-NiE , 26 June 2019
ELEMENTARY Staying safe
Water danger WET places such as beaches and riversides are great for fun and relaxation, but there can also be potential dangers. If you venture out too deep into the water, the current may become too strong for you, and you could drown. Not only that, there could be creatures in the sea like jellyfish that are poisonous. We need to take extra precaution when we go for water outings.
NiE Activity 1
PETALING JAYA: The spell of hot, dry weather may soon turn into a stinging season in Sabah if beachgoers are not careful. University Malaysia Sabah Assoc Prof Dr B.A. Venmathi Maran said the Sabah sea is likely to be infested with box jellyfish from March to June. “Beachgoers and swimmers should be careful when they are out at sea. They should know the danger of this type of jellyfish,” he added. He pointed out that because the box jellyfish is transparent, there is a higher chance of people being stung because they fail to spot the creature. The box jellyfish can kill a human within minutes, depending on the number of tentacles that come into contact with the victim’s body and for how long. There have been cases of victims dying within less than five minutes. There are at present two known types of box jellyfish found in Sabah — Chironex yamaguchii and Chironex indrasaksajiae. Both are deadly. (Feb 27, 2019)
A. Read the excerpt. As you read, bear these points in mind: What the issue is about; Who will be affected; Where and when the issue will take place; Why the general public needs to take the issue seriously; and How the general public may protect themselves against it. Then, pair up with a friend and take turns to give a verbal summary of what you have just read. You are not allowed to refer to the excerpt while giving the summary. When both of you have done the activity, read the excerpt again and circle the points you missed out.
B. In groups of four, study the infographic below. Then, carry out the activities.
1. Without referring to the dictionary, write down your interpretation of the meaning of these words. When you are done, share your answers as a class. How many meanings have you gotten correctly? For those that you got wrongly, write down the correct meanings.
Word
Your interpretation
Correct meaning
a. cardiac arrest b. respiratory arrest c. excruciating d. welts e. tentacles f. tweezer g. stinging h. venom i. vinegar
NiE Activity 2
2. Imagine that you are holidaying in Sabah, and one of your group members gets stung by a jellyfish. Based on the steps given in the infographic, carry out a skit to show how all of you should respond to the situation. Practise role-playing in your group before presenting it in class. Finally, have the class vote for the best performance.
The excerpt below has been adapted from an article published in The Star. Read the excerpt. Then, carry out the activity. PUTRAJAYA: More people drowned than were killed in a fire, according to the Fire and Rescue Department. Last year, the department’s data showed 301 people drowned compared with 97 deaths in fires. Its director-general Datuk Mohammad Hamdan Wahid said there is a need to create a greater awareness of water safety. Based on the number of drowning cases last year, 179 occurred in the rivers and irrigation canals while 54 others were reported at beaches. Drowning also occurred in lakes, mining pools, waterfalls, and drains or canals. (Jan 19, 2019)
In groups of four, suggest three ways to reduce the number of drowning cases in Malaysia. When you are done, discuss your answers as a class. Ways to reduce the number of drowning cases in Malaysia Example: Put up wa rning signs on water depth or cu rrent strength. 1. 2. 3.
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