April is National Poetry Month!

TFK Challenge: Choose an animal to observe in its environment. Study the animal's features and behavior. Then write a poem about it.

States

We are about to begin our study of the United States! If you could research any one of our fifty states, which state would you choose? Here is a website for you to browse as you are thinking:

http://www.factmonster.com/states.html

Tell me which state you are considering and why. *This will not be your final choice...just your initial thoughts:).

Take Action!

Remember the central idea of our current unit is:

Our choices impact the planet, and it is our responsibility to protect and care for it.

What action do you think you might take? Describe the action. Why are you leaning toward this action? If you are deciding between a few ideas, please let me know what they are.

"Giant Ocean-Trash Vortex Attracts Explorers"

Read the article by going to the link below.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/07/090731-ocean-trash-pacific.html

After reading, fill in the "Thinking Page". Choose something from your Thinking Page that you would like to add to the blog. You could choose your important details, your question(s), the action you want to take, etc.

"Ban the Bottle?: A Debate Bubbles Over Bottled Water"

Do you think bottled water should be banned or not? Explain with several reasons why or why not. Do you have any other suggestions about how to deal with the plastic water bottle waste problem?

"Tigers in Trouble": Time for Kids, February 12, 2010

Read "Tigers in Trouble" on p. 4-5. Respond to the following questions:

What are some of the problems that tigers face?
What are some possible solutions to these problems?
Why do you think tigers matter?
Why should people try to save them?

I can't wait to read your responses!

"The Power of the Press": Time for Kids, February 5, 2010

Read the article "The Power of the Press". Examine the photo at the top right of page 6. What is the mood of this photo? Why was this photo taken? What was its purpose? Do you think it was effective? Why or why not?

"Calling All Poets!": Time for Kids, January 22, 2010

Read through this issue of Time for Kids. Definitely read "Earthquake Rocks Haiti" on p. 2 since we just talked about that yesterday.

Then, read "Calling All Poets!" on p. 2-3. I think you are all so funny and creative; this is perfect for you! Write a funny, rhyming poem on the blog tonight. Maybe later you can revise and publish your poem so we can submit it to the contest!

"The Tourtoise and the Solar Plant": Time for Kids January 15, 2010

Read the article on p. 6 "The Tortoise and the Solar Plant". This is a really difficult decision! Do you think they should build the solar plant or not? Explain why or why not including several reasons.