Questions for discussion

Episode 32 th 6 November 2012

Super Storm 1. Before watching the story discuss what you think the Super Storm story will be about? 2. The east coast of the US has recently just experienced what type of natural disaster? 3. What is the name of the super storm? a. Hurricane Bindy b. Hurricane Sandy c. Hurricane Cindy 4. What major event had to be put on hold because of the hurricane? 5. What did Barack Obama do once the storm passed to help his presidency campaign? 6. Who was president when Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of the US? 7. Why was he criticised? 8. What did candidate Mitt Romney ask organisers to do at the ‘Storm Relief Benefit’? 9. Both presidential candidates in America might have tried to turn a disaster into _______. 10. How do you think natural disasters might help politicians with their political careers? Do you think it is right? What do you think are the most effective ways of helping people who have been affected by a natural disaster?

Asian Century 1. Discuss the main points raised in the story with another student. 2. In years to come it’ll be _________ countries rather than America or Europe that the world looks to for business, politics and culture. 3. How is life changing for people that live in Asian countries? 4. Many say we’re at the start of the... a. Asian Year b. Asian Power c. Asian Century 5. What is meant by the term Asian Century? 6. What would Aussie politicians like all school kids to learn in school? 7. What are the four Asian languages that the government is focusing on? 8. What are some of the difficulties that schools may face in getting school kids to learn an Asian language? 9. Do you think it is important for school kids to learn an Asian language at school? Explain your answer. 10. How has Asia influenced your life? As a class discuss connections between Australia and Asia. Find out how to say hello in 10 different Asian languages. Create posters highlighting each word (and the name of the language) and display around the classroom.

Homework Debate 1. 2.

Retell the story in your own words. What has a recent report about homework highlighted?

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3.

The BtN story talks about Ms Atsalas being a homework fan. Why does Ms Atsalas think homework is good for kids? 4. In the BtN story Marc Wedding says “when you’re in Primary School you need time to be a kid”. List some of the activities you could do if you didn’t have to do homework. 5. Complete this sentence. What we’re saying in this book is that less ___________ is better and that the quality of the homework needs to be ___________. 6. What are some of the pros and cons of doing homework? 7. The BtN Homework Debate story is an example of a a. Narrative b. Report c. Recount 8. How much homework do you do each night? What would happen if you didn’t do any homework? 9. How did this story make you feel? 10. Post a message on the BtN Guestbook. “Should kids have to do homework in primary school?” Vote in the BtN online poll http://www.abc.net.au/btn/

Organ Farming 1. 2.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Summarise the scientific breakthrough described in the Organ Farming story. What condition does Luke have: a. Spina Bifida b. Cystis Fibrosis c. Down Syndrome Which part of Luke’s body has been damaged by his condition? Doctors grew Luke a new bladder. True or false? How long did it take for doctors to grow a new bladder for Luke? What other body parts can doctors grow? What are the structures made from? What impact do you think this discovery will have? What do you think about this new discovery? Illustrate an aspect of the Organ Farming story.

Test your knowledge in the Organ Farming BtN quiz. Go to the BtN website and follow the links.

Robot Boy 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Discuss the Robot Boy story with another student. Report back to the class with the main points. What are robotic puppets called? Who developed the technique in the 1960s? How did Marshall get into creating robots? Describe the robots he makes. The robots are cheap to make. True or false? How does Marshall share his robots with other people? What sort of robot is he aiming to make one day? What is Marshall’s `dream job’? What was surprising about this story?

Post a message on the Behind the News Guestbook http://www.abc.net.au/btn/

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Episode 32 th 6 November 2012

Activity

Asian Century Key Learning Students will explore the connections (economically, socially, technologically and culturally) between Australia and Asia.

The Australian Curriculum > Cross-curriculum priorities > Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia Organising ideas Asia-Australia engagement Collaboration and engagement with the peoples of Asia support effective regional and global citizenship.

Cross-curriculum priorities Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia

General capabilities

Australia is part of the Asia region and our histories from ancient times to the present are linked.

Literacy

Australians play a significant role in social, cultural, political and economic developments in the Asia region.

Personal and social capability

Australians of Asian heritage have influenced Australia’s history and continue to influence its dynamic culture and society.

