2020 Topic List for Extra!
February 25 - The Environment Issue: Climate Change
Climate change is highly topical at the moment with big talks from our world leaders to take steps to reduce carbon emissions and put pressure on global companies to be more ethical in their treatment of the environment. Extra ! will look at fossil fuels and how they affect our environment and what alternative solutions are available to us now.
March 17 - The Kiwi Issue: Kiwiana
What makes Aotearoa/New Zealand unique? Is it our pavlova? Our buzzy bee or is it our laid-back nature? Extra! will be looking at how and why ideas about the ‘kiwi’ way of life is passed on using kiwiana. What is your favourite iconic image of NZ?
May 26 2020 - The War Issue: Technology and war
The advances made with technology in war is astronomical. From bayonets used in World War I to unmanned, remote controlled drones used today. Extra! will look at how technology has developed over the years and impacted the way wars are fought and won.
June 16 - The Diverse Issue: Cultural Diversity in Aotearoa
New Zealand is a linguistically and culturally diverse nation and we need to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes that equip them for life in a multi-cultural world. Extra! will look at how an inclusive classroom, school and community can awhi diversity and what it means to our wellbeing.
July 21 - The Science Issue: Great Scientists
You may not know but New Zealand is a kete full of science wonders. Ernest Rutherford we know, but there is also, Sir Richard Faull, neurologist, Margot Forde, botanist, Leslie Comrie, computer pioneer, Diamond Jeness, anthropologist and so many more. Check out this month’s Extra! issue to get the low-down on our scientific discoveries and scientists that made it all possible.
August 11 - Hitori Aotearoa: New Zealand Land Wars
The New Zealand wars were a series of armed conflicts that took place in New Zealand between 1845-1872 between the Colonial government and allied Maori on one side and Maori and allied settlers on the other. Extra! will look at key events at this time and the significant people involved in the wars.
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September 1 - The Political Issue: Youth and Politics
It is voting year for New Zealand. Extra! will look at the electoral process in Aotearoa/New Zealand and what part our youth play in politics.
September 22 - The Pandemic Issue: Coronavirus and beyond
The world is currently dealing with a very serious health pandemic, the likes of which have not been seen in New Zealand since the Spanish Flu in 1919. How does Coronavirus compare to other global pandemics? What can we learn from the past that may help us get through this latest outbreak?
October 13 2020 - The Animal Issue: Endangered Species
This topic is a suggestion from students. Along with the sustainability and climate change, endangered species are a hot topic of interest for our young people. According to the World Wide Life Organisation (WWF) there are over 100 endangered, vulnerable or threatened animal species on Earth today. With their habitats being polluted, cut down, and destroyed it is no wonder our animals are hanging by a thread. Extra! will look at what it means for our environment and well-being and how we can help turn this tragedy around, now!
November 3 2020 - The Health Issue: Sugar Wars
Obesity rates keep rising in the Western world and there are many health initiatives to help curb this deathly health risk. Sugar seems to be the main culprit these days so Extra! will look at how sugar has become a ‘drug’ and suggest some healthy alternatives to using sugar in your daily diet.
Nov 17 2020 - The Fun Issue: Puzzles, Quizzes, Games and Jokes
What a full on year we have had. What better way to enjoy the nearing of term four than with some independent challenges. Sudoku, puzzles, crosswords and many more for you to enjoy at your leisure. We will still have maps and the current event quiz and will mix it up with fun news items, crazy science experiments and maybe a colouring page too. Make sure you have a safe and fun Christmas and New Year!