Mar 04 2008
Researching and Writing: Forms 4 & 5
by Dot MacKenzie. First edition: August 2005
Table of Contents
1 Wonders
2 Earthquakes
3 What I would like to do before I am 60
4 Important weeds
5 Healing with venom
6 Medan: a gateway for wildlife trade
7 Medicine hunter gatherers
8 Endangered species
9 Kula Guala wetland
10 Traditional arts of Kelantan
11 Mangroves
12 What Malaysians should eat daily
13 Haze + Heat + Hazards
14 Malaria
15 Wow! Kites
16 Our disappearing fauna
17 Science across the world
18 Natural born killers
19 Coral reefs
20 Tioman Island
21 Malaysia: adventures in wonderland
22 My own research
Note to Teachers:
Encourage the children to conduct their own research using the Internet or reference books in the library.
Chapter 1 - Wonders
Introduction:
There are many wonders in the world. Choose 10 wonders for Malaysia, 10 wonders of the world, and 10 scientific wonders, and complete the following tables. Then rank them according to the ones you like most, or find most interesting. You may use the Internet to help you with your research.
A Wonders of Malaysia
Name Location Note Rank
1 Snake Temple Penang Chinese Temple
with snakes
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
B Now write a paragraph describing wonders in Malaysia.
C 10 Wonders of World
Name Location Note Rank
1 Machu Pichu Peru Aztec ruins
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
D Now write a paragraph describing wonders of the world.
E 10 Scientific Wonders
Name Location Note Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
F Now write a paragraph describing scientific wonders.
Chapter 2 - Earthquakes
Introduction:
What do you know about earthquakes? What causes them? Why are they so dangerous for people? Where have the worst earthquakes taken place in the world? Search the Internet to find answers to the following questions, and then write a paragraph about them. You will have to decide on your own topics to complete the notes.
Question Answer
1 Definition
2 Location
3 Measurement
4 Dates of 3 e/qs in Asia
A
B
C
5 Size of largest recorded e/q
6 # of people killed in December 2005
7 Definition of tsunami
8 Size of December 2005 tsunami
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
B Some URLS
1 http://www.data.scec.org/Module/module.html
Interactive qs & as about earthquakes
Information about e/qs and tsunamis
3 http://earthquake.usgs.gov/4kids/
Information for kids
C Now write your paragraph describing earthquakes.
D Rules for Earthquakes
Apart from understanding why earthquakes and tsunamis occur, it is also important to know what to do in case one happens to you. Complete the sentences by writing a reason for the rule.
1 Rule: Stay clear of windows
Reason: Broken glass might cut you.
Sentence: Stay clear of windows because broken glass might cut you.
2 Do not use your mobile except in emergencies.
Reason:
3 Do not turn on gas, electricity and water supplies.
Reason:
4 Keep emergency supplies of water and food in a safe place.
Reason:
5 Stay clear of trees, buildings and power lines if you are outside.
Your telephone or mobile except in emergencies
6 Turn off the gas supply.
Reason:
7 Do not use lighters of matches.
Reason:
8 Do not move seriously injured people.
Reason:
9 Do not use your car or bicycle.
Reason:
10 Do not stay inside your school or house.
Reason:
11 Listen to the radio.
Reason:
E Other Rules
Can you think of other rules that we should follow in order to stay safe if there is an earthquake or tsunami?
Rule
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Chapter 3 - What I Would Like to Do before I Am 60
Introduction:
Write brief notes about 20 things you would like to do before you are 60. Rank them according to the ones you would like to do most. Then find 20 websites that provide information about the activities.
Activity Note URL Rank
1 Swim with dolphins South Africa
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
B 50 Activities to Do before You Are 60
Introduction:
This is a list of activities that some people would like to do before they are 60. Find URLs with information about the activities.
