Let the games begin!

All questions are inspired by Britannica School articles. Visit the newly enhanced Britannica Education Olympics page for instant access to a wealth of trusted, enriching articles, multimedia, lessons, and supplemental resources to help you beat the trivia odds!

1. Which city is hosting the 2024 Summer Olympic Games?

• a) Tokyo
• b) Los Angeles
• c) Paris
• d) Rome

The correct answer is c) Paris. Held exactly 100 years after the last Paris Games in 1924, the 2024 Paris Olympics have innovated greatly, including an attempt to be the first Games that align with the Paris Climate Agreement goals, with lower carbon emissions and eco-friendly buildings powered by renewable energy. Even more, each medal will also contain a small piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower.

©Delphotostock/AdobeStock

Score: 0

3. When and where were the Stoke Mandeville Games, which became known as the first Paralympic Games, held?

• a) 1960 in Rome, Italy
• b) 1956 in Melbourne, Australia
• c) 1964 in Tokyo, Japan
• d) 1972 in Munich, Germany

The correct answer is a) 1960 in Rome, Italy. Different groups organized the Paralympics until 1989, when the International Paralympic Committee was founded. In 2001, the practice of “one bid, one city” was brought about in which every city that bids to host the Olympics also bids to hold the related Paralympics.

© Andre Ricardo Paes/Dreamstime.com

5. When and where were the first Special Olympics held?

• a) 1960 in Rome, Italy
• b) 1972 in Munich, Germany
• c) 1968 in Chicago, USA
• d) 1980 in Moscow, USSR

The correct answer is c) 1968 in Chicago, USA. This event brought together about 1,000 athletes from 26 states and Canada and inspired the Special Olympics International. By the 21st century, there were chapters in nearly 200 countries.

© Tokarsky/Dreamstime.com

8. At which Olympic Games was surfing first included?

• a) The 2016 Rio Olympics
• b) the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
• c) the 2012 London Olympics
• d) the 2024 Paris Olympics

The correct answer is b) the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. While many competitions have been around for years, new sports are still being added to modern-day Olympic games. In addition to surfing, the 2020 Tokyo Games (held in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic) also recognized karate, sport climbing, and skateboarding.

© Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images; photo illustration Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Are you a trivia Olympian? Tag us at @britannica_edu and use the hashtag #OlympicsTrivia to share your scores!

Header photo: ©Ivonne Wierink via Canva

The post Light the Learning Flame with New Olympics Trivia! appeared first on Britannica.

We’re thrilled to unveil new platform features designed to enhance educational experiences for classrooms around the globe, including immersive, redesigned homepages, visually captivating media additions, streamlined enhancements, and compelling lesson innovations. In addition to the latest updates, we’re also highlighting some of the most valuable platform features. See for yourself!

Britannica School

At Britannica Education, we recognize the power of knowledge, and our recent updates emphasize that. Our goal is to encourage learners to discover new topics and deepen their understanding of the world around them with updates that liven up lessons and improve the overall user experience for both teachers and students. 

• New! Boost engagement with new and exciting content on our refreshed homepages for Elementary and Middle School levels.

• New! Finding your favorite articles and media is easier than ever with a convenient new search bar design for Elementary and Middle School levels.

• Create lessons based on curriculum-aligned topics and significant events and observances, frequently updated on the homepage by our in-house editorial team.

• New! Experience improved visual entry points into popular features such as Animal Kingdom, World Atlas, and Biographies.

• New! Shine a spotlight on fascinating new subjects with “Video of the Week” features.

• Find age-appropriate, timely “In the News” articles, created at least once a week for both Elementary and Middle School levels.

Create lessons based on curriculum-aligned topics and significant events and observances, frequently updated on the homepage by our in-house editorial team.

Finding your favorite articles and media is easier than ever with a convenient new search bar design.

Experience improved visual entry points into popular features such as Animal Kingdom, World Atlas, and Biographies.

Shine a spotlight on fascinating new subjects with new “Video of the Week” features.

Find age-appropriate, timely “In the News” articles, created at least once a week for both Elementary and Middle School levels.

Britannica ImageQuest

Bring the excitement of visual learning to the forefront with an attractive look and easy access to high-quality, rights-cleared imagery for stimulating curriculum materials, beautifying presentations, and enhancing student projects. 

• New! Experience a more usable and mobile-friendly site with an enhanced, fully responsive design.

• Explore popular images and videos with curated galleries featuring dozens of visually appealing and topical multimedia.

• Showcase your favorite media collections and help students collaborate with simple album sharing.

• Elevate lessons with more than 11,000 downloadable video clips about science, nature, geography, and more.

Experience a more usable and mobile-friendly site with an enhanced, fully responsive design.

Explore popular images and videos with curated galleries featuring dozens of visually appealing and topical multimedia.

Showcase your favorite media collections and help students collaborate with simple album sharing.

Elevate lessons with more than 11,000 downloadable video clips about science, nature, geography, and more.

Britannica ImageQuest Jr.

This new product provides a safe space where children can explore a large variety of hand-selected, age-appropriate media for early elementary through fifth-grade learners. Since its launch, we have added thousands of new images and videos to continue to help educators bring topics to life for young learners.

• Pique interest and ignite a love for learning with an extensive lineup of more than 50,000 curated images and videos. 

