Discover five Asian countries through short, engaging videos from the BBC + country fact files
Every student, everywhere, knows the feeling: walking out of a big exam with no idea if you did well or completely bombed it. This year, that feeling hit an entire country at once.
In the UK, this year's math exams were unusually tough — tough enough that students flooded social media with one shared message: "that test kicked my butt." And it wasn't about skipping study time or being dramatic. Many said the exam's structure meant you could know the material and still not be able to show it.
Here's why: the questions were worded differently than in past years. If a student got stuck on the first part of a question, they couldn't move on to the rest — like having the perfect ice cream sundae recipe, but the ice cream and toppings are locked in a vault guarded by a saber-toothed parabola.
Not everyone agreed the test was actually harder. Some math experts said the calculations themselves were standard, and students should have been able to solve them. So who's right?
It's not really a students vs. experts argument. When exam boards set the grades for a test like this, they review a wide range of evidence to make sure students end up with fair results — not just the raw difficulty of the questions. The organization that oversees UK exams also said it will keep a close eye on this one going forward.
Did you put on sunscreen today? Yes? Go put on some more.
Tans may be fashionable, but the risks that come with sun damage are anything but — and they can last a lifetime. That's why England banned tanning beds for anyone under 18 back in 2011. Even so, people as young as 14 have found ways to use them illegally. Now, the rules are getting stricter: businesses will be legally required to check ID before letting anyone near a sunbed, and salons will need to post clear health warnings — including dropping any misleading claims that certain beds can prevent sunburn or help with weight loss.
Even with stronger laws, misinformation is still a problem. Rumors about tanning beds offering benefits like vitamin D have a way of spreading while the risks get quietly ignored. Experts say that even a single tanning bed session before the age of 35 increases the risk of skin cancer by nearly 60% — and young skin is especially vulnerable. Skin cancer is already the most common cancer in the world. The tan isn't worth it.
The DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo) is a large central African country now facing an Ebola outbreak along with neighboring Uganda. Ebola is a serious virus spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids, causing fever, vomiting, and bleeding. This outbreak's strain has no approved vaccine or treatment.
This isn't the DRC's first health crisis — and it's not bad luck. Three main factors are at play: the DRC borders nine countries with heavy cross-border movement and conflict-driven displacement, making disease spread easy; its health system is stretched thin, so early symptoms (which mimic other illnesses) often go unnoticed; and close contact with wildlife in its vast forests — including hunting and eating bushmeat — raises the risk of animal-to-human disease jumps.
Together, these factors explain why outbreaks keep happening — and why this one deserves close attention.
The greatest show on Earth is happening right now — and it's bigger than ever. The 2026 FIFA World Cup spans three countries (the U.S., Canada, and Mexico), features a record-breaking 48 teams, and runs from June 11 through July 19. The final? It's being played right here — at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just outside New York City. No pressure.
Since 1930, the World Cup has produced legendary goals, shocking upsets, and moments that stopped entire nations in their tracks. It's the one tournament where a tiny island nation can send a footballing giant home crying — and usually does.
Think you know your Pelés from your Mbappés? Your golden boots from your offside traps? Whether you're a die-hard who tracks every group stage table or someone who only tunes in for the final — this quiz will put what you know to the test. Let's see if you can go all the way.
Are you watching the 2026 World Cup?! We hope so, because it’s a big one. The biggest one, actually. It’s the first with three countries co-hosting (Canada, the U.S., and Mexico), and it’s been expanded to 48 teams (from 32).
But the size of the tournament isn’t where the differences end, not by a long shot! This year, the World Cup is also introducing new rules, like a possible red card for players covering their mouths! If you gasped and covered your own mouth, don’t worry. First because you’re probably not playing in the World Cup (yet), but also because this penalty is only given to players who are being confrontational.
Other additions include the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) getting the power to check second yellow cards and corners, a 5-second countdown on goal kicks and throw-ins, and a rule that players being subbed will have just 10 seconds to leave the pitch. No time for dilly dallying, we’ve got 16 more teams to watch this year!
Travel across the islands of Indonesia with this colorful one-page fact file for Grades 3–8. Students will explore Indonesia’s geography, history, culture, wildlife, and government while learning about thousands of islands, volcanoes and coral reefs, tropical rainforests, unique animals such as Komodo dragons and orangutans, and the traditions of Indonesia’s many cultures.
You can use this fact file to:
- Introduce a geography or social studies unit
- Support nonfiction reading practice
- Compare countries and cultures
- Complete map and research activities
- Prepare students for projects or presentations (use our country report template!)
- Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)
Explore the culture, history, and modern life of South Korea with this student-friendly fact file for Grades 3–8. Students will explore South Korea’s geography, history, culture, wildlife, and government while learning about mountain landscapes, Korean traditions, K-pop, kimchi, important events in Korean history, and the country’s modern economy and technology.
