About the store
Welcome to Curiosity First, where learning begins with wonder.
Our mission is to spark curiosity, creativity, and real-world connection in every classroom. With experience in upper elementary and middle school education, we design inquiry-based, standards-aligned resources that inspire students to think critically, explore deeply, and connect learning to the world around them.
Many of our lessons are inspired by travel, culture, and global exploration. Whether students are solving mysteries in ancient civilizations, taking virtual science adventures, or engaging with diverse and meaningful texts, each resource invites them to wonder, question, and discover.
At Curiosity First, we believe learning should be relevant, joyful, and empowering, for both teachers and students. Our goal is to save educators time while creating lessons that truly make learning come alive.
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Bigfoot Reading Detective Case File, 4th–6th Grade ELA, Text Evidence
Is Bigfoot real or just a hoax? In this spooky detective-themed activity, students read a nonfiction passage about Bigfoot and answer comprehension questions that build text evidence, main idea, vocabulary, and opinion writing skills. Perfect for Halloween reading centers or engaging practice with informational text, this resource is ready-to-print and classroom friendly. What’s Included: 1 Informational Article: “Bigfoot – Legend of the Forest” Detective Worksheet with: Text Evidence Questi
4th - 6th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Other (ELA)
CCSS
RI.4.1
, RI.4.2
, RI.4.4
+26
Screen Time & You, Opinion Writing Unit Grades 5–6 | Student-Led Inquiry 3 Days
Your students already have opinions about screen time. This unit gives them the tools to actually argue them.Screen Time & You is a print and go OR digital ready opinion writing unit for grades 5–6. Students watch a free PBS video clipRead a two-sided research-based articleWrite a fully structured opinion paragraph; thesis, evidence, reasoning, counterclaim, and rebuttal, with explicit instruction every step of the way.No prep. Print and teach. Or assign digitally via Google Classroom.WHY TEACH
5th - 7th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS
RI.5.6
, RI.6.6
, W.5.1
+10
The Science of Gratitude | Thanksgiving Reading Comprehension & SEL Activity 4-7
Teach students the science behind thankfulness this Thanksgiving season! This engaging Thanksgiving reading comprehension and SEL activity helps students explore how gratitude affects the brain, reduces stress, and improves health and happiness—all through science-based informational passages written at a 4th–7th grade level. Use it as a non-holiday Thanksgiving lesson, SEL unit, or fall reading activity that blends literacy, psychology, and wellness. ✅ Includes: 10 informational passages (
4th - 7th
General Science, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS
RI.4.1
, RI.4.2
, RI.4.4
+25
RACE Writing Strategy 3-Day Lesson | Text Evidence & Constructed Response Unit
Help your students master text evidence writing with this engaging, step-by-step 3-day RACE writing mini-unit! Perfect for grades 4–6, this resource walks students through each part of the RACE strategy — Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain — using clear examples, guided practice, and structured worksheets. If you're like me you're stuck trying to pull longer responses out of your students. I was still getting one sentence and even one word answers from students until I introduced this system. It
4th - 6th
ELA Test Prep, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS
RI.4.1
, RI.5.1
, RI.6.1
+3
Chupacabra Reading Detective, 4th–6th Grade Nonfiction ELA
Investigate the legend of the Chupacabra with this spooky Halloween-themed case file! Students read about strange livestock deaths and practice text evidence, main idea, summarizing, vocabulary, and writing skills. What’s Included: Article: “The Chupacabra – Creature of the Night” Worksheet with: Text Evidence Questions Main Idea (Multiple Choice) Summarizing Practice Vocabulary (predator, livestock, cryptid) Opinion Writing Extension (“Case Report”) Answer Key Standards: RI.4.1 / RI.5.1 / RI.
