After exploring the ways that monarch butterflies react to seasons, students complete an inquiry study to examine how other things change because of the seasons and create a class anthology.
Monarch butterflies begin their migration in the fall.
Grades
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Montgomery Ward published the first mail-order catalog in 1872.
5 - 12
Calendar Activity
| Historical Figure & Event
Students explore how and why catalogs have changed over the years and compare their findings about printed catalogs with online catalogs.
Grades
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In 1870, the U.S. Transcontinental Railroad was completed.
7 - 12
Calendar Activity
| Historical Figure & Event
Students access the National Park Service website and look at the webpage "The Last Spikes." Students explore different accounts of what happened as the railroad neared completion and discuss the nature of ceremonies.
Grades
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The first English printer, William Caxton, was born on this day in 1422.
3 - 8
Calendar Activity
| Historical Figure & Event
Students consider how the printing press affects their world by completing a printing inventory, comparing lists, and developing a "super" list of all printed materials that they interact with.
Grades
|
The prototype for the World Wide Web was created in 1990.
3 - 8
Calendar Activity
| Historical Figure & Event
Students look at pictures from the past using the WayBack Machine and brainstorm a few websites to explore to think about how they have changed over the years.
Grades
|
Today is Cinco de Mayo.
7 - 12
Calendar Activity
| Holiday & School Celebration
Students choose to research a piece of art, music, dance, literature, or food that suitably represents Mexico and create a presentation for the class.
Grades
|
On this day in 1800, Congress approved the purchase of books to start the Library of Congress.
7 - 12
Calendar Activity
| Historical Figure & Event
Students practice and refine research skills by visiting the Library of Congress website and conducting a research project.
Grades
|
Paul Revere began his famous midnight ride in 1775.
4 - 8
Calendar Activity
| Historical Figure & Event
Through the study of Paul Revere, students learn about primary source documents while researching their family histories, with which they create and compare their family trees.
Grades
|
Let's Go On A Poetry Walk!
K - 8
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you're surrounded by brilliant shades of green! Observe and collect sensory images from nature and use the sights, sounds, smells, and textures to create original nature poetry.
Grades
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Go Wild with Webcams!
3 - 5
Can't make it to a zoo? After reading a book about apes, observe animal habits and habitats using one of the many Webcams broadcasting from zoos and aquariums around the United States and the world.
Grades
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Star Light, Star Bright: Reading and Writing about the Nighttime Sky
3 - 5
Children watch the nighttime sky come alive as the read a book about fascinating elements in the night and write a poem/story about the things they learn!
Grades
|
Bill of Rights Day is observed.
5 - 12
Calendar Activity
| Holiday & School Celebration
Students identify a students' rights issue and explore the ways in which the Bill of Rights does protect and does not protect students.