The Bacteria That Snacks on Plastic Celebrating Queen Victoria

Monthly NewsNational FOR GRADES 5, 6 & 7 www.classroomready.com May 2020

NATIONAL 1 INTERNATIONAL 2 Closing the U.S.- The Tokyo Olympics Canada Border

ENVIRONMENT 3 FEATURE 4 PROFILE 9 The Bacteria that Celebrating Queen Discovering Iceland Snacks on Plastic Victoria

National Closing the U.S.- Canada Border he longest un-militarized closed to help slow the spread and medical supplies. international border of COVID-19 in both nations. Essential workers are also Tin the world between Under normal allowed to cross. Many doctors Canada and the United States circumstances, around 200,000 and nurses living in Canada is 8,891 kilometres long. Calling people cross the border every cross over to work in hospitals the border un-militarized is a day. These include travellers and clinics in the United way of highlighting the fact that visiting the other side to shop, States. Canada and the United States visit friends, or take a vacation. have very friendly relations with It also includes truck drivers DID YOU KNOW each other. and train operators that bring ? We are important trade goods to each side. As well, The Canada-U.S. border was partners. More than $718 billion there are thousands of people first established in 1783— in goods and services crossed who cross the border to work at the end of the American the border in 2018. This trade is at jobs in nearby cities on the Revolutionary War. During that almost equal. Canada imported other side. war, the United States gained $363.8 billion in goods and With the border closing, independence from Great services from the U.S. while the only essential traffic is being Britain. Canada remained a U.S. imported $354.7 billion allowed. People just visiting part of Britain until its own from Canada. The U.S. is to shop or take a vacation are independence in 1867. Canada’s largest trade partner, no longer allowed to cross, and Canada is America’s third- although trucks carrying goods largest trade partner. are still allowed to cross. This is Goods and services cross important as Canada depends the U.S.-Canada border in on the U.S. for much of its food cars, trucks, trains, pipelines, supply, while the U.S. depends airplanes, and ships. As a on Canada for many resources, result, the border is a vital like wood and oil. Both sides economic link for both nations. depend on each other for On March 20, the border was making things like medicines

WORD POWER Un-militarized: Not defended using Vital: Very important or absolutely soldiers, tanks, and other military necessary. equipment.

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International The Tokyo Olympics he next Summer Olympic sports ranging from cycling, time. With many qualifying Games will be held swimming, and track & field events being cancelled this Tin Tokyo, Japan. The to soccer, basketball, and spring, these athletes haven’t Olympics is an event where gymnastics. had a chance to qualify. A the best athletes from around Japanese organizers had one-year delay could give the world compete in a variety indicated earlier this year them the time they need. of sports to try to win gold, they were almost ready. Many silver, and bronze medals. venues have been completed ? DID YOU KNOW They also join together to well ahead of schedule. show that people of different Athletes say that choosing Tokyo had also been countries can get along in a a definite new date, one year scheduled to host the spirit of friendly competition. later, is a good decision. Summer Olympics in 1940. The Summer Olympic Many athletes have had These games were cancelled Games are held every four limited opportunity to train because of the Second World years. Tokyo will host the 2020 due to social distancing War. Tokyo later hosted the Summer Olympics, but the rules. They want to have their Summer Games in 1964. Games won’t be held in 2020. best performance during the In late March, it was competition. Having a specific announced that the Games target date will enable will be postponed exactly athletes to do this. one year. It is the first time The delay will also allow in history the Olympics have some athletes time needed to been postponed. The Games qualify for the Games. Many have been cancelled three sports require that athletes times due to war. and teams achieve a certain The Opening Ceremonies performance level before will now occur on July 23, being invited to the Olympics. 2021. This will be followed by For example, runners might two weeks of competition in need to beat a certain race

WORD POWER Competition: The act of competing or Opening Ceremonies: A celebratory event Definite: Certain or positive. being a rival. where the host nation shows off its culture and history. The event also marks the official start of the Olympic Games. 2 © 2020 Classroom Ready. All rights reserved. National EDITION • Level 1 CLASSROOM READY MONTHLY NEWS • May 2020

Environment The Bacteria that Snacks on Plastic new form of bacteria plastic called “polyurethane,” had polyurethane as the was recently discovered which is found in building only source of carbon and Athat can eat one of the materials, shoes, water identified the bacteria that toughest, most toxic forms bottles, and diapers. ate the polyurethane. of plastic. Researchers said Polyurethane is a tougher type This study provides some that it could bring them a of plastic. hope that, one day, plastic step closer to being able to The molecules in waste could be biodegraded biodegrade plastic waste. polyurethane are too large for with the help of scientists. Plastic waste is a huge most bacteria to break down. problem. It is difficult to When it does start to break ? DID YOU KNOW recycle because there are down, polyurethane releases so many different types chemicals that are too toxic Over 300,000,000 tonnes of of plastic. Plastic is also even for bacteria. plastic are produced globally made of compounds that are Researchers in Germany each year. designed to last, so it does have identified a strain of not break down in landfills. bacteria that might be able Scientists have discovered to eat polyurethane. They took bacteria that eat a type of three soil samples from a site plastic called “PET.” These with plenty of plastic waste. bacteria release enzymes They made a solution with the that break down plastic to get soil and put the solution on carbon and energy from it. dishes where bacteria from When the plastic breaks down, the soil samples could grow the chemical structure of the for five days. plastic changes and it can To separate regular begin to decompose. bacteria from polyurethane- One difficulty is that eating bacteria, the bacteria known to eat PET are researchers transferred the unable to consume a type of bacteria to new dishes that

