Differences between an ape and a monkey

I took my toddler to the Singapore Zoo recently and overheard a child asking his mother, "Mum, what is the difference between an ape and a monkey?" This is a commonly asked question. Here's a brief answer:

The main difference between an ape and a monkey is that an ape does not have a tail while a monkey has a tail.

There are other differences between an ape an a monkey. They are:
(1) An ape is generally larger than a monkey.
(2) An ape has a longer lifespan than a monkey.
(3) An ape has a larger brain-to-body size ratio.
(4) An ape has higher intelligence.

Of course, there are exceptions. Some monkeys do not have tails and some are large. Gibbons, considered to be lesser apes, are smaller than some monkeys.

Great Apes
Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Bonobos and Orang utans

Lesser Apes
Siamangs and Gibbons

Monkeys

Baboons, macaques, tamarins etc

You can find out more by reading these books:
Apes and Monkeys by Barbara Taylor
All about Monkeys and Apes by Jordyn Madison

Here are some pictures of apes and monkeys:

TAMARIN

Gorilla

ORang Utan with babY

Chimpanzee

Gibbon

Wind-pollinated flowers

The P5 kiddos have learnt about pollination and fertilisation during our P5 Science classes. The kiddos have learnt that wind-pollinated flowers usually have small petals, dull colours and no scent. Their anthers usually hang out of the flowers so that the pollen grains can be blown away by the wind more easily and have a higher chance of landing on the large and feathery stigma. Here are a few images of wind-pollinated flowers:

A Good Read - Charlotte's Web

Charlotte's web is a tale of how a little girl, with the help of a friendly spider named Charlotte, saved her pig named Wilbur from the usual fate of nice fat little pigs. This is a beautiful story of friendship, kindness and the passing on into time.

Here is my favourite quote:

“Why did you do all this for me?" he asked. "I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you."
"You have been my friend," replied Charlotte. "That in itself is a tremendous thing.”

A great read for children.

Answer to Math Puzzle

Pour the water in the second glass to the fifth glass as shown in the diagram below:

Happy Lunar New Year!

Math Puzzle Involving Divergent Thinking

Six drinking cups are arranged in a row as shown below. The first three are filled with water while the next three are empty. Move one glass only to get the full and empty glasses to alternate.

We will publish the answer to the puzzle next week. Happy solving!

Insect-pollinated flowers

The P5 kiddos are learning about pollination and fertilisation during our P5 Science classes. The kiddos have learnt that insect-pollinated flowers usually have large petals, bright colours, sweet nectar and nice scent. Here are a few images of insect-pollinated flowers:

Touching Story : Friendship between a dog and a boy

One of my P6 Writer's Craft lessons was on the topic, "Friendship". I shared with my pupils a real life story about a friendship between a three-legged dog and a boy suffering from a genetic condition. Watch this video on an interview with the boy, Owen, and his parents.