ED! feature topic and news flash activities
Make the most of your ED! subscription by downloading our free activities each week to support the feature topic and News flash column.
Activity links will activate the day before publication.
February 9 – PUTTING ON A SHOW / GOING WITH THE FLOW (DOUBLE FEATURE)
PUTTING ON A SHOW: Barking Gecko Theatre uses their new show, HOUSE, to explain who and what’s involved in creating a play.
GOING WITH THE FLOW: Rivers have been vital to humans throughout history and remain so today. ED! discovers why and reveals some “cool” family events linked to this year’s river-themed Perth Festival.
2021 ED! and News Flash – February 9
February 16 – HAIR LAID BARE
Fascinating facts about filaments that cover most of your body.
2021 ED! and News Flash – February 16
February 23 – PEOPLE PERSUADERS
Learns the skills you need to understand ads and be a savvy consumer, and enter our Design an Ad competition for a chance to win great prizes.
2021 ED! and News Flash – February 23
March 2 – ON THE JOB
Which occupations are gone forever, which will be new in the future, and what are the best, worst and most curious ones?
March 9 – WA ELECTION
With West Australians heading to the polls on March 13, ED! explains Australia’s and other countries’ methods of choosing political leaders, WA party policies and who’s likely to win.
March 16 – BUYING AND SELLING
What is a stock market, why does it fluctuate so much and how is it affected by diseases such as COVID-19?
March 23 – IT’S A CAVE, MAN!
ED! explores caves: different types, how they form, what’s in them and some local ones to visit in the holidays.
March 30 – JUST JESTING
Discover some of the world’s most famous hoaxes, from spaghetti trees to the Loch Ness Monster, Bonsai Kitten and more.
October 13 – POO TIME
Learn about the digestive process, good and bad gut bacteria, uses for poo, the history of the toilet and more.
2020 ED! and News Flash – October 13
October 20 – BOOK WEEK
We chat to authors of short-listed books in the Younger Readers category of the 2020 CBCA Book of the Year, and WA kids review them.
2020 ED! and News Flash – October 20
October 27 – AUSTRALIA’S HEART OF GOLD
Read about the history, the latest innovations and the important roles our nation’s gold industry plays.
2020 ED! and News Flash – October 27
November 3 – JUNIOR JOURNO
Kids take over ED! in our annual writing competition. We’ve been working with a WA class to write our feature article: Drugs.
2020 ED! and News Flash – November 3
November 10 – CHEVRON FOCUS ENVIRONMENT COMPETITION
Enjoy the clever photos and captions in this year’s competition.
2020 ED! and News Flash – November 10
November 17 – THE NEW MUSEUM
It’s ready at last! Find out about the building of the new museum and what to expect when you visit.
2020 ED! and News Flash – November 17
November 24 – FOSSILS
What are they, where are they found and what can they tell us?
2020 ED! and News Flash – November 24
December 1 – SUMMERTIME
Interesting and fun snippets of summery stuff on the first day of our hottest season.
2020 ED! and News Flash – December 1
December 8 – COOL CORALS
Not flora, but fauna! Find out why this critters are so useful and why they’re in danger.
2020 ED! and News Flash – December 8
December 15 – HOLIDAYS AT HOME
What to do and where to go in WA while holidaying at home.
July 21 – FACE TO FACE
Besides helping to control the spread of COVID-19, masks have many other functions such as in the theatre, for burial and death rites, and during festivals and celebrations.
2020 ED! and News Flash – July 21
July 28 – RACISM REALITY CHECK
What is the Black Lives Matter movement and will it make a difference to racism in Australia and other countries?
2020 ED! and News Flash – July 28
August 4 – KIMBERLEY PEARL
ED! visits popular holiday resort and pearling town, Broome, famous for sunset camel rides on Cable beach and much more.
2020 ED! and News Flash – August 4
August 11 – HOW AWESOME!
Find out which theatre dance, music, film, visual arts and creative hands-on activities are part of Awesome Arts Festival’s schools and holiday programs.
2020 ED! and News Flash – August 11
August 18 – DESIGN AN AD
Enjoy winning ads created by WA students in our annual Design an Ad competitions.
2020 ED! and News Flash – August 18
August 25 – SUBWAY STORIES
Learn why and how underground railway systems that transport millions of passengers daily in cities throughout the world, were built.