Intercultural understanding

Critical and creative thinking

Link Cross-curriculum priorities

Focus Questions 1. Discuss the main points raised in the story with another student. 2. In years to come it’ll be _________ countries rather than America or Europe that the world looks to for business, politics and culture. 3. How is life changing for people that live in Asian countries? 4. Many say we’re at the start of the... a. Asian Year b. Asian Power c. Asian Century 5. What is meant by the term Asian Century? 6. What would Aussie politicians like all school kids to learn in school? 7. What are the four Asian languages that the government is focusing on? 8. What are some of the difficulties that schools may face in getting school kids to learn an Asian language? 9. Do you think it is important for school kids to learn an Asian language at school? Explain your answer. 10. How has Asia influenced your life? As a class discuss connections between Australia and Asia.

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Activity How connected are you to Asia? Watch the BtN Asian Century story and facilitate a group discussion. Ask students to identify and categorise connections with Asia from everyday life (e.g. items that are created in Asia, food, ideas, practices, technology) and recognise the range and diversity of connections with Asia. Here are some discussion starters: Do you eat Asian food? List some types of Asian food you like to eat. What sorts of products are made in Asia? How does Asian culture (music, dance, movies) influence your life? What sorts of Asian celebrations are held in Australia? Why are they important? What are some of the similarities and differences between Asia and Australia? Defining Asia Using your classroom interactive whiteboard, make an enlarged version of a map of Asia* (map available at the end of this activity) and trace onto butcher paper. Cut the map up into three sub-regions as per the following: North-East Asia (including China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea and Taiwan) South-East Asia (including Indonesia, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, East Timor, the Philippines and Cambodia) South Asia (including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives) *The above sub-regions of Asia are defined in the Australian Curriculum, for further information please visit their website: http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/CrossCurriculumPriorities/Asia-and-Australiasengagement-with-Asia Divide the class into three groups, and assign one region to each group. Ask each group to explore the geography of the region (including boundaries, rivers, mountains, flora/fauna, capital cities and national flags) and then present their findings pictorially on the map. Once complete, join the three regions together and hang in the classroom. Refer to these pictorial maps for inspiration http://mapcollection.wordpress.com/tag/pictorial/. Create a profile Ask students to create a profile on one of the four Asian countries (China, India, Indonesia or Japan) highlighted in the Australian Government’s Asian Century White Paper. Students will need to consider the following with an emphasis on Australia’s engagement with Asia: Geographical and physical features Science and technology The people (ethnic groups) Arts and culture (movies, dance, music, festivals) Economy Education Government/politics Food Further investigation What other connections can you make between this Asian country and Australia? What would happen if we did not have these connections? Why do you think this country was included in the White Paper?

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Negotiate ways students can publish their profile (webpage, artwork, brochure, oral presentation). Students will need to consider how they communicate their story to enhance audience engagement and understanding.

Further Investigation Create your own Manga style comic strip. Students will create a six panel comic with six key scenes from a book they have read. They will need to think about the characters and events they are trying to portray in a few key scenes. The following website has an online tool to help students create their comic http://www.pixton.com/uk/

 Related Research Links Lateline – PM’s plan for every child to learn an Asian language http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2012/s3621224.htm ABC News – Government maps plan for Asian Century success http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-29/government-maps-plan-for-asian-century-success/4340188 Asia Education Foundation – Australia in the Asian Century http://www.asiaeducation.edu.au/policy_and_research/australia_in_the_asian_century_landing_page.html Behind the News – Asian Languages http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s2931033.htm Behind the News – China Connection http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s2905940.htm BBC News – Country Profiles http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profiles/default.stm

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Activity – Map of Asia

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Activity

Episode 32 th 6 November 2012

Robot Boy Key Learning Students will investigate what robots are, how they work and the impact they have on people’s lives.

The Australian Curriculum > Science / Science as a Human Endeavour / Use and Influence of Science Content description Scientific understandings, discoveries and inventions are used to solve problems that directly affect peoples’ lives. Code ACSHE083 ACSHE100

General capabilities Information and communication technology capability Critical and creative thinking

Focus Questions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Discuss the Robot Boy story with another student. Report back to the class with the main points. What are robotic puppets called? Who developed the technique in the 1960s? How did Marshall get into creating robots? Describe the robots he makes. The robots are cheap to make. True or false? How does Marshall share his robots with other people? What sort of robot is he aiming to make one day? What is Marshall’s `dream job’? What was surprising about this story?

Activity Remember and understand What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a robot? What do they look like? What are they used for? Create a `Did you know?’ about robots or an illustrated glossary of technical `robot’ words. Give ten examples of things robots can do and illustrate one.

