©ABC 2013

Questions for discussion

Spy Leak

1. Before watching the BtN Spy Leak story, discuss what you think the role is of a spy?

2. Discuss the main points raised in the Spy Leak story.

3. Describe the job of a spy. Compare it to what you wrote before watching the story.

4. What does project PRISM do?

5. Which big tech companies are thought to be involved in the project?

6. What did Edward Snowden do?

7. What might happen to Snowden if he’s caught?

8. Do you think privacy is a basic right? Why or why not?

9. Should the government be allowed to monitor what we do online? Explain your answer.

10. What do you understand more clearly since watching the Spy Leak story?

Should governments be allowed to monitor what we do online? Have your say on the BtN online poll. To

vote head to the BtN website http://abc.net.au/btn/polls.htm

Dalai Lama

1. The Dalai Lama is more formally known as the _______________ leader of the ______________

people.

2. Describe China’s views towards the Dalai Lama.

3. Which country is the Dalai Lama’s homeland?

4. Why did he have to flee his homeland?

5. What does it mean when someone is in exile?

6. Why might it be difficult for Australian leaders to meet with the Dalai Lama when he visits Australia?

7. Explain the following sentence: Tibetan Buddhists believe each Dalai Lama is a reincarnation of the

previous one.

8. Describe the process of finding a new Dalai Lama.

9. How did this story make you feel?

10. Illustrate an aspect of the Dalai Lama story.

Use BtN’s Dalai Lama teacher resource.

http://www.abc.net.au/btn/resources/teacher/episode/20130618-dalailama.pdf

Bionic Eye

1. How long has Jessye been blind?

2. How does she get around?

3. Describe echo location.

4. Scientists hope the bionic eye will help around ____% of people to see.

5. What is the cochlear bionic ear and how does it work?

6. Choose three adjectives to describe how Sophie felt when she could hear and speak for the first time.

7. What job does the retina perform?

8. Using words or pictures, describe how the bionic eye works.

9. Describe the images people would see with the bionic eye.

10. What do you now know about bionics since watching the BtN story?

Episode 17

18th June 2013

©ABC 2013

Use BtN’s Bionic Eye teacher resource.

http://www.abc.net.au/btn/resources/teacher/episode/20130618-bioniceye.pdf

Salon School

1. Briefly describe the Salon School story.

2. What is the name of the program the girls in the Salon School story are involved in? Give reasons why

you think that name might have been chosen?

3. Why are the students a part of the program?

4. Finish the following sentence: The rules are simple…

5. What is it hoped the program will achieve?

6. Apart from hairdressing, what do the students learn in the course?

7. Describe the work the girls do with the elderly.

8. How did the program change Isabelle’s life?

9. What do organisers of the program want to happen next?

10. What surprised you about this story?

Add your comment on the BtN Salon School story page to show your support.

http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s3779438.htm

Kart Champ

1. Discuss the Kart Champ story with another student.

2. In your own words describe the sport of go-karting.

3. How many generations in Joshua’s family have been involved in go-karting?

4. In which decade did the sport begin?

5. Finish the following sentence: `Go-karts are the starting point for…’

6. What’s Joshua’s ultimate dream?

7. Why was it `probably inevitable’ that Joshua would race go-karts?

8. Which top speed can Joshua reach?

a. 90 km per hour

b. 100 km per hour

c. 110 km per hour

9. Which category did Joshua start racing in?

10. How did this story make you feel?

Test your knowledge in the Kart Champ quiz. Go to the BtN website and follow the links.

©ABC 2013

Activity

Dalai Lama

Key Learning Students will develop an understanding of the Dalai Lama. Students will develop an understanding of Tibet and its relationship with China.

The Australian Curriculum

Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia

Asia and its diversity

The peoples and countries of Asia are diverse in ethnic background, traditions, cultures, belief systems and religions.

Interrelationships between humans and the diverse environments in Asia shape the region and have global implications.

Achievements and contributions of the peoples of Asia

The peoples and countries of Asia have contributed and continue to contribute to world history and human endeavour.

