Main Idea

Did you know that paper airplanes were first created in Japan and Ancient China? A paper plane is a toy airplane fashioned from paper. The paper is creased, or doubled over, in a specific manner so that the folded paper actually glides. This is a form of origami; the Japanese art of paper folding. Paper planes were originally created for testing real airplanes. The Wright brothers actually tested miniature paper airplanes, modeled after their own design, prior to building their first airplane. Today the constructing of paper planes is viewed more as a pastime and a craft.

• Toy planes can be designed from folding paper.

• It can be dangerous to fold paper planes.

• The steps in folding a paper plane.

• How to test a real airplane design.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Before the invention of the toothbrush, people used a twig with a frayed end, also known as a "chew stick," to brush their teeth. Today's toothbrush is designed with a solid plastic handle with either a fixed or flexible brush at one end. Toothpaste is typically added to a toothbrush to assist in maintaining good oral hygiene. Both toothpaste and toothbrushes come in a vast assortment of colors, shapes, and sizes. Utilizing appealing, or attractive, toothbrushes can make tooth brushing enjoyable and lead your child in attaining perfect oral health.

• A toothbrush is for a dentist.

• Buying a nice toothbrush is an important part of your daily routine.

• A toothbrush is a tool to help you maintain oral hygiene.

• There are a variety of toothbrushes and toothpastes.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Every day we encounter things made of plastic at home, school, work, and play. Have you ever wondered how that spork in the school cafeteria, folder in your backpack, computer keyboard on your desk, or slide in your backyard were made? A plastic is a substance created from natural materials such as cellulose and crude oil. Some plastics are fashioned only when they are newly constructed while others can be altered by heating and melting. Since plastic can vary in shape, or form, the number of products that are created from plastic is endless.

• Different plastics can be utilized to manufacture different products.

• Many items can be made of plastic and other petroleum products.

• Some can be shaped only when they are freshly made.

• The process used to create plastic is complex and requires many scientific concepts.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Coral snakes have notable red, yellow/white, and black colored banding. It is the order of the bands that is noted for distinguishing between venomous and the non-venomous snakes. Mnemonic devices such as "Yellow, Red, Stop!" Are used to help remember which snake is venomous. Most species of coral snakes are slightly different in size. North American coral snakes average around three feet in length, but varieties of up to five feet or slightly larger have been reported. Aquatic species have flattened tails acting as a fin, assisting in swimming.

• Different types of species of North American Snakes

• The habitats and ecosystems of North American coral snakes

• The color patterns found on diverse coral snake species

• A description of coral snakes including different species

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Summer can be scorching with temperatures peaking above 100 degrees. However, a swimming pool is an excellent means to combat the heat. Floating in the water provides a cool and refreshing relief from the high temperature. Splashing about in the depths of crystal clear water helps to battle the overwhelming heat. Grab a friend and head down to the pool this summer for a welcome respite from the summer sun!

• The joys and dangers of swimming in the heat of summer

• Safe ways to avoid dangerous sun exposure on your skin

• The overwhelming temperatures that humans experience during summer

• A fun way to solve the problem of summertime heat

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Jorge and Matt are heading out to the coast for the day. They grab their polished boards and SPF 50 sunscreen with a plan to surf the waves from dawn until dusk. When their mom drops them off they go sprinting through the sand and without delay into the waves. The water is invigorating, and the sun is tepid. They truly welcome a day on the surf.

• Two friends head to the coast for a day of fishing and swimming.

• A day at the beach for two friends

• Two friends who go to the beach for a race

• Going to the swimming pool

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Ms. Gill's class is assessed every Friday. But today, Sandrine wasn't prepared. She said, "Ms. Gills! I can't take the test today. I didn't study last night!"

Ms. Gills looked at Sandrine and calmly, but seriously said, "Sandrine, you will take the scheduled assessment. We test every Friday."

There was no compromise in sight. Sandrine took the test as planned, all the while wondering if she would have to take the retest.

• A student comes to school prepared to take a weekly test.

• A teacher doesn't prepare her students, so one student needs to retest.

• A student isn't prepared to take a test and is fretting over the results.

• Ms. Gills is calm but serious about the test this Friday.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

Jordan arrived at soccer practice slightly behind schedule yesterday, but coach allowed her to workout with the team regardless. The majority of the time, coach insists players sit out if tardy to practice. For some reason, coach permitted her to practice this time.

• Coach never lets late students participate in practice.

• Coach always lets late students participate if they run extra laps.

• Coach bends a rule to ensure all players workout during a practice.

• Coach insists a player sits out from the workout for being tardy.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

The wind is fast,

the string is tight,

we're all smiles

as we watch the kite

Zipping, diving through the breeze,

untamed and free

sailing skyward

as we beam with glee.

• Taking a daring, but fun sky dive

• Climbing a very high structure like a mountain

• Learning how to fly a video drone

• Enjoying flying a simple kite

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.7.5

CCSS.RL.8.10

Same the snake enjoys slinking into his underground lair. In there, he feels sheltered, or protected, from the hawks and owls that prey on him. He has a bed of grass to lounge upon, and it is there that he takes time to peruse his favorite book. He loves to remain inside until daybreak the following morning.

• A reptile who loves to chase hawks and owls for prey

• The hidden location where an animal feels secure

• A long night for a snake who hides from predators such as hawks and owls

• A fantasy where a snake reads a book all night long

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2