FIELD TRIPS!!!!

• Greenwich Historical Society/Bush-Holley Historic Site
• Located in Greenwich, this field trip is a perfect fit for 5th graders learning about the colonial period of American History. 
• Students get the opportunity to role play in the "Patriots vs. Loyalists" program at the site. 
• Contact info: Address: 39 Strickland Road, Cos Cob, CT. Tel: 203‑869‑6899. Email: agreco@greenwichhistory.org. Website: www.greenwichhistory.org
• Standards: HIST 5.2, HIST 5.3, HIST 5.4, HIST 5.5

• Museum of Connecticut History
• This field trip is great for 4th graders who are studying Connecticut History as it provides a plethora of cultural and civic exhibits. 
• A highlight is the portraits of 71 former CT Governors on display. 
• Students can take in the artwork and note how it has changed throughout history
• Contact info:Connecticut State Library, 231 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT 06106. Hartford County. Tel: 860-757-6535. Hrs: Vary. Website: www.museumofcthistory.org.
• Standards: HIST 4.1, CIV 4.1,

• Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center
• Incorporates learning of Native American history right here in our own back yard. 
• Explore the 16th century Pequot Indian Village to get a better understanding of the way they lived. 
• Perfect for grade 3 students
• Contact info: Address: 110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket, CT 06338. New London County. Tel: 800-411-9671. Email: groupsales@pequotmuseum.org. Website: www.pequotemuseum.org. Hrs: Mon.-Sat. 9AM-5PM, last admission at 4PM (Open May-November).
• Standards: HIST 3.2, HIST 3.3, HIST 3.4, HIST 3.6, HIST 3.7, HIST 3.9, HIST 3.10, CIV 3.5, ECO 3.2, ECO 3.3

•  Mystic Seaport
• Highly interactive field trip where students can climb aboard tall ships and interact with multiple exhibits. 
• Home to the last wooden Whale ship in the world!
• Great for grades 3 and up
• Downside: Not free :(
• Contact info: Mystic Seaport 75 Greenmanville Ave. Mystic, CT 06355
  860.572.0711 | 888.973.2767 | info@mysticseaport.org
• Standards: HIST 3.2, HIST 3.3, HIST 3.4, HIST 3.10, ECO 3.3

• F.R.E.S.H New London
• This field trip can be used from grades 2 and up.
• Young students can visit a local farm and see how growing food locally impacts their community.
• Older students can volunteer with F.R.E.S.H to make a difference in their community.
• Contact info: Location: New London, CT. Email: farm2schoolnl@gmail.com. Website: www.freshnewlondon.org. Hours: Vary. Tel: 860-574-9006.
• Standards: GEO 2.4, GEO 2.5, CIV 3.7, ECO 3.1

BOOKS

The Canary in the Coal Mine

by Madelyn Rosenberg

Bitty, a canary, works in a Depression-era coal mine detecting gas leaks. Determined to improve mining safety, Bitty journeys to the state capital to get help from legislators. 

(from Socdialstudies.org)

NCSS Framework Strands

(2) Time, continuity, and change

(8) Science, technology, and society

Ages: 9-12

Lexile: 680L

View the book trailer here

When Rivers Burned: The Earth Day Story

by Linda Crotta Brennan

Illustrated by Lisa Greenleaf

"Crotta Brennan does a good job here laying out her material as a narrative. She begins with the pre-Earth Day problems that led to the activism that led to the political action that led to Earth Day. It's not just an environmental book, it's a good beginner nonfiction book. I can see this book being recommended to upper elementary students so they can learn what nonfiction should be and how they should read it."

(Gail Gauthier via goodreads.com)

NCSS Framework Strands

(3) People, places, and environments

(9) Global connections

(10) Civic ideals and practices

Ages: 12+

Visit the author's website here

View the book trailer here

Christopher Columbus and the Age of Exploration for Kids (with 21 activities)

by Ronald A. Reis

"Christopher Columbus is one of the most famous people in world history, yet few know the full story of the amazing, resourceful, and tragic Italian explorer. Christopher Columbus and the Age of Exploration for Kids portrays the “Admiral of the Ocean Seas” neither as hero nor heel but as a flawed and complex man whose significance is undeniably monumental. Kids will gain a fuller picture of the seafarer’s life, his impact, and the dangers and thrills of exploration as they learn about all four of Columbus’s voyages to the New World, not just his first, as well as the year that Columbus spent stranded on the island of Jamaica without hope of rescue."

