world? • Sample Page 8

 Science, Technology, and the Environment
Stranded in Space
QUESTIONS FOR ONLINE EXPLOR ATION
Note: The links below are listed at www.lesplan.com/links for easy access.
1. Watch the launch of the Boeing Starliner on June 5: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6414794 [1:24]
2. Find out what went wrong with this mission.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6487740 [3:47]
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6509618 [8:11]
What did you learn?

3. Why did NASA make the decision to have Starliner return to Earth without its crew?
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6503415 [9:54]

Do you agree with NASA's decision? Why or why not? Explain.

4. How did this mission go from 8 days to 8 months?

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6480182 [9:17]
What will astronauts Wilmore and Williams be doing with all of this extra time?

5. What is the plan for returning astronauts Wilmore and Williams to Earth?
https://www.yout-ube.com/watch?v=l6g3_UrmlxY [3:43]

6. Explore the NASA and ISS sites:

https://www.nasa.gov/
https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/
7. Learn more about Boeing Starliner spacecraft:
https://www.boeing.com/space/starliner

8. Check out some of the everyday products that were developed using space exploration technology:
https://d2pn8kiwq2w21t.cloudfront.net/original_images/infographicsuploadsinfographicsfull11358.jpg
Which items surprised you?

Level 2 • No. 2 What in the world? • Sample Page 9

 Science, Technology, and the Environment
Stranded in Space
INFOGR APHIC

Astronauts wait to return to Earth

NASA will decide in mid-August how and when
to bring two astronauts – Sunita Williams and
Barry Wilmore – back from the International
Space Station, possibly including a ride home in
a SpaceX capsule, after repeatedly delaying their
return aboard Boeing’s Starliner
United CST-100
Launch Starliner
Alliance Crew
Atlas V module

International Kibo
Space Station
Zvezda Zarya Destiny

Nauka Harmony
Unity Columbus
Service
Astronaut module Starliner docked with
to scale Harmony module
Jun 5, 2024: Russian U.S. / European /
Wilmore and Williams modules Japanese modules
launch on eight-day
mission aboard SpaceX return: Starliner will
Boeing Starliner – be cut loose. Once its docking
Boeing’s port is empty, then SpaceX will
first time launch Dragon capsule to fill
launching that slot — in which Wilmore
astronauts and Williams will ride back
to Earth
Jun 6:
As Starliner
approaches
ISS, four
helium leaks
in propulsion
system are
detected.
Five of craft’s
28 thrusters
also malfunction
Thrusters:
Needed at flight’s
end to keep
capsule in right
position for critical
deorbit burn
Service module tanks:
Four fuel, four oxidizer, Forward
and two pressurant tanks docking
which use inert helium system:
gas to push fuel into To connect
propulsion system to ISS
Sources: Associated Press, CNN, Financial Times, NASA Picture: Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS

Level 2 • No. 2 What in the world? • Sample Page 10

 Science, Technology, and the Environment
Stranded in Space
INFOGR APHIC - PART A

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/infographics/15-years-of-the-international-space-station

Level 2 • No. 2 What in the world? • Sample Page 11

 Science, Technology, and the Environment
Stranded in Space
INFOGR APHIC - PART B

https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/infographics/15-years-of-the-international-space-station

Level 2 • No. 2 What in the world? • Sample Page 12

 Science, Technology, and the Environment
Stranded in Space
INFOGR APHIC

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:NASA’s_Boeing_Crew_Flight_Test_Launch_(NHQ202406050029).jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Main_Parachutes_Open,_Airbags_Inflate_4-3-12.jpg
A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with Boeing’s Six airbags inflate prior to the CST-100 touching down on the
CST‑100 Starliner spacecraft aboard launches from Space playa. The CST-100 is compatible with multiple launch vehicles,
Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, including the Delta IV, Falcon and Atlas V, which has been
Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in Florida. selected as the launch vehicle for the initial test flights in 2015-16.

This artist's concept shows

Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner
spacecraft, currently under
development for NASA’s
Commercial Crew Program,
docking to the International
Space Station.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boeing%27s_CST-100_Starliner_spacecraft_docking_to_the_ISS.jpg

Level 2 • No. 2 What in the world? • Sample Page 13

 Science, Technology, and the Environment
Stranded in Space
ANALYZING AN INFOGR APHIC

What is the purpose of this infographic? Who is the intended audience?

