A Catholic Social Studies Program Many Gifts

1Created and Loved by God 2Living in Relationship 3Created Sexual: Male and Female 4Growing in Commitment 5Living in the World

Amazing Countries

God gave us many gifts in this beautiful world. People live in many amazing countries. In Grade 2 we learned about Canada, Scotland, India, Peru, China and Kenya.

Amazing Countries Flags

Canada Scotland Peru

China Kenya India

Amazing Countries Special Places

Niagara Falls, Canada

Niagara Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. It was created 10,000 years ago when the ice that covered the land during the Ice Age retreated north. The word “Niagara” is a Native word for “thunder of water”. Niagara Falls is considered a holy place by the Native people who lived nearby.

Stirling Castle, Scotland

This castle was built on a steep hill by the Picts. They fought against the Romans and joined the Scots. Two famous Scottish victories took place near Stirling Castle hundreds of years ago.

Taj Mahal, India

The beloved wife of the Indian emperor Shah Jahan died in childbirth and he decided to build the Taj Mahal in her memory. More than 20,000 workers worked every day for 11 years to complete it. The name Taj Mahal is the short form of the Empress’s name - Mumtaz Mahal, which means Chosen One of the Palace.

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is the largest building project ever. It was designed to keep enemies out of China. It was begun 2000 years ago when a new emperor sent 30,000 workers to build it. In many places the wall is wide enough for 5 horses to ride side by side. The wall is 2500 km long.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu means “lost city of the Incas”. It is an ancient Incan city that was discovered in 1911 on a 2000 m high mountain in Peru. It had a temple, a citadel, gardens and 80 houses made of granite. It has been called the most extraordinary ruin in the Americas.

Kenyan Wildlife Reserve, Kenya

Kenya is the home of many kinds of animals; lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinoceros, zebras, gazelles, crocodiles, baboons, monkeys, cobras, pythons, eagles, ostriches, storks and many more. The government has kept more than 2.5 million hectares of land as homes for these animals. The largest wildlife reserve is Tsavo National Park.

Amazing Countries Animals

There are some amazing animals in our world. They each need their own habitat where they can find food and be safe.

Highland cattle in Scotland

Highland cattle can live in the harsh highlands of Scotland where there is little grass. Their long eyelashes protect them from flying insects.

Moose in Canada

Moose are found all across Canada. They like to live alone. They can’t see very well but can smell and hear things better than we can. They are excellent swimmers.

Llama in Peru

Llamas live in the high mountains of Peru. They are usually gentle. They can carry heavy loads and their fur covering can be made into wool clothing and rope.

Bengal Tiger in India

Bengal tigers live in the forests of India. They hunt at night and are very fast. Their roar can be heard up to 1 km away!

Panda bears in China

Pandas live in the woods in China. They climb trees to avoid their enemies. They spend a lot of time eating bamboo.

Elephants in Kenya

These African elephants from Kenya are the largest land mammals. They are gentle, live in a family and eat plants. They like to stay near water.

Amazing Countries Money

Each country has its own money. The pictures usually tell about famous people.

1 yuan from China. This is Mao Tse Tung, a Chinese government leader.

Ten Pounds from Scotland. Robbie Burns was a great poet.

Five soles from Peru. Cinco means five!

Ten rupees from India showing Mahatma Ghandhi

Ten Shillings from Kenya

Five Dollars from Canada. Sir Wilfred Laurier was one of our Prime Ministers.

Amazing Countries Slideshow Produced by Alfred Guidolin Grade 2 St. Cecilia’s School Port Dover © A San Marco Production 2001