Times Square Ball

High school (ages 12+)
Holidays & Celebrations

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/times-square-ball

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How heavy is Times Square Ball?11,875 pounds
2. What is the location?One Times Square, New York City, NY 10036
3. What is the year of first ball drop?1907
4. Why does the ball drop on New Year's Eve?The ball was first used to show off the New York Times building, and now it marks the start of a new year, bringing people together and giving everyone hope for the future.
5. How big is the current ball and what lights it?The current ball is 12 feet across and weighs about 12,000 pounds. It has more than 2,600 crystal triangles and 32,000 LED lights that can change color.

Adolph Ochs: Owner of The New York Times who initiated the Times Square Ball drop tradition.
Artkraft Strauss: The company responsible for designing the original Times Square Ball.
Countdown Entertainment: A company that co-organizes the annual Times Square New Year's Eve celebration.