Monthly Archives: October 2010

Civil War

Posted on October 5, 2010 by openwidearchive

For this topic, students will be able to identify roles of major names such as Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, Ulysses S. Grant (USI.9). Students will also use maps to explain critical developments in the war including major battles.  They will … Continue reading →

Posted in history, social studies, teaching, thematic book list | Comments Off on Civil War

Resources of Virginia

Posted on October 4, 2010 by openwidearchive

Resources of Virginia This blog contains information about useful books, online activities, and relevant materials for teaching about Virginia’s natural resources.  Although Virginia Science SOL 4.8 explicitly references this content, the material overlaps with many elementary grades and SOLS.  The … Continue reading →

Posted in environment, teaching, thematic book list | Comments Off on Resources of Virginia

Hibernation

Posted on October 4, 2010 by openwidearchive

The following resources are helpful in teaching about hibernation. The SOL's specific to this topic are 1.7, 2.5, 2.7 and 3.4.  In first grade, students need to understand the concepts of migration, hibernation, and habitat, but they do not necessarily … Continue reading →

Posted in life science, teaching, thematic book list | Comments Off on Hibernation

Moon Phases

Posted on October 4, 2010 by openwidearchive

The topic covered is Moon Phases. Moon Phases fall under the SOL 3.8. Moon phases can be a tricky topic to teach without some great visuals. I have listed some of the best books, and online resources that I have found on the … Continue reading →

Posted in space science, teaching, thematic book list | Comments Off on Moon Phases

Camouflage

Posted on October 4, 2010 by openwidearchive

This blog provides links to books, interactive kids’ websites, and teaching resources that would be useful in covering the topic of Camouflage in the classroom. The links provided would be appropriate to use with grades ranging from kindergarten to third … Continue reading →

Posted in life science, teaching, thematic book list | Comments Off on Camouflage

The Planets

Posted on October 4, 2010 by openwidearchive

The following resources are intended for a range of elementary grades but fit specifically with the VA Science SOLs 4.7 and 6.8. In the fourth and sixth grades students learn about characteristics of the planets, the moon and the sun, … Continue reading →

Posted in space science, teaching, thematic book list | Comments Off on The Planets

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle in the Classroom

Posted on October 4, 2010 by openwidearchive

The following resources are appropriate to begin teaching first graders to become conscientious environmental advocates (Virginia Science SOL 1.8).  These resources, including pertinent literature and websites for both students and educators, help highlight the potential consequences of poor environmental stewardship … Continue reading →

Posted in environment, teaching, thematic book list | Comments Off on Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle in the Classroom

Under the Sea… Teaching Ocean Ecology

Posted on October 4, 2010 by openwidearchive

The resources listed below are great to use in a 5th grade classroom for a unit on ecological characteristics of the ocean (VA Science SOL 5.6).  You will find appropriate children's literature related to the ocean environment, websites for students … Continue reading →

Posted in earth science, teaching, thematic book list | Comments Off on Under the Sea… Teaching Ocean Ecology

George Washington

Posted on October 4, 2010 by openwidearchive

Introduction: This topic introduces second and third graders to George Washington the First President of the United States.  Through a variety of children books student learn about the life of George Washington from childhood, to commander of the military, to … Continue reading →

Posted in biography, history, social studies, teaching, thematic book list | Comments Off on George Washington

Weather Phenomena and Forecasting

Posted on October 3, 2010 by openwidearchive

While weather is introduced in 2nd grade, (VA Sci. SOL 2.6) it is further investigated in 4th grade (VA Sci. SOL 4.6). Students focus on weather conditions and a more technical understanding of tools and methods of weather forecasting and … Continue reading →

Posted in earth science, teaching, thematic book list | Comments Off on Weather Phenomena and Forecasting