Danger for the Great Barrier Reef

Discussion Guide

Vol. 66 No. 15 Week of December 12, 2016 Danger for the Great Barrier Reef

Holiday Break This is the last regular issue of Newscurrents for this year. You will receive your next issue, the Semester Quiz during the week of January 2nd. We wish you and your students a wonderful holiday season and a joyous New Year! ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Should more people eat bugs? Government halts Dakota Access Pipeline Ryan Speedo Green: From delinquent to See inside cover opera star Beavers are thriving in the U.K. Country of the Week: Guyana This Week in History: Wright brothers make first flight NewsCurrents aligns with Common Core Standards A District Administration magazine's “Readers' Choice Top 100 Products of 2016” Who Am I? ADVANCED A ) I represent California’s 12th District Can you answer this in the U.S. House as a Democrat. I have question? If not, served as the House Minority Leader since 1 here are some clues. 2011. BASIC/GENERAL B) I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. My father served as that city’s mayor, and A) I am the leader of the Democrats in the was also elected to the U.S. House. When U.S. House of Representatives. I moved to San Francisco, I worked for California’s Democratic Party. In 1987, I B) I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. After took over the House seat once held by my moving to San Francisco in 1969, I became former mentor. Since then, I have been involved in California’s Democratic Party. re-elected 10 times. I served as Speaker I have represented my San Francisco of the House from 2007 to 2011, the first district in the House since 1987. From woman to hold this important position. 2007 to 2011, I was Speaker of the House, the only woman ever to hold this position. C) In the wake of the Democratic Party’s failures in this year’s election, I faced a C) Since the Democrats lost the majority challenge to my leadership from Ohio Rep. in the House, I have served as the House Tim Ryan. However, House Democrats Minority Leader. Some people thought I voted to keep me as their leader, though might lose this job. But I recently won the a third of them voted for my challenger. vote among House Democrats to keep this Who am I? (Nancy Pelosi.) position. Who am I? (Nancy Pelosi.)

2 News Names, News Places, News Words News Names: News Words:

Army Corps of Engineers — U.S. acidification — Raising the level of acid government agency under the in a liquid Department of Defense; maintains baritone — Male vocal part lower than U.S. waterways and other tenor and higher than bass environmental resources coral — Invertebrate marine animals Dave Archambault II — Chairman of with hard outer skeletons made of Standing Rock Sioux calcium David A. Granger — Current president dam — Barrier restricting the flow of of Guyana water or other substances Malcolm Turnbull — Current prime entomophagy — Practice of eating minister of Australia insects among humans Orville and Wilbur Wright — Brothers macaw — Species of parrot with long who built and flew the first powered tail, curved beak, and brightly- airplane colored feathers Ryan Speedo Green — Opera singer polyp — In zoology, a group or colony of originally from Virginia tiny creatures quintillion — Large number equal to News Places: a billion billion, indicated by one followed by 18 zeroes Australia territorial — Intent on defending living Guyana space from outside threats North Carolina North Dakota United Kingdom Virginia

2 NewsCurrents Week of December 12, 2016 Copyright 2016 Knowledge Unlimited Danger for the Great Barrier Reef Pollution and climate change have ruined miles of this coral reef. The picture here shows a where is it? BASIC coral reef. It looks like a huge (In the ocean underwater rock covered with plants and near Australia.) starfish. But coral reefs are actually made Hundreds of of tiny living animals called polyps — PAWL- miles of coral 3 ips — that live together in groups. These in the Great polyps surround themselves with a very Barrier Reef died in 2016. The main reason hard covering. Over time, this hard covering is warmer water temperatures. Pollution forms a large structure: a coral reef. Many is also a big problem. There is also a ocean plants, fish, and other creatures make higher level of acid in ocean water. What their homes in, on, and around coral reefs. is this called? (Ocean acidification.) Acid Why is this a good place for them to live? in the ocean makes coral weak. It is The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral happening because oceans are absorbing reef in the world. From the map here, more carbon dioxide from the air. NEXT GENERAL The Great Barrier Reef is Australian scientists say 2016 has been one of the most important the worst year in recent history for the Great natural areas in the world. Located just Barrier Reef. Hundreds of miles of coral off the northeastern coast of Australia, died this year due to much warmer ocean it is the largest coral reef in the world. It temperatures. They are also threatened by is about 1,600 miles long, and provides water pollution and ocean acidification. homes for thousands of underwater plants, Carbon dioxide pollution is causing ocean fish, and other animals that depend on the water to change its chemical makeup. The reef for food. world’s oceans soak up carbon dioxide like Do you know what coral is? While they a giant sponge. This leads to too much may look like they are made of rock, coral acid in the water. Acidification robs ocean reefs are actually made up of tiny living water of calcium, which coral needs to grow creatures. Each one of these creatures is strong. Losing the Great Barrier Reef would called a coral polyp. The polyps join together be a disaster for Australia. Why? (Loss in groups called colonies. Each polyp of tourism, loss of fish, and so on.) Prime works to form its own hard outer shell, or Minister Malcolm Turnbull has committed exoskeleton. Over thousands of years, the nearly $1 billion to help the Great Barrier exoskeletons from these different corals Reef. Is this enough to save the Great become larger structures called coral reefs. Barrier Reef? NEXT Why is it a problem if they are in danger? ADVANCED Australian scientists have groups called colonies. Over thousands of issued a study claiming years, the exoskeletons from these different that this year has seen the biggest coral coral polyps become larger structures die-off in recent history on the Great called coral reefs. These reefs are home Barrier Reef. This massive underwater to thousands of species of underwater ridge is very important to the environment plants, fish, and other animals. They can and the economy of Australia and the be found all over the world, mostly in world. But if scientists cannot reverse shallow ocean waters. recent trends, we may lose one of the The recent study found hundreds of world’s greatest natural treasures. miles of bleached-out and dead coral The Great Barrier Reef stretches for along the Great Barrier Reef. Scientists about 1,600 miles along the northeastern blame the problem on warmer water coast of Australia. It is the largest coral temperatures and man-made carbon reef in the world. What is coral made dioxide pollution, which leads to ocean of? (Tiny living organisms, most just a few acidification. Acidification leaches calcium centimeters in length.) Coral reefs are made from ocean water and weakens coral of individual tiny animals called polyps. reefs. Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm These polyps excrete a hard substance to Turnbull has pledged nearly $1 billion to form a protective shell. What is another help fix these problems. Will $1 billion be word for this kind of hard outer shell? enough? NEXT (Exoskeleton.) Coral polyps organize into Copyright 2016 Knowledge Unlimited NewsCurrents Week of December 12, 2016 3 Danger for the Great Barrier Reef (cont'd) Coral reefs are very important in many different ways. The coral reef shown here is of the world’s BASIC healthy and beautiful. About fishing is 25 percent of all the fish in the world live in done on coral coral reefs. How much is 25 percent? (It reefs. People means one out of every four fish live near a find valuable reef.) There are many plants and animals minerals and 4 that use coral reefs as their homes. There chemicals near reefs. And many people is a word for places where many different travel to coral reefs to go scuba diving. things live together. Do you know the Would you like to go on a scuba diving word? (Biodiversity.) What do you think trip to a coral reef? When you add it happens if a reef is destroyed? Coral all up, coral reefs are worth about $375 reefs also protect shorelines, breaking billion to humans every year. Can you see up big ocean waves so they are not why they are called the “rainforests of as big when they hit the shore. Much the ocean”? NEXT