• Invite students to freely explore engaging image and video galleries in a controlled space with a delightful, easy-to-use interface.

Pique interest and ignite a love for learning with an extensive lineup of more than 50,000 curated images and videos. 

Invite students to freely explore engaging image and video galleries in a controlled space with a delightful, easy-to-use interface.

Britannica Escolar y Moderna

Our commitment to providing up-to-date cross-curricular content includes expanding and streamlining our Spanish language platforms.

• Updated! Enjoy extensive content additions, now with more than 60,000 full-text articles and 33,000 media assets.

• Easily search and find words with digital, Spanish-language encyclopedias for grades K-8 (Escolar) and 9 and up (Moderna).

Enjoy extensive content additions, now with more than 60,000 full-text articles and 33,000 media assets.

Easily search and find words with digital Spanish-language encyclopedias for grades K-8 (Escolar) and 9 and up (Moderna).

Access and Integration

To help increase ease of access and provide more support, we’ve added new authentication and integration methods with many popular school and library technologies. We also became a member of 1EdTech Learning Tools and Content Alliance to ensure more standardized integration.

Our Editorial Endeavors

In addition to the many new updates at our Elementary and Middle School levels, our Editorial team also introduced an incredible 3,000 new articles to Britannica School: High level through our “March to 3000” initiative.

Meet the experts behind our trusted content, and learn more about our seven-step editorial process to deliver trusted information worldwide in this video.

As we continue to uncover the latest enhancements and possibilities, we’ll strive to ensure our solutions aren’t just helping you and your students adapt to the changing landscape; they’re helping you thrive. Join us in this exciting journey towards creating more engaging, informative, and inspiring learning environments, as together, we shape the future of education. Stay tuned for more advancements to come!

Header image: Prostock-studio via Canva

The post What’s New: Britannica K-12 appeared first on Britannica.

We’re thrilled to unveil new platform features designed to enhance educational experiences for libraries, including immersive, redesigned homepages, captivating content additions, and streamlined enhancements. In addition to the latest updates, we’re also highlighting some of the most valuable platform features. See for yourself!

Britannica Library

We’ve introduced features to help young library patrons and their families access top-tier content in recent years. Now, we’ve extended these efforts to improve accessibility for a diverse public and to make learning memorable.

• New! Boost engagement with new and exciting content on our refreshed, accessible homepages for Children and Young Adult levels.

• Inspire intrigue and discussion through unique, child-friendly “In the News” articles featuring multimedia, “Did you know?” facts, words of the day, and more—all specially created at least once a week by our in-house Editorial team.

Boost engagement with new and exciting content on our refreshed, accessible homepages for Children and Young Adult levels.

Inspire intrigue and discussion through unique, child-friendly “In the News” articles featuring multimedia, “Did you know?” facts, words of the day, and more—all specially created at least once a week by our in-house Editorial team. 

Britannica Escolar y Moderna

Our commitment to providing up-to-date cross-curricular content includes expanding and streamlining our Spanish language platforms.

• Updated! Enjoy extensive content additions, now with more than 60,000 full-text articles and 33,000 media assets.

• Easily search and find words with digital, Spanish-language encyclopedias for grades K-8 (Escolar) and 9 and up (Moderna).

Enjoy extensive content additions, now with more than 60,000 full-text articles and 33,000 media assets.

Easily search and find words with digital Spanish-language encyclopedias for grades K-8 (Escolar) and 9 and up (Moderna).

Access and Integration

To help increase ease of access and provide more support, we’ve added new authentication and integration methods with many popular school and library technologies. We also became a member of 1EdTech Learning Tools and Content Alliance to ensure more standardized integration.

Our Editorial Endeavors

In addition to the many incredible new updates at our Children and Young Adult levels, our Editorial team also introduced an incredible 3,000 new articles to the Britannica Library Reference Center through our “March to 3000” initiative.

Meet the experts behind our trusted content and learn more about our seven-step editorial process to deliver trusted information worldwide in this video.

As we continue to uncover the latest enhancements and possibilities, we’ll strive to ensure our solutions aren’t just helping you and your patrons adapt to the changing landscape; they’re helping you thrive. Join us in this exciting journey towards creating more engaging, informative, and inspiring learning environments, as together, we shape the future of education. Stay tuned for more advancements to come!

Header image: DarioGaona/Getty Images Signature via Canva

The post What’s New: Britannica Library appeared first on Britannica.

We’re thrilled to unveil new platform features designed to enhance educational experiences for higher education institutions around the globe, including immersive, redesigned homepages, visually captivating media additions, streamlined enhancements, and compelling lesson innovations. In addition to the latest updates, we’re also highlighting some of the most valuable platform features. See for yourself!

Britannica Academic

We’re pleased to upgrade the platform to not only better engage lifelong learners but to also help them discover trusted academic content easier and more effectively.

• Updated! Ensure a more compelling learner experience with a modernized look featuring a newly redesigned homepage that excites learners and streamlines searching.

• Discover the resources you and your students need with simplified page layouts, accessible navigation, and improved mobile usability. 

• Access the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Thesaurus for easy reference to thousands of concise definitions, synonyms, word choices, examples, and explanations.

• Improve your understanding of the world’s countries and peoples with the World Factbook in the homepage’s “Research Tools” section.

