The Space Bathroom

Tim Peake is the first British astronaut in space for more than 20 years. He is currently part of the team at the International Space Station.
This week, a video was released in which Tim Peake answers one of the most frequently asked question about space exploration.

First read the assignment. Next watch the video. Take notes to help you do the assignment.

1. Tim speaks about “going to the loo”.
   Do you know any other words or expressions that mean the same thing?
   Tip: If you listen carefully, you can hear several in the video.


2. Tim says: “It really is quite simple.”
   Listen carefully to the two instructions he gives next.
   Write them down.
   Optionally, make a sign for proper use to hang up at the ISS loo.


3. How does the machine make sure that going to the loo in space doesn’t create a big mess?

Extra listening assignment

1. Find the video in which Tim Peake shows how to brew a cup of coffee in space.
2. Watch the video.
3. Explain the coffee brewing procedure in your own words.

When Lightning Strikes

It’s too warm for the time of year, but not to worry, November storms will surely follow. Watch the video to learn how to survive them.

Read the following words and their definitions.

• avoid: to prevent from happening
• for starters: first of all, to begin with
• leading theory: theory which most believe to be correct
• hail: pieces of ice that fall from clouds like rain
• repulsed: rejected, forced away
• pent-up: held or kept inside, not released
• steer clear: to keep away from someone or something completely

First read the assignment. Next watch the video. Take notes to help you do the assignment.

1. Fill in the missing numbers:
   
   
   • Lightning flashes up to ............. times a second worldwide.
   • Lightning is a big streak of up to a ............. volts and ............. amps of static electricity.
   • It was actually Benjamin Franklin who introduced this idea in .............
   • Energy is released with a ball .............  times hotter than the sun.


2. Do we know exactly how and when lightning will strike?


3. Name the four kinds of lightning mentioned in the video.


4. Does all lightning strike the ground?


5. How can you tell how many miles away a thunderstorm is?


6. Name three things you should avoid when you are in the middle of a thunderstorm.

Extra reading assignment
Halfway the video, James May mentions that “Ben Franklin was incredibly lucky with his alleged kite experiment”. He is referring to Benjamin Franklin.
Your assignment:

1. Gather some basic information about Benjamin Franklin; in English of course, so search English language books and websites.


2. Look specifically for information regarding Franklin’s “kite experiment”. What is this experiment all about?

Sportief erfgoed

Erfgoed (of heritage in het Engels) is de verzamelnaam voor sporen uit het verleden in het heden, die zichtbaar en tastbaar aanwezig zijn. Dat kunnen voorwerpen zijn in musea, archeologische vondsten, archieven, monumenten en landschappen. Maar ook bepaalde gebruiken, verhalen en gewoonten.

Bij erfgoed denk je misschien niet direct aan iets als een skatepark. Maar onlangs is een skatebaan in Engeland uitgeroepen tot Brits cultureel erfgoed.

Lees eerst de vragen. Bekijk dan het filmpje.




1. In welke stad bevindt zich deze skatebaan?

2. In welk jaar werd deze skatebaan geopend?

3. Welke andere voorbeelden van Brits erfgoed worden er genoemd?

4. Hoeveel skatebanen ter wereld hebben de status van beschermd erfgoed?


Extra leesopdracht
1. Ga naar de site van English Heritage.
2. Scroll een stukje naar beneden naar het kopje The seven main features of The Rom.
3. Lees de beschrijvingen van de zeven attributen van The Rom.
4. Bespreek de attributen met de groep.
5. Skate of bmx je zelf ook? Welk attribuut van The Rom lijkt jou het leukst?