Questions for discussion
US Election
EPISODE 25
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Who is the current president of the United States?
Who are the candidates and which parties are they running for?
What is significant about Obama’s nomination?
Describe the candidate for the Republican Party.
When is the election going to be held?
Which country has the biggest economy in the world?
What do you think is meant by the saying `When America sneezes, Australia
catches a cold’?
8. How are the US election campaigns different to the Australian election
campaigns?
9. Do you care about what happens in US politics? Explain your answer.
10. What do you know now about the United States elections that you didn’t know
before watching the BtN story?
9TH SEPTEMBER 2008
Send a message or tell us what you think on the BtN Guestbook.
Arctic melt
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Where is the Arctic?
What is the Northwest Passage?
What is happening to the Arctic?
What impact could this have on polar bears?
When ice melts, what happens to the sea level?
What impact could this have on people?
Why are some people excited about the ice melting?
Why are some countries arguing about the Northwest Passage?
What was surprising about this story?
How did this story make you feel?
Create a plus, minus and interesting chart about the ice melting in the Arctic region.
Governor-General
1. Retell the story in your own words.
2. What is significant about Australia’s new Governor-General?
3. What is the role of Queen Elizabeth the second?
4. Why was she chosen to be the Governor-General?
5. Who is in charge of Australia?
6. Describe the role of the G-G.
7. What power do they have?
8. Where is Government house?
9. Why do some people think we shouldn’t have a Queen or Governor- General?
10. Do you think Australia needs a Governor-General? Explain your answer.
1
Create a job description for the Governor-General. Include the personal attributes the G-G
needs to have.
Energy drinks
1. What happens to our body when we exercise?
2. Describe in your own words what hydrated means.
3. Why is it important for the body to stay hydrated?
4. What ingredients do sports drinks contain?
5. What affect can sports drinks have on non-athletes?
6. What impact can sports drinks have on teeth?
7. Name the two main ingredients of energy drinks.
8. What affect do those ingredients have on the body?
9. What health concerns are associated with energy drinks?
10. Do you think that sports and energy drinks should have warning labels? Explain
your answer.
`Should energy drinks be banned?’ Vote in the online poll.
Test your knowledge in the online quiz.
Cheerleaders
1. What was the main point of the story?
2. In your own words, describe the sport of cheerleading.
3. How old are the competitors?
4. What skills do the cheerleaders need?
5. What did Daniel do before cheerleading?
6. What are the similarities between gymnastics and cheerleading?
7. How have people reacted to him taking up the sport?
8. Describe cheerleading in the United States.
9. Why is it easier for people to be successful cheerleaders in Australia?
10. How has your thinking changed about cheerleading after watching the BtN story?
Create a rap or rhyme about the sport of cheerleading.
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Arctic melt
Some experts are saying that global warming is causing
the ice to melt in the Arctic region. That could have a
huge impact on animals and humans.
EPISODE 25
9TH SEPTEMBER 2008
Focus Questions
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Learning Area
Where is the Arctic?
What is the Northwest Passage?
What is happening to the Arctic?
What impact could this have on polar bears?
When ice melts, what happens to the sea level?
What impact could this have on people?
Why are some people excited about the ice melting?
Why are some countries arguing about the Northwest Passage?
What was surprising about this story?
How did this story make you feel?
Society and
Environment
Key learning
Students will
develop an
understanding of the
issues associated
with ice melting in
the Arctic region.
Find out more about the Arctic
Students will be investigating a question or issue associated with the Arctic region to
increase their knowledge and understanding. Ask students to develop a list of key
words using BtN story as a starting point. Some possible key words include:
 Arctic
 Climate change
 Adapted
 Polar regions
 Permafrost
 Northwest Passage
Print the Arctic melt transcript
from the BtN website. Go to
http://abc.net.au/news/btn/
and click on the transcript link.
.
In small groups, ask students to discuss what they think each word means and record
it. Use the Internet, dictionary or another source to check their definitions.
Hold a class discussion about possible areas for inquiry. Some potential
questions/issues include:
 How have animals and people living in the Arctic region adapted to their
environment?
