Our Tower Bridge, London

Tuesday (11/08/2009)

a)United Kingdom (UK)
UK is comprised of Scotland, Wales, North Ireland and England.
Malaysia comprised of 14 states.
London is a big city within England. I showed them the difference between the UK flag and England flag.

b) London Bridge ‘vs’ Tower Bridge
London Bridge is a bridge at the upstream of Thames River. Meanwhile, Tower Bridge is a bridge between London Bridge and Westminster Bridge.
Old London Bridge was built since 55AD more than 2000 years ago while Tower Bridge was only opened in 1894.
The song ‘London Bridge’ referred to London Bridge and not Tower Bridge because ‘old London Bridge’ was destroyed in many occasions for about 6 times. Today’s new London bridge was ready in 1972.
The kids were excited with the video clips watched yesterday. Thus, we watched one more time and then sang the song together.

c) Tower Bridge vocabulary
It has 2 Towers with 2 even bascules. These two bascules would be lifted when there are sea traffic. There is a walkway above the bascules. On the left of the first Tower is the First Suspension Bridge. On the right of the second Tower is the Second Suspension Bridge.
The Watchmen worked in the Cabin Room in the Towers. The Gatemen worked at the gates. Both of them would be communicating before lifting the bascules.
Till today, there aren’t any serious accidents that involve death due to the opening of bascules.
There were minor accidents: An accelerated lorry and also a stunt motor biker.

d) Construction of Tower London
The kids suggested to use bottles or boxes for the Towers. As for the bascules and bridges, we would use hard paper boxes. For cables, we would use straws or plastic sheets.
The kids were divided into 4 groups. Each group was called to construct the bridge while the others coloured the “UK” flag.
Some made the cones, some cut the plastic sheet as cables, some measured the walkway and bridge ( or carriageway).