The arts and literature of Asia influence aesthetic and creative pursuits within Australia, the region and globally.

Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia

Asia-Australia engagement

Collaboration and engagement with the peoples of Asia support effective regional and global citizenship.

Australia is part of the Asia region and our histories from ancient times to the present are linked.

Australians play a significant role in social, cultural, political and economic developments in the Asia region.

Australians of Asian heritage have influenced Australia’s history and continue to influence its dynamic culture and society.

http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/CrossCurriculumPriorities/Asia-and-Australias-engagement-with-Asia

Discussion Questions

1. The Dalai Lama is more formally known as the _______________ leader of the ______________

people.

2. Describe China’s views towards the Dalai Lama.

3. Which country is the Dalai Lama’s homeland?

4. Why did he have to flee his homeland?

5. What does it mean when someone is in exile?

6. Why might it be difficult for Australian leaders to meet with the Dalai Lama when he visits Australia?

7. Explain the following sentence: Tibetan Buddhists believe each Dalai Lama is a reincarnation of the

previous one.

8. Describe the process of finding a new Dalai Lama.

9. How did this story make you feel?

10. Illustrate an aspect of the Dalai Lama story.

Episode 17

18th June 2013

©ABC 2013

Activities

K-W-H-L

After watching the BtN Dalai Lama Story invite students to participate in a class discussion. Find out what

your students know about the Dalai Lama and Tibet, what they learnt from the story and what questions

they have about the story. Here are some discussion starters:

Further investigation

It’s your job to convince the Prime Minister Julia Gillard why she should meet with the Dalai Lama while

he is in Australia. Give at least 3 reasons.

Conduct your own research

Students will be researching and developing a profile of Tibet to gain a deeper understanding of the

country.

Encourage students to gather information from a variety of sources. There are some website links at the

end of this activity sheet that may be useful.

Negotiate with students how they are going to present their profile. For example, students can present

their research findings as an oral presentation or using the Cube Creator publishing tool. Go to

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/cube_creator/ then click on create-your-own

cube.

What do you want to find out?

How will you find out?

What do you know?

What did you learn?

Discussion questions

Who is the Dalai Lama?

How did he become the Dalai Lama of Tibet?

What is meant by the term reincarnation?

Why did the Dalai Lama leave Tibet? Where does he live now?

Brainstorm and list words that you associate with the Dalai Lama.

©ABC 2013

Related Research Links

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet – Official

http://www.dalailama.com/

BBC News Asia-Pacific – Profile: Dalai Lama

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12700331

BBC News Asia-Pacific – Tibet Profile

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-16689779

BBC News – Key issues: Tibet

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14533879

BBC News – Q&A: China and the Tibetans

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14533879

Behind the News – Tibet

http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s2219572.htm

Geography Investigate the physical features of Tibet

Include a map of Tibet showing surrounding countries

Tibet is known as the “roof of the world” discuss what this

statement means.

Describe the terrain and the climate.

What is the capital of Tibet?

People of Tibet What are the different ethnic groups found in Tibet?

What is the population of Tibet?

What language is spoken in Tibet?

Values and Beliefs What is the dominant religion in Tibet?

Who is the spiritual leader of Tibet?

Culture and Arts Why is culture so important to the people of Tibet?

Economy What industry does Tibet’s economy largely depend on?

Government and Politics Who is the Prime Minister of Tibet? Where does the Tibetan Government operate from?

History When was Tibet formed? When was Tibet an independent country?

Relationship with China When did the Chinese Army enter Tibet?

When was Tibet considered a region of China?

Why does Tibet want autonomy from China?

Profile on Tibet

©ABC 2013

Activity

Bionic Eye

Key Learning Students will develop their scientific understanding on how the human eye works. Students will learn about the scientific discovery of the bionic eye and how it will be used to solve problems that directly affect people’s lives.