 How does human behaviour around the world affect the Arctic region?
 How does what happens is the Arctic region affect people around the world?
 The Arctic is considered to be an early warning system for climate change.
What does this mean?
Use the information gathered during the inquiry to develop an online or board game.
Students will need to consider the key information they want other people to learn and
how they will include this as part of the game.
Peer assessment
How clearly was the information presented in the game?
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What changes would you suggest?
Further investigations
Research how polar bears are reacting to climate and environmental change.
Display your findings in a creative way.
Have a class debate about who has greater responsibility to reverse climate change
– governments or people.
Create a role-play based on a conversation between a person from the mining
industry and an environmentalist, about ice melting in the Arctic region.
 Related Research Links
ABC News – Scientists flabbergasted at Arctic
http://www.bananasinpajamas.com/news/stories/2005/09/29/1470668.htm
ABC News – Global warming opens up the Northwest Passage
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/09/19/2037198.htm?section=business
Science Daily – Why is the Arctic Sea ice melting faster than predicted
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407132120.htm
National Geographic – Arctic melting fast
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/11/1109_041109_polar_ice.html
Aussie Educator – Arctic region
http://teachers.ash.org.au/aussieed/socialscience_arcticantarctic.htm#arctic
4
Governor-General
Last week Australia got a new Governor-General. But
what does the Governor-General do? Some people
think that we shouldn’t have one while others believe
that the current system works for Australia.
EPISODE 25
9TH SEPTEMBER 2008
Learning Area
Focus Questions
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Society and
Environment, English
Retell the story in your own words.
What is significant about Australia’s new Governor-General?
What is the role of Queen Elizabeth the second?
Why was she chosen to be the Governor-General?
Who is in charge of Australia?
Describe the role of the G-G.
What power do they have?
Where is Government house?
Why do some people think we shouldn’t have a Queen or Governor- General?
Do you think Australia needs a Governor-General? Explain your answer.
Key learning
Students will
develop an
understanding of the
debate about whether
Australia should
become a republic.
Does Australia need a G-G?
Students will be discussing and debating whether the current system of constitutional
monarchy should be continued or whether Australia should become a republic.
Watch the BtN story about the Governor-General again. Clarify what students
understand about the role of the Governor-General.
Divide students into two groups – those that will argue to keep the current system of
constitutional monarchy and those that will argue that Australia should become a
republic. Students arguing to keep a constitutional monarchy can consider the
following in their argument:
 Brief explanation of what a constitutional monarchy is.
 The advantages of the current system.
 The disadvantages of the republic model.
Students arguing that Australia should become a republic can consider the following:
 Brief explanation of what a republic is.
 Why it would be a better model for Australia (the advantages).
 The disadvantages of the current system.
Negotiate with students how they will present their argument to the group. Ways to
present their argument include:
 Making a video.
 Creating an animation.
 Developing an advertising campaign.
When the groups have presented their arguments, discuss how effective and
convincing each group was.
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Key words
Republic
Constitutional monarchy
Head of State
Parliament
Democracy
There are some web links at
the end of this activity sheet
that will support students to
develop their argument.
Self assessment
Do you think you would have done a better job if you were arguing for the opposing
side?
Further investigations
Create a poster explaining in a creative way, what the Governor-General does.
Survey students in other classes about whether they think Australia should have a
Governor-General.
 Related Research Links
ABC News – Rudd names Bryce as next G-G
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/13/2215462.htm
Governor General website – Kids Zone
http://www.gg.gov.au/kidzone/
Parliamentary Education Office
http://www.peo.gov.au/
Civics and Citizenship Education – An Australian Republic
http://www.civicsandcitizenship.edu.au/cce/an_australian_republic_introduction,2357
0.html
Kids.net.au – Australian politics
http://encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/po/Politics_of_Australia
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TRANSCRIPTS
Episode 25
09/09/08
On this week's Behind the News. Could polar bears be about to lose their homes?
Why is the world watching an election in the United States?
And are energy drinks bad for kids?
Hi I'm Nathan Bazley welcome to Behind the News.
