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… The History of Money – Boulders, Banks and Bitcoin
In this episode of Squiz Kids Shortcut, Christie and Bryce explore the weird, surprising and sometimes downright bonkers history of money.
Squiz Kids Shortcuts dive into the who, what, when, where, why and how of the big news stories.
PREVIOUS SHORTCUTS
Your Shortcut to… Islam
It’s the second biggest religion in the world, and the fastest growing…and for the next month, many believers won’t be eating when the sun is up. We’ll take you through WHAT Islam is… HOW Ramadan is celebrated … and WHY Mecca is so important.
Your Shortcut to… Easter
Your Shortcut to… Easter For the full episode transcript, click here.
Your Shortcut to… The Australian Gold Rush
Your Shortcut to… The Australian Gold Rush LINKS Gold – Australian Government Geoscience: https://www.ga.gov.au/education/minerals-energy/australian-mineral-facts/gold Victorian goldfields for kids: https://www.nma.gov.au/learn/kspace/victorian-goldfields-1854/kids Eureka…
Your Shortcut to… Taylor Swift
Your Shortcut to… Taylor Swift LINKS Christmas Tree Farm (song): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN3rDTAdM2oHow Taylor Swift became a billionaire: https://www.couriermail.com.au/entertainment/music/crazy-numbers-behind-taylor-swifts-success/news-story/a309dbe652fa5770d63024f42d02e08f Marjorie Finlay: https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-globe-democrat/65065321/…
Your Shortcut to… The Theory of Evolution
Your shortcut to… The Theory of Evolution LINKS: Charles Darwin – Theory of Evolution Resource (Nat Geo Kids) https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/primary-resource/charles-darwin-theory-evolution/…
Your Shortcut to… Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons
Your shortcut to… Cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons. LINKS: Cyclone Experiment – Cyclone in a bottle: https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/185919/Cyclone,-cyclone-experiment,-junior,-final.pdf How do hurricanes form:…
Your Shortcut to… Roller Coasters
They used to be known as “Russian mountains”… Australians spend millions on them every year … and on some, it’s impossible not to scream. We’ll take you through when rollercoasters were first invented; why people don’t fall out when they go upside down; and where you can find some of the craziest coasters.
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.
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.