The Australian Curriculum Science / Science as a Human Endeavour / Use and influence of science

Scientific understandings, discoveries and inventions are used to solve problems that directly affect peoples’ lives (ACSHE083) (ACSHE100)

Science / Science Understanding / Physical sciences

Light from a source forms shadows and can be absorbed, reflected and refracted (ACSSU080)

Science / Science Inquiry Skills / Communicating

Communicate ideas, explanations and processes in a variety of

ways, including multi-modal texts(ACSIS093) (ACSIS110)

Communicate ideas, findings and solutions to problems using

scientific language and representations using digital

technologies as appropriate (ACSIS133) (ACSIS148)

Discussion Questions

1. How long has Jessye been blind?

2. How does she get around?

3. Describe echo location.

4. Scientists hope the bionic eye will help around ____% of people to see.

5. What is the cochlear bionic ear and how does it work?

6. Choose three adjectives to describe how Sophie felt when she could hear and speak for the first time.

7. What job does the retina perform?

8. Using words or pictures, describe how the bionic eye works.

9. Describe the images people would see with the bionic eye.

10. What do you now know about bionics since watching the BtN story?

Activities

Remember and understand

To understand bionic eye technology, it will help students if they know more about how the human eye functions and how we see. Refer to the following websites to find out more about how the human eye works.

Episode 17

18th June 2013

©ABC 2013

Child and Youth Health – How your eyes work http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=152&id=1730. Bionic Vision Australia – How does healthy vision work? http://bionicvision.org.au/eye/healthy_vision

Provide students with a labelled diagram of the human eye, optic nerve, and brain. Hold a class discussion in which students match up parts of the human eye and brain to the different technology used in the bionic eye.

Students will then conduct research into the discovery of the human bionic eye. Use the following research questions to guide students’ research.

Venn Diagram

Complete the Venn diagram below to show as much as you know about the bionic ear (also called a

cochlear implant) and the new bionic eye. Remember to use overlapping parts of the diagram to show

what they have in common.

Refer to the Questacon website for more information on the bionic ear http://www.questacon.edu.au/indepth/clever/bionic_ear.html

Research questions

How does the human eye work?

What does bionic mean?

What is a bionic eye?

How will it work?

Who will it help?

What might someone who has a bionic eye see?

Take a look at the bionic eye app to simulate the sort of vision a person with a bionic eye might experience. http://bionicvision.org.au/eye/what_might_i_see

Who is working on the bionic eye project?

1. Outside glasses – digital camera

2. Inside glasses – eye movement sensor will direct the camera

3. Side of glasses – digital processor and wireless transmitter

4. Brain implant – small implant under the skull will receive wireless

signals and directly stimulate the brain’s visual cortex

©ABC 2013

Further Investigation

Bionic Vision Australia have developed an app to simulate the sort of vision a person with a bionic eye might experience. Although it is difficult to predict exactly what people with retinal implants will experience, the app will help you imagine what vision with phosphenes might be like. http://bionicvision.org.au/eye/what_might_i_see

Invite students to use the Internet to build a timeline of technological and medical advancements in the field of bionics over the last century. Use dipity to create your timeline. http://www.dipity.com/

Follow the journey of the bionic eye discovery! Track the progress of the bionic eye by looking at a selection of media coverage highlights via ABC News and the Bionic Vision Australia ‘In the News’ website. http://bionicvision.org.au/media/In_the_news

Related Research Links

ABC News – Bionic eye prototype unveiled by Victorian scientists and designers

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-07/latest-bionic-eye-prototype-unveiled-in-victoria/4741190

Bionic Vision Australia – The Bionic Eye

http://bionicvision.org.au/eye

Monash University – Direct to brain bionic vision

http://www.monash.edu.au/bioniceye/technology%20ORIGINAL.html

CSIRO Double Helix – Bionic eye a step closer

http://csirohelixblog.com/2012/09/28/bionic-eye-a-step-closer/

Child and Youth Health – How you eyes work

http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=152&id=1730

Behind the News – Bionic Eye

http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s2316649.htm

ABC Catalyst – Bionic Eye

http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/3179190.htm

©ABC 2013

BtN: Episode 17 Transcript 18/6/13 On this week's Behind the News:

The Dalai Lama visits Australia. So who is he and what does he do?