GENERAL Coral reefs, like the healthy waves before they reach the shore. What one shown here, are found happens in places where the reefs are all around the world’s oceans. They are worn down or gone? (Larger waves hit usually located in shallow waters, but coastal communities harder.) Millions of sometimes extend deeper. Taken all people make their living from coral reefs together, coral reefs take up less than through fishing, although some of them one-tenth of one percent of the ocean fish in irresponsible ways. For example, floor. But they are home to about 25 some people dump deadly chemicals into percent of the world’s fish, as well as other the ocean to kill many fish at once; ocean species. The reef ecosystem has a others throw explosive charges into the high amount of biodiversity. What does water and wait for dead fish float up to this mean? (That many different species the surface. Reefs also provide precious live in one place.) Ocean plants, like the minerals and chemicals, and attract many ones shown here, grow on the coral. Fish tourists. Would you like to go on a scuba come to eat these plants; larger fish and diving trip to a coral reef? Taken all animals come to eat the smaller fish; and together, scientists think reefs are worth so on. Can you see why they are known about $375 billion dollars to the world’s as the “rainforests of the ocean”? economy every single year. What would Coral reefs are important in many happen if we lost the coral reefs? NEXT other ways. They slow down huge ocean ADVANCED Coral reefs take up about communities. This positioning helps one-tenth of one percent break up large ocean waves before they of Earth’s ocean floor. But they have an reach the shore. When reefs break down, outsized importance to our environment. coastal cities are in greater danger from Reefs quickly become populated with hurricanes, tsunamis, and other storms. ocean plants, such as the ones shown Additionally, millions of people around here. Fish eat these plants, and larger the world make their living from coral fish and animals come to eat these fish. reefs. A large percentage of the fishing Can you think of animals that live near industry takes place in or near these coral reefs? (Turtles, manatees, and many reefs. Important minerals and chemicals others.) About 25 percent of the world’s can be found in the plants that grow fish and marine species live in or near there. And coral reefs are also increasingly coral reefs, making for a high amount of important for tourism-related income. All biodiversity. Why do you think reefs are told, coral reefs are responsible for an called the “rainforests of the ocean”? estimated $375 billion of annual business The impact of coral ecosystems goes around the world. How would the world’s beyond providing homes to fish and economy be affected if coral reefs were turtles. Most reefs are located in shallow to be lost forever? Who would be most waters, close to the coastlines of ocean affected? NEXT

