I Love My Zoo!

One of my favorite things to do in Columbus is to visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. I love the Columbus Zoo for many reasons. First, I love the Columbus Zoo because I love animals. I enjoy seeing all of the animals at the zoo especially in the morning because that is when they are the most active. I also enjoy going to the Columbus Zoo because they have three of my favorite animals- the elephant, the polar bear and the manatee! Another reason why I love the Columbus Zoo is because Jungle Jack Hanna used to be the director of the zoo and still plays a big role in the operation of the Columbus Zoo. For all of these reasons, I believe that the Columbus Zoo should be voted the #1 zoo in the country!

http://www.10best.com/TravelAwards/Vote/best-zoos/

Now that I've told you my opinion on the best zoo in the country--tell me your opinion! Click on the above link to see a list of zoos across the country! Please select one zoo and vote for them! Then, in a brief paragraph, tell me why you voted for that zoo! You could vote because you like the city, the animals they have at that zoo or just because you have never been there!

Write 3-5 sentences about why you voted for that zoo! Be sure to use correct punctuation and spelling!!

Mardi Gras Traditions

Today is Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday! 


KING CAKE

1. Epiphany, which is celebrated in European countries, marks the coming of the wise men who brought gifts to the Christ Child. Epiphany is celebrated 12 nights after Christmas (January 6th) and people from all over celebrate by exchanging gifts and feasting. The King Cake is a popular custom that is still celebrated and represents the 3 kings who brought gifts to baby Jesus. 
2. "King Cake Season" lasts from  Epiphany Day (January 6th) until Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday- the day before Lent. 
3. A plastic baby (or sometimes a bean) is baked inside the King Cake, and the tradition is whoever receives the baby in their piece of cake must buy the next king cake host the next party. The small baby inside the cake is said to represent baby Jesus. 
4. The tradition was brought to the area by colonists from France and Spain. The first documented King Cake parties date all the way back to the 18th century.
5. King Cakes are in the shape of a circle and made out of a cinnamon filled dough. The cakes are hollow in the middle and then topped with icing and green, purple and yellow (the colors of Mardi Gras) sugars. 

List of traditions:

• Krewes and their Royalty
• Mardi Gras colors
• Beads and Throws
• Doubloons
• The Golden Nugget
• Masked Riders
• Mardi Gras Balls
• The Flambeaux
• Mardi Gras Indians
• Ceramic Masks
• Mardi Gras Floats
• Mardi Gras Parades 

Here are some resources to help you research a Mardi Gras tradition. 




http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/mardigras/mardigrashistory/

http://www.novareinna.com/festive/mardi.html


http://www.rexorganization.com/Tradition/

http://mardigrasday.com/mardigras/history.php

http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-mardi-gras-traditions.php


LIST 5 FACTS ABOUT YOUR TRADITION. PLEASE USE COMPLETE SENTENCES!!! You may also include a picture of your tradition!! 

Happy Birthday Columbus!

Many of you probably recognize today as Valentine's Day- a day full of candy and flowers! However, today is also the 200th Birthday of the city you live in!!!! Today is the City of Columbus' Bicentennial Birthday! 


So, take a few minutes and answer these 5 questions about the city we call home. If you answer them correctly, you may even earn a Birthday surprise! PLEASE answer your questions in complete sentences! Your answers will only count if they are in complete sentences! 


You can use sites such as Google and Wikipedia to help you find your answers!


GOOD LUCK! Remember COMPLETE SENTENCES! 


1. When was the capital city of Columbus founded? (Month, day and year).


2. Who is the current Mayor of the city of Columbus?


3. Name 3 of Columbus' Sister Cities. 


4. What is the name of this downtown Columbus landmark? And how tall is this building? 
. 




5. What is your favorite activity to do in Columbus? 






Read more about Columbus 200 here:
http://200columbus.com/