2020 ED! and News Flash – August 25
September 1 – BACKYARD BIODIVERSITY
ED! heads out the back door on the first day of spring to learn simple, fun ways for families to stay connected with nature.
2020 ED! and News Flash -September 1
September 8 – THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Discover how an amazing series of organs and processes work together to enable us to breathe – and live.
2020 ED! and News Flash -September 8
September 15 – GREAT APES
We visit Perth Zoo to learn about critically endangered orang-utans and the breeding program that’s helping them.
2020 ED! and News Flash – September 15
September 22 – EARTH MATTERS
Scitech’s new exhibition explores changes taking place in our natural world and highlights STEM innovations that can make a difference.
May 5 – PANDEMICS
Living in the shadow of a deadly virus might seem unprecedented – but it’s nothing that the world hasn’t seen before.
2020 ED! and News Flash – May 5
May 12 – VACCINES
The development of vaccines over the past 200 years has saved millions of lives around the globe.
2020 ED! and News Flash – May 12
May 19 – CLIMATE CHANGE
We can all do our bit to lessen the impact of climate change.
2020 ED! and News Flash – May 19
May 26 – BIGGEST, OLDEST, LONGEST
To celebrate WA Day we investigate the weird and wonderful records our great State holds.
2020 ED! and News Flash – May 26
June 2 – RECONCILIATION WEEK
Aboriginal people have a rich culture and practice across WA. Noongar language and bush tucker courses are a great way to learn more.
2020 ED! and News Flash – June 2
June 9 – WHAT THE DICKENS?
150 years after his death, we explore Charles Dickens’ life and some of his famous stories such as Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol and Nicholas Nickleby.
2020 ED! and News Flash – June 9
June 16 – THE POWER OF POSITIVITY
Discover how kids can build their own resilience so they are better equipped to deal with challenging circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other difficult life experiences.
2020 ED! and News Flash – June 16
June 23 – KALGOORLIE-BOULDER
Discover how the loss of a horse shoe resulted in a lucky gold find by Paddy Hannan and pals and sparked the gold rush and rapid rise of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
2020 ED! and News Flash – June 23
June 30 – TAKE A HIKE
We highlight some of WA’s beautiful bush walks and hiking trails, on which visitors can enjoy a range of remarkable scenery and surroundings.
Click here to download topics poster (PDF)
February 4 – NELSON MANDELA
ED! marks the 30th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. We explore his remarkable life, and the impacts of apartheid on South Africa.
2020 ED! and News Flash – February 4
February 11 – OUR OUTER LAYER
The skin has an incredible range of roles to fulfil, including protection, insulation, waterproofing and more. We explore our body’s biggest organ and learn how to look after it.
2020 ED! and News Flash – February 11
February 18 – BUSHFIRES
Following unprecedented devastating bushfires on the east coast of Australia, ED! looks at the causes, impacts and prevention.
2020 ED! and News Flash – February 18
February 25 – THE HUMBLE SPUD
Today we love them – boiled, fried, mashed, roasted, stuffed… But originally they were only considered good enough to feed livestock.
2020 ED! and News Flash – February 25
March 3 – JOURNEY JOURNALS
Get travel writing and photography tips from one of our experienced travel writers and photographers, and enter The West’s Young Travel Writers’ Competition if you’re in Years 7-12.
2020 ED! and News Flash – March 3
March 10 – ANNE FRANK
75 years on from the passing of Anne Frank and the liberation of the Nazi death camps, ED! looks at the legacy that endures.
2020 ED! and News Flash – March 10
March 17 – MAJESTIC MAMMALS
Get the facts on the world’s biggest land mammals, elephants. There are three recognised species – two African and one Asian.
2020 ED! and News Flash – March 17
March 24 – COVID-19
We can all help to stem the spread of COVID-19 by following the advice of experts. Find out what you need to know to keep yourself and others safe during the current pandemic.
2020 ED! and News Flash – March 24 – Copy
March 31 – CLIMATE CHANGE
It’s been in the news a lot, but what exactly is ‘climate change’, and should we be alarmed?
April 7 – EGGS
Everything you could possibly need to know about eggs. Get egg-cited!
Click here to download topics poster (PDF)
October 15 – FLYING HIGH
Birds can be found in almost every corner of the globe.
2019 ED! and News Flash – October 15
October 22 – SUPERSTITIONS
From black cats to four-leaf clover, rabbits’ feet and more, we’ve got these unfounded beliefs covered.