Apply and analyse Research the following about robots: What are the components? How do they work? How are they constructed? Present your research to the class using the online poster maker Glogster http://www.glogster.com/

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Find out more about NASA's robotic spacecraft, Curiosity, that is exploring the surface of Mars. Briefly describe what Curiosity’s mission is then find out more about the components. Go to http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/multimedia/interactives/learncuriosity/index-2.html and choose 3 components and describe their function and how the information collected helps scientists. Respond to the following question: Will robots rule the world? Present your response to the class or students in other classes.

Evaluate and create Marshall’s robots can be seen on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeJYsTXTVjEmnG2UP5P_eMA Choose one of the following videos: Robotic arm Tyrannosaurus Rex Dalek Werewolf head White rabbit Describe the process of making the robot and the finished product. What are the potential uses for the robot? What did the video teach you about robotics that you didn’t already know? Investigate how robots can help particular groups in society, for example, disabled people. Present your information using publishing software or Prezi http://prezi.com/ How do robots impact on our lives? What do you think the future of robots is? Using Lego Mindstorms NXT design and build a robot that performs a specific task, for example, ties a shoelace. The following website has more information about the resource http://education.lego.com/en-us/preschool-and-school/upper-primary/8plus-mindstorms-education/

 Related Research Links ABC Walking with Beasts – Animatronics http://www.abc.net.au/beasts/makingof/anim.htm NASA – What is Robotics? http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/robotics/home/what_is_robotics_k4.html Discovery Channel – What is animatronics? http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/what-is-animatronics Galileo Education Network – Robotics http://www.galileo.org/robotics/index.html YouTube – Marshall Tearle’s robots http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeJYsTXTVjEmnG2UP5P_eMA

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BtN: Episode 32 Transcript 6/11/12 On this week's Behind the News The PM says Asia will play a big part in our future so she plans to make changes to what we learn in schools. Should primary school kids get homework? We look at the debate. And we go inside a science lab where they've worked out how to grow human organs. Hi I'm Nathan Bazley, welcome to Behind the News. Also on the show today, Tash goes along to meet a young guy who makes amazing life-like robots. But first: The biggest story this week has been over in the U.S. where a superstorm has bashed parts of the east coast. Cities like New York have been devastated and the clean-up will be lengthy and expensive. Sophia takes us through the main developments in the Wire.

The Wire The Caribbean and the US have been hit by one of the biggest storms in recent history. The 2000km wide Hurricane Sandy killed more than 180 people. Most died in America where massive cities like New York and New Jersey took the brunt of the winds. Much of New York lost power for days and flooding stopped public transport systems and forced businesses to close. Even Wall St was forced to stop trading for two days as the storm passed through. In New Jersey the coastline took most of the damage. Many houses were destroyed over a big area leaving thousands homeless. Even a theme park was ruined. And in other areas a whole neighbourhood was burnt to the ground after a gas leak caught on fire. Now the cleanup is well underway although it could be a long road ahead for some of the worst affected. Rough estimates put the damage bill at around 20 billion dollars in the US alone. But there have been many inspiring stories of support through the sadness. Neighbours are helping each other with cleaning and repairs and others are helping out in smaller ways too. GIRL: "Me and my dad thought since we had power the whole time during the hurricane, why don't we help other people who don't have power charge their electronics" "A place to charge our phones just so we can let other people know that we are ok and we are going to get through this."

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But it will take a lot of support for these communities to truly get back on their feet once again.

Super Storm Reporter: Nathan Bazley INTRO: And we'll keep an eye on that recovery effort over the next few weeks. In the midst of that storm there was also a presidential election to be won. And how leaders react in times of disaster can sometimes make or break a political career. With an election so close, both candidates were trying to turn it to their advantage while at the same time appearing to be sensitive to those who were suffering. Let's take a look at how they got on. NATHAN BAZLEY, REPORTER: It was a once in a lifetime storm. A hurricane so big, it managed to bring the city that doesn't sleep to a standstill. But that wasn't the only thing Hurricane Sandy brought to a halt. In the last week of the American election, both candidates swore to stop their campaigning, while the recovery got underway. OBAMA: The election will take care of itself next week, right now, our number one priority is to make sure that we are saving lives. ROMNEY: This looks like another time when we need to come together. But with the presidency still on the line, the campaigning didn't really stop, it just changed. Here's how. For President Barack Obama, making sure the disaster was handled well would be vital to his chances at re-election. Many years before this storm in 2005, Obama's predecessor, President Bush, had to deal with a similar event. Hurricane Katrina brought with it far more damage and killed many more people. President Bush was soon criticised for not doing enough to help the people affected. So Obama's done everything he can to help in the recovery effort. He's toured the areas worst hit and promised lots of help. OBAMA: My message to the governors, as well as to the mayors is 'Anything you need, we'll be there.' The guy with Obama here is one of Mitt Romney's biggest supporters. Before this storm, he often said things like this about Obama. CHRIS CHRISTIE: He's like a man wandering around a dark room, hands up against the wall, clutching for the light-switch of leadership and he can't find it! Now he's changed his tune.

