All posts by Jenny Henningsen

#41: Meet the Slow Loris – The World’s Only Venomous Primate

Science Mini Spark

What if one of the cutest animals in the world had a secret superpower? The slow loris may look like a cuddly stuffed animal, but it is the only known venomous primate on Earth! Scientists are still learning about these fascinating animals and the special adaptations that help them survive in the wild. Discover the amazing world of slow lorises in this Science Mini Spark.

Spark Your Learning!

1. Set up your Science mini spark recording page: #41: Meet the Slow Loris

Before you begin, answer this question:

What do you already know about a slow loris?

Record:

  • 2 things you think might be true about a slow loris.
  • 1 question you hope to answer during this Mini Spark.

2. Watch the video about the slow loris.

 

As you watch, record:

  • 5 facts about slow lorises.
  • 3 physical adaptations that help them survive.
  • 2 dangers they face in the wild.
  • 1 fact that surprised you.

3. Read this fact page about slow lorises. Fill in the blank with the correct words:

  1. Slow lorises live only in South and __________ Asia. 
  2. Slow lorises are __________, which means they live in trees. 
  3. The scientific genus name for slow lorises is ____________. 
  4. Slow lorises have a small bare patch under their arm that makes ____________. 
  5. Slow lorises help forests by spreading __________ and pollinating __________. 

Scroll to the bottom of this post to check your answers.

4. Answer two of the following questions in complete sentences from the point of view of a slow loris.

  1. Describe two physical features of slow lorises that help them live at night.
  2. Explain how slow lorises use their oil secretion and why it matters.
  3. Give two reasons why slow lorises are important to their ecosystems.

 5. Share your Science mini spark recording page with your teacher or the EY coordinator in your building.

To learn more about another venomous creature check out Science mini spark # 7  along with the Nature’s Protection badge at the EY website.

 

 

 

#74: Ellis Island Interviews 

Social Studies Enrichment,

What was it like to leave your home, cross an ocean, and arrive in a completely new country? Between 1892 and 1954, more than 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island on their way to a new life in America. Today, we can learn about their experiences by listening to real interviews from people who made that journey. Become a history detective and explore these personal stories in this Social Studies Mini Spark!

Spark Your Thinking!

  1. Set up your Social Studies mini spark recording page: #74: Ellis Island Interviews
  2. Watch the background video about Ellis Island

 

As you watch, record:

  • 5 facts about Ellis Island.
  • 3 reasons people immigrated to America.
  • 2 challenges immigrants faced when they arrived.
  • 1 question you have about immigration.

3. Visit the Ellis Island Oral Histories website and choose three immigrant interviews to listen to. For each one make a list and include the following information:

the title of the interview

any dates that are given (date arrived in america, date of interview, birthdate)

the country the person came from

a brief summary of the interview. 

4. Answer TWO of the following questions in complete sentences.

  1. What character traits do you think immigrants needed in order to leave their homes and start over in a new country? Use examples from the interview.
  2. Was immigrating to America more of a risk or an opportunity for the person you listened to? Explain your reasoning.
  3. How might America be different today if millions of immigrants had never come through Ellis Island?
  4. What sacrifices did immigrants make in order to create better opportunities for themselves and their families?
  5. Why do you think oral history interviews are important for understanding history? What can we learn from personal stories that we cannot learn from textbooks?

OR 

Create a “Suitcase of Memories” for an immigrant from step 3. Draw a suitcase and place 5 items inside that represent important parts of their journey. Label each item and explain why it would be meaningful.

5. Share your Social Studies mini spark page with your teacher or the EY coordinator in your building.

 

To learn more about this topic, find the Ellis Island Inquiry Badge to complete.

#72: State Research Challenge

Social Studies Enrichment

Have you ever asked what gives each state its own character? Each state holds its own past, landscape, emblems, notable places, and well-known people. In this Mini Spark, you’ll act as an investigator and discover the United States state by state through brief videos packed with fun facts.

Spark Your Thinking!

1. Set up your Social Studies mini spark recording page: #72: State Research Challenge

2. Choose one state that interests you from the Untold History State playlist. Choose on that your don’t already know much about, from the video playlist. Before watching, record:

  • The name of the state
  • Its location in the United States (advanced Latitude and Longitude)
  • Three things you already know about it

Then make one prediction:

What do you think makes this state unique?

3. Watch the video for your chosen state.

As you watch, record:

  • State capital
  • State nickname
  • State bird
  • State flower
  • Population (if given)
  • Largest city
  • One famous landmark
  • One interesting fact

4. Share your Social Studies  mini spark recording page with your teacher or the EY coordinator in your building.

Check out the badge, The 50 States Research Challenge, at the EY Website.

You can use this mini spark for one of your states.

You can also try the State Savvy badge from the EY website.