Ensure a more compelling learner experience with a modernized look featuring a newly redesigned homepage that excites learners and streamlines searching.

Discover the resources you and your students need with simplified page layouts, accessible navigation, and improved mobile usability. 

Access the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Thesaurus for easy reference to thousands of concise definitions, synonyms, word choices, examples, and explanations.

Improve your understanding of the world’s countries and peoples with the World Factbook in the homepage’s “Research Tools” section.

Britannica Moderna

Our commitment to providing up-to-date cross-curricular content includes expanding and streamlining our Spanish language platforms.

• Updated! Enjoy extensive content additions, now with more than 47,000 full-text articles and 13,000 media assets.

• Easily search and find words with digital Spanish-language encyclopedias for grades 9 and up.

Easily search and find words with digital Spanish-language encyclopedias for grades 9 and up.

Enjoy extensive content additions, now with more than 47,000 full-text articles and 13,000 media assets.

Access and Integration

To help increase ease of access and provide more support, we’ve added new authentication and integration methods with many popular school and library technologies. We also became a member of 1EdTech Learning Tools and Content Alliance to ensure more standardized integration.

Our Editorial Endeavors

As a trusted voice in content development, curation, and delivery, we are invested in providing reliable and up-to-date information. Our talented Editorial team makes unparalleled content and multimedia updates throughout our products daily and chronicles all major historical events in real time—all for the benefit of educators and students.

In addition to our recent product updates, our Editorial team also introduced an incredible 3,000 new articles to Britannica Academic through our “March to 3000” initiative.

Meet the experts behind our trusted content and learn more about our seven-step editorial process to deliver trusted information worldwide in this video.

As we continue to uncover the latest enhancements and possibilities, we’ll strive to ensure our solutions aren’t just helping you and your students adapt to the changing landscape; they’re helping you thrive. Join us in this exciting journey towards creating more engaging, informative, and inspiring learning environments, as together, we shape the future of education. Stay tuned for more advancements to come!

Header image: Jacob Lund via Canva

The post What’s New: Britannica Higher Education appeared first on Britannica.

Our team is excited to introduce a brand-new, expert-led workshop series on Project-Based Learning (PBL)! This in-depth four-part cohort model is taught by PBL-certified educators at Britannica Education and is designed to immerse educators in the foundational principles and best practices of Project-Based Learning.

A Quick Refresher: What is Project-Based Learning?

You’re likely already familiar with the ins and outs of Project-Based Learning, but here is a quick look at what it is and why it’s crucial for student engagement and progress.

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a dynamic classroom approach in which students actively explore real-world challenges and complex questions. Unlike traditional education models that are often confined to theoretical knowledge, PBL immerses students in hands-on problem-solving and critical thinking tasks to promote deeper understanding and knowledge retention. This method not only enhances learning outcomes but also develops key skills such as collaboration, communication, and creativity. As students engage in projects over an extended period, they learn to manage resources, integrate feedback, and adapt their strategies to evolving challenges.¹

Britannica Project-Based Learning: About the Course

This course is specially designed for K-12 teachers, teacher leaders, and instructional leadership members to equip participants with relevant, evidence-based strategies through a hands-on, collaborative learning experience. This workshop will span critical aspects of PBL, from understanding its principles and how it enhances student learning to project design and assessment. Educators will leave the cohort equipped with the tools and knowledge to re-imagine and transform their classrooms into dynamic, student-centered learning environments.

Why Britannica’s PBL Workshop? 5 Ways We Stand Out

1. Comprehensive Approach: At Britannica Education, we’re all about meaningful content, and our Professional Learning Courses are no exception. Our PBL course introduces the structure and rationale behind PBL to provide a solid foundation upon which educators can build. Further, our PBL framework is built on nine components, derived from research and practice, that distinguish between traditional projects and true Project-Based Learning, giving you what you need to ensure all students have access to effective learning experiences.

2. Active and Applied Learning: Educators who participate in this workshop not only learn key Project-Based Learning techniques, but they also have the unique opportunity to experience this way of learning from a student’s perspective. Participants work on real projects and receive live support from our facilitators. The culmination of the cohort involves educators presenting their PBL units, which mirrors the student experience and reinforces learning. This ultimately deepens educators’ understanding of student interactions and promotes a more authentic learning opportunity.

3. Certified Expertise: Our workshops are led by PBL-certified educators at Britannica Education to ensure participants receive high-quality, research-based instruction. We also leverage Britannica’s trusted, high-quality resources to support PBL through relevant, issue-driven questions to drive learning and excite learners. This approach not only benefits educators but also makes learning more relevant and engaging for students.

4. Ongoing Support: As with all our resources, Britannica Education’s support extends beyond the workshop series alone. Our team recognizes PBL implementation is an ongoing process, as there is always an opportune time to grow PBL skills and facilitate application. We aim to complement existing school programs and show educators how to integrate PBL without reinventing the wheel. Through an ongoing partnership with your institution, we can run training courses for new and additional teacher cohorts over time.

5. Customizable Solutions: We understand that not every institution can dedicate four days to a workshop, so we are pleased to offer customizable solutions. Whether you’re looking for a standalone program, a development partnership, or educator solutions that pair well with your existing Britannica solutions (such as Britannica School, LaunchPacks, or ImageQuest), we can tailor our offerings to meet your unique needs.

When is the Right Time for Project-Based Learning Development?

