Squiz Kids Shortcuts
Each week we take a deep dive into a high-interest news or current affairs topic, answering kids' burning questions about everything from the Olympics to Islam. A new episode is released every Monday morning.
Looking for curriculum-aligned comprehension activities for each shortcut? We've got you covered. And check the episode notes for more resources to dig deeper.
LATEST SHORTCUT
Your Shortcut to… Australian Women War Heroes
This is your Squiz Kids Shortcut to Australian Women War Heroes—the podcast where we dive into the who, what, when, where, why and how of the big news stories.
Squiz Kids Shortcuts dive into the who, what, when, where, why and how of the big news stories.
PREVIOUS SHORTCUTS
Your Shortcut to… Ice Cream
Australians eat 20 litres of it per year … it wouldn’t be possible without science … and there are some seriously weird varieties. We’ll take you through WHEN ice cream was invented… HOW science helps us make it even more delicious … and WHAT are the freakiest flavours.
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Your Shortcut to… New Year’s Around the World
A good one could involve an empty suitcase… 12 grapes… or special coloured underwear. We’ll take you through what we think are some of the most interesting traditions observed on December 31; where in the world New Year is celebrated on different dates; and why humans care so much about turning over the calendar.
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Your Shortcut to… Christmas Traditions Around the World
Two billion people celebrate it each year… some in rollerskates… and some with a 12 course meal, which ends with dessert stuck to the ceiling. Over the next two weeks, people in 160 countries will be doing all sorts of things to celebrate Christmas. We’ll take you through where in the world some of our favourite Chrissie traditions are celebrated; what kinds of Christmas food different cultures eat; and why you should watch out for the Krampus.
Listen nowNed Kelly
He robbed banks … saved and took lives… and threw parties for his hostages. As we approach the 142nd anniversary this month of Ned Kelly’s death, we’ll take you through HOW he became Australia’s most wanted bushranger; WHY so many people thought of him as a hero; and WHAT that metal armour was all about.
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Your Shortcut to… Climate Change and COP28
Your shortcut to… Climate Change and COP28 LINKS: Classroom Resource 1 – All About Acronyms: https://www.squizkids.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Climate-Change-Shortcut_ACRONYMS.pdf Classroom Resource 2 –…
Listen nowThe Circle of Life
In New Orleans, funerals involve a massive street party with music… in South Korea, people might be turned into jewelry… and in Japan, the dead have their favourite foods served to them every August. We’ll take you through WHY we are doing a shortcut on the circle of life; WHAT happens when you die; but mostly we’ll spend most of the pod looking at HOW different cultures celebrate their loved ones when they pass away.
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Your Shortcut to,,, Bushfires
Your shortcut to… Bushfires LINKS: Australian Fire Danger Rating System: https://afdrs.com.au/ Top 10 fire retardant plants for each state: https://www.ozbreed.com.au/articles/top-10-fire-retardant-plants-by-state/…
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The Science of Skeletons
They come out every Halloween… only 2 per cent of animal species have them… and without them, humans just wouldn’t be human. We’ll take you through WHAT our skeletons do; WHY babies have more bones than adults; and HOW we can take care of our skeletons.
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Girl Power!
Girls are more likely to do housework, less likely to go to school, and … they’re doing something about it. October 11 is the United Nations’ International Day of the Girl Child, so it seems like the perfect time to talk about WHERE the phrase “girl power” comes from, WHY there’s an international day for girls, WHAT chores and weddings have to do with it, and HOW superheroes and sports stars are a sign of better times.
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