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CHRIS CHRISTIE: I have to give the president great credit, he's been on the phone to me three times in the last 24hrs, he's been very attentive. Anything I've asked for, he's gotten to me so I thank the president publicly for that. If he feels differently about the president now, maybe lots of voters will too. Meanwhile, Mitt Romney's camp has tried to get into the helping spirit as well. After promising not to campaign, they decided to run a 'Storm Relief Benefit' where Romney helped to take donations and lift lots of water. But as for touring the area like Obama? Maybe not. FOX REPORTER: Is there any chance Romney might tour some of the damage with you? CHRIS CHRISTIE: I have no idea nor am I the least bit concerned or interested. I've got a job to do here in New Jersey, that's much bigger than presidential politics. I couldn't care less about that stuff. Both candidates know that disasters can dramatically change the way people see their leaders. For proof, you only have to look to Queensland. The Queensland floods were one of the biggest disasters to hit Australia in recent history. But in the midst of all the pain, the former Premier Anna Bligh, stood up and gave a speech that inspired the state. ANNA BLIGH: We are Queenslanders. We're the people they breed tough north of the border. We're the ones they knock down, but get back up again. And in the months after the disaster, her approval ratings skyrocketed. It's this effect that Obama and Romney want on their side in the final hours of their campaign.

Asia Century Reporter: Sarah Larsen INTRO: Last week there was a lot of talk about something called the Asian Century and if that's not a term you've heard before it's probably one you will hear again. The idea is that in the years to come, it'll be Asian countries rather than America or Europe that we look to for business, politics and culture. But where will Australia fit in the Asian Century? And what has it got to do with you? Sarah found out. Kids saying hello in different languages. There are a lot of ways to greet the people we meet in the world. But to greet the future some reckon there are words Aussie kids need to know. Selmat pagi konichi wa Ni Hao

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Namaste Last week Aussie politicians were visiting schools and talking about languages. They reckon that every Aussie kid should be doing what these guys are; learning an Asian language. The group of countries we know as Asia are home to more than half of the people on the planet. And for those people life is changing fast. People in areas that used to be poor are starting to earn good incomes. They're spending more money and the economies of some massive countries are booming. Its change on a scale that the world's never seen before and it could have a big effect on other countries, including Australia. Change itself is nothing new. If you look back more than 100 years Britain was one of the biggest powers in the world with big ships and a big empire. Then came the American Century. For about 100 years the USA was the most powerful country in the world. It had the biggest economy and the world paid attention to American politics. American culture also had a massive effect including on Australian from the music we listened to the movies that we watched and the clothes that we wore. But now many say we're at the start of the Asian Century. REPORTER: Is it possible that in the future kids will ditch the Hollywood blockbuster to catch the latest anime or a Bollywood romance? Maybe. We'll almost certainly pay more attention to Asian politics and we'll do a lot more business with people in Asia. Last week the Australian government released a big report on how Australia can make the most of the Asian Century. It says it's already in a pretty good position. On the map it's close to Asia which makes trade a lot easier. And for a while now Aussie governments have been working on building closer friendships with their Asian neighbours. But while Mandarin speaking ex-prime ministers are all well and good the government reckons what Australia really needs is for kids to grow up with a better understanding of Asia. It wants every Aussie kid to learn an Asian language, particularly Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese or Hindi which is the national language of India. And it wants school kids to learn about Asian cultures. Of course, no-one’s actually said how the government's going to pay for all this learning. There are questions about where schools are going to find enough language teachers and how they're going to encourage kids to keep learning. To some it just seems like a lot of talk. But others reckon it's an important start. They reckon if Aussie kids grow up with a better understanding of the cultures that share this part of the world future generations will be thanking them Arigato

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Xie Xie Terima kasih Shukriyaa

Quiz 1 Let's have a quiz. The question is: Which of these countries is in Asia? Mongolia Albania Moldova Answer: Mongolia Albania and Moldova are in Eastern Europe.