What information is new or interesting? What features are used to clarify the message?

What information is How does the information

significant or important? presented enhance your
understanding?

What questions do you still have about the topic presented?

Level 2 • No. 2 What in the world? • Sample Page 14

 map assignment
Florida
Complete this map assignment to better understand the article Stranded in Space.

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Obtain the required resources and read all the instructions before starting.
2. Colour your map after all labelling is completed.
3. Print in pencil only first, then go over the printing in black ink.
4. Work carefully and neatly.
Resources Required: pencil, black pen, pencil crayons, ruler, eraser and an atlas.
Part A Locate and label the U.S. state of Florida in CAPITAL letters and shade it orange.
Part B Locate and label the capital of Florida and underline the city name.
Part C Locate and label the following U.S. states in CAPITAL letters and shade each as indicated:
Alabama (red) Georgia (green)
South Carolina (pink) North Carolina (purple)
Virginia (green) Tennessee (yellow)
Part D Locate and label the capital of each U.S. state and underline the city name.
Part E Locate and label the state of Kentucky in CAPITAL letters and shade it orange.
Part F Locate and label the Bahamas in CAPITAL letters and shade it yellow.
Part G Locate and label the capital of the Bahamas and underline.
Part H Locate and label the Kennedy Space Center.
Part I Locate and label Lake Okeechobee and shade it light blue.
Part J Locate and label the following cities in Florida:
Jacksonville Miami
Tampa Orlando
St. Petersburg Fort Lauderdale
Part K Locate and label the Florida Keys.
Part L Locate and label the following and shade all salt water dark blue:
Gulf of Mexico Atlantic Ocean
Straits of Florida
Part M Shade all remaining territory grey.
Part N Complete your map with a frame, title, and compass. J

Florida

Level 2 • No. 2 What in the world? • Sample Page 15

0 50 100 150 200 Kilometres
 Science, Technology, and the Environment
Stranded in Space
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
A. Write the letter that corresponds to the best answer on the line beside each question:
______ 1. Which country was the first to put a human in space?
a) United States b) China
c) Japan d) United Kingdom
e) Soviet Union
______ 2. Which company built the Starliner?
a) Airbus b) SpaceX
c) Boeing d) Lockheed Martin
e) Tesla
______ 3. How many astronauts did the Starliner deliver to the ISS?
a) 1 b) 2
c) 4 d) 5
e) 7
B. Mark the statements T (True) or F (False). If a statement is True, write one important fact to support it on the line
below. If a statement is False, write the words that make it true on the line below.
______ 4. True or False? Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first to walk on the moon.

______ 5. True or False? NASA has plans to refurbish the ISS so it can continue to be used.

______ 6. True or False? NASA has relied on Russia's space program to transport astronauts to the ISS.

C. Fill in the blanks to complete each sentence.

7. The ___________________ ___________________ and the ___________________ ___________________ competed

in the Space Race. (4)

8. ISS: _______________________ Space Station.

9. NASA is turning its long term mission focus to sending humans to _______________________ .
D. Respond to the following question in paragraph form. (Use a separate sheet of paper if necessary.)
10. As you see it, is space exploration a worthwhile investment? Give reasons to support your response.

Level 2 • No. 2 What in the world? • Sample Page 17

 Resource page for Students
Setting a purpose before readinG
There are a number of reasons we read, and setting a purpose for reading – knowing WHY we are reading – helps us to
focus on important information and to better understand and remember what we read. It also helps us decide HOW we
will read the text.
We don't read all texts for the same purposes or in the same way. For example, we read an instruction manual for a new
Blu-ray player for a different reason than we read a book or a website. How we will read it – the strategies we use – will
also differ. We are more likely to skim to find the information we need in a manual. Once we find what we need, we might
read the instructions carefully to figure out what to do. Then, we stop reading, put the manual down, and carry out the
steps. We may have to reread if we get confused or forget what to do.
This is a very different approach than the one we would use to read a book. When we read a book, we usually read
cover‑to-cover. We read carefully so we don't miss any details because we want to understand the whole story. Sometimes
we make connections or create images in our minds as we read to help us better understand what we are reading.
Depending on its length, we may put the book down before we finish reading it but we will start reading where we left off.
Good readers are flexible and responsive. This means that they match their reading strategies to their purpose for reading.
What types of text do you read? Why do you read them? What strategies do you use to read each of these texts? The chart
below is a summary of the main purposes for reading and what each entails.