We check out a new bionic eye which aims to help blind people to see.

And we meet the girls running their own hair salon from school! Hi I'm Nathan Bazley, welcome to Behind the News. Also on the show today we meet a family with 3 generations of go-kart champions. But first today.

Spy Leak Reporter: Sarah Larsen INTRO: A former US spy has revealed some secrets that have got a lot of people talking. Intelligence agencies in the states have been collecting people's internet data and keeping a record of lots of their phone calls. He felt that was wrong so he told everyone about it. Sarah takes up the story. This is Agent X. He's a spy and his job involves, well, that's a secret. We can tell you that he's trying to protect his country by gathering information. He might do it by watching people or meeting people and he might do it by tracking their digital footprint and seeing if they've been contacting enemies of the state. But how would you feel if Agent X was watching you? Recently the world found out that spies in the US are watching a lot more people than many thought. The Government admitted to running a project called PRISM. It lets spy agencies look at what people all over the world are doing online. For the past six years they've been spying on emails, social network activity, listening in on Skype calls and watching searches. And although they deny it, it's alleged some big tech companies have been helping them do it. The US Government has also been collecting the details of many phone calls. And while spying on people might be what you expect from spies PRISM has shocked many. In the US these guys are supposed to suspect people of a crime before they watch them. But in the last few years laws have changed and it's become easier for agencies to collect information from more people. It would have stayed a secret if not for this guy. Edward Snowden did work for spy agencies and says he had access to lots of private information. EDWARD SNOWDEN: I sitting at my desk certainly have the power to wire tap anyone from you or your accountant to a federal judge to even the resident if I had a personal email.

©ABC 2013

He thought it wasn't right for spies to have that sort of secret power. So he told some newspapers. What Snowden did is known as a leak; when someone gives away information they're not supposed to. It's a big deal. Giving away government secrets is against the law. If he's caught Snowden could face a long time in jail or worse. He left his home in Hawaii and hid out in Hong Kong. But is he a criminal or a hero? That's a question that's dividing people in the US and overseas. Some say Snowden betrayed his country and put people in danger. They say spy agencies need to be able to operate in secret to keep people safe Plus, to some the idea of being watched online isn't really a big deal. In a world where people share all sorts of information about themselves privacy isn't that important to everyone. But some say it's a basic right. Many in the US and overseas are horrified by the thought of the government watching over them. They say it's the sort of thing that goes on in countries like North Korea where people have no freedom. The US Government says it wasn't trying to control people, just catch bad guys. But some reckon it shouldn't be doing things in secret. They say Snowden has sacrificed his career, his home and possibly his freedom just because he wanted to do the right thing and let people know the truth. But no matter what you think of Snowden he certainly has a lot of people asking questions about the spy game - like who are they watching and who's watching them? PRESENTER: OK let's make that our poll this week.

Online Poll The question is: Should governments be allowed to monitor what we do online? To vote, just head to our website. Last week we asked if Australia should become a republic. 47 per cent of you said yes. and 53 per cent said no - you'd rather keep the Queen. Let's see what else has been making the news this week. Here's Tash with the Wire.

©ABC 2013

The Wire The Gillard Government has been hit with some bad news only a few months out from this year's Federal Election. Latest opinion polls show support for Labor has fallen to 29 percent. While the Federal Opposition is up to 47 percent. The news comes as some government pollies call for ex-PM Kevin Rudd to return to the leadership. *** New research reckons that mining emissions are the cause of lead poisoning in Mt Isa in Queensland. It follows a study in 2008 that found 11 percent of local kids had been exposed to lead. University researchers looked at samples of dust, soil and air from homes and public areas collected between 2005 and 2008. A special group investigating lead levels in Mt Isa will review the research. *** Dinosaur bones, believed to be 98-million years old, have been uncovered in outback Queensland. Among the bones are giant limbs, vertebrae and two-metre long ribs! The huge fossils were discovered by scientists and volunteers involved in a two-week dinosaur dig near Winton. *** And it's been 50 years since the first woman went into space. Valentina Tereshkova was 26 years old when she blasted off on a solo trip in 1963. Her mission lasted three days, which included circling the earth 48 times. Valentina, who's now 76, remains the only woman to have ever made a solo flight in space.