4 NewsCurrents Week of December 12, 2016 Copyright 2016 Knowledge Unlimited Danger for the Great Barrier Reef (cont'd) Danger for the Great Barrier Reef (cont'd) Scientists are working on ways to save the world’s coral reefs. Australia's prime minister, They think BASIC Malcolm Turnbull, is giving 1$ this might Billion to help the Great Barrier Reef. But help grow new a lot more will have to be done to save it reefs in the and other coral reefs around the world. future. A third 5 The most important thing, of course, is to important idea stop pollution and global warming. Do you is helping the fish, plants, and animals think world leaders should agree about that live on or near coral reefs. If these this? What can you personally do to help parts of the reef ecosystem can be saved, stop pollution? Scientists in Florida are then the coral will be healthier. Healthy trying a new idea. They are getting healthy coral also naturally takes poisons and coral and transplanting it in new places. harmful chemicals out of the oceans. Do What does “transplant” mean? (Moving you think saving the coral reefs is a very something from one environment to another.) important issue? Why or why not? END GENERAL Fortunately, all is not warming and pollution? lost for coral reefs. Many Scientists are also trying to find ways to scientists around the world are working save the coral we have left. One example is a on ways to stop or reverse the damage recent effort in Florida. In this experiment, that has been done to coral reefs in recent teams rescue living corals before they can years. One of the most important fights be ruined, and transplant them to places is against pollution and global warming. where they can survive. They are trying How does manmade pollution cause to see if they can get certain varieties of global warming? (Increased “greenhouse coral to grow in new environments. How gases” from the burning of fossil fuels would this help? (They could build new cause Earth’s atmosphere to retain more reef structures that could then survive on of the Sun’s heat.) Do you think this is their own.) A third hope for the world’s the most important scientific issue of coral reefs lies in the protection of the rest our time? New energy sources could help of their ecosystem. Efforts are underway slow down the effects of global warming. to help people understand how to fish And by developing new techniques for responsibly, without over-fishing or using reducing water pollution, we could help explosives or poison. Do you think coral coral reefs a great deal. What can you reefs should be declared protected do as an individual to help stop global zones? END ADVANCED Although the clock is be introduced into new environments. ticking for the world’s These scientists are hoping to find coral reefs, there are many efforts coral combinations that can adapt to underway around the world to reverse the changing conditions. They would then be damage that has been done, and prevent transplanted to new areas, where they new damage. These efforts start with the would build stronger and more resilient race to stop pollution and global warming. reef structures. Do you think this could How are these factors related? (Increased work for the Great Barrier Reef? “greenhouse gases,” from the burning of But we can only manipulate nature so fossil fuels, cause Earth’s atmosphere to much. To save coral reefs, there have retain more of the Sun’s heat.) Scientists to be significant changes in the way are doing their best to find new energy humans treat coral reefs. Scientists are sources and pollution-filtering techniques. trying to raise international awareness of But, some say that these efforts will not the dangers of over-fishing and dumping work without a worldwide commitment to chemicals in the water. These scientists reducing greenhouse gases. Do you agree point out that stronger reefs will lead with this idea? Do you think it will ever to healthier water, as coral serves as a happen? natural filter to remove toxins and other Another way forward is underway right harmful chemicals from the ocean. Do you now in Florida, where teams of divers are think science can reverse the decline in rescuing living corals to see if they can coral reefs? Why or why not? END Copyright 2016 Knowledge Unlimited NewsCurrents Week of December 12, 2016 5 Should more people eat bugs? A new study shows that eating insects could help feed the world. Would you ever consider scientists BASIC eating insects if you knew looked at the they were good for you? Some scientists vitamins and are talking about the idea of entomophagy minerals, — ehn-toh-MOFF-ah-gee. Who wants to especially 6 read the definition here? Eating insects iron,in might sound gross to you, but 2 billion crickets, grasshoppers, mealworms, and people around the world already do it. What buffalo worms. These scientists found that do you think of the insects shown here some of these insects might give humans in a Thai market? Scientists have known more iron and other nutrients than steak for years that there are many benefits to or other red meat! Do you think insects eating insects. But they weren’t sure if could be the answer to helping feed eating insects gave our bodies as many the growing number of people on the nutrients as eating other forms of meat. planet? NEXT Now a new study says it does. In this study, GENERAL Entomophagy is not a new now answered this question. In this study, idea. From the definition researchers dissolved several types of here, what does this word mean? (The insects in water to see how many nutrients practice of eating bugs.) Insects have could be absorbed. These insects included formed an important part of people’s diets crickets, grasshoppers, mealworms, and for thousands of years. In fact, about 2 buffalo worms. Interestingly, they found billion people around the world are doing that some of these bugs would actually be it today, especially in Asia and Central better sources of iron and other nutrients and South America. Here you see insects than steak or other red meat! Does this for sale at a food market in Thailand. How surprise you? Why or why not? would you react if you saw this in a food Eating insects has never been a part of the market here? Western diet, but that may be changing. Scientists have said for years that people Some restaurants in larger cities have should eat more insects. Tests have shown started to offer insects in dishes like pizza that they contain important nutrients. topped with crickets. Would you ever try But no one was sure if an insect-rich diet this? Now some experts are saying that could give people as much iron as red eating insects could help us deal with meat. Why is iron important? (It helps major problems, like world hunger and your blood cells carry enough oxygen to global warming. NEXT the rest of your body.) A new study has ADVANCED More and more people researchers recently tried to figure out are talking about how the iron levels of certain insects entomophagy these days. What does compared to the levels found in meat. this word mean? (The practice of eating They dissolved several kinds of insects in insects.) Two billion people around the water, including crickets, grasshoppers, world already eat insects, especially in mealworms, and buffalo worms. They then Central and South America and Asia. tested the nutrient levels in the water. Here, you see a food stand in Thailand They found that the iron in some of these with many different kinds of bugs. What is insects is actually more soluble than the your reaction to this? Of the one million iron found in red meat. What does that known insect species, about 1,900 are mean? (That human cells can absorb iron eaten by humans. These include beetles, more easily from these insects.) bees, caterpillars, grasshoppers, locusts, Eating insects has never been a part ants, and even wasps. Scientists have of the Western diet, but that may be known for years that insects contain many changing. A few trendy restaurants have important nutrients that are also found begun incorporating bugs into popular in meat. But they weren’t sure about food recipes — for example, pizza topped iron. Why is iron important? (It helps with crickets, or Indian bread topped with your blood cells carry enough oxygen to roasted ants. Would you be willing to try the rest of your body.) In a new study, these things? NEXT 6 NewsCurrents Week of December 12, 2016 Copyright 2016 Knowledge Unlimited Should more people eat bugs? (cont'd) Eating insects could help address world hunger and environmental issues. BASIC There are more than 7.4 billion most insects people on earth, and this eat? (Leaves, number is growing every day. By the year grass, and 2030, we might have to produce twice as other natural much food as we do now. Scientists think materials.) the answer to feeding so many people might Using insects be insects. For one thing there are a lot of for food would insects in the world. From the words here, also help cut 7 how many? (Ten quintillion.) A quintillion down on the methane released by is a billion billion. Can you imagine a farm animals. Methane is a “greenhouse number that big? For another thing, gas,” which means it makes the planet insect farming is easier than raising cows, warmer. The biggest problem is that many pigs, sheep, and other livestock. Bugs do people hate the idea of eating insects. not need much space, and they reproduce These people wouldn’t want to eat either quickly. They need little or no water, of the meals shown here. Would you eat and do not cost much to feed. What do these foods? Why or why not? END GENERAL There are more than there are a LOT of them. How many? (10 7.4 billion people on the quintillion.) A quintillion is a billion billion, planet, and that number continues to or one followed by 18 zeroes. With careful grow. Approximately one billion of these planning, we could incorporate insects people suffer chronic hunger. Experts say into our diet — and never run out. Do that this problem will only get worse if we you think this will happen? Why or why don’t find solutions. In order to feed all the not? Another big advantage is that raising people on the planet, we will have to nearly insects uses much less land and much double our current food production by the less water than raising livestock. Why is year 2030. This will be very difficult to do, this important? (Water and land are both especially when it comes to meat. Raising limited.) Farmers could save a lot of money cattle, pigs, and other animals takes up a on food and shelter as well. In addition, lot of land that could be used in a better insect farming would produce a fraction way. It also uses a lot of resources. What of the greenhouse gases produced by are some of these resources? (Food, livestock, and would create less pollution water, etc.) on land and in the water. Of course, there That’s why so many experts are pointing is one big drawback to eating insects: the to insects as a potential answer to the “yuck factor.” Do you think people could world food crisis. Insects have several overcome this? Could you? Would you advantages in this regard. For one thing, eat the dishes shown here? END ADVANCED The best argument for number? (Eighteen.) Insect farming is already eating insects is that there happening in many places. What might be are more than 7.4 billion humans on some advantages of insect farming over Earth, and approximately one billion of traditional livestock farming? (It requires them suffer from chronic hunger. As the much less water and land, insects reproduce population continues to rise, the United faster, it is better for the environment, and so Nations estimates that we will have to on.) Insects require less water than livestock, nearly double our current food production and can be fed bio-waste instead of hay and by the year 2030. Why would this be grass. And, of course, insect farming would difficult under our current conditions? produce nowhere near the greenhouse gases (Because production of livestock for meat produced by livestock. What is the biggest takes up more land, as well as food and of these gases? (Methane.) In addition, the water resources, than we have.) lack of chemical and waste runoff would That’s why so many experts are looking to greatly decrease land and water pollution. insects as an alternative to meat. For one In fact, there is only one significant thing, there are about 10 quintillion insects drawback to eating insects: the “yuck on the planet. Can you guess how many factor.” Is this justified, given the billion are in a quintillion? (A billion.) How pictures shown here? Or would you many zeroes would be involved in this want to try these delicacies? END Copyright 2016 Knowledge Unlimited NewsCurrents Week of December 12, 2016 7 Government halts Dakota Access Pipeline The Army Corps of Engineers denies builders the necessary permit. For months, Native Americans been stopped BASIC and others have been protesting — for now. The against a pipeline that is being built to send Army Corps of oil from North Dakota to Illinois. What is Engineers said the name of this pipeline? (The Dakota they would not Access Pipeline.) These protests have been issue a permit taking place in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. for the pipeline 8 They are being led by the Standing Rock company to Sioux tribe. Standing Rock Sioux Indians build under the Missouri River. From say the pipeline interferes with land that is the quote here, how do you think the very important to them. Part of the pipeline tribe’s leader feels about the decision? was also supposed to go underneath the This stops the pipeline for now, but the Missouri River. Why are they worried Standing Rock Sioux want to make sure about this? (They are afraid there could this decision permanent. Do you think be an oil leak into the river, which is the the pipeline could still be built? Why or source of their water.) But the pipeline has why not? END GENERAL For months, protesters Missouri River. The USACE, which is near Cannon Ball, North part of the Department of Defense, is Dakota, have delayed the building of the responsible for water and environmental Dakota Access Pipeline. What is this issues in the United States. Why do pipeline supposed to do? (Carry crude you think the USACE denied this oil down to a refinery in Illinois.) Part of permit? Here you see a quote from Dave the pipeline is supposed to pass under Archambault the Second, the chairman of the Missouri River, on land claimed by the the Standing Rock Sioux after he heard Standing Rock Sioux tribe. The protesters, the news from the USACE. How do you who call themselves “water protectors,” think he felt? Archambault asked all are worried that the pipeline could leak non-Sioux to go home and get out of oil into the Missouri River, a source the freezing North Dakota winter. But of their water. The Sioux protests grew some Sioux are staying to make sure the when other Native American groups and company doesn’t try to build it anyway. environmental activists joined them. How would you feel if this happened? These protesters recently won a victory The USACE statement says it will do an when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, environmental study to find other routes or USACE, denied the pipeline company for the pipeline. Is this a good outcome? a final permit to build underneath the Why or why not? END For months, protesters human shield to protect the protesters. ADVANCED calling themselves "water Did you see any news coverage of protectors" have been this? But things changed quickly on camped out at the Standing Rock Sioux December 4th when the U.S. Army Corps reservation near Cannon Ball, North of Engineers, or USACE, denied the oil Dakota. Their presence has delayed the company a final permit to build part of the completion of the Dakota Access Pipeline. pipeline underneath the Missouri River. Why are they protesting? (The Sioux What does the USACE oversee? (Water claim part of the land through which the and environmental issues in the United pipeline passes, based on an old treaty. States.) Dave Archambault the Second, They are also worried that the pipeline the chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux, could leak into the Missouri River since hopes to move forward with further talks. part of the pipeline will be built under the But some Sioux are vowing to stay at the river.) These protests grew as other Native protest site all winter long. Why? (They American groups, and environmental don’t trust the company to comply with activists joined them. Recently, police the decision.) The USACE statement also tried to remove the protesters using water said the agency will look for alternate cannons and concussion grenades. In routes for the pipeline and complete an response, thousands of veterans from all environmental study. Do you think this over the U.S. traveled there, forming a is a good compromise? END 8 NewsCurrents Week of December 12, 2016 Copyright 2016 Knowledge Unlimited Government halts Dakota Access Pipeline Ryan Speedo Green takes opera world by storm This singer had a troubled childhood. Now he is a rising opera star. Ryan Speedo Green might not But, first, he BASIC look like an opera singer. What had to learn is opera? (A musical play in which all how to read the words are sung.) Green is six feet five music, and how inches, and weighs 300 pounds! But the to pronounce story of how he got to be an opera singer all the different is what is most amazing. Ryan had a very languages of 9 hard childhood. His mother beat him a opera. Can lot, which made him act badly in school. you think of any of these languages? He was even sent to a juvenile detention (Italian, Russian, German, and so on.) center for two months. When he came out, Now, 30-year-old Ryan Speedo Green is his teachers noticed that he had a great a member of the Vienna State Opera in voice. He can sing bass, the lowest male Vienna, Austria, and sings all over the singing part, or baritone, the second-lowest world. His life story is told in a new book, part. When Ryan saw his first opera at age “Sing for Your Life.” What do you think he 15, he knew he wanted to try this career. is saying in the quote here? END GENERAL At six feet five inches tall, baritone? (The lowest and second-lowest Ryan Speedo Green is not male singing parts.) Then, on a high school your average opera singer. Also, Green trip to the opera Green saw a performance is African American, which is still fairly by an African American singer named unusual in the opera world. But the most Denyce Graves. This made him think that amazing thing about him is his life story. he could be an opera singer. Have you Ryan Speedo Green grew up in a troubled ever had a person inspire you like this? home in Virginia. His mother often punched But Green soon realized that this goal him and beat him with a belt. The violence involved a lot more than singing well. What in his home caused him to act out in school. else might be involved? Green had to When he was 12 years old, he pulled a knife learn how to read music, how to sing in on his mother and was sent to a juvenile foreign languages, and how to act on stage detention facility for two months. But he while singing. But he was a hard worker had an elementary school teacher who and it paid off. Now 30 years old, Ryan never gave up on him. Her husband ran Speedo Green has sung all over the world, the arts high school in Norfolk, Virginia, and is currently a member of the Vienna where Green began to study singing. State Opera in Austria. A new book about Soon everyone was marveling at his rich him, called “Sing for Your Life,” has just singing voice, which can cover both bass been published. What do you think he is and baritone parts. What are bass and saying in his quote here? END ADVANCED Ryan Speedo Green is to be an opera singer. He was inspired by a proud of his unusual performance by African American mezzo- middle name, which his father gave him. soprano and Met star Denyce Graves. But But Green did not see his father much. first Green had to learn to read music. Young Ryan grew up with his mother, who What else would he have to learn? (How regularly beat him. As a child, he brought to read and pronounce foreign languages, this violent behavior to school, acting out how to act while singing, and so on.) against students and staff. At the age of 12, His hard work paid off. Green, now 30 Green was arrested for pulling a knife on his years old, lives in Austria, where he is a mother, and spent two months in juvenile member of the Vienna State Opera, one of detention. When he came out, he knew he the greatest opera companies in the world. had to change. Luckily, he had a wonderful And his life has been chronicled in a new teacher who never gave up on him. He also book called “Sing for Your Life: A Story of had natural talent and a truly remarkable Race, Music, and Family.” He said that by bass-baritone voice that covered twice as sharing his story he hoped to inspire other many notes as most other singers. His voice young people. What do you find most helped get him into an arts high school in inspiring about Ryan Speedo Green? Norfolk, Virginia. But it was a trip to the opera How has his attitude, reflected in the at age 15 that made Green realize he wanted quote here, helped him to succeed? END Copyright 2016 Knowledge Unlimited NewsCurrents Week of December 12, 2016 9 Beavers thriving in the U.K. Since their return, beavers are reshaping parts of Great Britain. Beavers have come back to The beavers use BASIC Great Britain after 400 years. this wood to What is Great Britain? (The island that block the flow contains England, Scotland, and Wales.) of the River Since their return, they have been busy. Otter. What is 10 Have you ever heard the phrase “busy this structure as a beaver”? One of the places they have called? (A dam.) These dams have now settled is the River Otter, in the county formed ponds. Insects fly around the ponds, of Devon. There, beavers have completely and are eaten by new frog and bat and changed the ecosystem in just two years. fish populations. Wild birds visit the river What is an ecosystem? (The environment more often to catch these fish. That is why of a certain place, along with everything scientists often call beavers “environmental that lives there.) They use their large front engineers.” What does that term mean in teeth to cut down trees and branches. your own words? NEXT GENERAL A couple of years ago, people dams? (They cut down trees and branches started noticing beavers with their sharp front teeth.) They also working and swimming in several parts of build bridges out of wood, as well as Great Britain. What three countries are their lodges, or homes. These changes located on this island? (England, Scotland, have created many ponds along the river. and Wales.) This was the first time any Several species of insects started to live beavers had been seen on the island since near these ponds, as if they were tiny the 16th century. What happened back lakes. This led to an increase in the bat then? (Humans hunted beavers for their and frog populations of the area. Why? fur; they killed so many that these animals (Bats and frogs both eat these insects.) disappeared in Great Britain.) In just two Wild birds that once flew right past the years, these beavers have completely river are now stopping at these ponds to transformed their ecosystems. What is an look for fish to eat. The number of humans ecosystem? (The environment of a certain in the area has also increased. That is place, and all the living things in it.) because so many people now come to this One of these ecosystems is the River area to watch for beavers. Why do you Otter, located in the county of Devon. think scientists call beavers “ecosystem There, beavers have slowed some parts engineers”? (Because they change their of the river by building wooden dams. environments and the plants and animals Where do they get the wood for these in it through their activities.) NEXT ADVANCED A small river in the along the river. They do this to trap British county of Devon their favorite plants, and to protect their is currently being re-shaped by some families from predators. But these dams, of the greatest architects in the animal as well as the bridges and other structures kingdom. Beavers, which could once be beavers build, cause an ecological “ripple found all over the island of Great Britain, effect” in the region. How? On the River have returned to the River Otter after a Otter, each new pond now functions like 400-year absence. Do you know why a lake, drawing many species of insects. they disappeared? (By the 16th century, This new food source helped the frog humans had hunted them to extinction to population of the region quadruple in make beaver coats and hats.) In just two size, and brought bats to the river. Wild years, these animals have helped return birds, drawn by the increased number of the Otter to the way it might have looked frogs and fish, now stay longer along the centuries ago. river than they ever did before. Studies Scientists often call beavers “ecosystem also show that these structures work as engineers.” That is because they alter filters, taking pollutants and sediment their environment, and the conditions for out of rivers and streams. The area is the other living things in it, through their also attracting more humans now. Why? activities. Beavers build dams out of wood, (People want to observe and photograph mud, and stone, causing ponds to develop the beavers.) NEXT 10 NewsCurrents Week of December 12, 2016 Copyright 2016 Knowledge Unlimited Beavers thriving in the U.K. (cont'd) Beavers are loveable and incredibly hard-working animals. Beavers are members of the use their tails BASIC rodent family. What other to warn other rodents can you think of? (Mice, rabbits, beavers about guinea pigs, and so on.) Beavers’ webbed danger. Can feet and long, flat tails make them very you guess good swimmers. This is important, because how they do 11 they spend so much time building dams. this? (They slap these tails on wood or These animals also build their lodges, mud, making a sharp sound that echoes or homes, with only one entrance — a long way.) Beaver couples mate for life, underwater. Why? (To keep out predators.) and raise their kits, or young, together. Beavers are territorial. This means they When these kits grow up, they usually spend a lot of time and energy protecting stay close to their parents. In what ways the areas they live in. They are also very are beavers a lot like humans? In what social animals. For example, they can ways are they different from us? END

