Imagine finding some money on the ground. A hundred years ago, you might have been lucky to find something valuable. But today, picking up certain items can lead to trouble. Here’s a list of things you should never pick up:
If you find a SIM card and put it into your phone, you might end up with a huge debt. Creditors could call you to get their money back. SIM cards don’t just fall out of phones by accident; they are usually thrown away on purpose. They might even come from a stolen phone, and using them could attract the attention of the police.
Picking up headphones is like picking up a toothbrush or towel from the street. Headphones can be full of germs, and even if you clean them, you might still get sick. This is especially true for vacuum headphones with foam pads.
If you see a radio, mobile phone, or tablet lying on the road, don’t touch it. It might be unsafe and placed there on purpose for someone to pick up. If you must, take it to the nearest police station. You don’t know who it belonged to or if it was tampered with.
If you see a diamond ring or gold bracelet on the ground, you might want to pick it up. But be careful! Someone could accuse you of stealing it, and they don’t need a witness because your fingerprints are already on it. If you find jewelry, turn on your phone’s camera, record it, and say loudly that you just found it.
Searching for ancient items is illegal in many countries. If the police catch you treasure hunting, it will be hard to prove you found something by accident. Ancient items are part of a country’s cultural heritage. If you find something, take it to a museum. Some museums even give rewards for such finds.
If you find a wallet or money on the street, give it to the police. If a stranger asks you to share the money, be cautious. They might accuse you of stealing, and another person could act as a witness. Always check your surroundings before picking up such items.
Never pick up pins or syringes from the ground. You could prick yourself and get sick. Teach children not to touch these items. If you must pick them up, use thick gloves and napkins to safely throw them away.
If you see a bird, hedgehog, or caterpillar, don’t touch it. The animal’s parents might be nearby. If you must help, contact a local zoo. Hedgehogs can carry diseases, and some caterpillars can be venomous. Enjoy your picnic and let wildlife be.
Don’t pick up bags, books, or containers you find. They might be used by criminals to pass illegal items. The contents could also be dangerous.
Not everything you find is bad. Some things can make you rich legally. In places like New Zealand and Australia, people search for ancient shark teeth, which can be worth thousands of dollars. In the US and other countries, things found on private property belong to the finder. You might find something cool in your backyard!
For example, a couple in England found a Victorian kitchen in their basement, complete with pots and plates. In Turkey, someone discovered a large underground city while repairing their house. These finds can be exciting and valuable!
Imagine you find one of the items mentioned in the article. What would you do? In small groups, act out a scenario where you find an item like a SIM card or jewelry. Discuss the best course of action and present your skit to the class.
Choose one item from the article that you should never pick up. Research why it’s dangerous or problematic to pick up this item. Create a short presentation to share your findings with the class, including any real-life stories or news articles related to it.
Create a poster that highlights the dangers of picking up certain items from the ground. Use images and short descriptions to explain why each item should be avoided. Display your poster in the classroom or school hallway to educate others.
Divide the class into two groups. One group will argue why it’s important to avoid picking up certain items, while the other group will discuss situations where it might be okay to pick them up. Use points from the article to support your arguments.
Write a short story about a character who finds an item from the article. Describe what happens when they pick it up and the consequences they face. Share your story with a partner and discuss what the character could have done differently.
Money – A medium of exchange in the form of coins and banknotes used to buy goods and services. – In social studies, we learn how money is used in different countries to trade for things people need.
Germs – Microscopic organisms that can cause disease and are important to understand in health and hygiene. – Critical thinking helps us understand how germs spread and why washing hands is important to prevent illness.
Police – A group of people who enforce laws, maintain public order, and ensure community safety. – The role of the police in society is to protect citizens and uphold the law.
Jewelry – Decorative items worn for personal adornment, often made from precious metals and stones. – In ancient cultures, jewelry was often used to signify status and wealth.
Ancient – Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence. – Ancient civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia have greatly influenced modern society.
Cultural – Relating to the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a society. – Cultural traditions are important to study because they help us understand different societies and their histories.
Wallet – A small, flat case used for carrying personal items such as money, credit cards, and identification. – Keeping your wallet safe is important to protect your money and personal information.
Animals – Living organisms that feed on organic matter, typically having specialized sense organs and nervous systems. – In social studies, we learn how animals have been important to human societies for food, work, and companionship.
Dangerous – Able or likely to cause harm or injury. – It is important to recognize dangerous situations and think critically about how to stay safe.
Illegal – Forbidden by law or statute. – Understanding what actions are illegal helps us follow the rules and contribute to a safe community.