Also on the show today, how cheerleading can be a serious sport.
Those items later but first to our top story.
GOVERNOR-GENERAL
Reporter, Catherine Ellis
INTRO: Did you know there's a person in Australia who has the power to fire the
Prime Minister! It's the Governor General. Last week Australia got a new one and for
the first time it's a woman! So who is this new GG and what is a GG anyway?
Catherine decided to find out.
CATHERINE ELLIS, REPORTER: Guess who this is? Is it? The Queen of Great
Britain or the Queen of Australia?
The answer is both!
Queen Elizabeth the second is the monarch of Great Britain, but because Britain
colonised Australia - more than 200 years ago - the Queen is also the monarch of OZ!
But she lives a long way away so she has a stand-in here - someone to represent her
in Australia - and that person is the Governor General, or GG for short.
There have been 24 GGs so far, but a new one has just started.
Meet Quentin Bryce.
She's a mum and a grandmum.
She used to be a lawyer, but because of her great leadership skills and her work to
improve the lives of women, kids and Indigenous Aussies, she was chosen to be the
25th GG of Australia.
And the first ever female GG!
QUENTIN BRYCE: What this day says to Australian women and to Australian girls is
that you can do anything, you can be anything and it makes my heart sing.
CATHERINE ELLIS, REPORTER: So hang on who's in charge of Australia?
Is it A - the Prime Minister?
Or B - the Governor General?
The answer is the Prime Minister, but the Governor General has a very important role.
What exactly is that role.
Well let's take a look at Michael Jeffery - the GG before Quentin Bryce - and see what
he had to do.
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Two main things; official stuff, like signing off on big important decisions, and
ceremonial stuff.
For example after the Federal election when Australia picked a new PM and Ministers,
the GG was in charge of officially appointing them.
His job was also to appoint new judges after they'd been chosen and give his tick of
approval to any new laws created.
He was really in charge of making sure the PM obeyed Australia's laws.
The Governor General actually has the power to sack the Prime Minister.
So what about the ceremonial stuff the GG does?
Well that includes awarding special honours to Aussies who've achieved great things.
The Governer General also travelled around Australia taking part in community events
and activities, and headed overseas to represent Australia at big events.
When special international guests stay, he looked after them at Government House.
CATHERINE ELLIS, REPORTER: So where's Government House?
Is it A - in Sydney
B - in Melbourne
or C - in Canberra?
The answer is 'c' for Canberra. Government House is where the Governor General
gets to live.
Now it will be Quentin Bryce's new home as she takes on the job of Governor
General.
QUIZ 1
Alright we might do a quiz on that.
¶
Which Prime Minister was dismissed by a Governor-General?
a) John Gorton
b) Gough Whitlam
c) Paul Keating
Answer: Gough Whitlam. That happened in 1975.
THE WIRE
Now let’s catch up with some of the week's headlines.
In Egypt a massive rockslide has crushed houses and killed at least 31 people.
Most residents were still asleep when 8 or more boulders the size of houses fell from
a cliff in the early hours of the morning.
************
Islands in the Caribbean near the coast of the United States are being battered by the
third hurricane in a couple of weeks.
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Hundreds of thousands of people in Cuba have moved inland to escape Hurricane Ike
which has winds of up to 195 kilometres an hour.
Late last week Hurricane Hanna caused lots of damage in the region. Hundreds of
people were killed on the island of Haiti which is one of the poorest countries in the
Americas
************
Wild weather is also causing havoc in England and Wales where severe flooding has
forced thousands of people from their homes.
Heavy rain caused rivers to burst their banks and storm water drains to overflow,
swamping several town centres.
*************
And in Australia, a baby Tasmanian devil has gone on show as part of national
threatened species day.
Wildlife experts warn that almost 350 animal species are under threat across the
country.
Large numbers of Tasmanian devils in the wild are dying from a facial tumour disease
ARCTIC MELT
Reporter, Sarah Larsen
INTRO: Habitat loss is one of the big issues for endangered species and that's
something we're going to look at next. Mention the North and South Poles and I bet
you think 'ice' and loads of it! But imagine if one of the poles didn't have any. That
would be pretty bizarre! Well that's what some scientists are predicting because of
global warming. Here's Sarah to explain.
