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5th Grade
- Project
- 4 weeks
Creepy Spuds and Tales: A Potato Odyssey
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to immerse 5th-grade students in a cross-curricular exploration of literature, science, and social studies through the engaging theme of "Creepy Potatoes." Students will develop their narrative writing skills by analyzing literary techniques used in the "Creepy" book series, while simultaneously conducting scientific experiments and investigating the global economic impact of potato farming. By integrating hands-on activities and real-world connections, the project aims to enhance students' understanding of narrative structure, literary analysis, and the interconnectedness of agriculture and society, fostering deeper learning and critical thinking.
Learning goals
Students will develop their narrative writing skills by crafting engaging stories that incorporate humor and suspense, focusing on transforming ordinary objects into sources of intrigue. They will analyze literary techniques used in texts and apply these strategies to their own writing, enhancing their understanding of narrative structure and character development. Additionally, students will explore the economic and scientific aspects of potato farming, conducting experiments and evaluating global agricultural impacts, while utilizing precise language and domain-specific vocabulary in their informative texts.
Standards
- 5.2.1 - Apply strategies to interpret and analyze various types of literary texts.
- 5.3.2 - Write informative/explanatory texts that provide a clear focus and the use of text features to group related information on a well-developed topic, using precise language and domain-specific vocabulary.
- 5.3.3 - Write engaging, real or imagined narratives using literary techniques, character development, sensory and descriptive details, and a variety of transition words to signal a clear sequence of events.
- 5.2.1 - Apply strategies to interpret and analyze various types of literary texts.
- 5.3.2 - Write informative/explanatory texts that provide a clear focus and the use of text features to group related information on a well-developed topic, using precise language and domain-specific vocabulary.
- 5.3.3 - Write engaging, real or imagined narratives using literary techniques, character development, sensory and descriptive details, and a variety of transition words to signal a clear sequence of events.
- PG.2 - Analyze historical time periods and patterns of continuity and change, through multiple perspectives, within and among cultures and societies.
- PG.3 - Apply geographic representations and perspectives to analyze human movement, spatial patterns, systems, and the connections and relationships among them.
- 5.2.1 - Apply strategies to interpret and analyze various types of literary texts.
- 5.3.2 - Write informative/explanatory texts that provide a clear focus and the use of text features to group related information on a well-developed topic, using precise language and domain-specific vocabulary.
- 5.3.3 - Write engaging, real or imagined narratives using literary techniques, character development, sensory and descriptive details, and a variety of transition words to signal a clear sequence of events.
- PG.2 - Analyze historical time periods and patterns of continuity and change, through multiple perspectives, within and among cultures and societies.
- PG.3 - Apply geographic representations and perspectives to analyze human movement, spatial patterns, systems, and the connections and relationships among them.
- PS1.5.4 - The energy released from food was once energy from the sun.
- LS2.5.1 - Plants acquire their material from growth chiefly from air and water.
- ESS3.5.5 - Societal activities have had major effects on land, ocean, atmosphere and even outer space.
- 5.OA.B - Analyze patterns and relationships.
Products
Throughout the project, students will create a series of engaging narratives and visual art pieces that depict ordinary objects in a creepy context. By the end of the learning experience, they will have developed a multimedia presentation showcasing their 'creepy' story, complete with sound effects and visual elements. Additionally, students will contribute to a collaborative digital storybook, each writing a chapter that transforms an everyday item into a source of intrigue using literary techniques. They will also present their findings on the economic impact of potato farming in a 'Potato Palooza' festival, which includes science experiments and global potato-based dish tastings.
Launch
Begin the project with a 'Creepy Story Circle' where students gather in a dimly lit room to listen to excerpts from 'Creepy Carrots', 'Creepy Underwear', and 'Creepy Crayons'. Follow this with a discussion on what makes these stories engaging, focusing on literary techniques that create suspense and humor. Then, introduce the 'Mystery Box Challenge' where students receive a box containing an ordinary object and work in groups to develop a short narrative that turns the object into something creepy, using the techniques discussed.
Exhibition
Students will host a 'Potato Palooza' festival, showcasing their potato science experiments, such as potato launchers and potato light bulbs, and sharing insights on the economic impact of potato farming globally. They will present their findings through interactive displays and offer tastings of potato-based dishes inspired by various cultures. The event will also feature a 'Creepy Art Exhibit', where students display their visual art pieces and narratives, transforming ordinary objects into sources of intrigue, allowing visitors to explore the creative process behind their stories.
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Creepy Story Circle - Gather in a dimly lit room to listen to excerpts from 'Creepy Carrots', 'Creepy Underwear', and 'Creepy Crayons', followed by a discussion on engaging elements (45 min)
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Mystery Box Challenge - Receive a box containing an ordinary object and work in groups to develop a short narrative that turns the object into something creepy, using literary techniques (45 min)
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Creepy Art Exhibit Creation - Begin creating visual art pieces inspired by the books, depicting ordinary objects in a creepy context, and write a brief narrative explanation (45 min)
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Potato Farming Exploration - Introduce the topic of potato farming, discuss its economic impact worldwide, and brainstorm questions for interviewing local farmers (45 min)
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Potato Science Experiment Introduction - Learn about the potato light bulb experiment and potato launcher, form groups to plan experiment setups for next week (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Complete a draft of the short narrative from the 'Mystery Box Challenge' that transforms an ordinary object into a creepy one.
