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Unit 4
Theme Launch
Discuss the Big Idea
As a class, discuss the Big Idea question, What does it mean to be unique?
Explain how something can be unique, such as being unusually good or special; by being one of its kind; or by having an interesting trait.
Ask students how they each can be considered unique as individuals.
A good example of something unusually good or special is a very talented professional athlete; something with a unique trait is a tailless cat; something that is one of its kind is the largest diamond in the world.
Theme and Concept Connections
Weekly lesson concepts help students connect the reading selections and the unit theme. Theme-related activities throughout the week provide opportunities to explore the relationships among the selections, the lesson concepts, and the unit theme.
Unit Inquiry Project
A Person of Interest
In the unit inquiry project, students choose an individual of interest and research why that person is considered unique. Students may use print or online resources as available.
The project assessment rubric can
be found on p. 138a. Discuss the expectations before students begin
the project. Rubric
PROJECT TIMETABLE
WEEK   ACTIVITY/SKILL CONNECTION
1
 IDENTIFY QUESTIONS Students choose a person of interest and browse a few Web sites or print reference materials to develop an inquiry question about what makes that person unique.
2
 NAVIGATE/SEARCH Students conduct effective information searches and look for text and images that can help them answer their questions.
3
 ANALYZE Students explore Web sites or print materials. They analyze the information they have found to determine whether or not it will be useful to them. Students print or take notes on valid information.
4
 SYNTHESIZE Students combine relevant information they've collected from different sources to develop an answer to their inquiry questions from Week 1.
5
 ASSESSMENT OPTIONS
COMMUNICATE Each
student prepares a list of useful resources for others who may wish to explore
what qualities make a person unique. Students may also prepare presentations about the people they researched.
Wings
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest
ONE of a Kind
ONE of a Kind
Rocks in His Head
America's Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle
What does it mean to be unique?
Fly, Eagle, Fly!
connect to SOCIAL STUDIES
connect to SCIENCE
connect to SCIENCE
connect to SOCIAL STUDIES
connect to SCIENCE
Read It Online
Wings
A unique boy overcomes
loneliness.
FANTASY
Hottest, Coldest,
Highest, Deepest
There are many unique places
around the world to learn about.
EXPOSITORY NONFICTION
Rocks in His Head
A man makes use of
his unusual hobby.
BIOGRAPHY
America’s Champion
Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle
Gertrude Ederle becomes the
first to do what she does.
BIOGRAPHY
Fly, Eagle, Fly!
A unique eagle thinks he is
a chicken.
FOLK TALE
Paired Selection
Beauty and
the Beast
FAIRY TALE
Paired Selection
Great and Small
PICTURE ENCYCLOPEDIA
Paired Selection
Everybody
Needs a Rock
POETRY
Paired Selection
Women Athletes
ONLINE DIRECTORY
Paired Selection
Purple Coyote
FANTASY
UNIT 4
 
   
Close  
CONNECTING CULTURES
 
Use the following selections to help students learn more about what makes living things, objects, and ideas unique.
Wings Have students discuss what trait made Ikarus Jackson unique. Ask students to explain why Ikarus's wings and ability to fly made him sad at first. Ask how he was able to finally feel happy about being unique.
America's Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle Have students discuss the difference between the stories about Ikarus and Gertrude. Ask if Gertrude's ability was the only one of its kind or if it was unusually special.