(from Socdialstudies.org)

NCSS Framework Strands

(2) Time, continuity, and change

(3) People, places, and environments

(8) Science, technology, and society

Ages: 9+

Lexie: 1040

Video including link to activity PDF here

Emancipation Proclamation: Lincoln and the Dawn of Liberty

by Tonya Bolden

A description of the events that led to the Emancipation Proclamation. Bolden utilizes many primary sources to present varied perspectives on this important document in our nation’s history.
(from Socdialstudies.com)

NCSS Framework Strands
(2) Time, continuity, and change
(6) Power, authority, and governance

Ages: 8 - 12
Lexile: 1160L

Video including link to activity PDF here 

by Martin W. Sandler

"While Americans fought for freedom and democracy abroad, fear and suspicion towards Japanese Americans swept the country after Japan's sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. Culling information from extensive, previously unpublished interviews and oral histories with Japanese American survivors of internment camps, Martin W. Sandler gives an in-depth account of their lives before, during their imprisonment, and after their release. Bringing readers inside life in the internment camps and explaining how a country that is built on the ideals of freedom for all could have such a dark mark on its history, this in-depth look at a troubling period of American history sheds light on the prejudices in today's world and provides the historical context we need to prevent similar abuses of power."
(from goodreads.com)

NCSS Framework Strands
(5) Individuals, groups, and institutions 
(6) Power, authority, and governance
(10) Civic Ideals and practices 

Ages: 10+

Book trailer found here

The Matchbox Diary
by Paul Fleischman

"When a little girl visits her great-grandfather at his curio- lled home, she chooses an unusual object to learn about: an old cigar box. What she nds inside surprises her: a collection of matchboxes making up her great-grandfather’s diary, harboring objects she can hold in her hand, each one evoking a memory. Inspired by each matchbox she opens, the great-grandfather tells of his journey from Italy to the United States, before he could read and write."
(from Candlewick Press)

NCSS Framework Strands
(3) People, places, and environments
(4) Individual development and identity
(9) Global connections

Ages: 6-9
Lexile: 420L 

View the book trailer here

The Other Side of Free
by Krista Russell

"In 1739, England and Spain are on the verge of war and former slaves are escaping south to St. Augustine, where the Spanish will give them their freedom in exchange for their loyalty. Fourteen-year-old Jem is grateful to have escaped a cruel master, but now he must decide what he believes, who he trusts and what freedom really means."
(from cbcbooks.org)

NCSS Framework Strands
(1) Culture
(2) Time, continuity, and change
(6) Power, authority, and governance

Ages: 9-13
Lexile: 650L

View the book trailer here

Locomotive
by Brian Floca

"It is the summer of 1869, and trains, crews, and family are traveling together, riding America’s brand-new transcontinental railroad. These pages come alive with the details of the trip and the sounds, speed, and strength of the mighty locomotives; the work that keeps them moving; and the thrill of travel from plains to mountain to ocean."
(from Simon and Schuster)

NCSS Framework Strands
(2) Time, continuity, and change
(7) Production, distribution, and consumption
(8) Science, technology, and society

Ages: 4-10
Lexile: 840L

View the book trailer here.
View the read aloud of the book. 

Openly Straight
by Bill Konigsberg

"Seamus Rafael Goldberg, aka Rafe, is tired. Tired of being “The gay kid” who plays soccer. “The gay kid” who hangs with Claire Olivia. So he decides to reinvent himself without the label. Because he’s more than just that. He goes to a new school, where he finds himself among the jock crowd, and he loves it. But what happens when he falls in love with Ben, who doesn’t know about Rafe’s past? Can he give up a part of who he is, and still be himself?" 
(from Bill Konigsberg author site)

NCSS Framework Strands
(4) Individual development and identity
(3) People, places, and environment
(1) Culture

Ages: 12+

View the book trailer here.

Sugar 
by Jewell Parker Rhodes

"Sugar has always yearned to learn more about the world, and she sees her chance when Chinese workers are brought in to help harvest the cane. The older River Road folks feel threatened, but Sugar is fascinated. As she befriends young Beau and elder Master Liu, they introduce her to the traditions of their culture, and she, in turn, shares the ways of plantation life. Sugar soon realizes that she must be the one to bridge the cultural gap and bring the community together. Here is a story of unlikely friendships and how they can change our lives forever."
(from jewellparkerrhodes.com)

NCSS Framework Strands
(1) Culture
(2) Time, continuity, and change
(7) Production, distribution, and consumption

Ages: 9-12
Lexile: 

View the book trailer here




Videos!