It’s always the right time! Now is the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for the upcoming school year. By integrating PBL into your curriculum early, you can alleviate some of the burdens from administrators’ plates while setting the stage for a transformative learning experience. Our PBL training sessions are designed to do just that by offering both synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities to fit the diverse needs of your educational team.

By partnering with Britannica Professional Learning, you’re not just adopting a new teaching strategy; you’re embracing a pathway to more meaningful learning and teaching. Our tailored products and ongoing support are designed to grow with your educational community, ensuring that the benefits of PBL are realized both now and in the future. Let’s work together to create learning experiences that inspire, engage, and empower every student.

¹ Project-Based Learning | Center for Teaching and Learning. (n.d.) © 2024 Boston University. Accessed on April 24, 2023. www.bu.edu/ctl/ctl_resource/project-based-learning-teaching-guide

The post Build Better Learners with Project-Based Learning appeared first on Britannica.

Not only will we celebrate diversity and the power of representation, this lesson also sparks understanding and inspiration for the next generation of real-world superheroes. This fun, educational lesson combines history with imagination to inspire your learners to think critically, embrace engaged citizenship, and discover how they, too, can become active agents of change.

Enjoy this interactive lesson in three steps:

1. Get Inspired by Two Asian American Superheroes

Introduce your students to two famous Asian American superheroes, Shang-Chi and Ms. Marvel.

Meet Ms. Marvel

Ms. Marvel is an American superhero, who was reimagined in 2013 as Kamala Khan, a Pakistani American teenager living in New Jersey. Kamala, who idolized Captain Marvel, was a normal human teenager, attending school, doing her homework, arguing with her parents, and hanging out with her friends. One night, she was enveloped in the Terrigen Mists, which triggered genetically engineered DNA that gave her superhuman abilities to “embiggen” (change her shape and size). 

Kamala Khan’s emergence as Ms. Marvel broke new ground as Marvel Comics‘ first Muslim character to lead a series, embodying a significant stride towards inclusivity. Her stories resonate deeply by blending the trials of adolescence with the weight of newfound powers. Ms. Marvel is an excellent example for classroom discussions on cultural diversity, identity, and the meaning of heroism. Inspire your students with her story to embrace not only their own, but others’ stories as well.

Meet Shang-Chi

Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu, is a character born from the creative minds of Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin during the 1970s, a period when martial arts were becoming increasingly popular in American culture. This character was inspired by the martial arts television series “Kung Fu” and reflects the era’s fascination with martial arts. Shang-Chi’s significance grew over the years, culminating in his starring role in the 2021 film “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” which marked a milestone as Marvel’s first Asian superhero to lead a film.

Shang-Chi’s story provides a valuable resource for discussions on cultural representation, ethics, and personal growth. His evolution from a comic book hero to a cinematic figure highlights the importance of diversity and the impact of cultural trends on storytelling. Showcase Shang-Chi’s character as an engaging example to explore themes of right versus wrong, self-discovery, and the power of standing up for one’s beliefs.

2. Create Your Own AANHPI Superhero 

Invite students to explore notable activists, scientists, politicians, athletes, artists, and more — past and present — using Britannica School’s Asian Americans at a Glance. Then, have students create their own AANHPI superhero inspired by one (or more) of these real-world examples. Encourage them to think of the qualities, powers, and background their superhero would have and how they would make a difference in their community or the world.

As they go about their research, encourage students to consider some these main themes and answer the related questions:

• Compare Heroes: How does the story of your chosen AANHPI superhero compare to the stories of traditional historical figures or modern-day icons in these communities? What similarities or differences do you notice in their challenges, achievements, or impact?
• Cultural Representation: In what ways does your superhero reflect aspects of their cultural background? How important do you think it is for superheroes to represent diverse cultures and experiences?
• Challenges and Triumphs: What are some of the significant challenges your superhero has faced? Discuss how these challenges relate to this community’s real-world experiences. How do these superheroes overcome their obstacles, and what can we learn from their resilience?
• Role Models and Influence: How do AANHPI superheroes serve as role models for people? How can a fictional character’s achievements inspire real-life actions and attitudes? 
• Character Evolution: How have AANHPI superheroes evolved over time in comics, movies, and other media? What do you think prompted these changes, and how do these evolutions reflect broader societal changes?
• Societal Impact: In what ways do you think AANHPI superheroes have influenced how these communities are viewed by others? Discuss whether you believe these characters have helped in reducing stereotypes or promoting cultural understanding.
• Personal Connection: Which qualities of your chosen superhero do you admire the most, and why? How does this superhero inspire you in your everyday life?

Bonus: Activity Extension

Make this lesson memorable by helping students create their own superhero comic strip! Using our new Comic Strip template, students can tell their AANHPI superhero’s story through pictures and brief descriptions in each of the three panes.

Download Now

Then, enjoy a superhero showtime, where students can showcase their comics and share their hero’s story and impact.

3. Stand Up for Justice

Follow your lesson with real-world ways to get students involved. Challenge your learners to think critically, participate in engaged citizenship, and explore how they can become active agents of change. Show them that they, too, can become superheroes and fight for justice by advocating for civil and human rights.

