English/Language Arts
Explore lead paragraphs - the hook
I love the way Author Nathan starts this Minute - a challenge, a list and a hint. Have your students take a close look at her technique and then try it out for themselves, using this Minute as an inspirational mentor text.
Explore synonyms
Six words that mean the same thing - synonyms. Have your students generate lists for common things in their lives. Then do the same for actions and descriptors. Then you can tell them they also just reinforced their knowledge of parts of speech. Surprise!
Social Studies
Explore recreation as a part of culture
Whether you are currently studying history or world geography, looking at cultural elements is probably on your curricular to-do list. And every culture has a history of recreational time - ways they blow off steam and have some fun. Use this Minute as a kick-off to exploring the history of recreational contests and events. Did they start out as fun or as something a little different, like the history of the merry-go-round?
STEM
Explore energy - the power of steam
Take a closer look at steam engines. How, exactly, do they work? What are potential uses and what limitations might exist? How have they been used in the past, and how might they be used in the future? Can we harness the power of steam from other places, like hot springs or geysers? Is this a viable energy source? Why or why not?
Art
Explore wood carving - carousels
Take a closer look at the art behind carousels - some of the early ones are beautiful examples of wood carving skills. While many carousel pieces today are made from different materials like aluminum, there is still a demand for and artists who provide hand carved carousel animals. Have your students do some searching on the web to find examples and learn about the process. Check out the National Gallery of Art’s featured woodcarving, or take a peek at the gallery of the Adirondack Carousel which features a menagerie of animals.
Explore lead paragraphs - the hook
I love the way Author Nathan starts this Minute - a challenge, a list and a hint. Have your students take a close look at her technique and then try it out for themselves, using this Minute as an inspirational mentor text.
Explore synonyms
Six words that mean the same thing - synonyms. Have your students generate lists for common things in their lives. Then do the same for actions and descriptors. Then you can tell them they also just reinforced their knowledge of parts of speech. Surprise!
Social Studies
Explore recreation as a part of culture
Whether you are currently studying history or world geography, looking at cultural elements is probably on your curricular to-do list. And every culture has a history of recreational time - ways they blow off steam and have some fun. Use this Minute as a kick-off to exploring the history of recreational contests and events. Did they start out as fun or as something a little different, like the history of the merry-go-round?
STEM
Explore energy - the power of steam
Take a closer look at steam engines. How, exactly, do they work? What are potential uses and what limitations might exist? How have they been used in the past, and how might they be used in the future? Can we harness the power of steam from other places, like hot springs or geysers? Is this a viable energy source? Why or why not?
Art
Explore wood carving - carousels
Take a closer look at the art behind carousels - some of the early ones are beautiful examples of wood carving skills. While many carousel pieces today are made from different materials like aluminum, there is still a demand for and artists who provide hand carved carousel animals. Have your students do some searching on the web to find examples and learn about the process. Check out the National Gallery of Art’s featured woodcarving, or take a peek at the gallery of the Adirondack Carousel which features a menagerie of animals.
© Karen Sterling, 2018 - May be used for educational purposes without written permission