GENERAL Beavers are the second- danger to each other by slapping their largest rodent species. tails on the water. Why is this a great Do you know what the largest rodent system? (It can echo for long distances, species is? (The huge South American informing all beavers in the area.) Beavers rodent known as the capybara.) Beavers also mate for life, and raise their kits, or are vegetarians who eat aquatic plants and babies, together. They spend up to two wood. They are not exactly graceful when years teaching the kits how to do certain they walk. But they are amazing swimmers, tasks. Is it rare for animal families to thanks to their webbed feet and broad, flat stay together like this? tails. Beavers can also hold their breath Beavers also show their social natures underwater for up to 15 minutes. Have you in the way they build their lodges. They ever seen a beaver swim? What other build these lodges on the sides of their land mammals are great swimmers? ponds. Each lodge belongs to a different Beavers are extremely territorial. What family, housing up to twelve beavers in does this mean? (They mark out a certain two rooms. These lodges typically have area, and then defend it against other just one entrance — and it is underwater. beavers.) They are also very social. Beavers Why do you think they do this? (To keep also show their social side in many ways. predators out.) Do you think beavers Although they don’t really make any verbal are highly intelligent? Explain your noises, they can quickly communicate answer. END ADVANCED The beaver is the world’s is this effective? (This sound carries a second-largest rodent. long way in the wilderness, warning other What is the largest? (The South American beaver families as well as their own.) capybara.) Beavers are vegetarians, eating Beavers build more than just dams. They only aquatic plants and wood. Although dig canals full of water to help them float they can look clumsy on land, they are heavy logs instead of carrying them. Once amazing swimmers, thanks to their the dams are finished, beavers construct webbed feet and flat tails. Beavers are very their own lodges, or homes. Each beaver territorial. Each family marks its territory lodge usually only has one underwater by leaving chemical messages. How do entrance, which helps keep families safe you think they do this? (They urinate from predators. These lodges are very and express their castor glands around the simple, usually consisting of just two edges of their own territory.) This works dens — one for drying off, and the other even better than leaving some kind of for the entire family. Beavers mate for visual mark. That’s because beavers have life, and spend up to two years showing poor eyesight, but excellent senses of their kits how to do things. When the kits smell and hearing. grow up, they usually settle very close to Beavers are also very social. When one of their parents. From this information, them spots a predator, it will dive into the how would you rate the intelligence of water and slap its tail as a warning. Why beavers? END Copyright 2016 Knowledge Unlimited NewsCurrents Week of December 12, 2016 11 Country of the Week: Guyana Guyana is known for its stunning scenery. Guyana is a small country on of Guyana’s BASIC the northern coast of South most beautiful America. Guyana borders Venezuela, sights and one Brazil, and Suriname, as well as the of the highest Caribbean Sea. Guyana is the only South waterfalls in 12 American country with English as its main the world, language. That is because Great Britain Kaieteur — kye-ee-TOOR — Falls. On controlled Guyana for many years. What Guyana’s flag, the green stands for its do we call a territory controlled by forests, the white for its rivers, and red for another country? (A colony.) Guyana is a the energy of the Guyanese people. What very beautiful country. Most of its people do you think of this flag? Here you see live along the coast, because much of the Guyana’s president, David A. Granger. He country is made of either high mountains has been in office since 2015. NEXT or dense rainforests. The photo shows one GENERAL The country of Guyana is In most South American countries, located on the northern Spanish is the official language. But the coast of a continent. What continent? official language of Guyana is English. (South America.) Guyana’s name means That’s because Guyana was once “land of many waters” because it has a British colony. The flag of Guyana many rivers and is near two major bodies tells you a lot about the country. This of water. Can you name the two bodies flag was adopted when Guyana gained of water? (The Atlantic Ocean and the its independence from Great Britain in Caribbean Sea.) From the map here, 1966. The green stands for agriculture what countries does Guyana border? and forests, the white for rivers and (Venezuela, Brazil, and Suriname.) Only water, gold for mineral wealth, black for about 800,000 people live in Guyana. endurance, and the red for the energy Most of them live near the country’s of the Guyanese people. What do you coast. This is because much of Guyana think of the flag’s design? Guyana’s is made up either of dense rainforests, or economy depends mainly on agriculture, tall mountains. What is the country’s but mining gold and other minerals is capital city? (Georgetown.) The photo also important. Guyana’s president is shows one of Guyana’s most famous David A. Granger. He is a historian, sites, Kaieteur — kye-eh-TOOR — author, and teacher. President Granger Falls. This is one of the highest and won the national election in 2015. NEXT most powerful waterfalls in the world. ADVANCED Guyana is a small South inaccessible by humans. Other parts of American country on the the country are mountainous. The photo northern coast of South America. The shows one of Guyana’s most stunning name “Guyana” means “land of many sights, Kaieteur Falls. At a drop of 750 waters." Guyana is one of the few countries feet, this is one of the highest and most in Central and South America where the powerful waterfalls in the world. national language is not Spanish. What is Guyana’s flag was adopted at its Guyana’s national language? (English.) independence from Great Britain in 1966. This is because Guyana was a British It tells you a lot about the country. The colony for many years. In some ways green stands for agriculture and forests, Guyana has more in common culturally the white for rivers and water, gold for with the Caribbean nations than its South mineral wealth, black for endurance, and American neighbors. Only about 800,000 the red for the people’s vitality. What do people live in Guyana, with one-third of you think of the flag’s design? Guyana’s them living in or near Georgetown, the economy depends heavily on agriculture. capital city. Most of the population lives Sugar is its biggest single export. The near the coast, and the climate is generally country also mines gold and bauxite, and tropical. Guyana is home to one of the sells timber from its forests. Here you see largest unspoiled rainforests in South Guyana’s president, David A. Granger, who America, some parts of which are almost has been in office since 2015. NEXT 12 NewsCurrents Week of December 12, 2016 Copyright 2016 Knowledge Unlimited Country of the Week: Guyana (cont'd) Guyana is one of the most diverse places on earth. Who do you think were the American BASIC first people in this region? cultures. (Native Americans.) In the late 16th Guyana also century, Dutch explorers arrived and features many claimed this land. The Dutch wanted to different grow sugar and tobacco. So they brought in kinds of 13 people from Africa as slaves. These people plants and were treated very badly. In 1763, some of animals. Some of the beautiful creatures them rebelled against this bad treatment, that live in Guyana’s deep forests are as shown in the picture at top right. This these colorful macaws. What kind of bird is called the Berbice Slave Revolt. The does the macaw look like? (Macaws are British took over in 1796. They brought a kind of parrot.) Guyana’s rainforests also in workers from India, another of their include jaguars and other big cats, tapirs, colonies. Guyana became independent in anacondas, and other animal species. 1966. Today, many Guyanese are a mix Would you like to visit this rainforest? of African, Indian, European, and Native Why or why not? END GENERAL Two main Native American this way? A British company brought in groups, the Caribs and the thousands of people from India, another Arawaks, lived here for thousands of years. British colony, to work — for very low pay. In the late 16th century, Dutch settlers Guyana finally became an independent arrived. They established large farms to country in 1966. Today, it is quite a grow sugar and tobacco, and brought in poor country, but its people are proud people from Africa to work the fields as of their culture, a mix of African, Indian, slaves. The Africans were treated very badly, European, and native influences. Many and in 1763, they rose up against the white tourists come here for the gorgeous settlers in an event called the Berbice Slave scenery and to see the area’s amazing Revolt, shown at top right. A man called animals. Guyana has one of the highest Kofi, who led the revolt, is today considered biodiversity levels in the world. That means Guyana’s national hero. Why do you think it has many different species of plants and Kofi is still a hero in Guyana today? animals. Beautiful and interesting animals The British took over the area in 1796 like these colorful macaws live in Guyana’s and remained in power for 170 years. dense rainforest, alongside jaguars, giant The British abolished slavery in 1834, anteaters, anacondas, and many other but many of the Africans refused to work species. If you visited Guyana, what on these farms. Why would they feel would you most want to see there? END ADVANCED For thousands of years, it took longer to abolish slavery in the the Native American U.S.? Many plantations were forced to Carib and Arawak tribes inhabited the close or consolidate because of the labor land that is now Guyana. Dutch settlers shortage. A British company helped the arrived in the late 16th century. The sugar industry by importing cheap labor Dutch established plantations and began from India, transforming Guyana's racial to grow tobacco and sugar. But because demographics. Guyana is proud of its of labor shortages, they forcibly imported diverse culture, which is, like its people, people from Africa to work as slaves. a mix of Indian, African, European, and The harsh treatment of the slaves led to native elements. a famous event in 1763, known as the Although it is still one of the poorest Berbice Slave Revolt, pictured at top. An countries in the Western Hemisphere, African man named Kofi led this revolt and Guyana is developing its tourism industry. today remains Guyana’s national hero. The country is already attracting a lot of The British took over in 1796 and the area ecotourists, drawn by its stunning scenery became known as British Guiana. After and spectacular biodiversity. Exotic the abolition of slavery in 1834, Africans creatures like macaws, pictured here, refused to work on the plantations for jaguars, and giant anteaters inhabit the wages, and many established their own jungles. Would you like to visit Guyana? villages in the bush. Why do you think What appeals to you most about it? END Copyright 2016 Knowledge Unlimited NewsCurrents Week of December 12, 2016 13 This Week in History The Wright brothers were “first in flight” on December 17, 1903.