SARAH LARSEN, REPORTER: It's like another planet; cold, remote and mysterious.
This is the landscape early explorers would have seen as they set out to sail across
the top of the world
REPORTER: For hundreds of years sailors tried to find a way to get quickly from
Europe to China without having to go all the way around the other continents. They
were trying to find a way through the Arctic using the Northwest Passage.
But the Arctic ice was too thick and ships got stuck. Many sailors died. Now these
brave scientists are following in their footsteps, making their own way from Canada
through the notorious Northwest Passage. They don't look too worried, do they? Well,
that's because last year, something amazing happened. The Northwest Passage
opened up.
REPORTER: Unlike the Antarctic, the Arctic isn't actually a continent. It’s mainly
ocean, covered with a huge amount of ice which is there all year, although it does get
thinner in summer.
But the Arctic is changing and that's what these scientists are here to investigate.
Over the years they've watched the ice disappear.
These satellite photos show the arctic in summer over the past 30 years. The red line
shows where scientists think the ice should be. Last year it looked like this. It was the
biggest summer melt since satellite records began and it has a lot of scientists
worried.
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Some say in another few years there'll be no summer ice at all. That's bad news for
these locals. Polar bears have a body and a diet specially adapted for the Arctic.
They can't live anywhere else and if the ice disappeared, they'd be in big trouble. It
could also be a headache for humans because the ice melt could end up raising sea
levels.
But while the bears and scientists might be getting nervous, for others the melting
means money.
Under the Arctic there's big reserves of oil and gas which can be mined if the ice
retreats and the Northwest Passage we told you about is still a really valuable
shipping route.
There's already been bickering over who gets what in the area. It's divided between
five countries; Norway, Russia, Canada, Denmark and the USA.
Last year Russia made a few of them cross by planting a flag on the seabed. Many
saw that as a sign that they are planning to mine it. There's also arguments about the
Northwest Passage. Canada says it's theirs but others say it belongs to everyone.
For now though, the ice remains and the polar bears are safe and some reckon we
shouldn't get too worried - the climate is just going through a natural cycle and things
will get back to normal. But many scientists are saying if the ice continues to melt, it
could be the greatest change to the planet's environment many of us will ever see.
QUIZ 2
Ok time for another quiz.
Which animals DON’T belong in the Arctic
a) Polar Bears
b) Penguins
c) Hares
Answer: Penguins. Penguins are actually native to the southern hemisphere.
US ELECTION
Reporter, Nathan Bazley
INTRO: Last year you might remember the Australian election was on and for a few
months all you might have seen on TV was politicians! Well right now in America
they're going through exactly the same thing leading up to the presidential election in
November. But trust me when it comes to elections you haven't seen anything like
this before!
In the last few weeks, you might have seen crazy scenes like this on the news.
Thousands of people chanting, singing and dancing in huge stadiums. But this is no
rock show, this is an election - American style!
Welcome to the United States, home to over 300 million people, all led by this man.
But not for much longer! George W. Bush is about to finish up as President and
because he's been in office for two terms already, he's not allowed to try again. So
two new contenders will be stepping into the ring; fighting it out to try to become the
new President!
The two main parties are the Democrats and the Republicans. They have some very
different views on a lot of things and are both out to win!
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In the blue corner, the new contender, the junior senator making his first challenge,
Barack Obama!!
This is the man pulling on the gloves for the Democratic party - Barack Obama. And
he's creating a huge stir. You see, Barack is the first African-American nominee for
one of the two big parties. That's a huge achievement and his supporters are really
getting behind him.
75,000 people turned out to see him speak when he officially became their candidate
and he's raised over 390 million dollars to spend on his campaign!! So he's hoping to
bowl his way into the Whitehouse.
And in the red corner, the old fox going for his second shot at the title, John McCain!!
Lacing up for the Republican party is John McCain.
