Paper Saver!

Our class did this activity about saving paper together with Year 4 and Year 5 classes. We were first shown a powerpoint presentation about the process of paper-making, from cutting trees to producing paper ready for use. Then a discussion followed were we gave some ideas as to how we can save paper. We suggested that we could use both sides of a page, use brown paper to cover books (brown paper being made from recycled paper), buying eco-friendly paper or recycled paper, saving unused pages from a copybook for sketching or rough work and many others. Finally we made some posters with slogans for saving paper.

Almaha: Through the eyes of a falcon

On Monday 25th February 2008, our class, together with the other Year 6 and Year 7 classes, attended an activity about the Saker Falcon of Almaha, a region in the Arabian Desert. The activity was held at St. James Cavalier in Valletta. First, we were given a very interesting talk about raptors by a Birdlife member. After the talk we watched a video called: "Almaha: through the eyes of a falcon". The video was about the reintroduction of some Saker Falcons in the desert by a Sheik. The Sheik breeds the falcons and chooses some of them to be released into the wild. This with the hope that this species of falcon starts to breed again in the wild. After a short break, we had a craft session whereas the children made models of falcons from kite paper and decorated them with colourful designs.

All in all it was a very interesting experience for the children and also for us teachers who had the opportunity to learn about falcons and the beauty of these magnificent birds.

Mr. Paul A. Rapa

Teacher

Polar Bears

The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a bear native to the Arctic. Polar bears are the world's largest land carnivores, with most adult males weighing 300–600 kg , adult females are about half the size of males. Its fur is hollow and translucent, but usually appears as white or cream colored, thus providing the animal with effective camouflage. Its skin is actually black in color. Its thick blubber and fur insulate it against the cold. The bear has a short tail and small ears that help reduce heat loss, as well as a relatively small head and long, tapered body to streamline it for swimming.

Ernie

One Playful and Friendly GuyErnie is the member of the Bert-and-Ernie team who is full of surprises. He is friendly and happy-go-lucky and loves to joke with his buddy-ol'-pal Bert. Ernie loves to sing in the tub and play with his Rubber Duckie.


Birthday- January 28 Favorite Song- Rubber Duckie" Best Friend-Bert Quote- "Hey, Bert ol' buddy? Are you asleep?" Likes- Playing tricks on Bert; eating Bert's pizza; taking baths with Rubber ducky Dislikes- When it's his turn to clean up; when Bert won't play
by Eric

The Blue Rock Trush ( Il-Merill)

It is also known as Blue Rock Thrush. The Blue Rock Thrush is Malta’s national bird, so it is protected by law (it cannot be shot or caught) The Blue Rock Thrush is found in areas which contain cliffs (eg. Dingli), but it has also been spotted in cities. In the past some pairs used to nest in the Valletta bastions. It is a residential bird. The cock is blue in colour, while the hens and the youngsters are greyish brown. This Thrush is 20cm long. The cock has a very melodious song. The breeding season starts in the end of February and stops at the beginning of April. The pair builds a nest of grass and twigs in a hole in a cliff. The hen lays about 5 greyish eggs, which hatch after about 2 weeks. The chicks start flying 17 days from hatching. The Blue Rock Thrush eats insects, lizards and fruit.

Helping Against Global Warming!

Ever wondered what you could do to help against Global Warming? Here are some helpful hints!

1. Using energy-saving lamps can help decrease the amount of pollution in the atmosphere. Power-stations produce large quantities of air-pollution so minimising the use and waste of electrical energy will in turn decrease the amount of pollution in the air. Remember that pollution is the main cause of global warming!

2. Recycling waste can also help in reducing air-pollution and, hence, global warming. The time and energy needed to produce a new aluminium can, for example, is far less than that used for producing a recycled aluminium can. Therefore, voila', less air-pollution!!!

So now you know! Start saving Our Planet!!!!

(Mr. P. Rapa)