Table of contents for Issue 348 - August 2024 in MiniMag

In this issue, we’re diving into stories of courage, grit and creativity. Our heroes this month show us how to tackle obstacles with bravery and innovative thinking. Meet Harold and the Purple Crayon. Armed with nothing but his trusty crayon, Harold teaches us the power of imagination and resilience. When Harold encounters problems, he doesn’t give up; he draws his way out, finding creative solutions to whatever stands in his path. Just like Harold, from Big Trip 3 is another hero who shows us what it means to face challenges head-on. Mic Mic’s adventures remind us that when we fall, it’s not about the fall itself but how we get up, dust ourselves off and move forward with dignity. Inspector Sun encounters mysteries and problems that seem unsolvable, but with…

STEP 1: Choose your paper Select a square piece of paper. You can use traditional origami paper, but any square piece will do. For a realistic touch, try brown or white paper to mimic real bear fur! STEP 2 AND 3: Make the base folds Start with your paper coloured side down. Fold each half as shown in the diagram. STEP 3: Form the bear’s body Turn your paper over and fold the edges into the center again. Now follow the steps carefully as shown in the diagrams 3 to 8. STEP 9 TO 11: Create the head Fold the top corner down to form the bear’s head. Don’t forget to give your bear a friendly face with a marker or pen. STEP 12 TO 14: Tail and paws Make…

The Olympic Games are a grand spectacle of athletic excellence, but have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes? What is it like to become part of an Olympic team? Let’s take a closer look at the incredible journey athletes undergo to compete at the Olympics, from preparation and training to their experiences during the Games. Becoming an Olympic athlete Becoming an Olympic athlete is no easy feat. It often starts at a young age with intense training and participation in various competitions. Athletes must meet specific qualifying standards and perform well in national and international events to earn a spot on their country’s Olympic team. Once qualified, athletes become part of their national team. They receive support from coaches, sports psychologists, nutritionists and medical staff. The goal…

Imagine waking up in a place where the ground is covered in ice, the air is crisp and cold and the sun doesn’t set for months. Welcome to Antarctica, the most remote and extreme continent on Earth, where brave scientists from around the world come to study its mysteries. Living in Antarctica is an adventure unlike any other. Scientists stay in research stations, which are like small, self-sufficient villages. These stations are equipped with everything they need to survive and conduct research, including living quarters, laboratories and even recreational areas. But life here isn’t easy. The temperatures can drop below -50°C (-58°F), and the wind can blow fiercely, making it feel even colder. Special clothing is essential to stay warm and safe. LIVING IN THE EXTREME Studying the icy world Scientists in…

Did you know that smiling can trick your brain into feeling happy? Even if you’re not feeling great, putting on a smile can lift your spirits and spread positivity to those around you! A celebration of joy! Do something kind Acts of kindness can bring happiness to others and to yourself. Your kindness can make a big difference. Spend time with loved ones Being around friends and family can boost your happiness. Plan fun activities, have a movie night or just enjoy a meal together. Pursue your hobbies Doing things you love can bring a lot of joy. Whether it’s painting, playing a sport or reading a book, make time for your favourite activities. Smile more Smiling, even when you don’t feel like it, can actually make you feel happier.…

The whole gang gathers at the Bear family house, waiting for the Stork to bring them a baby. They are in for a big surprise, because the Stork brings them a llama in place of a bear cub. The Bear and his friends set out on a voyage to give the baby llama to his parents. After all, they are sure that there was a simple mix-up and the llamas have the bear cub. Unfortunately, the llamas have someone else … a baby kangaroo! The Bear and his friends, Hare, Wolf, Pelican and Panda, set out on their biggest trip yet, searching all the continents for the missing baby bear. Amazing adventures await in the Mexican pyramids and Australian prairies, in the foothills of the African Kilimanjaro and in the…

Have you ever dreamed of being a brilliant strategist, a clever thinker or a master planner? Well, guess what? You can be all of these and more by learning to play chess! Take a journey through the fascinating world of chess, a game that’s been thrilling people for centuries and is more popular today than ever before. Ready? Let’s go! The thrill of the game Chess is not just any game; it’s an exciting battlefield where you get to be the commander. Each piece on the chessboard has its own unique power and moves. Your mission? To outsmart your opponent and capture their king while protecting your own. Every game is a new adventure filled with endless possibilities and surprises. Imagine the thrill of making a brilliant move that turns…

When the fire truck burns down It’s ironic when a fire truck, a vehicle that is supposed to fight fires, catches on fire itself. When a lifeguard drowns A lifeguard, whose job is to save people from drowning, drowns. When someone creates an anti-technology website When a psychic cancels a show because of unforeseen circumstances When the dentist has cavities A dentist, who helps people take care of their teeth, has a lot of cavities. When you fall asleep reading a book on how to battle insomnia Having fun with language! WHAT IS IRONY? Irony is when something happens that is the opposite of what you would expect. It’s like a funny or surprising twist in a story or situation. Imagine if a cake decorator couldn’t bake a cake, or…

Polar Bear Polar bears are the largest land carnivores and are well adapted to life in the Arctic. Their thick fur and a layer of blubber keep them warm in freezing temperatures. Polar bears primarily hunt seals and are excellent swimmers, capable of swimming for kilometres in search of food. They have black skin under their white fur, which helps them absorb heat from the sun. American Black Bear American black bears are the most common bear species in North America. They can be found in forests, swamps and mountains. Despite their name, they can have various colours, including black, brown and even white. Black bears are excellent climbers and often escape danger by climbing trees. They are omnivores, eating a mix of plants, fruits and small animals. Asian Black…

Can you find the hidden toys? Did you know that the way you take care of your toys can make a big difference in protecting our planet? It’s true! Every time you look after your toys and make sure they’re not broken or thrown away, you’re helping to keep our Earth clean and happy. International Youth Day is a special day celebrated worldwide to recognise the contributions and potential of young people in creating positive change. It’s a day to highlight how kids and teens can make a real difference through their thoughtful actions, like taking care of their toys and finding new homes for them instead of discarding them. These small, considered actions may seem simple, but they showcase the power of youth in building a sustainable future and…

A floating university The SA Agulhas II is dedicated to the science of the sea, called oceanography. As one of the best research ships in the world, it towers 15 storeys tall and stretches longer than a rugby field. It has enough space for 80 scientists to take a comfortable journey, with laboratories and equipment to help them analyse everything they collect. The SA Agulhas II is an ice-breaker, so it is able to go on expeditions to Antarctica, besides its frequent journeys to the Prince Edward Islands. Testing the waters Scientists can tell a lot from the ocean. They study the physics, chemistry and biology of the Southern Ocean by observing things like ocean currents, populations of microscopic plants and the interaction between the atmosphere and the ocean. Their…

Wild Crossword DOWN: 1. The loud sound made by a lion. 3. The grassy plain where lions often live. 4. Another term for a cat-like animal. 5. The long hair around a lion’s neck. 6. A black variant of leopards or jaguars. 8. The largest cat species, known for its striped fur. 9. This big cat is native to the Americas and has a powerful bite. 11. A young lion. ACROSS: 2. The sharp nails on a lion’s paws. 6. A group of lions. 7. A medium-sized wildcat with tufted ears. 10. King of the jungle. 11. The fastest land animal. 12. Also known as a mountain lion or puma. 13. A big cat with a golden, spotted coat. Find the answers on page 35. Did you know? • Lions…