WORD POWER Biodegrade: To break down or decompose Enzymes: Protein molecules that are used up the smallest particles that make up a something by way of bacteria or other by cells to create chemical reactions in the substance. living organisms. body. Solution: A mixture that is formed by Molecule: A group of atoms that make dissolving something in a liquid. www.classroomready.com 3 National EDITION • Level 1 CLASSROOM READY MONTHLY NEWS • May 2020

Feature Celebrating Queen Victoria n Canada, Victoria Day who is the Queen of England month away, summer parks celebrates Queen Victoria’s today. and outdoor restaurants Ibirthday. It happens on the Canada has celebrated choose this holiday as their last Monday before May 25 this holiday since 1845, opening day. and many people look forward although it is not observed in to the long weekend it creates. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, ? DID YOU KNOW In 1837, Victoria was 18 Newfoundland and Labrador, years old when she became and Prince Edward Island. In B.C.’s capital city, Victoria, is queen. She was the Queen Quebec, the day was renamed named after Queen Victoria. of England for 63 years. The as National Patriot’s Day. Many people do not know period of her reign became In 1845, Victoria Day was that there is another city known as the Victorian marked with activities that named after her: Regina, era, and it was a time of included picnics, parades, Saskatchewan. great industrialization and sporting tournaments, progress. fireworks, andcannon Queen Victoria was very salutes. Some communities important when Canada still enjoy concerts, parades, was formed. She helped the and sporting events, but the provinces join together to holiday is often marked by form Canada and she helped most shops and organizations with selecting Ottawa as our closing for the day. capital city. She never visited Many people see the Canada, but five of her nine Victoria Day long weekend as children spent time here. the beginning of summer and The Canadian Parliament use it as an opportunity for established Victoria Day as outdoor barbecues, festivals, a holiday in 1845. In 1957, it camping, and vacations was also declared the official away at their cabins. Even birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, though summer is still a

WORD POWER Era: A time period in history marked by a Industrialization: The process of Cannon Salutes: Firing cannons to pay particular characteristic. changing a nation’s economy from military respect to someone or something. agricultural to manufacturing.

4 © 2020 Classroom Ready. All rights reserved. National EDITION • Level 1 CLASSROOM READY MONTHLY NEWS • May 2020 Monthly News Q & A National Closing the U.S.-Canada Border 1. How long is our border with the U.S.?

2. How much trade crossed this border in 2018?

3. How do goods and services cross the border?

4. How many people cross the border every day?

5. Why do people cross the border?

Critical Thinking 1. How often have you travelled into the United States? Outline the similarities and differences between the two countries.

www.classroomready.com 5 National EDITION • Level 1 CLASSROOM READY MONTHLY NEWS • May 2020 Monthly News Q & A INTERNATIONAL The Tokyo Olympics 1. Where will the next summer Olympic Games be held?

2. What is the Olympics?

3. What was announced in late March? When will the 2020 Olympics be held?

4. Is Japan ready to host the Olympics?

5. Why do athletes say that choosing a definite new date, one year later, is a good decision?

Critical Thinking 1. What makes the Olympic Games so special?

6 © 2020 Classroom Ready. All rights reserved. National EDITION • Level 1 CLASSROOM READY MONTHLY NEWS • May 2020 Monthly News Q & A Environment The Bacteria that Snacks on Plastic 1. Why is plastic waste a huge problem?

2. How do bacteria eat PET?

3. Why is polyurethane more difficult for bacteria to eat?

4. How did the researchers grow bacteria?

5. How did they find polyurethane-eating bacteria?

Critical Thinking 1. What are your thoughts on plastic-eating bacteria?

www.classroomready.com 7 National EDITION • Level 1 CLASSROOM READY MONTHLY NEWS • May 2020 Monthly News Q & A feature Celebrating Queen Victoria 1. When does Victoria Day happen?

