Activities in What’s Up:
• Contest: Travel Plans – page 02
• Contest: To Stay or To Go? – page 15
Activities at ideas.whatsup.sg
SCIENTISTS FINISH FULL MAP OF THE HUMAN GENOME (page 01)
An international team has a complete map of the human genome. What this means to health services. “Cave discovery shows modern humans lived at the same time as Neanderthals” (page 17) is about another giant leap for science.
All in the DNA – For Science & CCE, level 1 DOWNLOAD
Individual activity. To better understand DNA. After watching a video about DNA, the student follows video instructions to make an origami DNA model which is to be used to explain DNA to a younger child. Origami template provided.
Lost in Another Time – For Art & CCE, level 2 DOWNLOAD
Pairwork. To compare and contrast living in the past and in modern times. Each partner takes one role: either as a Stone Age Kid or a Modern Kid. They then follow the steps to draw how the same activities would be done differently by each. Reflection: Which time period each one prefers.
HE DESIGNED COOLER CLASSROOMS AND BETTER SCHOOLS (page 14-15)
Growing up in a hot and uncomfortable school led Diébédo Francis Kére to become an architect who designs for comfort. He is the first African to win the profession’s most prestigious prize.
Make School a Haven: Your Big Ideas – For CCE, level 1 DOWNLOAD
Groupwork. To have students take ownership for improvements. Each group develops one idea for improving their school environment and shares it with the class. The class votes for three to be submitted to the school through their teacher.
Tee & Boba Make Me Think! – For English & CCE, level 3 DOWNLOAD
Individual exercise. To enjoy designing for small spaces. Two Tee & Boba comic strips inspire thinking about friends sharing space. The challenge: to suggest what architect Kére might do to make Tee & Boba more comfortable in their classroom.
ELIZABETH, ONCE SINGAPORE’S QUEEN, MARKS 70 YEARS ON THE BRITISH THRONE (page 6)
The anniversary is a good time to reflect on the future role of the British monarchy. Meanwhile, “Philippines faces a crucial election” (page 7) when people will be voting for a new president to solve the nation’s most important issues and bring the country forward.
To Keep or Not to Keep? – For English & CCE, level 2 ⭐ DOWNLOAD
Individual activity. To reflect on traditions. The student (1) lists pros and cons of having royalty (2) watch a video on 10 festivals and (3) reflect on a cherished tradition.
WHY GOING AROUND IN CIRCLES IS THE WAY FORWARD (page 11)
Explains the concept of a circular economy. “Food farming in an HDB neighbourhood” (page 12–13) has us stepping into Sustainability @ Tampines Park, a close-loop system of fish and vegetable farming.
Write an Official Letter – For English, level 3 DOWNLOAD
Individual. To practise writing a formal letter of suggestion. The student writes to the principal, in the capacity of the Green Club president, to propose a zero-waste farm at school.
Life cycle of a T-shirt – For English, level 2 DOWNLOAD
Groupwork. To engage with the concept of the circular economy. After watching a video on a T-shirt’s life cycle, students complete a table about five potential stages of a T-shirt’s life.
A CHAMPION DECIDES TO STOP (page 22-23)
Ash Barty’s decision to retire in her prime. Tennis fan and medical doctor Ejaz Latiff explains why he respects her choice. At its heels is “He does not know when to stop” which is about North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un’s increasingly star-like appearances.
A Very Hard Decision – For English & CCE, level 2 DOWNLOAD
Individual exercise. To grow wisdom. Extending from Barty’s decision to retire, the student responds to prompts to write a letter to “Future Me” about a recent personal decision. Ends with the assurance that we grow stronger even when outcomes are not the desired ones.
LOST SHIP DISCOVERED IN ICY ANTARCTIC WATERS (page 8-9)
The moving and dramatic saga behind the century-old wreck of the ship, Endurance, and its crew.
Endurance Crossword (online)– For English, level 1
Individual work. To engage more deeply in the story. Puzzle of 25 words with easy clues. ⭐
Storyboarding the Shakleton Story – For English, level 3 DOWNLOAD
Pairwork. To enjoy creating and telling stories. Students use a storyboard to develop a tale based on any part of the Shackleton saga. The storyboards are shared in a Gallery Walk.
The Ideal Antarctic Ship – For Science & Social Studies, level 3 DOWNLOAD
Individual activity. To apply design thinking for an unfamiliar environment. Prompts for designing an ideal ship for the Antarctic waters, factoring in the climate conditions.
CHIMPANZEES KNOW HOW TO USE MEDICINE (page 16-17)
New research suggests treating others may not be uniquely human. For instance, chimpanzees have been observed rubbing insects on open wounds of their hurt community members.
Nature Heals – For Science & English, level 2 ⭐ DOWNLOAD
Groupwork. To discover more about natural remedies. Each group gathers information about a healing plant or animal, views a video about leeches used for treatment, ask older adults about natural remedies, and share one at a Show & Tell in class.
⭐ Answers to these activities will be emailed to teachers on the IDEAS mailing list. To join the mailing list, please email your name, designation, and school to ideas@whatsup.sg.
