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Learning with Granny!
Welcome Cyberkids! This month Granny shares a picture,
a poem and a letter
with you. Have fun and don't forget to e-mail Granny and tell her what you
think. Send your science questions to Granny
Picture It
Take a look at the picture Granny drew below. To see a larger image, simply
click on the picture. Can you guess what she is trying to say? Granny
Jenny believes that we should all work together to uplift Africa. Everyone
has a part to play in the bigger picture. Granny Jenny tells us why:
 "We
need to create an awareness of South Africa and Africa to the outside world. By encouraging
entrepeneurs and creating employment we are improving the lives of our people and at the same time creating awareness of the value
of tourism to all Africans.
By sharing, learning, promoting each others heritage cultures and traditions
we are strengthening the bond between all peoples and helping to
create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
What has all that got to do with science? You might well ask. Well, we have 'it' all here and the outside world is rapidly becoming aware
of all the scientific interests within our large and beckoning borders. Is it not time that we made all our peoples aware of how fortunate they are
to be situated on a continent of such scientific value to Mother Earth? Here we can learn astronomy - not just from the most highly
qualified astronomers, using the most up to date equipment - but from the magnificent
skies that we are fortunate to have all year round.
Fossils are being uncovered rapidly and we are informed of exciting finds on a daily basis in national; and international media.
Global interest in Africa's archaic past is on the increase. When it comes to learning the origins of Early Man.
Paleontologists from Africa, their discoveries and identifications have been acknowledged and
highly respected for many decades now.
In Physics, biology, ecology, ichthyology, anthropology and phychology -
just to mention a few - our scientist are leaders in their field."
Now look at Granny's drawing again and see where you want to fit into the
picture. To see a larger image, simply click on the picture.
This Month's Poem for Cyberkids
From The Cradle With Stars
With reference to 'The Stars and Man'
In depth, to ponder, I began.
An infant in it's mothers arms
Is made aware of 'twinkling charms'
These dazzling diamonds from afar -
And asks in wonder - what they are.
The curious child can oft' be found
Hands behind head as he lies on the ground
Needing the answers becomes a passion
And leads to his search on the subject in fashion.
As a youth he views much of what is known
Decodes the stars when he's left on his own
Grasps the meaning of movement, and tries -
To visualize the Universe and it's size.
This is when he becomes a man
He wants to know how it all began.
He turns to science and studies once more
And learns what men have recorded before.
He learns how a planet, devoid of life,
Gave birth to Man after eons of strife
He reads of many species along the way
Who were lost to get where we are today.
As a thinking adult, Man looks at the stars
They have been viewed by all in times gone past
Given meaning in myths, religion and decrees
Guided ships across tumultuous seas
With his mind on the future, Man has a vision
As the only life on Earth that can make a decision
To save his planet and ease the strain
Man must look at life and share the pain.
He must turn the wheels of extinction in reverse
And help ensure Earth's place in the Universe
This is a Global call to all Mankind.
Be sure it's a better Earth you leave behind.
Next time you look at the stars in the skies
Think of the many who have lifted their eyes.
As a 'cradle song' it all began
The lesson on the past and future of Man.
Jenny Marais 24/10/2000
Morgan Bay.
Go ahead and ask your question. E-mail Granny granny@scienceinafrica.co.za
Granny's Viewpoint for Grand-Parents
"Why do you use poetry to teach your science to cyberkids?"
Granny Jenny's reply: "I see 'Granny' - more as a bridge between the adult world
of science and the world of 'nature' seen through the eyes of the young. I think
that poetry should be introduced early to the child and explained that it is
written from the heart - or seen through the inner eye and that he/she can write
down or tell what they are thinking too - and share it with everyone/the class -
whatever... Children have wonderful imaginations of their own and they see life
and all its mysteries as terrific wonders and want to question or give their
version of what they see. It's up to adults to either make or break their
enthusiasm."
This Month's best letter to Granny.
Dear Jenny - I love your sight it is such fun for the "kids". We are having a concert at the end of August where each
grade from grade 1 to grade 7 will be participating & our theme is "The Star in You" - I
wondered if you could write us a poem to use in the concert - maybe something that could be narrated between each item or
whatever? It also going to be linked to the Kelloggs Breakfast Cereal Competition
where each school is to promote the Kelloggs Breakfast Cereal in conjunction with the theme "The star in You")
Good luck with your "Granny Project" !!
Best Wishes
Di Rademan
Dear Di Rademan,
and all the twinkling Stars at Primrose Hill School. Thank you for writing to me about the concert you are planning. I love concerts, they give you a chance to sing out at the top of your voice or tell the whole world about yourself - and nobody tells you to Shhhhush!
I think it's a very bright idea to tell about 'The Star in You' - There really is you know.
Sir Martin Rees, who is the Astronomer Royal at Cambridge England, says 'we are stardust' because we are made up of the very same material as the stars in the skies. So every one of you really is a star.
Maybe you can work on the following:-
We are the stars of Primrose Hill
We keep our bright lights burning
To show the world we're working hard
And very proud to be learning.
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We're the bright and shining Grade 1's ( 2's, 3's etc)
Our glow will never stop
The reason is we started our day
With a bowl of 'Snap, Crackle & Pop'
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At the end of each day - after work and play
Be sure to take a peep
At the wonderful stars in our Southern skies
Before putting your head down to sleep.
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Jennifer Marais 20/2/2001
And that is all for this month. Granny looks
forward to letters from teachers and pupils and is happy to answer your
questions. Simply e-mail her at granny@scienceinafrica.co.za
Until Next Month...
Granny Jenny
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