The Great Kapok Tree

Last week we used nonfiction texts and the tale The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry to study the harmful effects of humans on ecosystems.  Read the questions below.  Select one to answer in the comments section.  Make sure to explain your thinking well.  Comments are due by Friday, March 4.

• Rewrite the ending of the story and tell what would have happened if the man had cut down the tree.  Predict what happens to the animals now that their home is gone.

• Think of some examples of ways humans harm the ecosystem.  If they know what they do is harmful, why do you think people still do them?

• If you were one of the animals in the rainforest, what would you say to the man to try to save their trees?

• Which animal do you think left the biggest impression on the man?  Explain why.

Exploring Ecosystems

Last week we began studying rainforest and desert ecosystems.  Click here to go to National Geographic Kids website.  Research an animal and post details that you find about your animal's ecosystem.  This can be what they eat (prey), what eats them (predators), a description of their habitat, etc.  Post your findings by Friday, Feb. 25.
  

Think Like a Detective

Detectives think critically about the crimes they are asked to solve.  They know that answers lie in the details of their investigation and keep track of everything in an organized way, like a notebook.

Using all that we have learned about reading nonfiction, we will be creating a Research Notebook about a topic of your choice.  Your Research Notebook might look like a collection of organized notes and drawings about your topic.  It might be a mini-nonfiction book that you've published about your topic.  No matter what you form you decide to present your findings, you will be asked to include many of the features we have been studying.

What nonfiction topic interests you?  Think like a detective.  Be specific.  What things do you want to know about your topic?

Post your topics and ideas by Wednesday, Feb. 16. 

Then, by Friday, Feb. 18, comment on another student's topic, suggesting  more questions or ideas for them to consider studying.

Let it Snow!

Snow Towards Evening by Melville Cane
Suddenly the sky turned gray
The day,
Which had been bitter and chill,
Grew soft and still.


Quietly
From some invisible blossoming tree


Millions of petals cool and white
Drifted and blew
Lifted and flew,
Fell with the falling night.

Read the above poem and comment on your thinking.  These can be connections, visualizations, powerful words or questions about the author's purpose or word choices.  Please comment by Friday, February 11.