2019 ED! and News Flash – October 22
October 29 – JUNIOR JOURNO
WA students write ED!’s regular columns in our annual competition.
2019 ED! and News Flash – October 29
November 5 – SESAME STREET
This unique show has been making a difference to children and parents across the globe since the first episode on November 10, 1969.
2019 ED! and News Flash – November 5
November 12 – RUBBER RULES
Discover how this immensely versatile substance is made and the timeline that led to today’s widespread production.
2019 ED! and News Flash – November 12
November 19 – CHEVRON FOCUS ENVIRONMENT COMPETITION
Enjoy winning entries from our annual photo and caption contest.
2019 ED! and News Flash – November 19
November 26 – HONG KONG
Learn about this fascinating former British colony, in south-eastern China, including the reasons behind the 2019 protests.
2019 ED! and News Flash – November 26
December 3 – TERRIFIC TASSIE
ED! visits Australia’s island State, Tasmania, to discover its history, attractions and best-known features.
2019 ED! and News Flash – December 3
December 10 – BEASTLY BUDDIES
Is giving an animal as a Christmas present a good idea? ED! chats to WA kids about the responsibilities of owning a pet.
2019 ED! and News Flash – December 10
December 17 – GAME ON
Heading into the holidays we investigate the origins of some of the most popular board games that have stood the test of time.
Click here to download topics poster (PDF)
July 23 – HAPPY 25TH, ED!
To celebrate this momentous occasion we look at birthday celebrations and how some of today’s popular traditions began.
2019 ED! and News Flash – July 23
July 30 – COOL CATS
We leap into the fascinating world of felines.
2019 ED! and News Flash – July 30
August 6 – CYBER SCHOOL
We all use it, but what is the internet and how, when and why was it invented?
2019 ED! and News Flash – August 6
August 13 – VEGANISM
ED! strips away the sensationalism and explores veganism – what being a vegan means, why people choose to be one, and the environmental and dietary impacts.
2019 ED! and News Flash – August 13
August 20 – A NOVEL APPROACH
It’s Book Week, and to celebrate ED! uncovers the world of graphic novels and comics, such as this term’s Serial Story Brobot. Find out about fandom, collectibles and the cinematic worlds that grow from these amazing picture stories.
2019 ED! and News Flash – August 20
August 27 – DESIGN AN AD
We showcase the talents of WA students who created winning advertisements in our annual Design an Ad competition.
2019 ED! and News Flash – August 27
September 3 – INSECTS
ED! discovers the world of six-legged critters. They’re all around us, and without them ecosystems would collapse. Why is a spider not an insect?
2019 ED! and News Flash – September 3
September 10 – COLOUR UNCOVERED
How do we see different hues and do we all see them the same?
2019 ED! and News Flash – September 10
September 17 – A-MAZE-ing
People usually try to get out of them, but this week we head into the marvellous world of mazes.
2019 ED! and News Flash – September 17
September 24 – SCREENS AWAY, COME AND PLAY
Does screen time kill creativity? What are the advantages of different types of play, such as connecting with nature?
Click here to download topics poster (PDF)
April 30 – REPUBLIC OF THE SUDAN
An overview of Sudan, the East African country where ED!’s Term 2 serial story, Swimming on the Lawn by Yasmin Hamid, is set, and an interview with the author.
2019 ED! and News Flash – April 30
May 7 – RESCUE TRAINING AND TECHNOLOGY
We investigate the latest science and technology behind today’s rescue operations and chat to some experts in the field.
2019 ED! and News Flash – May 7
May 14 – OUR ISLAND ANIMALS
ED! visits Rottnest, Carnac and Penguin Islands where each has unique wildlife despite being joined to each other and the mainland just 7000 years ago.
2019 ED! and News Flash – May 14
May 21 – INVENTOR EXTRAORDINAIRE
A snapshot of Leonardo de Vinci’s life and incredible achievements on the 500th anniversary of his death.
2019 ED! and News Flash – May 21
May 28 – OUR STATE, OUR DAY
Reflect on the origins of WA Day and the many reasons to celebrate who and what we are today.
2019 ED! and News Flash – May 28
June 4 – MIGHTY MONARCHS
Royals rule, literally, but is being a princess all it’s cracked up to be? Find out about real-life royals as well as your fairy-tale favourites.
2019 ED! and News Flash – June 4
June 11 – VACCINES
Get the facts on vaccines, and find out why ‘herd immunity’ matters.
