Tuesday, July 08, 2014
Saturday, June 28, 2014
National Stereotypes
There are many
stereotypes surrounding individual nations. Sometimes some countries may
promote national stereotypes about themselves in order, for example, to instil
a sense of patriotism.
Stereotypes are generalizations about groups of
people, they can be positive or negative, and they can be based on some truth
or completely invented. Clichés about national stereotypes can be great fun;
the problem is that they sometimes become a prejudice.
Links:
Monday, June 23, 2014
Ancient Chinese Inventions
The ancient Chinese invented many, many things - things we
still use today. Their inventions include the wheel, paper, silk, matches,
gunpowder, porcelain, china, fireworks, medicines, kites, tea, the umbrella,
jump ropes, ink, the crossbow, and even ice cream!
Roman Gods and Goddesses
At first, Romans believed in many different gods and
goddesses. These gods were like people, but with magical powers. The Roman gods
were part of a family. People told stories or myths about them. Each god
or goddess looked after different people or things.
The Romans often borrowed new gods from people they
conquered. They hoped these new gods would make them stronger. They borrowed
gods from Egypt, for example, such as the goddess Isis.
The Greeks and Romans shared the same stories, but used different names.
Greek
|
Roman
|
|
Zeus
|
Jupiter
|
Lord of the sky and supreme ruler of the gods. Known
for throwing lightening bolts.
|
Poseidon
|
Neptune
|
Ruler of the sea. Brother of Zeus. Carried a
three-pronged spear known as a trident.
|
Hades
|
Pluto
|
Ruler of the underworld and the dead. Brother of
Zeus. Had a helmet which rendered its wearer invisible.
|
Hestia
|
Vesta
|
A virgin goddess and sister of Zeus. No distinct
personality or part in myths. Goddess of the
Hearth, the symbol of the home.
|
Hera
|
Juno
|
Zeus's wife and sister. Protector of marriage, spent
most of her time punishing the many women Zeus fell in love with. Likes
cows and peacocks.
|
Ares
|
Mars
|
God of war and son of Zeus and Hera. Likes
vultures and dogs.
|
Athena
|
Minerva
|
Daughter of Zeus alone. No mother.(?) She sprang
from his head full-grown and in full armor. The protector of civilized life,
handicrafts, and agriculture. Invented the bridle, and first to tame the
horse. Likes Athens, olives, and owls.
|
Apollo
|
Apollo
|
Son of Zeus. Master musician, archer god, healer,
god of light, god of truth, sun god. A busy god who likes the laurel tree,
dolphins, and crows.
|
Aphrodite
|
Venus
|
Daughter of Zeus. Goddess of Love and Beauty. Likes
the myrtle tree, doves, sparrows, and swans.
|
Hermes
|
Mercury
|
Son of Zeus. Wore wings on his sandals and his hat,
thus was graceful and swift.
|
Artemis
|
Diana
|
Apollo's twin sister and daughter of Zeus. Lady of
wild things and huntsman to the gods. As Apollo is the
Sun, Artemis is the moon.
|
Hephaestus
|
Vulcan
|
Son of Hera, God of Fire. The only ugly and deformed
god. Makes armor and weapons forged under volcanoes.
|
Chariots of Fire
Chariots of Fire is a 1981 British historical drama film. It tells the fact-based story of two athletes in the 1924 Olympics: Eric Liddell, a devout Scottish Christian who runs for the glory of God, and Harold Abrahams, an English Jew who runs to overcome prejudice. The original escore for the film was composed by the greek musician Vangelis.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Instrument Families
Musical instruments are grouped into families based on how they make sounds. In an orchestra, musicians sit together in these family groupings. But not every instrument fits neatly into a group. For example, the piano has strings that vibrate, and hammers that strike. Is it a string instrument or a percussion instrument? Some say it is both!
For further informatión and to listen to the instruments:
Landforms
A landform is any natural formation of rock and dirt, found on Earth. A landform can be as large as a mountain range, or as small as a hill. It can be as large as a continent, or as small as a pond.
Interesting links:
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