John is a fair bit older than Barack at 72 and that would make him the oldest man to
ever become the American president if he wins. He also served during the Vietnam
War and spent many years as a prisoner of war there, so he's had some good fighting
experience.
NATHAN BAZLEY, REPORTER: So these two guys from America will both be fighting
for the Whitehouse for the next few months until the election in November and trust
me, you'll hear a lot about it!
They'll stage many more huge gatherings like this and spend hundreds of millions of
dollars trying to make people vote for them. And every move they make will be huge
news around the world! But why do heaps of people care?
Well America is the biggest economy in the world and also a huge superpower. Their
economy is worth over 13 trillion dollars a year. That's a quarter of the business in the
whole world! In fact, there is a saying that goes "when America sneezes, Australia
catches a cold." That means that what America does has a huge effect on us,
especially our economy.
So Australia and many other countries around the world, will be watching this
upcoming American election very closely. Because while these two guys duke it out
for the presidency, the rest of the world will be sitting in the stands cheering on the
side they want to win.
ENERGY DRINKS
Reporter, Kirsty Bennett
INTRO: Now with all the big sporting events on at the moment, you've probably seen
elite athletes skulling brightly coloured sports drinks. But there's a lot of debate about
how good these drinks really are for non sports people. Now researchers have found
that some energy drinks can actually do more harm than good. Kirsty went out to
investigate what's lurking inside those funky-looking bottles.
KIRSTY BENNETT, REPORTER: When it comes to quenching your thirst there are a
lot of options.
BOY 1: V. I really like V.
BOY 2: I really like Red Eye.
GIRL 1: Mainly lemonade, coke.
BOY 3: Powerade, Gatorade
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GIRL 1: If I was about to play sport I'd probably pickup a Gatorade cos that gives me
lots of energy.
And rehydrating the body is just as important for athletes as it is for us.
KIRSTY BENNETT, REPORTER: When we exercise we start to warm up, and as you
get hotter your body starts to sweat.
If you're not careful sweating can drain your body of all the salts and water it needs to
stay hydrated.
So after a big event you'll see lots of athletes drinking these.
They're promoted as giving them lots more power than plain water.
It's because they contain salts, carbohydrates and sugar to replace the important stuff
your body needs to recover.
So if these drinks are so good for athletes they must be good for us, right?
Well, nutritionists say if you don't do much exercise and only play a bit of sport they're
not the best thing for your body.
You see if you don't burn up all those ingredients they'll just sit in your body - and turn
into fat.
And if you don't enjoy going to the dentist you also might want to think twice.
Studies have found drinking too many sports drinks can damage enamel on teeth and
lead to decay.
Ouch!
But there is another group of drinks out there that looks just as exciting.
Energy drinks are everywhere. Last year three-and-a-half-billion cans of Red Bull
were sold in 140 countries.
So why are they so popular?
Like their name suggests, energy drinks give you - energy.
But they use some different ingredients.
Two are called caffeine and guarana.
They're pretty funny names but they both come from plants and can be found in a lot
of products.
Caffeine is in coffee, some teas and chocolate.
Guarana is also in some snacks.
They both stimulate your nerves and make you feel more alert.
They can help people stay awake longer and are sometimes used by students when
they're studying.
KIRSTY BENNETT, REPORTER: But there is a downside.
Doctors are worried that energy drinks could cause health problems.
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The concern has grown so much that Red Bull has been banned in France, Denmark
and Norway.
Researchers have also just found that when people drank Red Bull their blood cells
got sticky and clotted together.
Once the blood sticks together it can block veins and arteries, which can lead to
stroke or even death if someone has a weak heart.
There's more research that needs to be done but the advice is be careful about how
much you drink.
And next time you look into the fridge, take a second to think about what's really
hiding behind the label.
ONLINE POLL
Something to think about next time you open the fridge. We'll make that our online
poll.
The question is "Should energy drinks be banned?"
If you want to vote go to our website at abc.net.au/btn
THE SCORE
All that's made me thirsty for some sports news so here's Sarah.
A spectacular opening ceremony has kicked off the Paralympics in Beijing.
There were way-out costumes, colourful dances, and of course, fireworks displays to
welcome the 4000 competitors.