Ask your students to reflect on the following questions:

• Do you know of any local organizations in your community that strive to promote justice and advocate for civil and human rights? If so, what are they? If not, do some digging to explore organizations in your local community.
• How can you share these with others and/or get involved yourself? 
• What are 1-2 actions you can take in your own life to get involved and advance justice?

Learn more about everyday superheroes fighting for justice in the AANHPI Community:

Asian Americans Advancing Justice

Stop AAPI Hate

As your exploration of AANHPI superheroes comes to a close, encourage your learners to carry forward the lessons learned and remind them that the power to effect change and stand up for justice lies within them. In the stories of these superheroes, students find not just entertainment, but a mirror reflecting their own potential to be forces of good in their communities and beyond.

Information sourced from Britannia School. Not a subscriber? Contact Us.

The post AANHPI Heritage: Awaken Your Inner Hero appeared first on Britannica.

Gear up, students and teachers! It’s time to combine fun with learning and to keep our brains buzzing. Are you ready to dive into these spring-themed questions and uncover some fascinating facts? Let’s get started.

Spring Trivia Questions (and Answers!) for the Classroom

Ignite your students’ curiosity and test knowledge with these questions spanning nature’s marvels, historical events, and cultural celebrations. Ready for the challenge? Let’s begin!

1. With several varieties weighing less than a coin, what is the smallest bird in the world?

• a) kingfisher
• b) finch
• c) sparrow
• d) hummingbird

The correct answer is d) hummingbirds. The rufous and broad-tailed hummingbirds weigh less than a nickel. The bee hummingbird of Cuba weighs less than a dime and is often mistaken for its namesake insect.

© Ken Mcgrath/Dreamstime.com

3. What unique trait differentiates bees from wasps in their appearance?

• a) Bees have longer wings
• b) Bees have branched or feathered hairs
• c) Bees have brighter colors
• d) Bees have larger eyes

The correct answer is b) Bees have branched or feathered hairs. Bees distinguish themselves from wasps by possessing branched or feathered hairs, at least in small amounts, aiding pollen collection. This adaptation is crucial for their function as pollinators.

© Wirestock/Dreamstime.com

Score: 0

6. Which bird is known for its ability to turn its head more than 180° in either direction due to the fixed position of its eyes?

• a) owl
• b) parrot
• c) hummingbird
• d) cardinal

The correct answer is a) owls. Owls have remarkable neck flexibility, allowing them to turn their heads more than 180° in either direction. This compensates for their virtually immobile eyes, which are rigidly encased and elongated forward.

© momnoi—iStock/Getty Images

10. Which movement did Greta Thunberg establish that addresses climate change and has galvanized students globally to participate?

• a) Earth Hour
• b) Greenpeace
• c) Fridays for Future (School Strike for Climate)
• d) Climate Reality Project

The correct answer is c) Fridays for Future (School Strike for Climate). In 2018, Greta Thunberg founded the movement known as Fridays for Future (also called School Strike for Climate), which inspired students worldwide to participate in climate action.

© European Union 2019 – Source: EP (CC BY 4.0)

Score: 0

11. Which popular Hindu spring festival is known for its vibrant colors?

• a) Diwali
• b) Holi
• c) Navratri
• d) Raksha Bandhan

The correct answer is b) Holi. Holi, known for its vibrant color play, signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and a festive day to meet others, play, and laugh.

© India Photography—Moment/Getty Images

12. During spring, the Japanese celebrate the blossoming of which trees, famously tracking their northward progress across the country?

• a) maple
• b) cherry
• c) plum
• d) peach

The correct answer is b) cherry. In spring, Japan is captivated by the northward progress of cherry blossom trees, a phenomenon known as the “cherry blossom front,” celebrated across the nation.

AdstockRF

16. In the spring of 1961, who became the first human to journey into outer space, marking a significant milestone in space exploration?

• a) Neil Armstrong
• b) Yuri Gagarin
• c) John Glenn
• d) Buzz Aldrin

The correct answer is b) Yuri Gagarin. On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first person to travel into space, a landmark event in human history and exploration.

NASA, © michal-rojek—iStock/Getty Images; Photo illustration Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

18. Rabbits are known for their distinctive long ears. What is the primary function of these long ears?

• a) to regulate body temperature
• b) for digging burrows
• c) to communicate with other rabbits
• d) to detect predators

The correct answer is d) to detect predators. The long ears of rabbits primarily serve to detect predators, an essential adaptation for their survival.

© rul8let/stock.adobe.com

How did your classroom fare in our trivia challenge? We're eager to find out! Share your scores, intriguing spring facts, or snapshots of your students diving into the quiz on social media. Remember to tag us @britannica_edu and use the hashtag #SpringTriviaChallenge. If there's a spring topic sparking your curiosity or one you'd like us to delve into in upcoming posts, don't hesitate to reach out!

The post 20 Buzz-Worthy Trivia Questions About Spring appeared first on Britannica.

Earth Day is an annual global event that raises awareness about the importance of Earth’s environment and how we can protect it. It’s a perfect opportunity to engage students in lessons about our world as well as highlight growing environmental concerns and solutions, such as conservation, recycling, reducing consumption, and energy efficiency.

First celebrated in the U.S. in 1970, Earth Day was instrumental in gaining support for the series of environmental legislation that passed through the U.S. Congress in the 1970s, including the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. Then, 1990 ushered in a global Earth Day, and today, the observance is recognized by over one billion people in more than 192 countries. That makes Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, the largest civic event worldwide!¹

What role does education play in Earth Day?