Purpose for reading What it looks like

For enjoyment Usually student-selected.
Allows students to choose a variety of genres and forms.
Allows students to pursue what interests them while
developing reading skills.
To experience something new Students make connections between their personal
experiences and those of people around the world.
To learn more about themselves and others Students reflect on what they’ve read and express opinions
and perspectives.
Students develop a sense of their personal values and make
sense of the world around them.
To gain information Students use the features of informational texts to gather,
analyse and apply what they’ve learned.
To understand issues Students develop a sense of perspective.
Students pose questions, acknowledge other points of view,
critique the opinions presented and support opinions with
evidence.
To appreciate writing Students respond to text in ways other than written
answers to apply what they’ve learned in new contexts.

To appreciate use of media to communicate Students respond to a variety of media formats (e.g.,
infographics, political cartoons, videos, etc.) and react to
how the format supports the meaning of the message.
* Chart adapted from: A Guide to Effective Literacy Instruction, Grades 4-6, p. 11.

Level 2 • No. 2 What in the world? • Sample Page 18

 Resource Page for Teachers
ASsessment Rubric
This rubric may be helpful in providing students with formative, strength-based feedback and/or assessing students’
responses holistically.

Emerging Developing Proficient Extending

Supports Answers or reflections Answers or reflections Answers or reflections Answers or reflections
thinking are brief and include are general and are clearly supported are insightful and
obvious facts/details/ supported with some with specific, relevant supported with
evidence. relevant facts/details/ facts/details/evidence. specific, relevant facts/
evidence. details/evidence.

Shows Responses show a Responses are Responses are Responses are

understanding basic understanding thoughtful and show a thoughtful and insightful and show a
of the text, topic, issue general understanding show a complete deep understanding
or message. of the text, topic, issue understanding of the the text, topic, issue
or message. text, topic, issue or or message. May
message. synthesize ideas or
explain the ‘so what’.

Thinks Makes Makes logical Makes meaningful Makes powerful

critically straightforward connections to connections to self. connections that go
connections or self (T:S) and/ Considers ideas between texts and/or
inferences. Focuses on or background between texts (T:T). beyond the text (T:W).
retelling. knowledge (T:S).
Inferences are Inferences are
Inferences are logical.
plausible. plausible and
insightful.

Level 2 • No. 2 What in the world? • Sample Page 19

 Current Events, Clearly Explained

Students want to know what’s happening in their world –

but the news can be difficult and time-consuming to teach.
We have the solution. (Five, actually.)
The Canadian Reader What in the World?
grade 3 & up

5 & up
PDF/Word resource 9 PDF/Word resource
Level 2 (Grades 8, 9 and 10)

Rick Hansen and

Many in
9 National and international Motion

grade
9 Clearly written, leveled Canadian
page 3

Europe, the U.S., and

news stories The Economy

page 14

current events articles Somalia

Struggle for Survival in

9 Key vocabulary page 9

9 Literacy-based lesson plans Cell Phones

9 Background information in the Spotlight
page 20

9 Engaging, original illustrations

September 2011

A monthly current events resource for Canadian classrooms

9 Varied assignments
Routing Slip: (please circulate)

9 Comics
that build content-area
9 Map assignments
knowledge and enhance critical thinking
Product details: 8 issues. 38 pages. 9 Maps and illustrations
Available in English and in French for
Product details: 8 issues. 60 pages. Available in English and
grades 3 and up (1 reading level).
in French, and in 2 reading levels, for grades 5 and up.

Currents4Kids.com e 3&
up Building Bridges
News4Youth.com grad
5 & up
9 PDF/Word resource
9 Online and interactive 9 Builds understanding of current grade
9 Weekly events that impact Indigenous
9 Auto-graded quizzes Peoples and all Canadians
9 Comment page for Online interactive resource 9 Two theme-based articles
students to respond to the stories and lesson plans
9 Links to relevant articles, resources, 9 Background information
maps, photos and videos 9 Consistent with
9 Extension activities First Peoples Principles of Learning
9 Encourages a respectful, reflective, empathetic,
Product details: 40 issues. One subscription allows all
and inquiring frame of mind
teachers and students access from any Internet-connected
device at any time. Available in English and in French. Product details: 5 issues. Variable page length.
Currents4Kids/Infos-Jeunes: Grades 3 and up (1 reading level). Available in English and in French, and in 2 reading
News4Youth/Infos-Ados: Grades 5 and up (3 reading levels). levels, for grades 5 and up.