And the Australian team was off to a good start with a gold medal on day one for
vision-impaired cyclist Keiren Modra.
Modra smashed his own world record in the individual pursuit with the help of his pilot,
Tyson Lawrence.
**********
The Socceroos are looking good for this week's world cup qualifier after beating the
Dutch 2-1 in a friendly game last weekend.
This speccy header helped the Aussies claim their first victory against the
Netherlands, which is world's 4th ranked team.
It was an encouraging result for the Aussies, who are ranked 39th in the world. But
their world cup hopes still rest on Wednesday's game against Uzbekistan.
**********
In league, Cronulla's Luke Covell set up one of the most freakish tries of the year in
their game against the cowboys.
Finals will begin this week after Melbourne grabbed the minor premiership.
**********
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And British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton has won and lost the Belgian Grand
Prix.
While he was first across the line, officials later demoted him to third place for a
driving violation, handing victory to his great rival Felipe Massa.
CHEERLEADERS
Reporter, Catherine Ellis
INTRO: Continuing on with sport but perhaps this is something you never thought of
as a sport. What do you know about cheerleading? Is it just something that's there to
entertain us before a footy match? And is it just for girls? Catherine found a few
surprises when she checked it out.
CATHERINE ELLIS, REPORTER: We've all seen them at sports matches - cheering
on their teams, getting the crowd all revved up!
But did you know there are teams that don't cheer during sporting events, they just
cheer for cheer's sake!
This is the Canberra City Mayhem - a team of cheerleaders that competes as athletes
against other cheerleaders.
Cheerleading is actually a sport and it's for all ages.
At this club there are kids as young as five and the eldest is 30.
They do all sorts of routines made up of dance, jumps, tumbling - like somersaults and
roundoffs, and stunts - like building pyramids.
And it's all about getting the most points.
LUCY, CHEERLEADER: Pom routine is generally two minutes 15 seconds and we
have poms. It's mostly a dance routine with some motions and jumps as well. So you
get marked on your dance ability, motions and jumps.
CAITLIN, CHEERLEADER: It's not just the stereotype of what you see on television. It
is a lot harder and there's a lot more work put into it.
DANIEL, CHEERLEADER: Did adult gymnastics for few years and then I heard about
this cheerleading thing and I thought I'd come and try it out. / I'm really enjoying it and
it's a real treamwork-style gymnastics.
So boys do it too! but does he get paid out?!
DANIEL, CHEERLEADER: I sure do. I don't think they understand what we do, so just
how difficult it is, how much strength and coordination is involved. They all think we
run around with pom poms where as the girls just do that.
CATHERINE: The sport is huge in the United States - it's been happening there for
more than 100 years and millions of people do it.
You often see it in American movies and some people reckon it's because of films like
Bring It On that it's started to become popular in other countries, including Australia.
CHEERLEADER: Because it is so new in Australia you can be an absolute beginner
and in a few months be right up there with the rest of your team-mates.
CHEERLEADER: I love it when you're on the stage performing. I love knowing that
you have spent so long working towards getting there and everything just comes
together. And it all just works. It's so much fun having a blast being on the mat.
And it's pretty funny that at the comps there are people cheering on the cheerleaders!
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DANIEL: It's all about doing cool stunts and making great routines.
And you get lots of healthy exercise in the process!
CLOSER
Bit of a different sport there but looks like a lot of fun!
Speaking of fun, the kids from Thomas Hassall College in New South Wales have
sent us a video they made about a class project and it was so brilliant we just had to
show you.
“Hi I'm Tania and I'm Daniel. Our teacher set us a task. We had to design and
build a town taking into consideration the needs of the people. Where do you
start with that there's so much to think about. There's the basic needs like food,
water and shelter.”
The kids went out and filmed a local development and interviewed a developer to find
out what's involved
Middleton Grange will have over two thousand homes and a fabulous town
centre built right here.
Thanks to the kids at Thomas Hassell for that. And you can see the whole thing on
our website under student zone.
You can leave a comment in our guest book while you're there. Catch ya later.
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