A guide for using our resources

Children will learn how Julia Marsh is using seaweed to help Earth.

Vocabulary: seaweed, problem, lab, solution

Social Studies Focus: Earth Day

  1. Watch a Video:

    Hooray for Earth Day!

     

  2. Read the Issue:

    Can Seaweed Save the Planet?

     

  3. Play a Game:
    Throw Out That Trash!

    Skill: long and short vowels

     

  4. Complete Skill Sheets 

    Reading Checkpoint

    Skill: key details

     

    Text Feature Hunt

    Skill: nonfiction text features

     

    Color by Diagraphs

    Skill: diagraphs

     

  5. Lesson Boosters 

  • Paired Text Suggestion: Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer

     

  • Counting Syllables: Graph it Out!

     

  • Text Features: Find the Feature

     

  • Hands-on Activity: My Earth Helper Invention

CCSS and Similar State Standards: RL.1.1 key details; RF.1.1 punctuation; RF.1.3 decode words; W.1.7 participate in research; RI.1.10 read and discuss first-grade texts; SL.1.2 ask and answer questions

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

Paired Text Suggestion: Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer

  • Follow two kids walking through nature as they question the world around them. Students will be encouraged to make their own curious observations about Earth!

Counting Syllables: Graph it Out!

  • Draw a simple graph with the labels “number of syllables” on the x-axis and “number of words” on the y-axis. Add the numbers 1-4 on the x-axis. As you add a number, challenge students to say a word with that many syllables to review.
  • Then choose a section of the article for students to reread. Pass out sticky notes and have students write down a word from that section. Have students place a sticky note on the graph to show how many syllables are in that word. After all words have been placed on the graph, review the results. Were there more words with two syllables or three syllables? How many syllables did most words have? Take the words off the graph and repeat for another section of the article!

Hands-On Activity: My Earth Helper Invention

Skill: engineering, writing

Materials: My Earth Helper Invention skill sheet, pencil, crayons

  • Students will identify a problem for Earth and design an invention to solve it! Review how the workers in the issue use orange dust to turn the Chicago River green! Tell students that they will see water change color today.
  • Begin with a class discussion on Earth Day. What are some things your students do every day that help Earth? What did Julia Marsh make to help Earth
  • Have students think of a problem facing Earth or choose one based on your class discussions. Guide students to answer the questions on the My Earth Helper Invention skill sheet.
  • Finally, have students illustrate their invention and share their idea with the class!