December 17, 1903, was one of the most The Wright important days in modern history. That brothers tested was the day that Orville and Wilbur out their ideas Wright first flew the airplane you see for years. In 14 here. Where did this famous flight take 1899, they place? (Near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.) built a kite to test their wing design. Then, This was the first controlled flight by a between 1900 and 1902, they tested a heavier-than-air, powered aircraft — and series of gliders. They even built a wind it changed the world forever. tunnel, a large box with a fan at the end, Wilbur Wright was born in Indiana in in their bicycle shop in Dayton. But for a 1867. He was the fourth of seven children. location to test their actual aircrafts, the By the time his younger brother, Orville, brothers decided on Kitty Hawk. On the was born four years later, the family had left, you see this site on a map. Why do moved to Dayton, Ohio. Both Wilbur and you think they chose this spot? (It had Orville were highly intelligent, although strong winds and soft sand for landing.) neither of them graduated from high Once they had perfected their glider, the school. For a while, the brothers ran a Wright brothers made a new aircraft. This printing business. Bicycling was becoming “Flyer” had a motor, making it the first popular, and both the brothers were avid airplane. After a few unsuccessful earlier cyclists. In 1893, they started a bicycle flights, Orville Wright climbed into the repair shop, and they even made and sold plane on Dec. 17, 1903 at 10:35 a.m. — their own bicycles. What kinds of skills and made it off the ground. This first flight did they need to do this work? lasted just 12 seconds, and the plane The Wright brothers had been interested flew only 120 feet…but history had been in flying machines since childhood, when made. The brothers took turns and made their father had brought home a flying toy. three more flights that day. The longest, During the 1890s, many people began to with Wilbur at the controls, was 852 feet tackle the challenge of flight. A man named and lasted 59 seconds. After that last Otto Lilienthal was a pioneer in flight. flight, a strong gust of wind destroyed the He experimented with gliders, which are airplane. aircraft that carry a pilot but do not use At the time, only a few newspapers a motor. Sadly, in 1896, Lilienthal’s glider reported the Wright Brothers’ flight. But crashed and he died. The Wrights later over the next few decades, air travel said that his death led them to get serious became more and more important. How about building a flying machine. would the world be different without In 1899, the Wright brothers began to airplanes? Without a doubt, the Wright work on their own aircraft. Their knowledge brothers’ innovation and genius made of bicycles helped them understand that them two of the most important inventors airplanes did not have to be perfectly of all time. Who do you think are stable to work — bike riders stay up by history’s most important inventors? shifting their weight and balance, and What invention do you think you could Orville and Wilbur realized that airplanes not live without? Explain your answers. could work the same way. How do you END think inventors get their ideas?