Tour of The Mayflower

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppDw52cWWtQ

This video provides an in depth view of the Mayflower that can be used as an initiation or given as further study for students exploring Colonial America. 

The Three Branches of Government

https://www.flocabulary.com/unit/3-branches-of-government/video/

This video is fun and engaging and is a great tool for use in teaching the three branches of our government. 

George Washington

https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/uspresidents/georgewashington/

This video is from Brainpop and explores our very first President of The United States. 

Money

https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/economics/money/

This video is a great tool for learners who are beginning to grasp the concept of money and economics. 

I'm Just a Bill

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyeJ55o3El0

School House Rock video about how bills get passed in legislation. Classic and fun. 

Targeted Strategies

Project Based Learning: This strategy can be used to deepen inquiry strategies used by students by requiring students to develop and answer questions used to enhance their research skills. Allow students to pick their own topics to differentiate in the classroom. 

Stations: This strategy is used to engage the entire class in anywhere from 3-5 different stations. Successful stations will allow for students to scaffold from station to station to build up to the main objective posted. 

Multiple Source Text Evidence: This strategy is directly correlated to the CCSS standards as well as the C3 Social Studies Frameworks. Having students use different sources will provide for exploration of point of view which is pivotal for studying history. 

APPS

Mind Node: This app allows students (and teachers) to easily create graphic organizers to aid in comprehension as well as plan for projects. Customizable and unique. The downside of this app is the cost. 

Google Earth: This app is great for every grade level and can be used to explore the local community (lower grades) as well as providing the opportunity to take a virtual tour around the world. 

Google Docs: This app is as useful tool for encouraging collaboration between students. The app and web interface allows for students and teachers to work together on a single document at the same time. Can be used to create group projects or have students review the work of their peers. 

Stack the Countries:  This is a fun app that provides an opportunity for students to learn fun and interesting facts about countries. 

Personal Touch

Community Government: Have students invite their local officials to their classroom to discuss a topic of their choosing. This can be a multiple day project where students research a local issue and then write a letter inviting officials to a classroom visit to further discuss that issue. 

Class Dojo: This is a great interactive tool for teachers to encourage engagement in classroom discussions and lessons. It allows for a point system for students and can be used for informal assessment. Many options for customization as well as many different uses. 

Ed Puzzle: This tool allows for many teaching opportunities as well as the option to trim videos to focus on particular portions. 

The Day-Glo Brothers

The Day-Glo Brothers:

The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand-New Colors

Chris Barton

Illustrated by: Tony Persiani

Published by: Charlesbridge

Copyright 2009

44 Pages

Invention, Science, Art, Color, Siblings

Having my own fascination with bright day-glo type colors led me to reading this neat story about how those colors came to be. Joe and Bob Switzer were polar opposites when it came to temperament; Joe loved magic tricks and show business while Bob was obsessed with planning. The brothers realized that using a black light for its fluorescent glow could enhance chemically altered paints into bright, lively colors. The most creative aspect of the story is how the illustrator uses dull black and white with simple tones of colors until the story develops and the brothers begin to figure out the correct recipes where the illustrations seemingly come to life.

Reading Level

Ages 7-10, Lexile Measure: 990L

Suggested Delivery

Read Aloud

Electronic Resources

Visit the official Chris Barton website and have your class explore more about the author. Be sure to sign up for his newsletter for a chance to win a free book!

http://www.chrisbarton.info

This is the official Glo-Run website. Use this website to show just how far the colors that the Switzer brothers discovered have come. Use this site as a catalyst and encrougage students to create their own Day-Glo party or fun run at school.

http://theglorun.com/chicago/

Key Vocabulary

·      Illuminating – Providing light

·      Seizures – A medical condition that suddenly and violently causes people to convulse.

·      Fluorescence – The emission of radiation, especially of visible light, by a substance during exposure to external radiation, as light or x-rays

·      Ultraviolet – Having a wavelength shorter than that of the violet end of the visible spectrum but longer than that of x-rays.

Teaching Strategies

            Before – Using only the cover of the story, have students create an anticipation guide of what they believe they will learn by reading this story. Be sure to wear Day-Glo colors while reading!

            During – Students can compare and contrast the Switzer brothers while also noting how each event leads to the eventual creation of Day-Glo. Use a Venn Diagram or other device to aid students in comprehension.

            After – Bring in black lights to the classroom and have students write a short journal entry from the perspective of Joe or Bob using Day-Glo colors. This activity is exciting and fun and drives home just how important the invention was.

Writing

Use magic surface tables coupled with fluorescent markets to create a web that illustrates important events and plot points in the story.