Dalai Lama Reporter: Sarah Larsen INTRO: Australia's had a very famous visitor this week a guy called the Dalai Lama. He's the leader of a type of Buddhism and is respected by many people around the world. He's even won a Nobel Peace Prize. So why is his visit seen as controversial by some? Let's take a look. NATHAN BAZLEY, REPORTER: China says you shouldn't talk to him, that he's not who he says he is, and that you're no friend of theirs if you do. So who is this shadowy guy, China is so worried about? Yep, it's this guy - the Dalai Lama. Otherwise known as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists. He hardly sounds like someone you should be wary of though, does he? In fact, he actually looks like a pretty fun-loving guy! So why have China said things like this about him in the past? JIANG YU, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY: We hope that relevant governments and parties can stay on high alert to the actions and words of the Dalai Lama and not give him any support.

©ABC 2013

Well, there is some history there. When his holiness was just a teenager, thousands of Chinese troops invaded his homeland, Tibet. The Dalai Lama tried to make them leave, but they took over. Soon, Tibet became too dangerous, so he and his family fled to India. That's why they say he's IN EXILE, because he can't return home. And ever since, China has been in control of Tibet and its people. Many people in Tibet want to be free from Chinese rule. And the Dalai Lama often talks about the issue as he tours around the world. But China says Tibet is a part of their country, so they think the Dalai Lama is just making trouble by bringing it up. So that's the history between China and the Dalai Lama. Which can make it awkward for Australian leaders to meet with him. We have a strong relationship with China and do a lot of very important business deals with them. So seeing the Dalai Lama might upset that relationship. But not seeing him is seen by others as very rude, because to many he's an important spiritual leader. It's a tricky situation, but that hasn't stopped many others gathering to hear his peaceful messages on this trip. As you can see, he's pretty popular here. He's even got his own twitter account with more than 7 million followers. Bet that's a whole lot more than the first Dalai Lama had! That one lived over five hundred years ago and there's been 13 since. Tibetan Buddhists believe each Dalai Lama is a reincarnation of the previous one. That means when one dies, they believe his soul enters a newborn boy, ready to live again. Or maybe the next one could be a girl. DALAI LAMA: If the circumstances are such that a female Dalai Lama is more useful then automatically a female Dalai Lama will come. Only problem is - how do they know which kid is the right one to be the next Dalai Lama?! Well one of the tests is actually pretty fun. They give the child some items, some of which belonged to the last Dalai Lama, and some which didn't. If the child picks out the right ones, they're a step closer to being chosen! But what if a few kids choose right?! Well in that case, they just draw a name from a hat. Sorry, an urn. So that's just a couple of the steps that it takes to be Dalai Lama. It's a complicated position, but if this Dalai Lama's smile is anything to go by, it must be a fair bit of fun too.

Quiz 1 Time for the first quiz of the show. The question is: What is the literal meaning of the name Dalai Lama? Ocean Teacher Spirit Guide

©ABC 2013

Earth Father Answer: Ocean Teacher His followers believe he is spiritually as deep as the ocean.

