LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Title of Learning Experience: It's a Cold, Cold World
By: Jean Doell
Grade 2
Sacred Heart School, Watertown, NY
LEARNING CONTEXT
The students will read, write, and listen for information and understanding (Language Arts #1). The students will demonstrate their understanding of the geography of the interdependent world in which we live (Social Studies #3).
This learning experience presents an introduction to the continent of Antarctica. The experience is built around the story Winston, Newton, Elton, and Ed by James Stevenson. The students enjoy a piece of fictional literature while gathering factual information about where it takes place - the continent of Antarctica.
PROCEDURE
The students will demonstrate prior knowledge of the continent of Antarctica, its environment, climate, and wildlife by completing the first two columns of a KWL chart. Use a globe and world map to review names and locations of seven continents. Note especially the location of the continent of Antarctica. Watch the video "Arctic and Antarctic" from Eyewitness Videos series. Students should note that the environment, climate, and wildlife of Antarctica are unique from that of any other region including the Arctic region. The students will participate in a discussion of these features. They will then complete a word web titled "If I lived at the South Pole, I would…" Students will read Winston, Newton, Elton, and Ed by James Stevenson. This story features animal characters and a physical environment that actually represent Antarctica. They will discuss details from the story that are based on fact and differentiate them from those details that are fantasy. Students will identify story elements (characters, setting, problem, solution) by completing a story map. The students will represent features of Antarctica with an art project using tempura paint and cut and torn paper. Directions for this project are attached. Students will use classroom computers to reference web sites about Antarctica if they complete sections of this learning experience ahead of other students. Books about Antarctica will also be available for their perusal. The learning experience will conclude with the students returning to the KWL chart which the group brainstormed as an introductory activity for this learning experience. They will demonstrate new learning by completing the "What I Learned" section of the chart.
INSTRUCTIONAL/ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATIONS
The teacher will use techniques such as the three minute pause and pair and share to facilitate meaningful discussions. Part of the learning experience can be completed individually, with a partner, or with small or large groups at the teacher's discretion. This flexibility allows the teacher to meet the needs of her particular class.
TIME REQUIRED
This learning experience can be accomplished in about three hours all in one day or divided over two or three days.
RESOURCES
Video - "Arctic and Antarctic" - Eyewitness Video Series
Winston, Newton, Elton, and Ed. James Stevenson. Greenwillow, 1978.
List of web sites - see attachment
List of books - see attachment
ASSESSMENT PLAN
Assessment pieces for this learning experience are the word web which should include references to the environment, climate, and wildlife of Antarctica, the story map which reflects how well the student reads for information and understanding, and the KWL chart which summarizes the learning that has taken place.
STUDENT WORK
To be presented at peer review
REFLECTION
I developed this learning experience as part of a whole language approach to the story Winston, Newton, Elton, and Ed by James Stevenson. The elements of fiction and fact are woven together in a way that offers opportunities for discussion and for links to geography concepts in the grade 2 curriculum.
ATTACHMENTS
ART PROJECT (Penguins on icebergs floating in water at sunset)
To make the sky, use a wide paint brush to paint the upper half of a large sheet of art paper with water. Use thinned yellow tempura paint to make horizontal streaks in the wet area; then brush sweeping strokes of thinned red paint between the yellow streaks in the moistened area. Colors will bleed and mingle. Using the same wet-on-wet process, paint the entire lower half of the art paper with water first; then paint on streaks off thinned green and blue paint. When the paper has thoroughly dried, use glue to attach torn pieces of white construction paper so that they appear to be icebergs floating in the water. Fashion a few penguins from construction paper and glue them to the scene. Mount the picture on a larger sheet of blue paper.
BOOK LIST
Antarctic Antics: A Book of Penguin Poems by Judy Sierra
Antarctica by Helen Cowcher
Cinderella Penguin: or The Little Glass Flipper by Janet Perlman
Cuddly Dudley by Jez Alborough
Eyes on Nature: Penguins by Jane Resnick
Goodnight Opus by Berke Breathed
Little Penguin's Tale by Audrey Wood
Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater and Florence Atwater
Penguin by Mary Ling
Penguins by Emile U. Lepthien
Penguin Pete and Pat by Marcus Pfister
Tacky in Traouble by Helen Lester
Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester
The Last Basselope: One Ferocious Story by Berke Breathed
Three Cheers for Tacky by Helen Lester
WEB SITE LIST