2. Initial sketches for the 'Creepy Art Exhibit' featuring their chosen object. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather copies of 'Creepy Carrots', 'Creepy Underwear', and 'Creepy Crayons' for the story circle.
2. Prepare 'Mystery Boxes' with various ordinary objects (e.g., a spoon, a sock, a pencil). 3. Set up a dimly lit area for the story circle to create an engaging atmosphere. 4. Provide art supplies for initial sketching (e.g., sketch pads, pencils, erasers). 5. Create a discussion guide focusing on literary techniques such as suspense, humor, and character development. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Literary Analysis Discussion - Analyze excerpts from 'Creepy Carrots', 'Creepy Underwear', and 'Creepy Crayons', focusing on literary techniques and their impact on engagement (45 min)
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Character Development Workshop - Create detailed character profiles for narratives, using sensory and descriptive details to enhance engagement (30 min)
Transition Techniques Exploration - Practice using transition words to establish a clear sequence of events in narratives (15 min)
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Science Experiment Setup - Begin setting up potato light bulb experiments, discussing energy transformation and scientific methods (45 min)
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Economic Impact Research - Investigate the global impact of potato farming, using geographic tools to analyze patterns and relationships (30 min)
Research Presentation Preparation - Organize findings into a clear and informative presentation using domain-specific vocabulary (15 min)
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Narrative Drafting Session - Write a draft of a 'creepy' narrative, applying learned literary techniques and character development strategies (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Annotated excerpts from the 'Creepy' book series demonstrating literary analysis.
2. Science journal entries documenting the potato light bulb experiment setup and initial observations. 3. Notes on the economic impact of potato farming from multimedia resources. 4. A storyboard for a 'creepy' narrative, complete with plot outline and character sketches. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather copies of 'Creepy Carrots', 'Creepy Underwear', and 'Creepy Crayons' for literary analysis.
2. Prepare annotation guides and discussion questions for the literary analysis workshop. 3. Assemble materials for the potato light bulb experiment, including potatoes, copper coins, zinc nails, wires, and LED bulbs. 4. Curate multimedia resources (videos, articles) on global potato farming and its economic impact. 5. Provide storyboard templates and creative writing prompts for the narrative drafting session. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Potato Launcher Engineering - Collaborate in teams to design and prototype potato launchers, using principles of motion and force, and document the design process (45 min)
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Potato Launcher Testing - Conduct tests on potato launchers, measure distances achieved, and analyze the results to refine designs (30 min)
Narrative Reflection - Reflect on narrative drafts, discussing how literary techniques enhance engagement, and revise drafts accordingly (15 min)
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Science Experiment Observations - Record observations from potato light bulb experiments, discussing energy transformation and implications for sustainability (30 min)
Creepy Art Exhibit Finalization - Finalize visual art pieces and narratives for the exhibit, ensuring clear presentation of themes and techniques (15 min)
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Economic Impact Presentation - Finalize presentations on the global impact of potato farming, integrating geographic analysis and societal connections (30 min)
Peer Review Session - Review peers' presentations and offer constructive feedback, focusing on clarity and use of domain-specific vocabulary (15 min)
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Narrative Sharing Circle - Share and perform 'creepy' narratives with peers, incorporating feedback and reflecting on narrative transformation (30 min)
Potato Palooza Planning - Organize tasks and roles for the upcoming 'Potato Palooza' festival, ensuring all elements of the project are ready for exhibition (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A functional potato launcher, along with a written reflection on the scientific principles learned.
2. A working potato light bulb experiment, documented with step-by-step instructions and observations. 3. A first draft of a narrative story featuring a 'creepy' potato character, demonstrating the use of literary techniques. 4. A research report on the economic impact of potato farming in a selected country, using precise language and domain-specific vocabulary. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for potato launchers, including PVC pipes, rubber bands, and tape.
2. Provide materials for the potato light bulb experiment, such as potatoes, zinc and copper nails, wires, and small bulbs. 3. Prepare library resources and online access for research on global potato farming. 4. Set up a workshop for students to learn about multimedia presentation tools and sound effects. |
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| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Narrative Editing - Collaborate in pairs to edit and refine 'creepy' narratives, ensuring the use of literary techniques and clear sequence (30 min)
Multimedia Storyboard Planning - Plan visual and sound elements for multimedia presentations to enhance storytelling (15 min)
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Multimedia Presentation Creation - Begin creating multimedia presentations by recording narrations and integrating visual/sound effects (45 min)
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Creepy Art Exhibit Finalization - Complete and prepare visual art pieces with narrative explanations for the exhibit (20 min)
Peer Reflection Workshop - Exchange feedback on narratives and multimedia projects in small groups, focusing on narrative transformation (25 min)
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Potato Palooza Setup - Organize science experiment displays and prepare stations for economic impact presentations (20 min)
Rehearsal and Review - Practice presenting experiments and findings, refining presentation skills and clarity (25 min)
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Potato Palooza Festival - Host the festival, showcasing experiments, presenting economic findings, and sharing cultural potato dishes (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed chapter for the collaborative digital storybook
2. Final multimedia presentation of the 'creepy' story 3. Interactive display for the 'Potato Palooza' festival |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure access to digital tools for creating and editing multimedia presentations
2. Prepare materials for the festival, including tables, display boards, and any necessary cooking supplies for tastings 3. Coordinate with community partners and invite guests to the 'Potato Palooza' festival 4. Allocate time for peer feedback sessions and ensure students have access to any additional resources needed for final edits |
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