1-888-240-2212 lesplan.com www.

Contact us for a sample copy or free demo.

LesPlan Educational Services Ltd.
visit: www.lesplan.com email: [email protected] call toll free: 888 240-2212
Students Can Work In Word/Google Docs...

Did you know…

. . . that each issue of What In The World? includes a PDF file (complete document) and a
Word file (articles and questions only).
Students can complete assignments directly in the Word file. Teachers can email the file to
students or post it on the Internet. The Word file also allows teachers to:
• easily modify and format content including changing fonts and text sizes
• create a PDF document and use Adobe Reader’s ‘Read Out Loud Mode’
• save paper and copying costs and help protect the environment
• promote and encourage students’ computer skills

Data in the Word file Google Docs and LibreOffice

There are three ways to access data from a Word file: • You can easily upload the Word file to Google Docs and
1) Select the data you wish to Copy and then Paste it into share it with students or other teachers.
any word processing program. Use Select All to copy the • You can translate a Google Docs file into another language
entire document. (see Tools>Translate document) but you will need to edit
2) Import the entire Word file into LibreOffice (or the document to suit your requirements. Google Docs
another similar program) and then save as a new file. can translate into over 100 languages including Spanish,
Mandarin, and German.
3) Create a new file in a different format. Use the Word
Save As command to choose: 1) plain text, 2) rich text • LibreOffice is a free alternate to Microsoft Office and
format (RTF), 3) Web page (.htm), 4) PDF, etc. offers the same functionality. It’s easy to install and use.
See: www.libreoffice.org

LesPlan Educational Services Ltd.

Visit: www.lesplan.com email: [email protected] call toll free: 888 240-2212
 Big News
Clearly Explained
Suitable for Grades 5 and up

Help your students understand today’s top stories with What in the
World? – LesPlan’s highly-acclaimed monthly current events resource.
Engaging, levelled articles, background information
Special offer and original illustrations make the news interesting
for new and easy to grasp. Accompanying questions and
assignments provide multiple ways to examine the
subscriptions topics and enhance literacy and critical thinking.
Subscribe
now for the
2024 - 2025
school year,
and get the
September and
October issues
FREE!
(a $57.50 value)
When I have kids in grade 4/5 wanting
to know when the next issue is coming,
even in December and June, that’s when
I know I have an excellent resource.
A. Eisler, Burnaby, BC

It is a relief to have a resource that fits with

the curriculum and is teacher-friendly (ready
to hand out). The added bonus of having
the answers to the questions and discussion
notes makes my life just a little bit easier.
B. Thibodeau, Saskatoon, SK

I have been using your product for seven

years. There isn’t a month that goes by that
I don’t get into challenging discussions with
my students with the leads you provide
and go in directions I could never imagine.
Thank you for this terrific teaching aid!
D. Faerber, Pembroke, ON See next for page samples and ordering details!
  YES, sign me up for the 2024 – 2025 school year and send me the
September and October issues FREE* What in the World?
Promo code: 2Free Sample Pages
* Offer only applies to new subscriptions. International Infographic
France’s Notre-DAme de Paris France’s Notre-DAme de Paris
– City’s Heart Wounded by Flames – City’s Heart Wounded by Flames

Publication English French Grade Level Price Amount Notre-Dame fire: Assessing the damage
Hundreds of millions of euros have been pledged to help rebuild Notre-Dame
after fire ravaged the 850-year-old building, destroying the medieval roof
timbers, the spire, and parts of the stone vaulting below
Bell Spire 18:50 local time: 19:53: Spire collapses
towers Fire begins in as fire races along

8 issues
roof near spire transept and nave
North
Transept 20:07: Entire
roof collapses

(Sept. – May)
Nave

South
Transept

12
On April 15, Notre-Dame de the roof. They engulfed the also remained intact after the

8m
Choir
Paris caught fire. spire, which collapsed. Shortly fire. The impressive instrument 48
m