Homework Debate Reporter: Natasha Thiele INTRO: Now there have been questions about whether primary school kids should be given homework. Some researchers say there's no proof it helps kids to get better grades when they're older. Now before you start celebrating, it's important to know that not everyone agrees with this view and many teachers and parents still think it can be vital. So who's right? Sarah has a look at the debate. SARAH LARSEN: It's four o'clock. You're home from school. You've had a snack and walked the dog and then it starts; homework. KID: Tonight I'm doing some stuff about clouds so just looking at the clouds and seeing what sort of clouds they are and predicting the weather. While it might not be your favourite pastime, lots of people think it's an important way to teach you about the world. VICKI ATSALAS: Don't forget that whatever you don't get done in class you'll have to do for homework. Ms Atsalas is a homework fan. And no, she's not mean. She just thinks it can really help kids - reinforcing the stuff they learn at school and building extra knowledge and skills.

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VICKI ATSALAS: I also know that in the beginning a lot of my students don't agree with that but with the skills that they develop even they can see the benefits. KID 1: Think homework is beneficial. I don't enjoy it but I think it is helpful to get life skills that you use later in life. KID 2: You learn life skills as in like juggling work with your commitments. KID 3: I think it will help me when I'm at a job and at high school I think it will help me when I'm studying for a test. These guys say regular homework has helped them work efficiently and get organised; the sorts of skills they'll need later in life. VICKI ATSALAS: When they get older there are going to be more responsibilities put on them and they'll be able to manage them much better having acquired these skills beforehand. But how much homework is too much homework? And does it actually help kids to get better marks? They're the sorts of questions Professor Richard Walker was trying to answer in a book he helped to write about Homework. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR RICHARD WALKER, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY: Generally speaking what we're saying in this book is that less homework is better and that the quality of homework has to be improved. He says for primary school kids, homework won't necessarily lead to better marks. Some schools like this one choose to give none at all. MARC WEDDING: We don't feel like there’s any significant gain to be made in student’s education when it comes to homework. Marc Wedding says when you're in Primary School you need to time to be a kid without stressing about homework. KID 1: Reading books, going outside playing sport being active in bike riding or various other sporting activities they will have more impact in their lives rather than doing repetitive tasks. KID 2: I like to play with my dog, feed my birds and then read some books that I got from the library. KID 3: Considering you go to school for six hours you don't need to do any homework afterwards. If you do have to spend some of your evenings like this experts say it's not necessarily a bad thing.

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While it might not guarantee you straight A’s, they say it can teach you to manage your own learning and organise your time. As long as it's quality homework; stuff that's interesting and stuff you can work on with your parents. When you're in primary school afternoons are precious but so is your education. So where do you stand on the homework debate?

Online Poll OK let's make that our poll this week. The question is: Should kids have to do homework in primary school? To vote just head to our website. Last week we asked you if swimming lessons should be compulsory in schools. 82 per cent said yes and 18 per cent said no. Thanks for voting.

Organ Farming Reporter: Nathan Bazley INTRO: Everyone knows that if you damage some parts of your body they might never heal. Some internal organs are like that and of course if you lose a finger or an ear it won't grow back. But amazingly scientists have come up with a solution. They've worked out how to grow some replacement organs and body parts. Let's take a look. NATHAN BAZLEY, REPORTER: You can get replacement parts for a car. You can get replacement parts for a house. But one thing you can't buy is a replacement part for your body. Well, you couldn't, until now. Luke has a condition called spina bifida and it has damaged his bladder an organ inside his body. Up until now, there was no way to really fix that, so his doctors did something amazing. LUKE MASELLA: They take a piece of your bladder out. They grow it in a lab for two months into a new bladder that's your own. And they put it back in. Yes, you heard correctly they grew him a new one. This is one of the labs where all the magic happens. Here you can see body parts, like ears, heart valves and arteries, all being grown in dishes. But don't be fooled into thinking they're just plastic moulds. These structures are being made from real human cells from the person who actually needs them. And here's how