1 Swim with dolphins
2 Scuba dive on Great Barrier Reef off coast of Australia
3 Go whale watching
4 Dive with sharks
5 Skydive
6 Fly in hot air balloon
7 Fly in fighter jet
8 Go on safari
9 See Northern Lights
10 Walk Inca Trail to Machu Pichu in South America
11 Climb Sydney Harbour bridge
12 Escape to tropical island
13 Drive Formula One race car
14 Go white-water rafting
15 Walk on Great Wall of China
16 Try bungee-jumping
17 Ride by train through Rocky Mountains
18 Drive along Route 66
19 See Grand Canyon from helicopter
20 Ride Orient Express across Europe
21 See elephants in wild
22 Ride motorbike
23 Visit Antarctica
24 Try ranching
25 Climb Mount Everest
26 See Victoria or Niagara Falls
27 Go into space
28 Visit Galapagos Islands
29 Trek through rainforest
30 Gallop horse along beach
31 Take Trans-Siberian railway from Moscow to Vladivostok
32 View sunset over Ayers Rock
33 Go wing-walking
34 Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
35 Fly over volcano
36 Drive husky sled
37 Hike up glacier
38 Ride rollercoaster
39 Go deep-sea fishing
40 Go paragliding
41 Play golf in St. Andrews
42 Watch mountain gorillas
43 See tigers in wild
44 Sledge down Cresta run in Switzerland
45 Visit Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida
46 Visit Empire State Building in New York
47 See orang-utans in Sabah
48 Go polar bear watching
49 Take world cruise
50 Ride camel to Pyramids
C Write a paragraph describing which activity you would like to do the most. Give reasons for your choice.
Chapter 4 - Important Weeds
Introduction:
Most people love flowers, but not many people allow weeds to grow in their gardens. However, weeds have a purpose too. Design a table with information about one of the weeds you have in your garden and add information about Phylanthus Niruri in boxes 9 -12.
Scientific Name: Phylanthus Niruri Weed
1 Uses:
Cure for Hepatitis B
Tonic for liver
Herbal treatment for jaundice, diarrhea and kidney trouble
2 Local name:
Dukung Anak
3 Contains:
Powerful anti-oxidants & anti-viral compounds
4 Location:
China, Philippines, Cuba, India, Nigeria & Guam
5 Height:
30 – 60 cm
6 Uses in Malaysia:
Ayurvedic medicine for jaundice, diabetes, skin ulceration, sores, swelling and itchiness. Infusion to cure diarrhea. Liver tonic.
8 Colour:
9
10
11
12
B Now use your notes to write a paragraph about the weed you have chosen to write notes about.
Chapter 5 - Healing with Venom
Introduction:
Most people do not like snakes, but they could provide useful cures for many ailments. Complete the following table by adding information about another snake. Then write a paragraph comparing the two.
Characteristics Inland Taipan Snake 2
1 Scientific name
2 Family
3 Length
4 Country
5 Fangs
6 Effect of venom on people
7 Production of venom
8 Fangs
9 Venom molecules
10 Habitat
B Paragraph
Now use your notes to write about one or both of the snakes.
Chapter 6 - Medan: A Gateway for Wildlife Trade
Introduction:
Read the following passage and then answer the questions below:
Medan: A wildlife trade hotspot in Indonesia that supplies domestic and international trade demand on a vast scale.
Jakarta, Indonesia, 10 May 2005… The Indonesian island of Sumatra is globally recognised as a “biodiversity hotspot”, but as a result of this incredible natural wealth the island has long been a source of large volumes of birds, reptiles, mammals, timber and other forest products to supply demand for food, building materials, pulp and paper, traditional medicines, trophies, curios and pets. Until now, very little has been understood of the nature and extent of the harvest of and trade in wild animals for pets. TRAFFIC Southeast Asia’s report Open Season: An Analysis of the Pet Trade in Medan, Sumatra 1997-2001 sheds light on this massive trade and highlights the fact that much of it is illegal and likely to be unsustainable.
“In the months after the devastation wrought by the tsunami and further earthquakes, Medan has become an even busier transport hub as the Sumatra’s central point for relief logistics,” said Chris R. Shepherd, Regional Programme Officer for TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, and the leading author of the report. “Despite the national focus of attention on rebuilding Aceh and other areas, the wildlife markets of Medan are still very much open for business - in a three-day survey this past week, TRAFFIC recorded over 3000 live animals for sale, representing 123 different species, several never seen before in these markets.”
TRAFFIC’s work documenting the wildlife markets in Medan during recent years illustrates the huge commercial demand for species extracted from the island’s once-abundant forests, and raises concerns about the possibility of long-term detrimental effects on wild populations. Many species of wildlife in the pet trade are not protected under Indonesian law, but the volumes observed in trade through Medan’s markets would suggest that several species’ status should be immediately reviewed by the Indonesian government authorities.