2. When did Victoria become queen? How long was she queen?

3. Why is Queen Victoria important to Canada?

4. How is Victoria Day celebrated?

5. How do many people see Victoria Day?

Critical Thinking 1. Do you think Queen Victoria was an important influence? Explain your answer.

celand is an island country that lies between North America and Europe. It is bordered by the Greenland Sea in the north, the INorwegian Sea in the east, and the Atlantic Ocean in the west and south. Because it is located close to the Arctic Circle, its geography contains ice glaciers and cooled lava from its 200 volcanoes. Iceland’s capital city is Reykjavík. The official language of the country is Icelandic, a language descended from Old Norse. Even though much of the population speaks modern Icelandic, many can read in Old Norse. The land now known as Iceland was first discovered by a Viking called Naddod. He discovered the island by accident when he got lost on his way from Norway to the Faroe Islands. Iceland was settled only 1000 years ago. The earliest settlers were Viking explorers of Norse and Celtic heritage (from Norway and Scotland). The settlers first worshipped the Norse gods, until Norwegian missionaries brought Christianity to Iceland. In the Middle Ages, the Icelandic Commonwealth was established and lasted until the 13th century. After that, Iceland was ruled by several different outside powers, including the Norwegian and Danish kingdoms. It was only in the 1900s that Iceland was able to gain independence. In 1944, it became a republic. Iceland has a president as the head of state, and he or she is elected every four years. Today, the population is mainly Icelandic with a small number of Polish, Asian, and Lithuanian immigrants. Many live in coastal towns and villages because of their access to fishing Long form of name: Republic of Iceland ports. Continent: Europe Iceland’s economy is mostly supported by the fishing industry, but declining fish Total Area: 103,000 square kilometres stocks over the years has caused the government to put limits on fish catches. Population: 350,734 The power industry also plays an important Official Language(s): Icelandic role in the economy, thanks to Iceland’s huge resources in generating hydroelectric Capital City: Reykjavík power. Chief of State: President Gudni Thorlacius Johannesson National Anthem: “Lofsongur” (Song of Praise) Currency: Icelandic krona

www.classroomready.com 9 National EDITION • Level 1 CLASSROOM READY MONTHLY NEWS • May 2020 Discovering Iceland

Reykjavik ICELAND

Norwegian Sea

SWEDEN

NORWAY FINLAND Atlantic Ocean

North Sea

DENMARK IRELAND UNITED KINGDOM NETHERLANDS GERMANY POLAND

1. What is Iceland’s official language?

2. How was Iceland first discovered?

3. What industries contribute to Iceland’s economy?

Below is a list of the 10 longest borders in the world.

Border Length Canada-USA 8891 km Russia-Kazakhstan 6846 km Argentina-Chile 5300 km Mongolia-China 4677 km India-Bangladesh 4053 km Russia-China 3645 km Russia-Mongolia 3543 km Brazil-Bolivia 3423 km China-India 3380 km USA-Mexico 3145 km

1. How long is the border between India and Bangladesh?

2. How long is the border between the USA and Mexico?

3. Which border is 3645 kilometres long?

4. Which border is 3423 kilometres long?

5. How much longer is the Canada-USA border than the next longest border?

www.classroomready.com 11 National EDITION • Level 1 CLASSROOM READY MONTHLY NEWS • May 2020 Political Cartoon

A political cartoon uses images to exaggerate an opinion, often in a humorous way. The main purpose of the cartoon is to show you the artist’s point of view on a situation.

For each element in the image above, write a point or two about the element or how it relates to the rest of the image. 1. The people on the left

2. The man on the right

3. Put all of the elements together and explain in your own words what the cartoon is saying.

1. Locate and label the following countries in capital letters: GERMANY FRANCE POLAND AUSTRIA HUNGARY SLOVAKIA BELGIUM LATVIA SLOVENIA CROATIA LITHUANIA SWITZERLAND CZECH REPUBLIC LUXEMBOURG UNITED KINGDOM DENMARK NETHERLANDS

2. Locate and label the following cities: Berlin Budapest Riga Amsterdam Copenhagen Vienna Bern London Vilnius Bratislava Paris Warsaw Brussels Prague

3. Locate and label the following bodies of salt water: Baltic Sea North Sea

4. Create a colour legend for your map with the following: Germany Other Countries Salt Water

5. Draw and label the compass bearing.

6. Label your map: Germany and Neighbouring Countries

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Map Activity: Germany

Germany is part of the continent of Europe. It borders the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, between the Netherlands and Poland, and south of Denmark. Germany is smaller than Newfoundland and Labrador at 357,022 square kilometres. Germany is located 51 degrees north of the equator, giving it a climate that is temperate. Germany has a population of 80,159,662 (July 2020 estimate) and a currency called the euro (EUR). It takes about 1.52 Canadian dollars to equal one euro.

Use the map and the information above to answer the following questions.

1. What is the area of Germany?

2. What is the population of Germany?

3. What is the capital city of Germany?

4. What is the currency used in Germany?

5. What colours are on the flag of Germany?

6. Which countries border Germany?

7. Colour the flag as follows: Three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and gold.