Morning Starters: Autumn 1 - Nature's Builders
Did You Know?
Termites are tiny insects, capable of building towering structures called termite mounds. Inside each termite mound, there is a complex network of chambers, tunnels and ventilation shafts. The chambers are used as living quarters, nurseries and for food storage. The termites make the mounds from a mixture of soil, saliva and dung! The oldest known inhabited termite mounds are located in The oldest known inhabited termite mounds are located in Namaqualand, and date back approximately 34,000 years.
Where in the world is Namaqualand? Click the 🌍
Word Challenge
A termite has three body parts: a head, thorax and abdomen. Similarly, many words have three parts or syllables.
List the three-syllable words that appear in the ‘Did you know?’ paragraph.
Example: ca-pa-ble
Grammar Challenge
Rewrite the following sentence with the main clause in a different position.
The termite mound could be seen many miles away because of its great size.
Challenge: Write a follow-on sentence that includes a hyphenated adjective.
Number Challenge
Two million termites were living together inside an enormous termite mound. A disease spread quickly through the mound, killing 75% of the termites inside.
How many termites survived?
Critical Thinking
If you were a termite, how would you feel about living in a mound with so many other termites?