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History

Magellan’s Final Voyage

Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, sailing for Spain, set out in 1519 to prove the world could be circumnavigated by sea — but he never made it home. He was killed in 1521 during a clash with local warriors on the island of Mactan in the Philippines.

His expedition continued under Juan Sebastián Elcano, who completed the journey two years later — and of the 270 men who set sail, only 18 returned, proving at great cost that the Earth was indeed round.

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Science

Why You Can’t Tickle Yourself

When someone else tickles you, your brain perceives it as an unexpected touch — triggering a reflexive laugh or squirm. But when you try to tickle yourself, your cerebellum predicts your own movements and cancels out the surprise. In short, your brain knows what’s coming — and without surprise, there’s no tickle.

Tech & Engineering

The Archimedes’ Screw and Ship Buoyancy

Invented over 2,000 years ago by Archimedes of Syracuse, the Archimedes’ screw was originally designed to lift water for irrigation — a simple spiral inside a cylinder turned by hand. But through studying how water moved inside it, Archimedes also discovered the principle of buoyancy: that an object floats when it displaces its own weight in water. This insight became the foundation of modern ship design, explaining how even massive steel vessels stay afloat today.

Sport

The Cathy Freeman Gold

At the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Cathy Freeman carried both the Australian and Aboriginal flags after winning the 400 m final — a powerful moment watched by millions. Her victory wasn’t just athletic; it symbolised unity, pride, and reconciliation, making it one of the most defining moments in Australian sporting history.

Nature & Geography

How many countries make up South America?

South America consists of 12 independent countries

* This topic has been previously featured. Spaced repetition improves your learning by helping you retain information for longer.

Business & Politics

Compulsory Voting

Australia is one of the few countries in the world where voting is mandatory. Every citizen aged 18 and over must enrol and vote in federal, state, and local elections — or risk a small fine. Introduced in 1924, the system keeps turnout consistently above 90%, ensuring elections better reflect the will of the people. Similar laws exist in countries like Belgium, Brazil, Singapore, and Argentina, though enforcement varies widely around the world.

Arts & Literature

Guess the Painting

Do you know the name of this famous 15th century painting by Italian painter Sandro Botticelli? We did feature this painting in a newsletter from earlier this month 😁 

* This topic has been previously featured. Spaced repetition improves your learning by helping you retain information for longer.

Entertainment

Catch Me If You Can

Based on a true story, Catch Me If You Can (2002) follows teenage con artist Frank Abagnale Jr., who posed as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer before age 21. Amazingly, the real Abagnale later worked with the FBI to combat fraud — and even made a cameo in the film as the officer who arrests Leonardo DiCaprio’s character.

Test your knowledge

If you have been following us for longer then a week, then it is time to find out how much you remember 😄 Answer these multi choice questions below! (Answers below)

For more questions made from our newsletters be sure to follow us on Instagram 

1. Which ancient empire used a weapon called “Greek Fire” that could burn even on water?

   A - The Roman Empire

   B - The Byzantine Empire

   C - The Ottoman Empire

2. Contagious yawning is thought to be linked to which human trait?

   A - Hunger

   B - Empathy

   C - Fatigue

3. Which form of cricket protection was introduced before helmets?

   A - The Box

   B - The Arm Pad

   C - The Chest Guard

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