15 General James Mattis Oakland, California President-elect Donald Trump will At least 36 people have been confirmed nominate retired general James dead after a horrific fire destroyed a Mattis to be the next U.S. Secretary of warehouse in Oakland, California. This Defense. General Mattis had a long and fire occurred during a dance party at distinguished career in the U.S. Marine the Ghost Ship warehouse, a well-known Corps. He led combat missions in the living and working space for artists and Persian Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the musicians in Oakland. Authorities are War in Afghanistan. Most recently, General still looking into the reasons for the fire, Mattis served for three years as the head of and why 20 to 25 people were living in the U.S. Central Command, a position he a building that was not approved as a left when he retired from the Marine Corps residence. These living/working spaces in 2013. He has several nicknames from have become more popular in U.S. cities, his years in the Marines. The best known especially among young artists who cannot of these is “Mad Dog,” due to his fondness afford skyrocketing rents. What can be for combat, but he is also called “The done in cities to make sure housing is Warrior Monk” for his love of literature and affordable for all people? lifelong bachelorhood. In order for Mattis to be approved as Secretary of Defense, Congress will have to pass a law that gets around a current law saying that defense Italy secretaries must not have served in active military duty in the prior seven years. Why After badly losing a national referendum do you think such a law is in place? last week, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi announced his resignation. This referendum was about reducing the huge Shinzo Abe number of seats in Italy’s parliament, a move that Renzi strongly promoted. Renzi Earlier this year, President Barack Obama argued that this change, which would became the first sitting U.S. president to require a constitutional amendment, would visit Hiroshima. While President Obama make Italy’s government easier to manage, did not apologize for the U.S. dropping two and more productive. But many voters atomic bombs on Japan in World War Two, said they did not want the government to he expressed regret at the loss of lives. have that much power, and the measure Japan recently announced that Shinzo failed by nearly 20 percentage points. This Abe — shin-zoh ah-bey — will become huge loss prompted Renzi to step down, the first Japanese prime minister to visit but he agreed to stay for another few Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Later this month, days so the country could pass its 2017 Abe will attend a ceremony there with budget. Italy is known for having a high Pres. Obama. This memorial will honor turnover in its governments. What are the the 2,403 Americans killed when Japan advantages and disadvantages of this attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, high turnover rate? 1941. Japan says that Prime Minister Abe will also express regret for the loss of life 75 years ago, but will not use the memorial to apologize for the attack. Do you think memorials and ceremonies like this are important? Why or why not?