Educators are critical in building students’ environmental literacy through establishing background knowledge in science, history, and society — and how these intricate connections impact our planet. The role of education is so important, in fact, that the United Nations made climate literacy a core feature of worldwide school curricula.²

So, how can schools and libraries make a difference? In addition to introducing students to key ideas around conservation, ecology, pollution, and environmental protection, these essential educational settings provide students with important opportunities to conduct research, both in a group or class setting and independently, and gain more knowledge about the environment. Even more, classrooms are a great forum for learners to ask questions about difficult topics, collaborate on Earth Day projects, and be exposed to sustainable practices.

Four Fun Earth Day Activities for Students

Activity 1: Build a Biome
Grade Range: PreK-2
Suggested Resources: Britannica School: Early Elementary’s “Fundamentals” and ImageQuest Jr.

In this activity, your young learners will use Britannica School: Early Elementary’s “Fundamentals” feature to explore the world’s major biomes and choose one to research. Through engaging, age-appropriate videos, they will learn about the climate, animals, and plants that make each biome unique. Once the students have answered the following questions about their biome, connect as a group to share everyone’s findings.

Suggested Questions:

• If you could live in any biome, which one would you choose? Why?
• What would the climate in your favorite biome be like?
• Which animals would live in your biome?
• What types of plants would you find in your biome?
• What do you like most/least about your biome?
  

Bonus! Resource Extension — As your little ones learn more about their biome, invite them on a visual exploration of the incredible life and natural phenomena in their biome with ImageQuest Jr.’s captivating photo and video collections. 

Activity 2: Meteorologists in the Making
Grade Range: 3-5
Suggested Resource: Britannica LaunchPacks “Weather and Climate”

Help your budding meteorologists understand weather and climate phenomena by customizing your own Britannica LaunchPacks lesson. Once you’ve curated your ideal plan, complete with interesting articles and visually appealing multimedia, it’s time to begin! Start by having your students read the texts and watch quick videos about weather, then answer the following questions.

Suggested Questions:

• What are some tools meteorologists use to gather information about the weather?
• What is the water cycle, and how does it affect weather patterns?
• What role do satellites play in monitoring weather patterns?
• Why do oceans and land have different effects on weather? What happens to wind and rain when they hit mountains?

Bonus! Activity Extension — Make your weather and climate lesson more interactive by assigning students to keep a month-long weather log. They’ll track the temperature, conditions, precipitation, and weather events, as well as research different kinds of weather phenomena that occur over the next few weeks. They will end their weather log by connecting it back to what they learned throughout the lesson.

Activity 3: Understand Your Carbon Footprint
Grade Range: 6-8
Suggested Resources: Expedition: Learn

This activity begins with a curated, standards-aligned Expedition: Learn lesson that introduces students to concepts around how humans and the environment interact. Through videos, images, and text that spark curiosity and build understanding, students will learn everything from how geography influenced settlement to how people can have both negative and positive effects on the environment. Encourage your students to think through a few important questions (below) before beginning their activity.

Suggested Questions:

• What do you know about how people use the natural environment? What would you like to find out?
• What are some of the causes of environmental problems?
• How do you impact the environment?
• How can people make a positive impact on our environment?
• What is conservation, and why does it matter?

After working through the lesson contents, make learning stick with an interactive activity. Discuss with students how humans contribute to carbon emissions. Provide students with a resource link to a carbon calculator like this one. Students can then enter information to learn about their own personal carbon emissions. Ask students to list ways that they personally impact the environment, then brainstorm a list of ways they might be able to reduce their own carbon footprint. Ask for volunteers to share their number and their plan to lower it.

Bonus! Teacher Tools — Like all Expedition: Learn lessons, this topic comes complete with explicit instruction materials, featuring a lesson summary, key concepts, standards list, and opportunities to extend learning, such as this carbon footprint activity.

Activity 4: Share Environmental Stories
Grade Range: High School
Suggested Resource: ImageQuest “Image Story” Project

In this activity, your students use ImageQuest to tell a story that communicates key information about their selected research topic. Visit ImageQuest, then go to the “Project Ideas” in the main menu. From there, visit “Image Story” and scroll down to “Project Scenarios,” where you’ll find a curated High School science lesson on “An Environmental issue.” Share your own image story with students to model your expectations for information and the use of any literary devices.

Have your students work in small groups to select an environmental issue that interests them. Your learners can use images to recount how a country struggles with the issue and relate information about it to their peers. Have students share their stories as slide presentations, print products, or electronically within a digital class forum.

Suggested Questions:

• Which environmental issue did you choose to investigate? Why?
• What caused this issue?
• What have been some of this environmental issue’s effects over time?
• Have there been attempts to control the issue and hopeful solutions? Please explain.
• How do populations around the world play a role in the environmental story?

Bonus! Create Albums — ImageQuest has features to help with student projects! Gather and save possible images to use in My Media. Create and label albums to organize images. With millions of high-quality rights-cleared multimedia, including expansive topical galleries, ImageQuest is an ideal way to tailor a project to any grade level and make learning fun.

Make this Earth Day one to remember for your students! No matter which activity fits your group, your Earth Day celebrations can help your students better understand the environment and inspire each other to make a positive impact on our world.