2019 ED! and News Flash – June 11
June 18 – THE TRUTH ABOUT SHARKS
Are sharks the ‘monsters’ of the sea, or simply misunderstood? ED! chats to a shark expert to learn more about these marine animals.
2019 ED! and News Flash – June 18
June 25 – SOCCER REIGNS SUPREME
To coincide with English soccer club Manchester United’s visit to Perth, we explore some of the history, rules and great players of the world’s most popular sport.
2019 ED! and News Flash – June 25
July 2 – SPACE ACES
ED! revisits the Apollo 11 landing on the Moon and highlights some of the most recent space exploration.
February 5 – FESTIVAL FUN
Discover what’s on for families at Perth Fringe Festival and Perth Festival, and what kids have been doing through the Perth Festival Education & Creative Learning Program.
2019 ED! and News Flash – February 5
February 12 – GIRL POWER
What was the suffragette movement? We explore one of the themes of the Term 1 ED! serial story, In the Lamplight by Dianne Wolfer, and how far the quest for gender equality has come.
2019 ED! and News Flash – February 12
February 19 – WEIRD STUFF PEOPLE EAT
Whether it’s a snail, a crunchy grasshopper or a deep-fried tarantula, one culture’s gourmet delight is another’s culinary nightmare.
2019 ED! and News Flash – February 19
February 26 – UNCONTACTED TRIBES
Are there still tribal groups in remote parts of the world that have never had contact with mainstream society, and if so, should we leave them alone?
2019 ED! and News Flash – February 26
March 5 – PARENTING ANIMAL-STYLE
The roles mums and dads play in the animal kingdom vary among species, from both parents dying shortly after mating to either one or both nurturing their young.
2019 ED! and News Flash – March 5
March 12 – AUTISM
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder and how can we help kids with ASD to lead happy and fulfilling lives?
2019 ED! and News Flash – March 12
March 19 – RIVERS OF ICE
We explore how glaciers form, the different types, how they flow, the effect of global warming and other interesting facts.
2019 ED! and News Flash – March 19
March 26 – TOP HARVEST
Learn about WA’s biggest agricultural industry, grains. Which are grown here, where are they imported to and how do they become food we eat?
2019 ED! and News Flash – March 26
April 2 – GUARDIANS OF THE ENVIRONMENT
We chat to students who, through a range of fantastic initiatives, are reducing waste in their schools and broader communities.
2019 ED! and News Flash – April 2
April 9 – SCENIC SYDNEY
The capital of New South Wales boasts a fascinating history, spectacular sights and loads of awesome activities for families.
October 9 – A DIFFERENT FLAG?
Discover the early journeys of French explorers who left their mark on WA. Could we really have become a French territory?
2018 ED! and News Flash – October 9
October 16 – TREES
Australia’s unique trees are found nowhere else in the world. Find out about why trees matter, and how the support the lives of many species.
2018 ED! and News Flash – October 16
October 23 – JUNIOR JOURNO
We announce the winners of our Junior Journo competition, with ED!’s regular columns and double-page topic written by kids!
2018 ED! and News Flash – October 23
October 30 – FRANKENSTEIN
As we approach Halloween, ED! looks at the Frankenstein and its place in popular culture – which has grown from a book written by a woman in the 1800s!
2018 ED! and News Flash – October 30
November 6 – 100 YEARS
In the lead up to Remembrance Day, ED! commemorates the 100th anniversary of the signing of the armistice which ended World War I.
2018 ED! and News Flash – November 6
November 13 – CHEVRON FOCUS ENVIRONMENT COMPETITION
Find out who has won this year’s photographic competition showcasing photographs of WA biodiversity.
2018 ED! and News Flash – November 13
November 20 – THIS LITTLE PIGGY…
From the smallest and cutest, to the most famous, ED! explores everything you didn’t already know about pigs!
2018 ED! and News Flash – November 20
November 27 – GET CRAFTY
Check out ED!’s ideas for Christmas crafts that can be made at home or at school.
2018 ED! and News Flash – November 27
December 4 – THE ROTTO LIFE
ED! puts a spotlight on Perth’s favourite ‘overseas’ destination.
2018 ED! and News Flash – December 4
December 11 – GET WET
Get ready for summer as ED! takes a look at ways that you can have fun – and stay safe – in, on or around the water, including kayaking, swimming and surfing.
