1. Humanism was inspired by writings of philosophers from
Correct!Wrong!
Humanism was inspired by writings of philosophers from Ancient Greece.
2. One of the main ideas of humanism was that
Correct!Wrong!
One of the main ideas of humanism was that humans deserved wealth and happiness.
3. One of the most famous artists from the Renaissance period was
Correct!Wrong!
One of the most famous artists from the Renaissance period was Leonardo da Vinci.
Discussion/essay questions
How has the Renaissance affected art, science, culture, and politics today?
What do you think was the most important invention from the Renaissance period?
Transcript
The Renaissance was a period of cultural change in Europe. The term ‘renaissance’ is a French word, meaning ‘rebirth’. The Renaissance began in Italy in the 14th century, when a movement called humanism became very popular. Humanism emerged after 14th-century Europeans began to rediscover ancient Greek philosophy. The main ideas of humanism were that humans deserved to pursue wealth and happiness, and that science, literature, and the arts were essential to human life. This was a contrast to the Middle Ages, when religion was often considered the most important part of life. Humanism encouraged many people to study and create art. One of the most well-known artists of this period was Italian painter Leonardo Da Vinci, the creator of the Mona Lisa. Although the Renaissance ended around the 17th century, the ideas and discoveries from back then are still influential in many cultures today.
The year 1929 was the start of the Great Depression.
2. The Great Depression was a difficult time for farmers because
Correct!Wrong!
The Great Depression was a difficult time for farmers because they had to deal with economic struggles as well as droughts.
3. The government supported unemployed people by providing
Correct!Wrong!
The government supported unemployed people by providing welfare programs.
Discussion/essay questions
The economic state of the United States (and many other countries) has changed a lot since the Great Depression. Do you think such a disastrous recession could ever happen again? What factors could cause this?
Transcript
The Great Depression was a worldwide economic recession. It began in 1929 in the United States, when the value of stocks decreased drastically. People who had invested their savings lost a lot of money, and an overall decrease in spending caused many Americans to lose their jobs. This downturn quickly began to affect the rest of the world, because the United States couldn’t afford to trade with other countries frequently. This was a particularly difficult time for American farmers, who were also dealing with harsh climate conditions like droughts and dust storms. Many unemployed farmers from the prairie states began to migrate west in hopes of finding work. Throughout the recession, the American government worked to build welfare programs to help support unemployed people. These programs contributed to the end of the Great Depression in 1939, around the start of World War II.
Tourists come to visit Okunoshima because of the large rabbit population.
2. People can travel from the mainland to Okunoshima by
Correct!Wrong!
People can travel from the mainland to Okunoshima by ferry.
3. During World War II, the island was used to
Correct!Wrong!
During World War II, the island was used to produce chemical weapons.
Discussion/essay questions
Although it may sound like fun to visit an island full of rabbits, tourism has caused unfortunate consequences. People who feed the rabbits are contributing to an overpopulation problem that is harmful to the island’s natural ecosystem. How could tourism be regulated to protect the ecosystem?
Transcript
Okunoshima, a small island off the coast of Japan, is a place mostly populated by rabbits. The island is a popular tourist destination for people who want to spend the day with cute animals. Tourists can reach this island by taking a ferry over from the mainland. Although Okunoshima is mostly known for the rabbits that live there today, it is also a very historical site. The island was once used to produce chemical weapons during World War II. Back then, these weapon factories were kept so secret that Okunoshima wasn’t even labelled on Japanese maps. Many people believe that the island’s rabbit population is related to this history. A common theory is that the military once brought rabbits to the island to test chemicals on, and a few rabbits were released into the wild. Today, over 1,000 rabbits live there, and the population is only growing.
Atticus received backlash because he was representing a black man in court.
Discussion/essay questions
The novel To Kill a Mockingbird is still taught in many schools today. Do you think the issues in this novel are still relevant? Why or why not?
Transcript
In 1960, American author Harper Lee published her first novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. The book was made into an award-winning movie two years later. The story takes place in the 1930s. It follows a young girl named Scout who lives in Alabama. Scout begins to learn about racism in her time when her father, defence lawyer Atticus Finch, receives backlash for representing a black man in court. This is difficult for Scout and her brother, Jem, because they have to deal with insults from their friends, neighbours, and even family members. During this time, Atticus teaches them to respect all people, regardless of race.
The tradition of celebrating New Year's began 4,000 years ago.
2. The people of ancient Mesopotamia made resolutions because
Correct!Wrong!
The people of ancient Mesopotamia made resolutions because they wanted to make the gods happy.
3. Originally, the New Year's celebration took place in
Correct!Wrong!
Originally, the New Year's celebration took place in March.
Discussion/essay questions
Do you have any resolutions this year? How do you plan to achieve them?
Transcript
The Origin of the New Year’s Celebration Today, New Year’s is a festive holiday celebrated all around the world. The tradition began 4,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia, where the people celebrated each year with an 11-day festival. Even back then, people made New Year’s resolutions. They believed that making promises to improve themselves helped to make sure the gods would stay happy with the kingdom. During that time, the celebration took place in March, but a new calendar was introduced over 1,000 years later in Ancient Rome. Since then, New Year’s has mostly been celebrated on January 1st.