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References

1. EARTHDAY.ORG. Earth Day: The official site. https://www.earthday.org/
2. EARTHDAY.ORG. (2023, July 13). Our successes – Earth Day. https://www.earthday.org/our-successes/

The post Interactive Earth Day Lessons for a Greener Tomorrow appeared first on Britannica.

Expand literacy through hip-hop with a 1-hour playlist that’s squeaky clean for classroom listening.

Newbery honoree Jason Reynolds said in his interview with The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah in January 2018, “Your relationship with words determines your life.” In the interview, Reynolds explored themes of hip-hop, literature, literacy, and the importance of building relationships with young adults.

Connections to literacy come in many forms, such as hip-hop culture, rap lyrics, spoken word, poetry, and other content that covers issues currently impacting students. These formats and themes are powerful pathways toward engaging with the written and spoken word, as well as self-exploration and expression. They can act as tools for the next generation to incite change in their own lives, communities, and the world.

Reynolds said:

We should teach comparative literature, where you take Queen Latifah’s ‘Ladies First’ and Maya Angelou’s ‘Phenomenal Woman’ and you show young people that nothing is new. This is all a continuum. We are working in tradition. Then they can start to see their place in the things they’re reading. So if you read [Long Way Down], all they’re gonna see is themselves. So of course it makes more sense. It’s an entryway. It doesn’t mean I want them to only read my books. It’s just the springboard so that they then build relationships not just with literature, but with literacy.

Rap lyricists have expanded our relationship with words since hip-hop’s inception in the 1970s. Modern artists like Queen Latifah and GZA use a wider vocabulary than classic authors like Shakespeare and Herman Melville. Adding them into poetry and language arts curricula blends old and new, classic and alternative.

Inspire students to learn through hip-hop

During an interview between Neil deGrasse Tyson and GZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Tyson reads a comment from a young adult named Michael who Wu-Tang influenced.

“As a teenager, it was not my school, but it was Wu-Tang who taught me the idea of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. It was because of this idea that I went into physics. I’m now a high school science teacher with a passion for sharing my love of science and improving science literacy.”

Most people think of hip-hop as only rap and rhyming. However, hip-hop is a cultural movement that also includes graffiti painting, deejaying, and b-boying. (B-boying, also called breakdancing, is a virile body language that philosopher Cornel West describes as “postural semantics.”) Additionally, DJ and Rapper Afrika Bambaataa insists that “knowledge of self” is the official fifth element of hip-hop culture.

While rap music is complex in both content and context, some songs are not suitable for the classroom. However, there are many songs that are PG, poignant, poetic, and applicable to classroom lessons. We’ve put together a hip-hop playlist of songs that are lyrically clean with empowering, uplifting, and thoughtful messages. Get the playlist and read about each song below.

Hip-Hop Poetics: A Classroom Playlist

“Alphabets” (2008), by GZA

Want to expand your students’ vocab? Introduce them to GZA. An analysis of his lyrics found that he had the second-largest vocabulary in hip-hop music. That’s more than Shakespeare and Herman Melville (Moby Dick). GZA is an American rapper and one of the founding members of the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan. According to 10 Greatest Rappers of All Time, “The GZA’s delivery was smooth, yet authoritative, as he often dismissed the typical rap storylines of nightclubs, provocative women, and tough-talk gun-play in favor of science and wide-ranging philosophies.” GZA’s song “Alphabets” includes lyrics that teachers can get behind. Such as, “Nothing but the driven raps written in my notebook / Inspired by the cap and the gown, that’s on the coat hook.”

“Pain” (2016), by De La Soul

Three high school friends from Amityville, New York formed the American hip-hop group De La Soul in 1988. The group’s debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising (1989), was one of the most influential albums in hip-hop history. It offers densely layered samples, socially conscious lyrics, and quirky interlude skits. “Pain” features Snoop Dogg, among others, and offers squeaky clean rhymes about coping with and persevering through pain. “They claim blue skies with white clouds, steady drifting / When pain come to get ya, it hit ya like flu / Better times will pick ya, / do what you gotta do.”

“Ham ‘n’ Eggs” (1990), by A Tribe Called Quest

Phife Dawg, Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Jarobi White formed the hip-hop collective A Tribe Called Quest in 1985. John Bush of AllMusic called them “the most intelligent, artistic rap group during the 1990s.” This song promotes eating healthy, while celebrating soul food, and includes such lyrics as “Asparagus tips look yummy, yummy, yummy / candied yams inside my tummy / a collage of good eats, some snacks or nice treats / applesauce and some nice red beets.”

“Can I Kick It?” (1989), by A Tribe Called Quest

“Can I Kick It?” is a lighthearted hip-hop classic. The song includes a sample from “Walk on the Wild Side” by Lou Reed, among others. The opening verse includes the rhyme “Come and spread your arms if you really need a hug / Afrocentric living is a big shrug / A life filled with that’s what I love / A lower plateau is what we’re above.” A Tribe Called Quest was a hip-hop pioneer. Rolling Stone said “Their body of work was like nothing hip-hop had seen before, or has since…Together, Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Jarobi, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad cemented the link between jazz’s grooves and hip-hop’s future funk.”

