Here at Supernova, our team is passionate about creating opportunities for teachers to integrate creative learning into their classrooms. Here are just some examples of how Supernova magazine Vol 8 is perfect for teachers and homeschoolers!

Physical Science

Supernova is a great conversation starter! We show kids how physics can become a career choice and what scientists are doing in the ‘real world’. Science impacts countless decisions we make each day. It is also important to inform kids on the important role that science plays in our lives. This can range from managing our health and well-being, choosing paper over plastic at the grocery store, or answering a child who asks why the sky is blue.

Ways you can use Volume 8 of Supernova magazine in the Physical Science class:

• Did you know that 1 tonne of recycled paper saves 3 square metres of landfill space? Discover more about the importance of recycling and how it really makes a difference in Vol 8.1.
• Learn all about the four basic steps to the scientific method in Vol 8.2. Then, put the scientific method to practice by creating your own research flashcards!
• Discover more about the ‘dark side’ of the moon in Vol 8.3 and build a balloon powered bottle car to challenge your classmates to a balloon car race.
• Do you have the same hair colour as your mom or the same nose as your dad? Is everyone in your family super tall or extremely athletic? These similarities are all a result of DNA. Blow the minds of kids as you introduce the ABCs of DNA in Vol 8.4!
• Check out the space shuttle, Atlantis, in our Big Picture in Vol 8.5.
• In Vol 8.6, you decide . . . is space travel a win or a waste? Discuss your opinion in our Chatroom section. After that, read about the new space race journey in our feature article!
• Every issue of Supernova magazine stresses the importance of recycling and caring for our environment.

Life Science

Life Science involves the scientific study of life and organisms. These include microorganisms, plants, animals and human beings. Creating a love for Life Science in students is helpful in improving the quality and standard of life of the future! Kids will learn to apply their innovative ideas to health, agriculture, medicine as well as the pharmaceutical and food science industries.

In Supernova you will find in-depth articles that will make Life Sciences fun and interactive.

Ways you can use Volume 8 of Supernova magazine in the Life Science class:

• Become familiar with the Southern Ground Hornbill and the secret language of flowers in Vol 8.1.
• Discover more about extraordinary orchids, their complex adaptations and how their roots team up with mycorrhizal fungi in Vol 8.2! Also check out our spine-tingling article on Megafauna – the world’s largest land animals. While elephants, giraffes, hippos and rhino are all megafauna, here we talk about those giant creatures that roamed the Earth thousands of years ago.
• Gather some facts about how fascinating the frogs species are in Vol 8.3. Also, learn more about the importance of rescuing caged lions and other big cats through our interview with Cathrine from the Panthera Africa rescue centre. 
• Think you know all about the anatomy, habitat and behaviours of lions? Take a look at Vol 8.4 and test your knowledge!
• Explore the night life of bush babies in Vol 8.5 and find out more about the nocturnal habits of these cute busy-bodies.
• You have probably heard of the Big Five, but have you ever heard of the Little Five, the Shy Five and the Ugly Five? Learn more about our beloved Kruger National Park and all its animals in Vol 8.6. We also break down all of the facts on making sense of smell!

History

History has an important role and place in Social Sciences. Understanding the past helps shape and mould people and the societies in which they live. History also has important lessons to teach us. We can prevent the same mistakes from being made and contribute to more effective decision-making! Plus, learning about our own history is always fascinating!

Supernova allows your kids to travel to different places in each issue and learn some phenomenal history. On pg 14 of each Volume 8 issue, you can learn about these interesting and historical places.

Ways you can use Volume 8 of Supernova magazine in the History class:

• Visit the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu, and discover more about the ancient ruins situated on the steep peak of the Andes mountains in Vol 8.1. You’ll also learn all about the impressive history of Morse Code and how to use it to solve secret messages! Don’t forget to take a look at some of the ancient myths of Greece in this volume too.
• Take a trip to marvel at the mind-blowing carvings of four famous American presidents on Mount Rushmore in Vol 8.2.
• Wonder in silence at the origin, significance and sheer size of the Stonehenge in Vol 8.3, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site. Did you know that it’s the only surviving lintelled stone circle in the world? Also, learn about the history of cars and how they developed over time to become the incredible driving machines we know today. Then, take a look at the remarkable life of Frida Kahlo and how she changed the art world forever!
• Watch your step as we travel to Easter Island to gaze in wonder at the large stone statues carved by the native islanders of Rapa Nu in Vol 8.4!
• Travel to France to learn more about the beautiful medieval Catholic cathedral, Notre-Dame in Vol 8.5, and check out its phenomenal historical artworks and sculptures.
• Come along as we travel back in time to the ancient civilisation of Petra, the city of stone, in Vol 8.6 and check out this sandstone city tucked away in a gorge. Also, read our interview with the Berlin Wall for some awesome facts you never knew about this landmark in history.

Geography

Not only does geography help us understand the beautiful world around us, but it teaches students essential knowledge about the world and their own place in it. Geography enables students to see how people adapt to their environment and how human activities are modified by the environment. It also fosters abstract thinking and provides the opportunity for students to think critically about issues and social problems that affect their community or society.

Ways you can use Volume 8 of Supernova magazine in the Geography class:

• Supernova is the ultimate resource to discover more about the fantastic planet that we inhabit (and even those we don’t!). Learn about the seven highest summits in the world in Vol 8.1. You can also have a class discussion about urbanisation and the unequal living spaces of South Africa in our Chatroom section!
• Explore all you need to know about connecting with nature and disconnecting from busy life with our Get Active section on camping in Vol 8.2. Also learn some quirky facts about famous cities around the world.
• Think you have some mad geo skills? Then can you name the flag? Test your knowledge of the different flags of the world in Vol 8.3.
• Don’t miss out on our in-depth explanation of gemstones and crystals, and an activity for growing your own crystals in Vol 8.4.
• Take-in the awesome power of volcanoes in Vol 8.5 and build your own underwater volcano! Then, visit some of the towns in South Africa with the weirdest, funniest and most fantastic names.
• Have a look at some of the rare places in the world where nature has taken over in Vol 8.6.

