And it’s curtains on the 2024 Formula One racing season. Did you follow the blistering action?
After some spectacular racing action, the 2024 season of the Formula One World Championship has come to a close. The season began in March and went on till December, and consisted of a record 24 Grands Prix held in circuits around the world.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen started strong, winning four of the first five races. As the season progressed, McLaren’s Lando Norris emerged as a serious challenger to Verstappen’s claim on the drivers’ championship.
Task for you! Can you guess the order in which the drivers ultimately went on to finish in the driver’s championship?
The coolest way to track your year is here! This is your one chance to download your own calendar.
Christmas and plants? Absolutely. These hardy plants are an essential part of the décor during the festival.
The mistletoe hung in the old castle hall. The holly branch shone on the old oak wall…. Thus go the lyrics of a ballad. There are some plants that are an essential part of the festivities. Find out more about some of them.
Holly
No matter how the cold the winter, this bushy plant remains green. Even better, it’s a no-fuss plant, meaning it doesn’t need much maintenance. In December, the branches sprout with flamboyant red berries that make a splash of colour amid the white of the snow and the dark green of the leaves. It is used in Christmas decorations as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice: the spikes symbolise the crown of thorns that Jesus had to wear; the red berries his blood; and the green leaves everlasting life.
Mistletoe
Also known as the kissing bought, this parasitic plant grows on trees and shrubs. While its association with Christmas dates back to the 1700s. A bough with plenty of berries is used in decorating homes and anyone caught under the mistletoe can be kissed. In ancient Greek and Roman cultures, the plant is associated with peace and is a symbol of protection. In Celtic Druid tradition, it is a symbol of fertility as it grows throughout the year.
Fir
What’s Christmas without the Christmas tree? More often than not, it is the fir that is the tree of choice. However, this evergreen was used in festivals much before Christmas. The ancient Romans decorated their homes with fir branches in the New Year, as did folks in Northern Europe as a sign of the spring to come. The tradition of the Christmas tree originated in Germany and the Baltic states and came to England when the German Prince Albert married Queen Victoria. From here, it spread across the world.
Poinsettias
Here is a traditional Christmas plant that comes not from Europe or the U.S. but from Mexico. The story goes that a poor girl wanted to give baby Jesus a present during the service. Since she didn’t have any money to spend, she created a small bouquet from weeds that she had picked by the roadside. When she placed her offering in the manger at the Nativity scene, it miraculously became the blazing Poinsettia.
Get into the spirit of Christmas and sing a carol. Try your hand at this interactive game.
When we talk about Christmas carols, we refer to vocal music whose theme is Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ. Most often a group of people, known as carollers, go around from house to house singing these songs. Most of the songs are well known and everyone likes to sing along with the carollers.
Some of the more well-known songs are We Three Kings, Joy to the World, Silent Night and Deck the Halls.
Can you identify the wrong words used in these titles? Go ahead, give it a try. It’s simple and fun.
I am the most famous reindeer of all and even have a song named after me. Read more about me
You’ve all heard of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, right? Now, let me tell you my story.
Learn about the different muscles in the body and the exercises needed to strengthen them.
Staying fit and getting your daily dose of exercise is important. But it is vital to remember that all muscle groups in the body require regular workouts. There are two ways to do this. One is to either decide on two-to-three muscle groups (ideally two), and specifically target those in your workout. For example, on day one, work out chest and back muscles; on day 2, biceps and triceps, and so on. This way, by the end of the week, all major muscle groups would have been worked upon. The second is to do a full-body workout targeting all major muscle groups. Ensure you do this once or twice a week and not every day.
Here is a fun game. Based on the muscle group, select the workout most apt for it.
In Finland, the Sami tribes use reindeer to pull their sledges, just like Santa does. But do you know how the sledge came to be?
Ho Ho Ho! Santa Claus is here, riding on a sledge drawn by reindeer and loaded with gifts. Also known as sled or sleigh, the sledge is a vehicle that slides across a surface on land. Here is the story of how the sledge became a mode of transportation.
Click on ‘turn’ to flip the card. Use the arrows to move from one card to the next one.
Stop air pollution that silently steals our health and the planet’s future. Watch this video to find out more.
Walk into your lab at school and you’ll see a range of equipment. What is each one used for?
Add some colour and a personal touch to your Christmas decorations at home. Try making your own paper trees.
