Pancakes without syrup? That may be what the future holds, now that there is a shortage of maple syrup in Canada. Many people depend on Canada to produce the delicious sticky syrup made from the sap of maple trees. But now the supply of syrup is low, while the demand for syrup during the pandemic has risen. Listen to learn about the causes of the maple syrup shortage and why the price of maple syrup is rising.
Story Length: 2:24
Socrative users can import these questions using the following code: SOC-1234
January 18, 2022
2:51
When the state of Vermont asked elementary school kids to suggest names for their local snowplows, the results were unusual and surprising. Vermont sponsored the contest to create some excitement during the snowy season in New England – and it worked! Over 100 elementary schools participated, and the contest helped the students and snowplow operators feel more connected. Listen to hear some inventive snowplow names and learn how one school community celebrated when a winner was chosen.
Read MoreJanuary 11, 2022
3:31
The Taliban, an ultraconservative political and religious group, has taken control of Afghanistan and established a government with strict laws and harsh punishments for people who disobey them. The takeover means the freedom of Afghanis, especially women, will be sharply restricted. U.S. troops had been fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan for the past 20 years, but recently left, prompting a Taliban takeover. Listen to learn why U.S. troops first went to Afghanistan and what the future of Afghanistan might look like under Taliban rule.
Read MoreDecember 21, 2021
2:16
Even wild animals can have good manners. That’s what scientists found when they researched how apes communicate and discovered that they use a system of gestures and other physical contact to begin and end social interactions. The ape behavior is similar to the way that humans greet each other and say goodbye when they leave each other’s company. Listen to learn more about ape etiquette and how it compares to human behavior.
Read More