Tag: biography

Saving American Beach

Summary AASL Standards Framework for Learners: Inquire/Think I.A.1 Learners display curiosity and initiative by formulating questions about a personal interest or a curricular topic. What would compel you to give up everything and fight for justice? For opera singer MaVynee Betsch, it was saving… Continue Reading “Saving American Beach”

A Life Made by Hand: The Story of Ruth Asawa Lesson Activity

Summary What can you create with a straight line? If you need some inspiration, take a look at Ruth Asawa’s wondrous sculptures. She constructed them by weaving wire with her hands, creating movement with continuous loops. Light plays a special role with the wire… Continue Reading “A Life Made by Hand: The Story of Ruth Asawa Lesson Activity”

Just Like Rube Goldberg: The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines Lesson Activity

Take a look at this lesson plan on collaboration inspired by a picture book about Rube Goldberg.

A Green Place To Be: The Creation of Central Park Activity

Summary Imagine a contest where you get to design a community park. What would you include in your plan? In 1858, architect Calvert Vaux had great ideas for a park in New York City. He entered a contest with Frederick Law Olmsted, a landscape… Continue Reading “A Green Place To Be: The Creation of Central Park Activity”

Up In The Leaves: The True Story of the Central Park Treehouses Lesson Activity

Summary Have you ever built a treehouse? Where did you build it? I bet it was in your backyard. Imagine building a treehouse in a public park. How would you accomplish that without anyone noticing? Especially when the park is in a busy city… Continue Reading “Up In The Leaves: The True Story of the Central Park Treehouses Lesson Activity”

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor – The Woman Who Loved Reptiles Lesson Activity

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor Summary Watch out! This is the story of a girl with very unusual guests to her tea parties…reptiles!  Yes, Joan Procter was a pioneer in the field of woman scientists. She was fascinated by reptiles, and was often joined by… Continue Reading “Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor – The Woman Who Loved Reptiles Lesson Activity”

The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng Lesson Activity

The Boy Who Grew a Forest Summary When Jadav Payeng was a little boy, he noticed the impact the rainy season had on his island. The heavy rains washed away soil and vegetation, leaving animals without shelter or food. It worried Payeng to find… Continue Reading “The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng Lesson Activity”

The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons Lesson Activity

Summary How do you develop a product that people love?  You start by listening to what people need. Then you research, experiment and ask for feedback. In The Crayon Man, we see how Edwin Binney created Crayola crayons. Binney was an inventor. His products made life… Continue Reading “The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons Lesson Activity”

Smile: How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World To Laugh (and Cry) Lesson Activity

Smile: How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World to Laugh (and Cry) Summary What would happen if you showed a silhouette of Charlie Chaplin to different generations? Just his outline. No name or labels. I bet older people will call out Chaplin’s name, but… Continue Reading “Smile: How Young Charlie Chaplin Taught the World To Laugh (and Cry) Lesson Activity”

Pies From Nowhere Lesson Activity

Pies From Nowhere Summary “Every time I take a flight, I am always mindful of the many people who make a successful journey possible—the known pilots and the unknown ground crew.” Martin Luther King spoke these words as he accepted the Noble Peace Prize.… Continue Reading “Pies From Nowhere Lesson Activity”

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