Bionic Eye Reporter: Sarah Larsen INTRO: Recently a team of Aussie scientists unveiled a model of what could become the world's first bionic eye. If successful, it would allow people who are blind to see the outlines of their surroundings. So how would it work? Sarah explains SARAH LARSEN, REPORTER: In just about every way Jessye is a normal 11 year old kid. She likes singing and reading and her favourite subject is creative writing. There are just some things she does a little differently. JESSYE: I'm totally blind I can't see anything and I've been blind since I was 5 so nearly 7 years. Jessye has lots of different ways of getting around without sight. JESSYE: You could use the cane. Basically you tap it around in front of you. Echo location is one. Basically you just make a noise and the noise bounces off anything around you and you can hear it and you know what's around you or you could use a guide dog which takes you around but you have to know where to go. But soon kids like Jessye could have another way to navigate the world. This is a bionic eye, a new Aussie invention which scientists hope will one day help around 85% of people to see. Bionics are man-made technologies designed to work in the same way that your body does. One of the best known examples is the Cochlear Bionic Ear which was developed by Aussie scientists back in the 70s. By using a microphone that sends signals to an implant in people’s head it mimics the way the ear works and helps people like Sophie who was born deaf to hear. SOPHIE: There were a few moments where I just sat back and I just went, I can't believe I am hearing this. It's fantastic! For years now Aussie scientists have been trying to create a device which would use similar techniques to help people see. In the eye light enters through the front and is directed to the back of the eyeball to something called the retina. It's the retina's job to take that light and transform it into electrical signals which it sends through your optic nerve to your brain. Your brain then interprets that signals into what we know as vision.

©ABC 2013

Scientists at Monash University in Victoria have now developed a device that can be implanted right into the part of the brain devoted to sight. It's wirelessly connected to a transmitter which is attached to a camera on a pair of glasses. It acts a bit like your eye, turning light into electrical signals that your brain can use. REPORTER: The new bionic eye wouldn't let people see in the same way as regular eyes do. The researchers say they can't know for sure but they think the images people get will be more like this. PROFESSOR MARK ARMSTRONG, MONASH UNIVERSITY: I guess the best way I can describe it it like a dot matrix printer so it's low resolution so that the camera and the processor distil what you see and the great thing about it is those low resolution dots will show a table edge or a chair or your silhouette for example so the theory is that it will give people back navigation so you can walk around objects and step on the floor and that's the thing that's very exciting, isn't it? This new invention will be tested next year. And with different sorts of bionic eyes being developed in Australia and overseas, scientists reckon the technology will keep getting better. JESSYE: I think for some people it would be interesting and maybe useful it would suit some people, not all of them. Personally I'm happy like I am so I'm happy to stay like this. Even without sight there's very little Jessye can't do and she's looking forward to whatever the future brings.

Quiz 2 Let's have another quiz. The question is: What is the name of the colourful part of the eye? Retina Pupil Iris Answer: Iris The iris controls the size of the pupil and so the amount of light that it lets in.

©ABC 2013

Salon School Reporter: Natasha Thiele

INTRO: Now to a story about an unusual way to stop kids wagging school. A group of girls have been given the chance to run their own hair dressing salon, but only if they turn up to class. So far it's been an amazing success. Tash checks it out. NATASHA THIELE, REPORTER: This is an important sisterhood. One that brings together teenage girls with similar stories and one that's making a difference to their lives, both at home and at school. They're part of a program called Shine. Shine is all about giving Year 9 students a chance to run their own hairdressing salon. Some of them might have problems with learning or have issues at home, which might affect them going to school. So the program is designed to get them back on track and back in school. And the rules are simple, if they don't turn up to school then they're not allowed to be part of Shine! Classes are held here at this specially-designed salon in their school. Although they're taught the tricks of the hairdressing trade. They're also taught about issues that affect young people. And they have a chance to talk about any problems they're having. KIERA, SHINE STUDENT: This is somewhere you can set goals and believe in yourself and not have to worry about anyone else, what anyone else thinks you can be yourself around everyone when you're here. TEHANI, SHINE STUDENT: It's built my confidence up, like I probably wouldn't do this before. My school grades have improved like I've moved schools just last year. Their salon also hits the road to bring some pampering to aged care homes like this. They not only have a chat with the residents, they give them makeovers as well. TEHANI: I like talking to the older people, so it's good to have been picked to come down here and do this, I really wanted to and so I thought yes, finally. JOY, AGED CARE LOCAL: The main thing in life with children is to make them happy. If you can get children like that doing things that make them happy, 90 percent of your trouble is over, I know. Isabelle knows what it's like to be a Shine student. Before she joined the program, she only went to school a couple of times a week. But Shine changed that and it also gave her inspiration about what to do with her life after graduation. ISABELLE, SHINE GRADUATE: My dream is to be the best I can be and a senior hairdresser. At the moment, the program is partly funded by the WA Government. But organisers are calling for more money, so they can expand the program to other states and year levels. So one day, you might see this sisterhood shining light on school grades and salon skills right around the country.