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they do it. Cells were taken from Luke's damaged bladder, then more were grown in this nutrient solution. From there they created a 3D mould of the bladder they wanted and injected the pink cell solution all over it. Finally, chuck it all in a fancy oven and hey presto, you have a new bladder! That's not the only successful replacement part this team has grown either. They've made replacement tubes for the body by baking them flat, then stitching them together. And they've even taken it a step further with the help of a printer! Why make body parts by hand, when you can modify a printer to inject cells instead of ink! These days, the machines are a bit more specialised than regular office printers. They've even managed to develop automatic machines which can scan how bad a wound is and apply cells to fix it. Just take a moment to think about it. The potential for this work is mind blowing! Growing organs can not only save lives, but it can also help sick people to feel better again too. The organs won't be rejected by the body, because they're made specifically for each patient and they can be made to order, so patients wouldn't need to rely on organ donors anymore. But before you sign up for an extreme sport thinking this technology will make you near invincible, just remember organ farming is still fairly limited. Most internal organs are still too complex to create just yet. But they are getting close to growing a bit of a new kidney and liver. And ears are coming along pretty well too. They're even working on fingers, in case you lose one of yours. But that's going to take more time again to come to grips with. So there is a glimpse into a pretty amazing world, where one day, we might not have to worry about a dodgy part in our bodies. Just like your car, spare parts might one day be as simple as a quick visit to the hospital for a replacement!

Quiz 2 OK, how much do you know about organs? Let's have a quiz. The question is: Which is the largest organ of the human body? Skin Liver Brain

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Answer: Skin Presenter: Yep the skin is actually an organ and weighs nearly twice as much as the brain or liver. OK let's get the sports news now. Here's Sophia with the Score.

The Score Kimi Raikkonen has won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It was a wild and incident packed race. Aussie Mark Webber was caught up in the chaos and wasn't able to finish. Raikkonen ended up winning easily ahead of Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel. ***** And in Basketball and the Adelaide 36ers have beaten the Sydney Kings. Both teams took turns to build up big leads in the game but in the final minutes Adelaide proved to be too strong. Big man Luke Schenscher starred for the 36ers.

Robot Boy Reporter: Natasha Thiele INTRO: Have you ever wondered how movie makers create life-like characters for their films? They often use something called 'animatronics' which involves making robots. Tash caught up with an Aussie school boy who makes some pretty impressive robots of his own. NATASHA THIELE, REPORTER: From dinosaurs, to reindeer and aliens. These characters might look and move as if they're alive. That's because they're robotic puppets called 'animatronics'. Animatronics are designed to create the illusion that they're real. It's a technique that was developed in the 1960s by Walt Disney. This is Marshall and these are some of his animatronics! He's been building robots for about seven years. REPORTER: So Marshall, how did you get into creating robots? MARSHALL: When I was younger I was interested in watching films like Star Wars and things like that and I actually asked my Dad if it would be difficult to make a 3CPO and he basically from here he taught me basic things like soldering and basic electronics and that sort of thing and it just developed from there. He has around 10 different robots including a werewolf, a talking rabbit, a full-size Dalek and this scary-looking head. MARSHALL: This is the first I made out of the four here. It's an animatronic head, which means it's replicating real life so it's designed to actually look like a person and on the inside we've got all sorts of mechanisms and motors that make different features move so the mouth for example, the eyelids, the eyes and the neck.

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Marshall also designed and made this robot for a school project. It can make a number of facial expressions and it can even talk, by moving its mouth in sync with sounds. REPORTER: Hi, it's Tash here. Okay so this might not actually be me, but how cool is it that I'm able to make it look like I've turned into a talking robot? Pretty cool huh? The kinds of things he uses to make robots like this can come from all sorts of places. MARSHALL: The top jaw was actually a cast of my teeth from the dentist and the bottom jaw was sculpted to suit it. And for creating this robot he won a competition to compete at a robotic event in Malaysia. From sketching an idea to the finished product, a robot can take several months to complete. REPORTER: How difficult are they to make? MARSHALL: Basically the more features it has, the more harder it is because if you have more movement that means more motors that and more mechanisms that you need to fit in. But making robots isn't a cheap hobby. It costs hundreds of dollars to make just one of these creations. And despite the cost, Marshall wants to share his ideas and creations with the world. He's set up his own YouTube channel and his videos have already had more than one million views! Marshall wants to one day make a full-size humanoid robot. He also hopes his talents take him all the way to Hollywood! MARSHALL: Ideally animatronics would be good, I've also thought about different sorts of engineering so more robotics and things like that, but animatronics is more for film, television and theatre and I would like to get into that. It's a dream job that might not be too far away!

Closer That's it for the show. You can jump onto our website if you want to get more info on any of the stories. You can send us your comments and don't forget to vote in this week's poll. I'll see you next time.

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