Alabama ELA Standard: 5.LF.27

Chaos Makes Sense (Later)

In the moment, a chaotic event makes no sense. But later, that same event can feel like it was part of a larger story.

Gr 1-8

Chaos Can Be Positive or Negative

Sometimes we want order, but sometimes we need chaos!

Gr 1-8

Power and Traditions

We compare the power of traditions shared by millions with smaller traditions shared by perhaps just one family.

Gr 1-8

Power in Autumn

Autumn was once powerful because of the harvest. What gives Fall its power now?

Gr 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8

Who has more power: the Queen Bee or the Hive?

Sometimes power is concentrated in one place. Other times it is spread out.

Gr 1-8

Indirect Power – Lighthouse vs Magnetism

Students explore the idea of indirect power – which can be both visible (a lighthouse) or invisible (magnetism).

Gr 1-8

Power – Blue Whale vs Krill

Sure, a Blue Whale is huge. But does a tiny krill have more power?

Gr 1-8

Power Big Idea Worksheets

Your students will investigate statements like: Power leads to change, Power comes in many forms, Power can be used or abused.

Gr 2-8

Hero or Not A Hero?

Students will determine what makes a hero a hero.

Gr 1-8

That Quote’s Not Quite Right: Albert Einstein

When I see a quote, I often think, “That’s not quite right!”

Gr 1-8

Student Introductions With Depth, Complexity, and Frames: Level Two

Once students know the prompts of Depth and Complexity, let’s take them much higher up Bloom’s Taxonomy.

Gr 1-8

Pluto – Mixed Up Paragraph

Can you use the context clues to get these sentences about Pluto back into the correct order?

Gr 1-8

The Great Sphinx – Mixed Up Paragraph

Can you use the context clues to get these sentences about The Great Sphinx back into the correct order?

Gr 2-8

Coral Reef – Mixed Up Paragraph

Can you use the context clues to get these sentences about the coral reef back into the correct order?

Gr 2, 3, 6, 8

Natural Disasters Tournament

Earthquake vs. hurricane. Tsunami vs. wildfire. Students set the criteria, argue their case, and crown a champion. Warning: it gets heated.

Gr 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8

Van Gogh Self-Portrait Tournament

Who will win the tournament of Van Gogh self-portraits!?

Gr 1-8

What Happens In Your Brain When You’re Worried or Afraid

Allison Edwards explains how blood flow in your brain affects your decision-making

Gr 1-8

Robot Writing: Volcano

Read three pieces of writing from three different robots about the same beautiful painting of a volcano. Who wrote it best?

Gr 1-8

Robot Writing: Acropolis

One painting of ruins. Three robots. Three pieces of writing. Who wrote it best?

Gr 1-8

Robot Writing: The Bridge

One painting of a bridge. Three robots. Who wrote it best?

Gr 1-7

Zig Zag Cipher (Codes Part 3)

Let’s try a cipher that doesn’t substitute new letters or shapes. We just mix things up.

Gr 1-8

Categorize and Re-Categorize Animals

Put these animals into groups. Then do it again. Then… do it one more time. How does re-re-grouping the same creatures reveal new patterns and give new insights?

Gr 1-8

Introducing Universal Theme of Change

Everything changes. But how does it change? Students brainstorm dozens of examples and boil them down to one big idea.

Gr 1-8

Introducing Universal Theme of Systems

So what could you do with a Universal Theme of Systems? Well, here’s an introduction that will get your students’ brains sweating.

Gr 1-8

Thinking With Art: Head Down

One artist, two paintings. Notice details, compare, synthesize, then find a parallel in another creator’s work.

Gr 1-8

Inferring With Art: A Couple

What’s going on in this room? There are shoes everywhere! Are those… oranges? Let’s make some inferences!

Gr 1-8

Inferring With Art: Two Women

What are these two women up to? What’s that thing she’s holding? Let’s make some inferences!

Gr 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Writing Sample: White Fang (The Wild)

A passage from White Fang to use as a mentor text, discussion starter, or writing prompt.

Gr 1-8

Think Like A Philosopher

What would Socrates have thought if he watched Frozen?

Gr 2-8

How Renewable Is That Resource?

Which resource is more renewable? And which is easier to find?

Gr 3-7

Paradox: The Barber’s Paradox

The barber shaves everybody who doesn’t themselves. So… does the barber shave himself?

Gr 1-8

Investigating Christmas Trees

Start with facts about Christmas trees. Group them. Label them. Can you boil it all down to one big idea?

Gr 1-8

Paradox: Crocodile Dilemma

A crocodile makes a deal. But the deal creates a paradox. Can your students untangle a 2,000-year-old logic puzzle?

Gr 1-8

Paradox: The Liar’s Paradox

Nothing like a paradox to get your kids brains exploding 🤯! This one starts with five simple words: “This statement is a lie.”

Gr 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Content Imperatives: Convergence

Add complexity by considering how multiple factors 🔄 Converge within one topic.

Gr 2, 5, 6, 7, 8

Content Imperatives: Contribuition

Pull on one thread and watch the whole topic move. Contribution asks: what single factor is quietly shaping everything else?

Gr 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Content Imperatives: Origin

Take students back to the beginning by using the Content Imperative ⏺️ Origin.

Gr 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8

Depth and Complexity: 📈 Trends

Has something been changing recently? What might be causing that? What are the effects?

Gr 2-8

Think Like An Economist

How would an economist read Goldilocks? How would they see a rainforest? How would they study the American Revolution?

Gr 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8