“If the trade in wildlife is not better controlled we are going to see a lot of species slipping further towards extinction in the very near future,” Shepherd added. “Wildlife crime must be treated with the seriousness of any other crime if the natural heritage of Indonesia is to be protected - only then can the livelihoods of those people who depend on legal and sustainable trade be allowed to continue.”
While much of the wildlife trade in Medan is to meet local demand for pets, many species are also exported to international destinations, and often illegally. Medan, the country’s fourth-largest city, is considered an important gateway into and out of Indonesia. Its wildlife markets offer species sourced from not only Sumatra, but also from throughout the archipelago, from the surrounding region, and even from as far away as Australasia and South America. Medan has an international airport and its ports link with shipping routes to neighbouring countries and long-haul destinations, and the city plays a major role as a hub for international wildlife trade.
Surveys for the report Open Season were carried out by TRAFFIC on a monthly basis between 1997 and 2001 in the city’s major wildlife markets. During these surveys a total of 300 bird species, 34 mammal species and 15 reptile species were recorded. Thousands of animals are seen to pass through these markets each year, which indicates a clear need to investigate further the impact this trade is having on remaining wild populations.
Of the 349 species of animals observed in the markets from 1997-2001, 70 of the (20%) were totally protected by Indonesian law (Conservation Act (No. 5) of 1990). Indonesia’s legislation provides for adequate protection for these species but in many cases blatant disregard for the law by many traders and collectors demonstrates an urgent need for an increase in enforcement efficiency and effort.
“There is an urgent need to clamp down on these markets and prosecute those traders found violating the law,” said Shepherd. “If the organised networks driving the trade are not disrupted, and clear deterrents and penalties meted out to discourage illegal offenders, the situation will not change”.
TRAFFIC Southeast Asia recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CITES Management Authority of Indonesia, the Directorate General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation (PHKA). The MoU focuses on improving management of Indonesia’s trade in species of wild fauna and flora.
“Monitoring the trade in wildlife for pets in Indonesia and increasing enforcement action on illegal trade remains a priority for the Indonesian government authorities,” said Dr Samedi from Indonesia’s CITES Management Authority. “We will continue to work with our government colleagues in Sumatra and elsewhere to crack down on traders who violate Indonesia’s laws on biodiversity conservation, and we hope to work more closely with TRAFFIC Southeast Asia and other partners in this regard.”
1 What does Sumatra produce?
2 How many animals were on sale this week?
3 Why should Indonesia’s laws protecting animals be changed immediately?
4 Are crimes against people and crimes against animals the same? Do they deserve the same punishments?
5 Why is it easy to export from Medan?
6 Is it necessary to protect flowers and trees?
7 Do you think Malaysia suffers from the same problems?
8 Should you be able to buy any pet you like? Why or why not?
9 Why do people hunt endangered species?
10 What can you do to protect endangered species?
Chapter 7 - Medicine Hunter Gatherer
Introduction:
Malaysia is covered with jungle and rainforests, and there are still many species of insects and plants that have not been described or classified. Nowadays, it is fashionable to use herbs to cure diseases, and perhaps Malaysia will be the leader when it comes to finding herbal cures for some of the diseases and illnesses that afflict mankind today. Complete the following table with details about some of the herbs and plants that can be used. www.medicinehunter.com or www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Shores/9000/spices/DiscoverSpices.html.
Include the following information in your table:
1 Plant/Tree
2 Scientific Name
3 Bahasa Malay
4 Family
5 Use
6 Location
1 Chocolate
2 Ginseng
3 Kava
4 Banana
5 Ginger
6 Cinnanom
7 Coconut
8 Palm
B Now write a paragraph comparing two of the plants or trees.
Chapter 8 - Endangered Species
Introduction:
Many species of plants, animals, fish, insects, reptiles and amphibians are in danger all over the world. What do you know about the star tortoise? Choose another two endangered species and write notes about their characteristics. What can you do to help protect them? Why is it important to protect endangered species?
Star Tortoise:
1 Habitat
2 Size
3 Appearance
4 Food
5 Countries of origin
6 Cost in Malaysia
7
8
9
10
B Write down 4 ways that you can help protect endangered species.