The
after, the roof fell in, too. dates to the 1730s and boasts an
This medieval cathedral is Bell towers: 68m high. Gargoyles: Mythical
estimated 8000 pipes. Largest bell – Emmanuel – stone creatures – much
known throughout the world. It A close call installed 1685. loved part of cathedral

☐ ☐
Both towers intact
was immortalized in the Victor

Grades 3 and up $172.50

Parisians and tourists watched
Hugo novel The Hunchback of in shock as the famous landmark Did you know? Spire: Restored
in 1860s after

Canadian Reader*
Notre-Dame. burned. It took 12 hours to put The island that houses Notre- 12th century
original
Horrifying scene out the blaze. Dame is the true heart of Paris. dismantled
All distances in France are in French
An alarm rang at the cathedral The damage was severe. Two- Revolution.
measured from the esplanade in Destroyed
at 6:20 pm, but no fire was thirds of the 100-metre-long front of the cathedral.
found. It sounded again wooden roof was destroyed. But
at 6:43 pm. This time, fire the façade, the two 69-metre bell

What in the World?*

Emergency workers also
was discovered on the roof. towers, and the main structure managed to rescue many
Worshippers attending the remained. The cathedral’s valuable works of art and

☐ ☐
evening mass were quickly precious stained-glass rose Bronze

Grades 5 and up $172.50

religious items from the fire. statues:
evacuated, and 400 firefighters windows, though damaged, were Among them? The crown Twelve Apostles
raced in to battle the blaze. not destroyed. of thorns, said to have been
and four evangelists
removed days before
fire for renovation
worn by Jesus before his

Level 1
Despite their efforts, however, Notre-Dame’s organ, one of the
the flames quickly burst through world’s biggest and most famous, crucifixion, and a tunic worn by Stained glass: 13th century
rose windows. One survived,
fate of two others uncertain
Grand Organ: 8000-pipe
Definitions instrument, renovated 2013.
engulf: to surround something in a way that destroys it rose window: large circular window, usually glazed with Reported saved
esplanade: a long stretch of open level ground (paved or stained glass, having stone tracery radiating from the center,

What in the World?*

Relics: Crown of Thorns believed
grassy) for walking along a waterfront often with intricate petal-like patterns worn by Jesus at crucifixion, and
Tunic of Saint Louis, 13th century
immortalize: to make famous forever spire: a tall tower at the top of a building (usually a church or king of France. Both saved
intact: not harmed in any way by something that has temple) and that tapers to a point at the top

☐ ☐
Source: www.notredamedeparis.fr Pictures: Associated Press © GRAPHIC NEWS

Grades 8 and up $172.50

happened tunic: a long, loose piece of clothing with a belt and no
sleeves, worn by people in ancient times

2018/2019: Issue 8 What in the world? • Le vel 1 Page 12 2018/2019: Issue 8 Wh at in the wor ld? • Le vel 1 Page 16

Level 2
International

Online Weekly QUIZ

France’s Notre-DAme de Paris
– City’s Heart Wounded by Flames
Answer Key
N

(Sept. – June 40 issues)

A. Write the letter that corresponds to the best answer on the line beside each question: Fra n c e
______ 1. How long did it take to build the Notre-Dame cathedral?
a) 25 years b) 50 years North
Sea
c) 100 years d) 200 years
______ 2. A stone statue of an ugly creature often found on old churches is called a:
a) serpent b) gargoyle UNITED

Currents4Kids* ☐ ☐
KINGDOM

Grades 3 and up $172.50

c) spire d) flying buttress (purple)

Amsterdam
______ 3. How many tourists visited Notre-Dame in 2018?
NETHERLANDS
a) 800,000 b) 2 million (green)
c) 9 million d) 13 million London

GERMANY
B. Mark the statements T (True) or F (False). If a statement is True, write one important fact to (brown)
Brussels
support it on the line below. If a statement is False, write the words that make it true on the line below. BELGIUM
(pink)

News4Youth**
______ 4. True or False? Notre-Dame cathedral is located on an island. Channe
l
English

☐ ☐ Grades 7 and up $330.00

______ 5. True or False? The fire that engulfed Notre-Dame was started on purpose.
LUXEMBOURG
Seine (orange)
Paris River Strasbourg

Level 1, 2 & 3
______ 6. True or False? The French government does not plan to rebuild Notre-Dame cathedral.