Copyright 2016 Knowledge Unlimited NewsCurrents Week of December 12, 2016 15 Write the names and numbers of the Where in the World? locations on the map next to their reproducible activity descriptions below. a. Ryan Speedo Green sings for this coun- d. Kitty Hawk, site of the first powered try’s Vienna State Opera. aircraft flight, is located in this state. ______b. The Great Barrier Reef is found off the e. Beavers are thriving in this country’s coast of this nation county of Devon. .______c. David A. Granger is the president of this f. Ryan Speedo Green grew up in this South American country. state. ______

Answers on inside back cover

3 4

2 5

16 NewsCurrents Week of December 12, 2016 Copyright 2016 Knowledge Unlimited Editorial Cartoon Contest winners! Emma Wick won first place for her Trump/Clinton debate cartoon. BASIC This year, NewsCurrents asked to Be a Liar people to send in editorial 101.”) What cartoons about the presidential election. do you We are happy to announce that Emma think Emma Wick is the first-place winner in this is saying 17 contest. She is an eighth-grade student about in Mrs. Averett’s class at Sidney Middle the 2016 presidential election in her School in Sidney, Montana. Here you see cartoon? Do you agree with her? Why or Emma’s winning cartoon. It shows Donald why not? The two second-place winners Trump and Hillary Clinton preparing in the contest are Morgan Slade, also from for a presidential debate. They are both Sidney, Montana, and Alicia Kohler from reading books. What are the titles of Madison, Wisconsin. We will feature their these books? (Trump is reading “Offensive cartoons in future issues. Thank you to Remarks 101,” and Clinton is reading “How everyone who entered the contest! END GENERAL NewsCurrents is proud to for a presidential debate. Do you like announce the winners in the way the cartoonist draws Trump the Presidential Election Editorial Cartoon and Clinton? What features does she Contest. Thank you to everyone who sent emphasize so we know who they are? in cartoons. This just seems like a regular debate prep Two students tied for second place in session — until we notice the titles on the the contest: Alicia Kohler from Madison, candidates’ books. What are these titles? Wisconsin, and Morgan Slade from Sidney, (“Offensive Remarks 101” for Trump; “How Montana. We will be featuring their great to Be a Liar 101” for Clinton.) What is cartoons in future issues. This year’s the cartoonist saying with these titles? winning cartoon is shown here. Emma Wick Careful observers can also see other words is also from Sidney, Montana, where she is written down on the candidates’ desks. an eighth-grade student at Sidney Middle These words include “Sexist” and “Racist” School. She was one of many students from for Trump, and “I lost my emails” and “lie a Mrs. Averett’s class who sent in cartoons. lot” for Clinton. What does this say overall This cartoon is titled “Debate Prep.” What about the two major 2016 presidential is “prep” short for here? (“Preparation.”) candidates? For whom do you think As you can see, Donald Trump and Hillary Emma Wick would have voted this year? Clinton are both reading books to get ready END ADVANCED We want to thank The cartoonist was able to capture the everyone who entered look of each candidate using caricature. the NewsCurrents Presidential Election What details did she emphasize with Student Editorial Cartoon contest this each of them in order to do this? This year. There were many thought-provoking cartoon’s message is in the details, such cartoons, but three stood out. Do you like as the titles of the books being read by editorial cartoons? Why or why not? the candidates. What are they? (Trump is Two students won second place: Morgan reading “Offensive Remarks 101,” whereas Slade from Sidney Middle School in Clinton is reading “How to Be a Liar Sidney, Montana, and Alicia Kohler from 101.”) Careful viewers can also see the Edgewood School in Madison, Wisconsin. candidates’ notepads, on which some of You will see their cartoons in future issues their talking points are written. What of NewsCurrents. words do you see here? (“Misogyny, This week, we focus on the first-place- sexist, racist, hair” for Trump; “I lost my winning cartoon shown here. Emma Wick, emails,” “lie a lot,” and “two-faced” for an 8th-grader in Mrs. Averett’s class at Clinton.) How would you sum up the Sidney Middle School in Sidney, Montana, overall message of Emma’s cartoon? Do created this cartoon. Her cartoon is you think it reflects the way many U.S. titled “Debate Prep.” What do you see voters felt about the candidates? Why here? (Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton or why not? What is your reaction to preparing for one of their three debates.) this cartoon? END Copyright 2016 Knowledge Unlimited NewsCurrents Week of December 12, 2016 17 Reading, Writing, & Inquiry Great Barrier Reef art Find pictures of the Great Barrier Reef. Use these to inspire you to make a colorful drawing or painting of a scene from the reef.