©ABC 2013

The Score Melbourne Demons coach Mark Neeld has been sacked by his club. His future has been uncertain for several weeks because his team has only won once this year. The club is now looking for a new coach. But in the meantime, assistant coach Neil Craig will fill in. *** English golfer Justin Rose has won the US Open. But it wasn’t easy. The lead changed several times between Rose, American Phil Mickelson and Aussie Jason Day. But in the end the Englishman was too good finishing on 1-over-par 281. *** And the Adelaide Thunderbirds have claimed the trans-Tasman netball minor premiership. They clinched the title with a come-from-behind win over the New Zealand side the Northern Mystics 64 points to 48. Goal shooters Carla Borrego and Erin Bell scored 26 goals between them in the third term. It's the Thunderbirds' 10th straight win. What a game it was today!

Kart Champ Reporter: Natasha Thiele INTRO: Now to a sporting star of the future. We're about to meet a 13 year old kid who has become a go-kart Champion. What makes his story unusual though is that he's not the first person in his family to win the title. In fact, he's not even the second! Sophia went to meet him. SOPHIA THOMSON, REPORTER: If you have good co-ordination, quick reflexes and a need for speed. Then this sport might be for you! It's go-karting. The sport started in the United States in the 50's. It took off quickly and eventually spread all over the world. Today go-karts are the starting point for a lot of V8 and Formula one drivers like Michael Schumacher, Mark Webber and Lewis Hamilton. Now, there's another go-karter hoping to make the switch. REPORTER: What's your ultimate dream? JOSHUA DENTON, GO-KART CHAMPION: F1's I reckon. At 13, Joshua Denton is the best junior go-kart clubman in the country! JOSHUA: Really excited and yeah just couldn't believe that I won it. And Josh has a lot of support behind him. His dad and grandpa were both national champions! CRAIG DENTON, JOSHUA'S DAD: The day that he come out of hospital, after he was born we had to come past this track had to drop some parts off to a customer. So the first place

©ABC 2013

he came to was the racing track so it was probably inevitable that he was going to end up racing. TREVOR DENTON, JOSHUA'S GRANDPA: Something I'd never dreamed of in a million years, I won on this track 50 years ago I, won the national title, got out of it all and then Craig come out to races, he won the national championship and now that Josh has won the third, three generations, it's a bit of an achievement, yeah, I'm over the moon. Josh started out racing in a category called cadets, then as he got older he progressed up the ranks although it's taken a lot of hard work. JOSHUA: Every weekend we go out practicing, getting ready, trying to keep my fitness up. Pretty much, every week we go out two to three times into the shed preparing for my next race and on top of all that I do football try to keep fit. REPORTER: Do you think you can show me how it works? JOSHUA: Sure can, alright let's go. SOPHIA: I'm scared. REPORTER: Oh my gosh. Oh that was terrifying! My arms hurt so much, I'm shaking so much, and my bum is killing me from being wedged into this tiny chair. That was good though. For me, getting up to around 60 kays an hour was thrilling enough. But Josh can reach speeds of up to 110 kays an hour! JOSHUA: Sometimes it is scary, um but yeah I just love the thrill of going down the straight really fast. It's no surprise that with such a passion for the sport, Josh is already a national champion. And if he keeps up the hard work, he could be Australia's next big motorsports star!

Closer That's it for the show. You can jump onto our website if you want to get more info on any of the stories. You can send us your comments and don't forget to vote in this week's poll. I'll see you next time.