1
2
3
4
C Write down some reasons why it is important to look after endangered species.
Reasons
1
2
3
4
5
D Write a paragraph describing endangered species in Malaysia.
Chapter 9 - Kuala Gula Wetland
Introduction:
What do you know about wetlands? Why are wetlands important? Complete the following table with some of your ideas and knowledge about Kuala Guala Wetland. You will find information in www.ramsar.org.
1 Definition (wetland)
2 Location
3 Meaning of name
4 Area
5 Birds
6 Fish
7 Importance
8 What is produced here
9 History of plantations
10 Reasons why we should protect wetlands
B Now write a paragraph about Kuala Gula Wetlands, or any other wetland that you know well.
Chapter 10 - Traditional Arts of Kelantan
Introduction:
Kelantan is called the “Land of Lightning” and is famous for its traditional games. How many of these do you know? Design a table by using the following topics and names of games.
Topics for Boxes in Table:
1 Game/Art
2 Name in English
3 What happens
4 What is needed
5 Size of group
6 Belief
1 Rebana Ubi
Drum playing
Group plays at wedding festival or after rice harvest
Large, medium and small drum
Not known
2 Mak Yong
3 Kertok
4 Gasing Uri
B Now use your notes to write a paragraph about traditional games in Malaysia.
Chapter 11 - Mangroves
Introduction:
Mangrove trees can be found all over Malaysia. What are their characteristics? Why are they so important? Design a table and fill in the missing information.
1 Scientific name (mangrove)
2 Location
3 Colour
4 Size
5 Description
6 Reasons for importance to humans
7 Reasons for importance to wildlife/nature
8 Ways to protect them
9 Nunber of hectares in Malaysia
10 Activities in Mangrove swamps
11 URL
A
B
C
B Now use your notes to write a paragraph about mangroves.
Chapter 12 - What Malaysians Should Eat Daily
Introduction:
Malaysians are considered to be walking time-bombs, because of eating around the clock. Nearly 3 million have high blood pressure, which could lead to kidney failure, and/or high cholesterol. About 25% of the population is obese and Malaysians are considered to be the fattest people in Asia! People eat more than they need and do not exercise enough. Desing a table showing information about what we should eat. Fill in the missing information in the boxes.
Topics for Boxes in Table:
1 Component
2 Measurement
3 Obtained from
4 Useful for ages
1 Sugar
2 Protein
3 Calcium
4 Iron
5 Iodine
6 Zinc
7 Selenium
8 Thiamin
9 Riboflavin
10 Niacin
11 Folate
12 Vitamin C
13 Vitamin A
14 Vitamin D
15 Vitamin E
B Now use some of the information in your notes to compare 2 of the components in the above table, or compare what 2 types of people should eat, e.g. compare a baby’s intake with that of an adult.
Chapter 13 - Haze + Heat = Hazards
Introduction:
Air quality in Malaysia is sometimes affected by burning in Indonesia. Complete the reasons for the following rules.
Rule and Reason for Rule
1 Stay indoors as much as possible so that your breathing is not affected
2 Refrain from smoking around children and old people
3 Listen to the radio and tv announcements about dangers
4 Cut down on driving time to control vehicle exhaust fumes
5 Drink as much water as possible
6 Do not allow children to remain in parked car
7 Wear protective masks when outside
8 Stop burning rubbish outside
9 Close door and windows
10 Take medication for asthma or a cough
B Now find a website that deals with the topic ‘health hazards caused by haze in Asia’.
URL___________________________
C Complete the table by writing in your own characteristics for haze.
1 Definition
2 Location
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
C Now write a paragraph describing haze.
Chapter 14 - Malaria
Introduction:
The deadliest form of malaria is up to twice as widespread as is generally thought and causes more than half a billion infections every year. What do you know about malaria? Design a table and fill in the missing information.
1 Scientific name
2 Definition
3 Annual # of deaths
4 Caused by
5 Cure
6 Location
7 Description of UN’s roll back malaria program
8 Effects
9 URL for WHO
10 URL for site about malaria
B Now write a paragraph describing malaria.
Chapter 15 - Wow! - Kites
Introduction:
Kites are a very traditional form of entertainment in Malaysia. Do you have one? Are they only for children? What do you know about them?