Entomophagy: the restaurant Make up a menu for a restaurant that specializes in insect-based dishes. Include a description of each dish and how it is prepared to make it seem appetizing. Be creative!

Standing Rock Sum up your feelings about the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in a two-paragraph statement. Do some research so you can back up your opinions with facts.

Opera challenge Listen to an entire opera from start to finish. You can look at the lyrics and storyline if you want, but you can also just listen. When it is done, write a review. What parts did you like? What parts did you not like?

Internet links To learn more about this week's stories go to: www.newscurrents.com/weblinks

1. ELIGNART______

2. ECON______

3. RAUSEQ______

4. HEPERS ______

5. TENNOGAP ______

6. VOAL______

7. MARYDIP ______

8. TECCNERS______

9. RECCLI______

10. CONOGAT______

Answers on inside back cover

1) The Great Barrier Reef is located near (CHOOSE ONE: Austria, Australia).

2) TRUE OR FALSE: Corals are actually plants with a hard skin.

3) Coral reefs are threatened by (CHOOSE ONE: warmer, colder) water temperatures.

4) (CHOOSE ONE: Epidemiology, Entomophagy) is the practice of eating.

5) There are approximately 10 (CHOOSE ONE: trillion, quintillion) insects in the world.

6) The Dakota Access Pipeline protests have been centered near (CHOOSE ONE: Cannon Ball, Sledge Hammer), North Dakota.

7) Ryan ______Green has gone from delinquent to opera star.

8) TRUE OR FALSE: Beavers are rodents.

9) Guyana is a small country in (CHOOSE ONE: northern, southern) South America.

10) The first airplane was flown by Orville and Wilbur ______.

ESSAY OR DEBATE QUESTION Do you like opera music? Do you think it would make for a fun career? Why or why not?

2) Coral (CHOOSE ONE: polyps, nodules) surround themselves with a hard outer shell.

3) A new study says that insects are a good source of (CHOOSE ONE: iron, lactose).

4) There are approximately 10 (CHOOSE ONE: quadrillion, quintillion) insects in the world.

5) The (CHOOSE ONE: Standing Rock, Bowling Green) Sioux tribe has taken the lead in the pipeline protests.

6) Ryan Speedo Green can sing both bass and (CHOOSE ONE: tenor, baritone) parts.

7) Beavers are back in Great Britain after an absence of (CHOOSE ONE: 100, 400) years.

8) Beavers build their homes, called (CHOOSE ONE: lodges, lounges) with underwater entrances to keep predators out.

9) David A. Granger is the president of ______.

10) Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first airplane flight at Kitty Hawk, (CHOOSE ONE: North Carolina, South Carolina).

ESSAY OR DEBATE QUESTION Do you think eating insects could help end hunger around the world? Do you think this practice could catch on in the U.S.? Why or why not?

1) Malcolm Turnbull, the prime minister of ______, has pledged nearly $1 billion to save the Great Barrier Reef.

2) Coral polyps secrete calcium to form an ______, or protective outer shell.

3) Ocean acidification is caused by water absorbing the greenhouse gas ______.

4) About 2 billion people already participate in the practice of eating insects, known as ______.

5) TRUE OR FALSE: Scientists expect global food demand to double by the year (CHOOSE ONE: 2030, 2100).

6) Dave Archambault II is the chairman of the ______tribe.

7) Ryan Speedo Green sings for Austria’s prestigious ______State Opera.

8) Beavers often warn each other of danger by ______on the water.

9) Guyana’s capital city is ______.

10) Orville and Wilbur Wright owned a ______shop for years before building their first airplane.

ESSAY OR DEBATE QUESTION What kind of “ripple effect” would happen if the Great Barrier Reef were to die off completely?

22 NewsCurrents Week of December 12, 2016 Copyright 2016 Knowledge Unlimited Answers to Where in the World: Quiz Answers a-4, Austria d-5, North Carolina b-6, Australia e-3, United Kingdom BASIC QUIZ c-1, Guyana f-2, Virginia 1-Australia 2-FALSE 3-warmer 4-Entomophagy 5-quintillion 6-Cannon Ball 7-Speedo 8-TRUE Answers to Word Jumble: 9-northern 1. TRIANGLE 6. OVAL 10-Wright 2. CONE 7. PYRAMID 3. SQUARE 8. CRESCENT GENERAL QUIZ 4. SPHERE 9. CIRCLE 1-Great Barrier Reef 5. PENTAGON 10. OCTAGON 2-polyps 3-iron 4-quintillion 5-Standing Rock 6-baritone 7-400 Solution to Word Search: 8-lodges 9-Guyana M i o R e o L d i b T o t L t M m i 10-North Carolina A s n v I t A s d c U h i A B A t a ADVANCED QUIZ R w a e h G B r E i R r s T A D r o R i s m n n O t U r A d i R R A r d 1-Australia 2-exoskeleton e k A B M w g I C b a u t H L G n N 3-carbon dioxide A o A e t i E t E T D v w V E B P o 4-entomophagy G i o R e n M e N T O e d I R U A n 5-2030 E l h y M r E n E g T S o A O T G c 6-Standing Rock Sioux 7-Vienna O c F I D E L I O s s O C T F T L e 8-slapping their tails F l N I X O N I N C H I N A S E I o 9-Georgetown F o T H R E E P E N N Y O P E R A i 10-bicycle I f d B O R I S G O D U N O V F C c G n h l D O N G I O V A N N I L C t A r l e e A K H N A T E N i L Y I a R n A I D A S R H E I N G O L D n x O t o i a P O R G Y A N D B E S S h

Publisher: Judith Laitman © Knowledge Unlimited, Inc., Managing Editor: Matt Cibula P.O. Box 52, Madison, WI 53701. Graphic Editor: Kyle Francisco Phone Toll-Free:(800)356-2303 Graphic Designer: Anna Englund or call (608) 836-6660 Web site: www.newscurrents.com e-mail: [email protected] Word Search Can you find these operas hiding in the word search below?

Words can be found across, down, and backwards, forwards and diagonally. AIDA EUGENE ONEGIN NIXON IN CHINA AKHNATEN FIDELIO PAGLIACCI BARBER OF SEVILLE LA BOHEME PORGY AND BESS BORIS GODUNOV LA TRAVIATA RIGOLETTO CARMEN MADAM BUTTERFLY THREEPENNY OPERA DAS RHEINGOLD MARRIAGE OF TOSCA DON GIOVANNI FIGARO TURANDOT

M i o R e o L d i b T o t L t M m i A s n v I t A s d c U h i A B A t a R w a e h G B r E i R r s T A D r o R i s m n n O t U r A d i R R A r d I C b a u t H L G n N e k A B M w g A o A e t i E t E T D v w V E B P o G i o R e n M e N T O e d I R U A n E l h y M r E n E g T S o A O T G c O c F I D E L I O s s O C T F T L e F l N I X O N I N C H I N A S E I o F o T H R E E P E N N Y O P E R A i I f d B O R I S G O D U N O V F C c G n h l D O N G I O V A N N I L C t A r l e e A K H N A T E N i L Y I a R n A I D A S R H E I N G O L D n x O t o i a P O R G Y A N D B E S S h

Solution on inside back cover