You can use this fact file to:
- Introduce a geography or social studies unit
- Support nonfiction reading practice
- Compare countries and cultures
- Complete map and research activities
- Prepare students for projects or presentations (use our country report template!)
- Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)
Introduce students to the rich cultures, landscapes, and history of India with this classroom-ready fact file for Grades 3–8. Students will explore India’s geography, history, culture, wildlife, and government while learning about the Himalayan Mountains, major rivers, diverse religions and traditions, colorful festivals, and animals such as Bengal tigers and Indian peafowl.
You can use this fact file to:
- Introduce a geography or social studies unit
- Support nonfiction reading practice
- Compare countries and cultures
- Complete map and research activities
- Prepare students for projects or presentations (use our country report template!)
- Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)
Discover the islands, traditions, and history of Japan with this one-page fact file for Grades 3–8. Students will explore Japan’s geography, history, culture, wildlife, and government while learning about volcanic islands, mountain landscapes, traditional customs, unique wildlife, modern cities, and important moments from Japan’s past and present.
You can use this fact file to:
- Introduce a geography or social studies unit
- Support nonfiction reading practice
- Compare countries and cultures
- Complete map and research activities
- Prepare students for projects or presentations (use our country report template!)
- Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)
Take students on a journey through China with this engaging one-page fact file for Grades 3–8. Students will explore China’s geography, history, culture, wildlife, and government while learning about famous mountains and rivers, bustling cities, giant pandas, traditional celebrations such as Chinese New Year, and important moments from China’s long history.
You can use this fact file to:
- Introduce a geography or social studies unit
- Support nonfiction reading practice
- Compare countries and cultures
- Complete map and research activities
- Prepare students for projects or presentations (use our country report template!)
- Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)
Explore the experiences of women who reached the highest levels of political leadership in this Kahoot about power, representation, and social change. Through the stories of Margaret Thatcher, Hillary Clinton, and Michelle Bachelet, students will examine how gender, prejudice, and feminism have shaped women’s paths to leadership in different countries and time periods.
This Kahoot explores the challenges and expectations faced by women in politics, including public perception, stereotypes, representation, and the debate over equality and leadership. Students will build listening skills, vocabulary, and historical awareness while considering how women leaders have influenced politics and challenged traditional ideas about power around the world.
Watch the related BBC video, Margaret Thatcher and Hillary Clinton, Women in Power, then invite your Grade 6–12 students to test their knowledge and explore how leadership and representation continue to shape society today.
Discover five Asian countries through short, engaging videos from the BBC + country fact files
Every student, everywhere, knows the feeling: walking out of a big exam with no idea if you did well or completely bombed it. This year, that feeling hit an entire country at once.
In the UK, this year's math exams were unusually tough — tough enough that students flooded social media with one shared message: "that test kicked my butt." And it wasn't about skipping study time or being dramatic. Many said the exam's structure meant you could know the material and still not be able to show it.
Here's why: the questions were worded differently than in past years. If a student got stuck on the first part of a question, they couldn't move on to the rest — like having the perfect ice cream sundae recipe, but the ice cream and toppings are locked in a vault guarded by a saber-toothed parabola.
Not everyone agreed the test was actually harder. Some math experts said the calculations themselves were standard, and students should have been able to solve them. So who's right?
It's not really a students vs. experts argument. When exam boards set the grades for a test like this, they review a wide range of evidence to make sure students end up with fair results — not just the raw difficulty of the questions. The organization that oversees UK exams also said it will keep a close eye on this one going forward.
Did you put on sunscreen today? Yes? Go put on some more.
Tans may be fashionable, but the risks that come with sun damage are anything but — and they can last a lifetime. That's why England banned tanning beds for anyone under 18 back in 2011. Even so, people as young as 14 have found ways to use them illegally. Now, the rules are getting stricter: businesses will be legally required to check ID before letting anyone near a sunbed, and salons will need to post clear health warnings — including dropping any misleading claims that certain beds can prevent sunburn or help with weight loss.
Even with stronger laws, misinformation is still a problem. Rumors about tanning beds offering benefits like vitamin D have a way of spreading while the risks get quietly ignored. Experts say that even a single tanning bed session before the age of 35 increases the risk of skin cancer by nearly 60% — and young skin is especially vulnerable. Skin cancer is already the most common cancer in the world. The tan isn't worth it.
The DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo) is a large central African country now facing an Ebola outbreak along with neighboring Uganda. Ebola is a serious virus spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids, causing fever, vomiting, and bleeding. This outbreak's strain has no approved vaccine or treatment.
This isn't the DRC's first health crisis — and it's not bad luck. Three main factors are at play: the DRC borders nine countries with heavy cross-border movement and conflict-driven displacement, making disease spread easy; its health system is stretched thin, so early symptoms (which mimic other illnesses) often go unnoticed; and close contact with wildlife in its vast forests — including hunting and eating bushmeat — raises the risk of animal-to-human disease jumps.