1 Definition for kite
2 Name in Bahasa Malaysian
3 Meaning of name
4 Stories connected to kites
5 Uses by farmers
A
B
6 Date of annual wau festival in Kelantan
7 Made from
8 Dimensions
A Height
B Length
C Width
9 Cost
10 History in Malaysia
B Now write a paragraph describing Malaysian kites.
Chapter 16 - Our Disappearing Fauna
Introduction:
Many living organisms in Malaysia are facing extinction today. Search the Internet to see if you can find information about the following species. Then make notes about what you can help do to save these endangered species.
1 Estimated # of tigers in Malaysia in 2005
2 Estimated # of leatherback turtles on Terengganu’s beaches
3 # of Sumatran rhinos left in Sabah
4 Definition of critically endangered species
5 Definition of endangered animals
6 Definition of vulnerable animals
7 2 main threats to animals
8 Reasons people want to buy items made from endangered animals
9 Animals in danger in Malaysia
10 What can you do to help save these species?
11 URLs
A
B
12 In-depth notes about 1 endangered species
B Now write a short paragraph about endangered species in Malaysia.
Chapter 17 - Science Across the World
Introduction:
www.scienceacross.org is a website that aims to link up students and teachers across the world. There are many interesting projects that can be carried out by downloading instructions from the site. You must register to use the site. Go to http://www.scienceacross.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.showhomepage to find interesting projects for science.
Chapter 18 - Natural Born Killers
Introduction:
Many pests in Malaysia were introduced from other countries. Complete the table with information about some of them.
Topics for Boxes in Table:
1 Species
2 Country of Origin
3 Controls
4 Notes
1 Crows
2 Indian black cobra
3 Aspergillus fungus
4 Paratheresia clariplapis fly
5 Liothrips mikaniae bug
6 Scolid wasp
7 Sameodes albiguttalis moth
URLs
1
2
3
B Now use your notes to write a paragraph about natural born killers, including information about the dangers of importing species into other countries.
Chapter 19 - Coral Reefs
Introduction:
There are many coral reefs found around the coast of Malaysia. Go to http://www.motherjones.com/news/special_reports/coral_reef/science.html, http://worldwildlife.org/coral/ and www.seaworld.org and read the information on the screen in order to complete the table. You may need to go to other websites to obtain more information. Then write a paragraph describing them.
1 Definition
2 Location
3 Function
4 Uses in medicine
5 Composition
6 Phylum
7 Class
8 Sub-class
9 Date of development of earliest reefs
10 Habitat
11 Ocean temperature
12 Uses of waves on coral
13 Types of reef
14 Diet
15 Waste excretion
16 Reef ecosystem
17 Causes of death
18 Reefs and tourism
19 Effects of global warming
20 Location of reefs in Malaysia
B Now use your notes to write a paragraph about coral reefs.
Chapter 20 - Tioman Island
Introduction:
Tioman is one of the most beautiful islands belonging to Malaysia. What do you know about it? Search the Internet to find answers to the following questions. Then write a paragraph based on your notes.
1 Definition
2 Location
3 Activities for tourists
4 Movies shot on island
5 Climate
6 Natural life
7 Size
8 Vegetation
9 How to get to Tioman
10 Museum
B Now use your notes to write a description of Tioman Island.
Chapter 21 - Malaysia – Adventures in Wonderland
Introduction:
Malaysia is a very diverse country, with many different ethnic groups, languages, food, and cultures. Many tourists come here to visit its wonders. You are a member of a tourism board trying to encourage tourists to visit Malaysia. Make up a tourism brochure about the country in order to attract tourists to come here. You can also design a poster to attract tourists to fly Malaysian Airlines.
Topics for Boxes:
1 Activity
2 Location
3 Equipment Needed
4 Notes
1 Mountain climbing
2 Jungle trekking
3 Bird watching
4 Cave exploring
5 White- water rafting
6 Off-road driving
7 Angling
8 Scuba diving
9
10
B Now make notes about Malaysia. Choose the topics you are going to make notes about.
C Paragraph
Chapter 22 - My Own Research Topic
Introduction:
Now choose a topic that you are interested in and search for information about it on the Internet. Make up your own table showing your notes, and then write a paragraph about your topic.
1 Topic
2 Definition
3 URL
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
B Your Paragraph
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