English (First Language and First Additional Language)

We all know that fluency in the English language is an essential foundation for success in all subjects. But it is so much more than that! English plays an essential role in our lives, as it helps in communication. Supernova strongly advocates that as children grow up, they need to express their ideas, feelings and opinions. Our articles, conversation questions and writing prompts help them to do just that!

Offering opportunities for literature consumption in Supernova is also very important to us. Beyond developing a reading culture in South Africa, Supernova offers the chance for readers to develop cognitive skills that are essential to succeeding in a school or work setting.

– Candice, editor of Supernova magazine

Additionally, Supernova provides students with opportunities to respond to literature. We strive to give students an important appreciation of their own cultural heritage, as well as those of others. Students are also able to develop emotional intelligence and creativity as Supernova content nurtures the growth and development of personality and social skills. Most importantly, our team works very hard to transmit important literature and themes from one generation to the next.

Ways you can use Volume 8 of Supernova magazine in the English class:

• Every issue of Volume 8 features our creative writing prompts. Learn about writing in different genres like horror, comedy, tragedy, adventure, sci-fi and mystery! This helps with essay writing skills and improves language and grammar usage.
• All of our Supernova articles can be used as comprehension test material.
• Ask your students to prepare their favourite Supernova piece for a prepared reading test.
• Encourage conversation practice and debates in the classroom by discussing topics presented in our Chatroom section.
• Use Supernova magazine as an introduction to a variety of media materials.
• Test instruction following with our inventive Eco Crafts.
• Discuss the effectiveness of visual literacy by examining advertisements, notices, posters, comics, cartoons, photographs, and pictures in the magazine.

Creative Arts

Art activities are perfect for practicing a variety of physical, social, cognitive, and emotional skills! Creative activities instil a sense of achievement and pride in children, which boosts their self-confidence. Additionally, art expands a child’s ability to interact with the world around them, and provides a new set of skills for self-expression and communication. So, having time for imagination and experimentation is super important in the development of children. One of Supernova‘s main goals is to provide a space that enables and encourages kids to invent new things, come up with creative ideas and create their own masterpieces.

“All of our Supernova crafts are eco-friendly and create a mindset of reusing materials that we have available at home. Not only do these crafts encourage the limiting of waste, but they also provide essential opportunities for children to independently and creatively interact with the world and materials around them.”

– Candice, editor of Supernova magazine

Volume 8 of Supernova features a series that provides tips and tricks to teach learners how to use different creative materials such as photography, oil paints and pencils. The magazine as a whole is also a great example of clean, intuitive design for potential graphic designers.

“The magazine hosts a variety of illustration and design styles, which may inspire young designers in the art class and give them some exposure to creative content. Supernova presents valuable and fascinating content for young brains to absorb and is perfect for teachers that integrate specific themes into their teaching.”

 – Joshua Neilson, graphic design student at Inscape & intern at BK Publishing

Art practice helps students improve and gain confidence, and plays a large role in helping them believe in their own abilities. Building confidence in their abilities will assist students in taking on challenges in many other areas of their life.

The Supernova team strives to give our readers the opportunity and space to express their creativity and dive into art. As a result, our readers develop confidence, increase their empathy and discover how to look at the world from different perspectives. All of these skills help prepare Supernova readers to take on the world with passion and creativity.

Ways you can use Volume 8 of Supernova magazine in the Art class:

• Discover some eco-friendly ways to attract birds to your garden in Supernova Vol 8.1. You can also press your own flowers and create a cyclops origami eye!
• Repurpose those old jars in your cupboard and create a joyful jam jar to hold a bunch of beautiful flowers in Supernova Vol 8.2.
• Brush up on your origami skills with a step-by-step break down on how to fold your own paper frog in Supernova Vol 8.3. Then, take a leaf (or flower!) out of Frida Kahlo’s book and make your own colourful flower crown. You can also challenge your friends to a balloon-car race and make your own air-powered balloon-car!
• Grow your own fantastic crystals at home in Supernova Vol 8.4. Also, put the candy in your cupboard to good use and make a candy double helix that looks just like a DNA ladder! After that, get creative at making your own toys and crafts with a lion finger puppet.
• Combine your science and art skills to create your own underwater volcano in Supernova Vol 8.5! You can also create a cute bushbaby pencil pal.
• If you’re an animal fan, then this awesome animal footprint paperweight to hold down all your artworks in Supernova Vol 8.6. is just for you!

Life Orientation

Life Orientation may be one of the most underrated topics in the school curriculum! It equips kids for meaningful and successful living in a rapidly changing and transforming society. Life Orientation also plays an important role in guiding learners to make informed decisions about their health, environment, subject choices, further studies and careers. Supernova aims to be a responsible resource that guides and prepares learners in a positive manner for life and some of its possibilities.

Ways you can use Volume 8 of Supernova magazine in the LO class:

• Use Supernova as a springboard to start conversations with your children about potential careers! Learn more about becoming a technical diver, snail farmer, personal trainer, magician and forensic pathologist.
• Discuss the ethics of being a good leader, as seen on pg 40 of Vol 8.2 and pg 18 of Supernova Vol 8.4.

Get involved with Supernova teaching content

Let us know if you have more ideas for how to use Supernova as a teaching resource. Write to us and tell us about any articles you think would make a great learning opportunity or activity for kids!

Grab your Supernova Volume 8 box set now

All our issues are sold individually but can also be bought in a boxset. Get your Volume 8 box set now!