 

#71: Civil War Invention-The Telegraph

Uncategorized

How can a war lead to new inventions? During the Civil War, inventors and innovators created new technologies that changed communication, medicine, transportation, and warfare. Some of these inventions are still influencing our lives today! Discover how necessity and innovation shaped history in this Social Studies Mini Spark.

Spark Your Thinking!

1. Set up your Social Studies mini spark recording page: #71: Civil War Invention-The Telegraph

2. Before you begin, think about this question: What invention do you use every day that would be difficult to live without? Record:

  • The invention
  • How it helps people
  • What life would be like without it

3. Watch the video about The Telegraph. As you watch, record:

  • 5 important inventions or technologies used during the Civil War.
  • 3 ways these inventions changed people’s lives.
  • 1 invention you think had the greatest impact and why.

4. Read the article about the origins of the telegraph. Record 3 details from the article.

5. Explore this morse code translator.  Write your name in Morse code.

6. Share your Social Studies mini spark recording page with your teacher or the EY coordinator in your building.

Check out the Civil War Inventions Badge at the EY website. Use this mini spark as one of your tasks.

Learn more about the civil war with Social Studies mini spark #12

#90: The Hero’s Journey

Reading Enrichment

Why do so many stories from around the world follow a similar pattern? From Harry Potter to Moana, Percy Jackson to Luke Skywalker, heroes often go on adventures, face challenges, and return changed. This storytelling pattern is called the Hero’s Journey. Discover why this ancient story structure continues to appear in books, movies, myths, and legends in this Language Arts Mini Spark.

Spark Your Thinking!

1. Set up your Language Arts mini spark recording page: #90: The Hero’s Journey

2. Before you begin, think about a favorite book, movie, or video game character.What makes someone a hero? List at least 5 qualities you think heroes should have and explain why each quality is important.

3. Watch the TED-Ed video: What Makes a Hero?  

Choose 1 of these questions to answer

  1. Explain in your own words what the “Call to Adventure” is and give one example from the transcript (or a story you know).
  2. Describe two events from the Hero’s Journey cycle that happen after the hero crosses the threshold into the special world. Use details from the video.
  3. The video says the hero may face “death and possibly even dies, only to be reborn.” What does this mean symbolically for a real person? Give one real-life example the video mentions or implies.

4.  Study this hero’s journey graphic for kids to use when determining the parts of the hero’s journey. What do you like about it? What suggestions do you have to improve it?

5. Read the article: The Hero’s Journey. What strategies does the writer have for you? Record them on your recording page.

6. Share your Language Arts mini spark recording page with your teacher or the EY coordinator in your building.

#70: The Underground Railroad

Social Studies Enrichment

How far would you go to help someone gain their freedom? During the 1800s, brave people risked their safety to help enslaved people escape to freedom through a network known as the Underground Railroad. Historians recently discovered evidence of a hidden room in a New York City home that may have been used to shelter freedom seekers. Learn about this remarkable chapter of American history in this Social Studies Mini Spark.

Spark Your Thinking!

1. Set up your Social Studies mini spark recording page: #70: The Underground Railroad

2. Watch this video and record 5 important facts about the Underground Railroad.

3. Watch the video about the hidden room discovered in a New York City house connected to the Underground Railroad. As you watch, record:

  • 3 details about the hidden room.
  • 2 risks faced by people helping freedom seekers.
  • 1 question you still have after watching.

4. Set your timer for 5 minutes. Read a post at National Geographic for Kids. Study the map on the page as well. Explain what the different colors on the map represent.

5. Do you think ordinary people can make a difference during difficult times in history? Use examples from the videos and National Geographic Kids to support your answer.

6. Share your Social Studies mini spark recording page with your teacher or the EY coordinator in your building.

Check out Social Studies Mini Spark #44 to learn more!

 

#69: Chief Oshkosh and the Menominee Forest

Uncategorized

Can people use natural resources without destroying them? More than 150 years ago, Chief Oshkosh and the Menominee people believed they could. While many forests across the United States were being cut down, the Menominee developed a way to use their forest while protecting it for future generations. Today, their forest is considered one of the best examples of sustainable forestry in the world.

Spark Your Thinking!

1. Set up your Social Studies mini spark recording page: #69: Chief Oshkosh and the Menominee Forest

2. Before you begin, think about this question: If you were in charge of a forest that your family and community depended on, what rules would you create to make sure the forest would still be healthy 100 years from now?

Record at least 3 rules and explain why each rule is important.

3. Watch the video: Chief Oshkosh and a History of Menominee Forest Conservation.

As you watch, record:

  • 5 important facts about Chief Oshkosh.
  • 3 facts about the Menominee people.
  • 2 ways the Menominee cared for their forest.
  • 1 fact that surprised you.

4. Go to this site and scroll down to find a book about Chief Oshkosh. It is purple and there is a button on it that says, “OPEN THE BOOK”. Set your timer and read for 5 minutes. The Menominee believed they were stewards of the forest and should only take what nature could replace. Why do you think protecting forests was especially important to the Menominee people?