Loire
C. Fill in the blanks to complete each sentence. River

7. Notre-Dame is one of the best examples of French ______________________ cathedral architecture. Atlantic (red)
Ocean SWITZERLAND
8. The Notre-Dame fire burned the roof and engulfed the ______________________ which collapsed.
9. Notre-Dame cathedral is a UNESCO World ______________________ Site.

Subtotal
FRANCE
(yellow)
Lyon
D. Respond to the following question in paragraph form. (Use a separate sheet of paper if necessary.)
Bay
As you see it, what is the significance of the Notre-Dame fire? Give reasons to support your response. of ITALY
Biscay Rhone (green)
River

Garonne

ON add 13% HST

Nice
River Toulouse
Marseille

HST
SPAIN
(pink)
Mediterranean

International 0 50 100 150 200 Kilometres

ANDORRA
(red) Sea

Conte NB, NL, NS & PEI add 15% HST 2018/2019: Issue 8
The Uighurs of China
What in the wor ld? • Le vel 1 Page 21 2018/2019: Issue 8 What in the world? • Le vel 1 Page 42

ian – Terrorists or Victims?

nt
Canad

All others add 5% GST GST

d ie n

Co
na

n te n u c a
Total

* Receive 8 issues/months for the price of 6. Save $57.50 off the regular price of $230. Human rights groups around
the world report that China has
imprisoned up to one million
About Xinjiang’s Uighurs
China has the largest population in the world – 1.4 billion. Some 91.5

** Receive 8 months for the price of 6. Save $110 off the regular price of $440. Uighurs living in China’s
Xinjiang region. Satellite images
and other evidence show a
percent are Han Chinese; 8.5 percent are minorities.
Xinjiang is a territory in northwest China. It became part of China
in 1949. In theory the region is autonomous. In practice, the Chinese
growing number of detention government controls it.
centres in Xinjiang, including at
The population of Xinjiang is 22 million. About 11 million are Uighur
least 44 high-security buildings. Muslims who speak a language similar to Turkish.
Fake news Xinjiang’s traditional economy is based on agriculture and trade. But

Deliver to (please print clearly) The Chinese government,

however, denies this accusation.
It is “completely untrue,” a senior
the region is rich in oil and other resources, and the economy has been
developing. That’s prompted many Han Chinese from China’s eastern
areas to move to Xinjiang. Han Chinese now make up 40 percent of the
Chinese official told the UN territory’s population. Many local Uighurs resent them because they
last August. The centres have are perceived to get the best jobs.
been set up to teach lessons on Uighur communities also exist in neighbouring countries, such as
Chinese history, language, and Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. These countries used to be
Name culture. They offer ‘nutritious, part of the Soviet Union. But they gained independence in the 1990s,
free diets’. The buildings are also when the Soviet Union collapsed. That inspired some Xinjiang Uighurs
used as job retraining centres, to start a separatist movement. However, China’s harsh response to
another official explained. these activities forced separatists underground.

School However, China does admit to

cracking down on ‘extremist
activity’ among Uighur Muslims
in Xinjiang. It claims that
are plotting attacks and stirring
up tension between Uighurs and
Islamic militants and separatists Han Chinese.
Definitions
autonomous: freedom to govern or control its own affairs perceive: to understand or think about something in a
Address detention centre: jails where prisoners are held
temporarily
particular way
separatist: a group that wants to form a new country
extremist: far beyond the norm soviet union: a former country of Europe and Asia
Han chinese: China’s main ethnic group underground: secretly working against an existing regime
2018/2019: Issue 8 What in the world? • Le vel 1 Page 22

City Province/Territory Postal Code

Email*
* Email required for password notification
How to Order
Online: www.lesplan.com
Billing Options Fax (toll-free): 1 888 240-2246
☐ Bill school ☐ Purchase Order Phone (toll-free): 1 888 240-2212
P.O. #
Please charge to: ☐ MasterCard ☐ VISA
Mail
Card Number Expiry Date (MM/YY)
LesPlan Educational Services Ltd.
#1 - 4144 Wilkinson Road
Cardholder Name CVV Code Victoria BC V8Z 5A7

Visit www.lesplan.com to download

FREE SAMPLES of all our publications!