Together, these factors explain why outbreaks keep happening — and why this one deserves close attention.
The greatest show on Earth is happening right now — and it's bigger than ever. The 2026 FIFA World Cup spans three countries (the U.S., Canada, and Mexico), features a record-breaking 48 teams, and runs from June 11 through July 19. The final? It's being played right here — at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just outside New York City. No pressure.
Since 1930, the World Cup has produced legendary goals, shocking upsets, and moments that stopped entire nations in their tracks. It's the one tournament where a tiny island nation can send a footballing giant home crying — and usually does.
Think you know your Pelés from your Mbappés? Your golden boots from your offside traps? Whether you're a die-hard who tracks every group stage table or someone who only tunes in for the final — this quiz will put what you know to the test. Let's see if you can go all the way.
Are you watching the 2026 World Cup?! We hope so, because it’s a big one. The biggest one, actually. It’s the first with three countries co-hosting (Canada, the U.S., and Mexico), and it’s been expanded to 48 teams (from 32).
But the size of the tournament isn’t where the differences end, not by a long shot! This year, the World Cup is also introducing new rules, like a possible red card for players covering their mouths! If you gasped and covered your own mouth, don’t worry. First because you’re probably not playing in the World Cup (yet), but also because this penalty is only given to players who are being confrontational.
Other additions include the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) getting the power to check second yellow cards and corners, a 5-second countdown on goal kicks and throw-ins, and a rule that players being subbed will have just 10 seconds to leave the pitch. No time for dilly dallying, we’ve got 16 more teams to watch this year!
Travel across the islands of Indonesia with this colorful one-page fact file for Grades 3–8. Students will explore Indonesia’s geography, history, culture, wildlife, and government while learning about thousands of islands, volcanoes and coral reefs, tropical rainforests, unique animals such as Komodo dragons and orangutans, and the traditions of Indonesia’s many cultures.
You can use this fact file to:
- Introduce a geography or social studies unit
- Support nonfiction reading practice
- Compare countries and cultures
- Complete map and research activities
- Prepare students for projects or presentations (use our country report template!)
- Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)
Explore the culture, history, and modern life of South Korea with this student-friendly fact file for Grades 3–8. Students will explore South Korea’s geography, history, culture, wildlife, and government while learning about mountain landscapes, Korean traditions, K-pop, kimchi, important events in Korean history, and the country’s modern economy and technology.
You can use this fact file to:
- Introduce a geography or social studies unit
- Support nonfiction reading practice
- Compare countries and cultures
- Complete map and research activities
- Prepare students for projects or presentations (use our country report template!)
- Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)
Introduce students to the rich cultures, landscapes, and history of India with this classroom-ready fact file for Grades 3–8. Students will explore India’s geography, history, culture, wildlife, and government while learning about the Himalayan Mountains, major rivers, diverse religions and traditions, colorful festivals, and animals such as Bengal tigers and Indian peafowl.
You can use this fact file to:
- Introduce a geography or social studies unit
- Support nonfiction reading practice
- Compare countries and cultures
- Complete map and research activities
- Prepare students for projects or presentations (use our country report template!)
- Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)
Discover the islands, traditions, and history of Japan with this one-page fact file for Grades 3–8. Students will explore Japan’s geography, history, culture, wildlife, and government while learning about volcanic islands, mountain landscapes, traditional customs, unique wildlife, modern cities, and important moments from Japan’s past and present.
You can use this fact file to:
- Introduce a geography or social studies unit
- Support nonfiction reading practice
- Compare countries and cultures
- Complete map and research activities
- Prepare students for projects or presentations (use our country report template!)
- Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)
Take students on a journey through China with this engaging one-page fact file for Grades 3–8. Students will explore China’s geography, history, culture, wildlife, and government while learning about famous mountains and rivers, bustling cities, giant pandas, traditional celebrations such as Chinese New Year, and important moments from China’s long history.
You can use this fact file to:
- Introduce a geography or social studies unit
- Support nonfiction reading practice
- Compare countries and cultures
- Complete map and research activities
- Prepare students for projects or presentations (use our country report template!)
- Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)
Explore the experiences of women who reached the highest levels of political leadership in this Kahoot about power, representation, and social change. Through the stories of Margaret Thatcher, Hillary Clinton, and Michelle Bachelet, students will examine how gender, prejudice, and feminism have shaped women’s paths to leadership in different countries and time periods.
This Kahoot explores the challenges and expectations faced by women in politics, including public perception, stereotypes, representation, and the debate over equality and leadership. Students will build listening skills, vocabulary, and historical awareness while considering how women leaders have influenced politics and challenged traditional ideas about power around the world.
Watch the related BBC video, Margaret Thatcher and Hillary Clinton, Women in Power, then invite your Grade 6–12 students to test their knowledge and explore how leadership and representation continue to shape society today.