Hans Rosling: The magic washing machine

What does a washing machine do? It does a lot more than just wash clothing!

Working backward to solve problems - Maurice Ashley

Imagine where you want to be. Now, figure out how to get there!

Biko

Here  is another song in protest against apartheid - "Biko" by Peter Gabriel, released in 1980. Stephen Biko was a Black South African anti-apartheid activist who was arrested in 1977 and beaten to death in police custody.

Sun City

This is the video that some of my second year groups watched in class. Sun City used to be in what South Africa called Bophuthatswana, one of the so-called "black homelands" or "bantustans" where all Black Africans were supposed to be relocated under the apartheid government. It was, and is, a beautiful resort located near Johannesburg. In this video from 1985, artists from many English-speaking countries make a public commitment not to play concerts at the resort. Do you recognize any of them?

What do you think of the way pictures of the resort are mixed in together with video of the problems of South Africa?

By the way, Sun City survived apartheid and now is a popular resort - for people of ALL races. 

Dara O'Briain on Anglo-Irish relations

For those of you who heard my presentation on the history of Ireland and Northern Ireland....

Dara O' Briain is an Irish comedian, born and raised in Dublin, who now lives and works in England. Here he talks a bit about the relationship between the Irish and the English today... including a quick mention of his grandmother, who fought in the Irish War of Independence!

The Science of the Cinnamon Challenge

And this is why we don't DO the cinnamon challenge. We watch videos of other people trying the cinnamon challenge (and failing every time). Cinnamon is a delicious spice, not a toy. Right, everyone?

(Scout Leader Mode OFF)

What makes a hero? - Matthew Winkler

How did English evolve? - Kate Gardoqui

Think before you insult

The English language has TONS of words that make wonderful insults. Think before you choose one that hurts people.

History of English in 10 minutes

The oddities of the first American election - Kenneth C. Davis

Immigration to the US

An animation showing the history of immigration to the US.

When was emigration from Norway and other Nordic countries at its highest? Where did the emigrants go? Do you know why they went there?

First-years, we will be covering these questions in our unit on the United States later this term!

Weathering Hurricane Sandy....

The northeastern US is being hit by a bad storm. It is a hurricane combined with a local kind of storm called a nor'easter. And it is hitting in the most populated part of the US, just south of New York City. Do you have memories of being in a bad storm? Would you know what to do if your home lost electricity for a few days, or if the water was not safe to drink? Winter is coming - now is a good time to think about this.

It's almost Halloween again.....

Want to Follow the US Presidential Election?

Click on the picture above to go to an easy-to-follow site that shows what the electoral vote would look like, if the election were held today.

Primary Elections Explained

What are primary elections? And why does the US election season go on forever?

I heartily recommend CGP Grey's YouTube videos. Even if he DOES talk faster than me.

How the Electoral College Works

Who really votes for President of the United States? The answer will surprise you!

Welcome (Back)!

Another school year begins! Why are you going to school?

(The last minute or so of this video may not make any sense to you. Don't worry about that!)

Don't let this happen to you

Spellcheck. It's important.

The scene from "Blood Diamond" you will need to answer the questions in 4:82 (VG2)