“Ladies First” (2008), by Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah sets the record straight on female rappers in this song. She says, “Some think that we can’t flow / Stereotypes, they got to go.” In the 1980s, Queen Latifah launched a wave of female rappers and helped redefine the traditionally male genre. In 1988, she released her first single, “Wrath of My Madness,” followed by her debut album, All Hail the Queen, in 1989. Diverse styles and feminist themes propelled both the single and the album.

“I Know You Got Soul” (1987), by Eric B. and Rakim

During rap’s classical period (1979-93), people regarded DJ Eric B. and MC Rakim as one of the most talented combos around. Rakim raps, “It’s a four-letter word when it’s heard, it control your body to dance…” That four-letter word is soul.

“Everything Is Everything” (1998), by Lauryn Hill

On this track, Lauryn Hill sings “I wrote these words for everyone who struggles in their youth / Who won’t accept deception, instead of what is truth.” Hill’s sound, often categorized as “neo-soul,” bridges hip-hop and mainstream popular music. This is a song for youth on injustice, struggle, and hope for change. Fun fact: Teenage John Legend made his first commercial appearance on this song, playing the piano.

“Give Thanks” (2008), by Raashan Ahmad

Raashan Ahmad, an MC solo artist and the frontman of the five-member hip-hop group Crown City Rockers, combines conscious lyrics with live instrumentals to make hip-hop songs that empower and uplift. His song “Give Thanks” includes this chorus: “Give thanks when the sky turn red and the day turn dusk and what’s said is said / Give thanks for the pain and the hardship. It keep me focused and ready on target / Give thanks when the walls close in. I get love from my fam and friends / Give thanks, put my hand over my heart. And let you know it’s from the very best part.”

“Tennessee” (1992), by Arrested Development

Arrested Development, founded by MC Speech and DJ Headliner, wrote songs about consciousness, joy, and spirituality. Rolling Stone said, “The southern rap collective sampled Sly and the Family Stone, Prince and Buddy Guy on their breakthrough album 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life of . . ., writing lyrics that were socially conscious and completely clean. It was the kind of rap your parents could appreciate.” In “Tennessee,” Speech reminisces about the South. He raps, “Now I see the importance of history / Why people be in the mess that they be.”

“Monie in the Middle” (1990), by Monie Love

Monie Love was one of the first BritHop artists to be distributed worldwide by a major record label. Her song, “Monie in the Middle,” proclaims her right to make her own choices in love and relationships. In the song, she makes up her mind about what she wants and tells an unwanted suitor to back off. She says, “I made my decision, precisely, precision is a must / For me to solve another riddle / Step into a brand-new rhythm, ism schisms / Nope, I’m not with ’em.”

“Bridging the Gap” (2004), by Nas

The song “Bridging the Gap” makes the connection between hip-hop and jazz. The theme of the song is summed up in the lyrics, “bridging The Gap from the blues, to jazz, to rap / The history of music on this track.” American rapper and songwriter Nas became a dominant voice in 1990s East Coast hip-hop. He drew widespread acclaim for his poetic narration of hard-edged inner-city life. “Bridging the Gap” features a guest appearance by his father, the jazz cornetist Olu Dara.

“The Old Prince Still Lives at Home” (2007), by Shad

Shad, a Canadian rapper born in Kenya, goes to the next level about being frugal in this song, but it’s ultimately for a larger goal. His song ends with the lyrics “Keep carving a niche, I’m started in a jar for the wee / Little Shaddies still to come for their college degree / Yo I figure starting early on the market is key / I plan on having smart daughters all Harvard M.D.” TAP Magazine said, “Shad uses his success to visit and talk to high school kids, raise awareness on social issues that would otherwise be ignored, and, most importantly, he continues to proudly take his role as a role model for African migrant youths in Canada very seriously.”

“Television, the Drug of the Nation” (1992), by The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy

We can all get behind the theme of not watching TV. In this song Michael Franti raps, “TV is the reason / why less than 10 percent of our nation reads books daily / why most people think / Central America means Kansas, Socialism means un-American, and Apartheid is a new headache remedy.”

“First in Flight” (2002), by Blackalicious

Rapper Gift of Gab and DJ/producer Chief Xcel make up the duo Blackalicious. The duo is known for their complex rhymes and what hip-hoppers call the “positive tip.” (Positive tip: lyrics that are uplifting and conscious.) Here, Gift of Gab raps, “No need to force the progression, just ride the wind / You’ll know the answer to the Where and Why and When.” On this track, Gil Scott-Heron, whose spoken-word anthem “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” lacerated the complacency of white middle-class America in 1970, makes an appearance. Teachers can share his influential impact on hip-hop through poetry.

“Tobacco Road” (2002), by Common Market

“Music in and of itself is very spiritual in nature which means that it’s always been a tool that advocates, this connection through humanity. A commonality. Music has always been that. Entire cultures have been denied the privilege of music because of its power. We talk about book burning, but people have been denied access to music,” said MC RA Scion in an interview with Seeds Entertainment. Scion is the lyricist in the Seattle hip-hop duo Common Market, which also includes DJ/producer Sabzi. It is another hip-hop group that takes a spiritual approach to its message and explores deep, sometimes hard, topics. In “Tobacco Road,” Scion confronts the suicide of family members, the loss of friends, and the seasonal nature of life experiences. “Tobacco Road” is a story of grief, growth, and the meaning of “home.” It’s a song for transitions and reflection.

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