INTRODUCTION TO BRIDGE TYPE STRUCTURES

Bridges are needed for a variety of reasons. Generally, they ‘bridge’ a gap between the banks of a river or they span the distance between two sides of a valley. They are made from materials including stone and steel. Bridges can carry people, cars, lorries, railways and even rivers.

ACTIVITY

Look up the following words in a dictionary or encyclopaedia or on the Internet and explain them:

BRIDGE

VIADUCT

CAUSEWAY

FAMOUS BUILDINGS

The structures / buildings shown below are famous and well known.

Write the name of each structure / building under each picture and write the name of the country you think it is in.

STATUE OF CHRIST THE REDEEMER : EMPIRE STATE BUILDING :
LEANING TOWER OF PISA : EIFFEL TOWER : STONE HENGE : SIDNEY OPERA HOUSE : GREAT WALL OF CHINA : COLISEUM : TAJ MAHAL : TOWER BRIDGE : STATUE OF LIBERTY : THE GREAT PYRAMIDS

COSTUMES AND CELEBRATIONS: FEBRUARY

About the Venice Carnival

The Venice Carnival is one of the most popular Carnivals in the world, and its origins date back to the 14th century. In those days the Carnival lasted three days, during which the masks worn by people cancelled social differences and servants could not be told apart from lords.

Nowadays the Carnival attracts thousands of tourists and it offers several days of shows, events and street entertainment of any kind. In 2010 Carnival starts on Saturday 6 February and lasts until Tuesday 16th. The date of Carnival changes, depending on when Easter falls. It ends on Shrove Tuesday: the day before Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is the start of the Christian time of Lent: a time of prayer and fasting before Easter.

Masks are an important part of Carnival. They are made of leather or papier-mâché and are often decorated with gold leaf, gems and feathers. The most common kind of mask worn at Carnival covers the face from the forehead to the nose and upper cheeks: that way the wearer is disguised, but can still eat, drink and talk!