Jobs joy at Nissan

UP to 1,200 new jobs will be created in our home region as car giant Nissan responds to growing demand for its Qashqai model.

A third production shift is to be added at the Japanese firm’s plant in Washington, bringing 400 permanent and 400 temporary new jobs to the site.

Meanwhile, Nissan’s expansion is expected to create a further 400 jobs through the company’s North-East based supply chain.

Look at the link here to see Nissan's timeline at Washington.

Crime fieldwork

Year 8 have been out completing their crime surveys in the Village.
Here is a link to the Durham Police site for more information about house security. The Virtual House gives you tips and advice on protecting your home and property from burglars. Look around the house through the eyes of a PC and a Burglar, then take the Quiz to test your knowledge!
Click on virtual house.

Amazon deforestation is on the rise again.

Latest report on deforestation of the Amazon shows that area of rainforest cut down was 3235km2 from August-December 2007. This is alarming because previous reports had shown a decrease. One of the reasons is that land is being cleared to grow soya which commands a high price on world markets. It is exported to feed cattle and chickens for meat production.

Market Gardening in the Netherlands

Year 11 have been looking at an example of intensive arable farming in the EU.
Here is a link to Market gardening in the Netherlands. It is about the Action Pearl Growers who are a group of market gardeners. They have grouped together to share ideas, marketing, scientific advise and equipment. Some horticulturalists let visitors see around their massive greenhouses and their intensive methods.

The world's cheapest car goes on sale in India.

The vehicle, called the Tata Nano, will sell for 100,000 rupees or $2,500 (£1,277) This should make motoring affordable for more people in LEDCs. But green activists predict trouble ahead for countries that already have inadequate infrastructures and soaring CO2 emissions. Read more here.

Congo Jones and the loggers of doom

Here is another geography game. Try and help save the rainforest.

Where will you go in 2008 ?

Happy New Year !
Now is the time when many people start looking at the brochures and deciding where they might like to go on holiday later in the year. Some tourists are becoming more aware of sustainable tourism and the negative impacts of tourism. Here is a site where you can find out more about the effects of air travel and how to offset your carbon footprint.

Tracking Santa

You can track Santa as he travels the world on Christmas Eve. You need to download the programme at home. Norad have linked up with Google Earth . The website uses GIS, GPS, radar, satellites and even a jet fighter aircraft to spot him.You can see him at the Santa Tracking Norad site .

Should we have a real or fake christmas tree this year?

In some classes this week we are looking at whether real or fake Christmas trees are better for the environment.
Here is some more information from the One Show including a video you might be able to view at home.

Norwegian Christmas tree in London

Since 1947 Norway has sent a Norwegian Spruce tree to England as a gift of friendship. It is lit in Trafalgar Square for Christmas .

Why do food miles matter?

Find out what food miles are and why we need to cut down on them at this site from the BBC

Cruise ship to Antarctica hits ice and sinks.

This article shows that although cruising in the Antarctic is exciting it is not without danger.

Cyclone Sidr has hit Bangladesh

Cyclone Sidr has crossed the Bay of Bengal and hit the southern shores of Bangladesh. This powerful tropical storm has flattened villages and uprooted trees in its path. A storm surge of over 5m high has resulted in flooding. There are fears that thousands have died and many more are homeless. Thousands of people in the area have been moved to safety in special government-built cyclone shelters. Food, medicine, tents and blankets are being sent to help people who have been affected by the storm. Find more information from Reuters.

You can view Cyclone Sidr on its devastating path here.






Update : 30/11/07
The final toll from cyclone Sidr was likely to be more than 4,000 as hundreds of fishermen are still missing in Bangladesh, the army said Thursday. 3,256 bodies have been found and 880 people are missing and feared dead. Sidr struck on November 15, smashing into the coast before cutting a swathe through the southern and central districts. An estimated 360,000 people have been left homeless with around 4.7 million people affected. The storm was THE SECOND MOST POWERFUL CYCLONE TO HIT THE COUNTRY SINCE RECORDS BEGAN.

Sustainable Olympics

Year 11 L&T are learning about sustainability links with Lesiure and Tourism.
Here is an activity based on the Olympic Site being built for 2012.

ElectroCity

ElectroCity is a new online computer game that lets players manage their own virtual towns and cities. It’s great fun to play and also teaches players all about energy, sustainability and environmental management.

Here is your code to enter at end of game CB6149

Celebrate GIS Day - Wednesday, November 14

Watch to see this animation to see how GIS touches our lives everyday.

Passport to Asia - Continent of Contrasts

Take the tours of Asia with My Wonderful World. Using Google Earth you can explore the sights, wildlife and culture of Asia.

Nissan expands wind farm at Washington

To help with reduction of carbon dioxide emissions Nissan is to build 2 more wind turbines. Find out more from the BBC website .

Mexico floods leave thousands homeless

Huge floods have trapped many people in their homes. Thousands are trying to flee. The floods have come after a week of very heavy rain. Read more here.

Map reading from Ordnance Survey

Map reading skills can be tested here.
Click on Maptivity.