THIS WEEK
15-21 February 2014Saturday
Over the moon
Gold medal winners at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, were a little more stellar than most: their medals contained fragments of the Chelyabinsk meteorite, which struck Russia on this day a year ago.
Sunday
McQueen’s speech
12 Years a Slave was named best film at the annual Bafta Awards. In an interview with our sister magazine TES last week, director Steve McQueen said the book that inspired his film should be taught in schools.
Monday
Frankenspuds
Good news for chip lovers: scientists have developed a potato that is resistant to blight, using genetic modification. But tough UK regulations mean the spuds are more likely to be grown in the US.
Tuesday
Tell me about it, stud
As Danny Zuko in the musical movie Grease, John Travolta set the standard for the cool kid in high school. But was the actor still electrifying as he celebrated his 60th birthday?
Wednesday
Hello darkness, my old friend
The Sound of Silence was written by Paul Simon 50 years ago. Teachers may be unfamiliar with silence, but can probably identify with the song’s lyric “people hearing without listening”.
Thursday
Personal histories
Tracing a family tree can bring history to life, so the Who Do You Think You Are? Live exhibition in London could be of interest to students. The show, on until Saturday, features genealogy experts and workshops.
Friday
Cowboy verse
The folk of the Wild West show their sensitive sides today and tomorrow, as the 28th annual Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering takes place in Alpine. The event could inspire some interesting English lessons.
NEXT WEEK
22-28 February 2014
Saturday
Gulp...
The sixth annual International Sword Swallowers Awareness Day - created, of course, by the Sword Swallowers Association International - is to take place. Definitely not a hobby to try in class.
Sunday
Historical hot water
On this day in 2005, a law was passed that required teachers in France to instruct their students on the “positive values of colonialism”. The controversial act was repealed by Jacques Chirac in 2006.
Monday
The price is right
Fairtrade Fortnight will begin today, an event that aims to raise awareness of the Fairtrade mark among consumers. In schools, children can learn about farming in developing countries and ethical trading.
Tuesday
At the sharp end
Bow and arrows at the ready: the Archery World Indoor Championships start today in the French city of Nimes. What do you mean you’re fed up of trying to reach unattainable targets?
Wednesday
Taking one for the team
One Direction star Louis Tomlinson is set to play for Doncaster Rovers in a charity football match. Last time the heart-throb played for charity, a video of him vomiting on the sidelines went viral.
Thursday
Go on, go on, go on
Tedfest, the annual festival celebrating cult sitcom Father Ted, will kick off on the island of Inis Mor, Ireland. Regular features include the Craggy Cup, Ted’s Got Talent and the traditional Lovely Girls Contest.
Friday
Tough teaching
With various conflicts blazing, it can’t be easy being a teacher in North Africa and the Middle East. But 11 countries across the region will mark Teachers Day today, celebrating the hard work of school staff.