5. Share your Social Studies mini spark recording page with your teacher or the EY coordinator in your building.

#68: The Lost Colony of Roanoke

Social Studies Enrichment

What if an entire town disappeared without leaving a trace? More than 400 years ago, over 100 English settlers arrived on Roanoke Island hoping to build a new life in North America. When help finally arrived three years later, the colony was empty—and the mystery has never been fully solved. Discover one of America’s greatest historical mysteries in this Social Studies Mini Spark!

Spark Your Thinking!

1. Set up your Social Studies mini spark recording page: #68: The Lost Colony of Roanoke

2. Watch this video about the lost colony.  Why do historians think Croatoan Island may be connected to the disappearance of the colonists?

3. Sketch simple map on your recording page.

Add these labels

  • Roanoke Island
  • Croatoan (Hatteras) Island
  • Atlantic Ocean
  • Virginia
  • North Carolina
  • Jamestown

4. Watch the PBS video, Discovering New Clues About the Fate of the Lost Colony on Roanoke Island. As you watch, record:

  • 5 important facts about the Lost Colony.
  • 2 clues archaeologists have discovered.
  • 1 theory about what may have happened to the colonists.

5.  Read this article. Many historians believe the colonists may have joined nearby Native American communities, while others suggest different explanations. Recent archaeological discoveries have provided new clues, but no final answer has been proven.

Answer in 3-4 complete sentences:

Do you think the Lost Colony mystery will ever be completely solved? Why or why not? Support your answer with evidence from the article and videos.

6. Share your Social Studies mini spark recording page with your teacher or the EY coordinator in your building.

 

 

 

#66: Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride

Social Studies Enrichment,

What would you do if you had to deliver an important message that could change history? In 1775, a silversmith named Paul Revere rode through the night to warn American colonists that British soldiers were coming. Learn about his famous ride and why it became an important part of American history in this Social Studies Mini Spark.

Spark Your Thinking!

1. Set up your Social Studies mini spark recording page: #66: Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride

2. Before you begin, imagine there are no phones, text messages, or computers. How would you quickly warn people about an emergency? Record at least 3 ways you might spread important news in the 1700s.

3. Watch the video about Paul Revere.

As you watch, record:

  • 5 important facts about Paul Revere.
  • 3 details about his famous midnight ride.
  • 1 question you still have after watching the video.

4. Read the Britannica Kids article about Paul Revere. Create a web diagram with Paul Revere in the center. Add at least 6 facts you learned about his life, career, and contributions to the American Revolution.

5. Choose A or B

A. Imagine you are Paul Revere on the night of April 18, 1775. Write a diary entry describing:

  • What you see and hear during your ride.
  • How you feel as you travel through the countryside.
  • Why your mission is important.
  • What you hope will happen when people receive your warning.

Include at least 5-8 sentences with details that make the reader feel like they are there with you.

B. Many people know Paul Revere’s name, but other riders also helped spread the warning. Answer this question in 3–5 complete sentences:

Why do you think some people become famous in history while others who helped are less remembered? Use evidence from the video and article to support your thinking.

6. Share your Social Studies mini spark recording page with your teacher or the EY coordinator in your building.

#65: The New Deal

Social Studies Enrichment

What should a government do when millions of people lose their jobs and struggle to afford food and housing? During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced a series of programs called the New Deal to help Americans recover. Learn how these programs changed lives and decide whether you think they were successful in this Social Studies Mini Spark.

Spark Your Thinking!

1. Set up your Social Studies mini spark recording page: #65: The New Deal

2. During the Great Depression, many Americans lost their jobs, homes, and savings. President Roosevelt’s New Deal created programs to provide jobs, support families, and help the economy recover. Before you begin, predict: What kinds of programs would you create to help people during a national crisis? Record 2+ ideas on your recording page.

3. Watch the video about the New Deal.

As you watch, record:

  • 5 important facts about the New Deal.
  • 3 programs or projects created during the New Deal.
  • 1 fact that surprised you.

4. Read the Khan Academy lesson about the New Deal and then choose A or B or C to complete.

A: Thinking Like a Historian. On your recording page, create a T-chart labeled:

Benefits of the New Deal Criticisms of the New Deal

Record at least 3 ideas in each column.

B: Creative Writing Challenge
Imagine you are a newspaper reporter living in 1935.

Write a short newspaper article (one paragraph) describing a New Deal program that has just arrived in your town. Include:

  • A headline
  • What the program does
  • Who it helps
  • How people in your town are reacting to it

Part C: Critical Thinking
Answer this question in 3–5 complete sentences:

Do you think the New Deal was a good way to help Americans during the Great Depression? Why or why not? Use evidence from both the video and the reading to support your answer.

5. Share your Social Studies mini spark recording page with your teacher or the EY coordinator in your building.

Check out these Social Studies mini sparks about other events during the Great Depression