4th - 6th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS
RI.4.1
, RI.4.2
, RI.4.4
+41
Mothman: Urban Legend Reading Detective | 4th–6th Grade Nonfiction
Was the Mothman a real creature, or just an omen of tragedy? Students investigate eyewitness reports and the Silver Bridge disaster while practicing main idea, text evidence, vocabulary, and opinion writing. What’s Included: Article: “The Mothman – Omen in the Sky” Detective Worksheet with: Text Evidence Questions Main Idea (Multiple Choice) Summarizing Practice Vocabulary (ominous, eyewitness, tragedy) Opinion Writing (“Case Report”) Answer Key Standards: RI.4.1 / RI.5.1 / RI.6.1 – Text evi
4th - 6th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS
RI.4.1
, RI.4.2
, RI.4.4
+41
Text Detective: Ocean Geniuses Around the World | Text Evidence & Science NGSS
🌊 PRODUCT OVERVIEW Dive into the ocean of intelligence with this high-interest, inquiry-based reading lesson! Your students become Text Detectives as they explore how dolphins, orcas, and humpback whales show unique forms of intelligence — from tool use to teamwork to innovation. Through guided investigation and reflection, students learn to cite textual evidence while celebrating the many ways animals (and humans!) can be “smart.” This resource is perfect for whole-class lessons, small gro
3rd - 6th
Informational Text, Other (Science), Writing
CCSS, NGSS
RI.3.1
, RI.3.2
, RI.4.1
+11
9 Halloween & October Main Idea & Key Details | Leveled Texts | 4-6 grade
Make reading comprehension fun this fall with these Halloween and October-themed passages! This resource is designed to help students practice identifying the main idea, supporting details, and conclusion while reading engaging seasonal texts. With leveled passages for both 4th grade (Version A) and 6th grade (Version B), you can easily differentiate for mixed-ability classrooms. Each passage includes a hook, 5–7 sentences, multiple supporting details, and a conclusion. This resource co
4th - 6th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Other (ELA)
CCSS
RI.4.2
, RI.5.2
, RI.6.2
Elephant Habitat Explorer BUNDLE | Close Reading & Science Activities | 3rd–5th
Short Description :Travel across Africa and Asia through this high-interest reading + science bundle! Includes 5 close reading nonfiction passages, comprehension + vocabulary practice, digital + printable versions, and themed explorer badges. Full Product Description:Take your students on an unforgettable cross-curricular adventure with the Elephant Habitat Explorer Bundle! This 5-pack includes nonfiction close reading texts that spotlight elephant adaptations, ecosystems, and conservati
3rd - 5th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Other (Science)
CCSS, NGSS
RI.3.1
, RI.3.4
, RI.3.10
+9
The Stolen Scarab – Reading Comprehension Mystery (Ancient Egypt, Grades 4–6)
Your students are about to become detectives in ancient Egypt! In this engaging reading comprehension mystery, learners will analyze clues, read closely, and use text evidence to solve the Case of the Stolen Scarab. This historical fiction passage is perfect for practicing quoting accurately from the text (RL.4.1 & RL.5.1), making inferences, and supporting answers with strong evidence—all in an immersive, fun detective-style format. What’s Included: Mystery reading passage set in Ancient E
4th - 7th
Close Reading, Other (ELA), Reading Strategies
CCSS
RL.4.1
, RL.5.1
, RL.6.1
Kraken Reading Detective | 4th–6th Grade Nonfiction | Text Evidence
Sail into the legend of the Kraken! This detective-style passage explores sailor stories of giant sea monsters while students practice reading comprehension, main idea, summarizing, vocabulary, and writing. What’s Included: Article: “The Kraken – Terror of the Seas” Worksheet with: Text Evidence Questions Main Idea (Multiple Choice) Summarizing Practice Vocabulary (legend, maritime, monstrous) Opinion Writing Extension Answer KeyStandards: RI.4.1 / RI.5.1 / RI.6.1 – Cite text evidence RI.4.
4th - 6th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS
RI.4.1
, RI.4.2
, RI.4.4
+41
Loch Ness Monster Reading Detective, 4th–6th Grade ELA | Non-Fiction
Dive into the mystery of the Loch Ness Monster! Students investigate eyewitness reports and scientific skepticism through a detective-themed passage and worksheet. Activities include text evidence, summarizing, vocabulary, and opinion writing. What’s Included: Article: “The Loch Ness Monster – Mystery of the Deep” Worksheet with: Text Evidence Questions Main Idea (Multiple Choice) Summarizing Practice Vocabulary (mysterious, eyewitness, evidence) Opinion Writing (“Case Report”) Answer Key Stan
4th - 6th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Writing
CCSS
RI.4.1
, RI.4.2
, RI.4.4
+39
FREE Text Detective: Octopus Reading Comprehension | Text Evidence Lesson (3-6)
🕵️♀️ Turn your students into Text Detectives!This FREE reading comprehension lesson helps students master the skill of finding, quoting, and explaining text evidence through a high-interest passage about one of the ocean’s smartest animals — the octopus! Perfect for Grades 3–6, this lesson builds critical thinking and evidence-based writing skills while keeping learning fun, hands-on, and easy to implement. No prep required — just print or assign the Google Slides version! ✨ What’s Inclu
3rd - 6th
ELA Test Prep, Informational Text, Reading Strategies
CCSS
RI.3.1
, RI.4.1
, RI.4.9
+4
Energy From the Sun Article + Questions | NGSS 5-PS3 Science & ELA Integration
Bring science and literacy together with this engaging, standards-aligned resource! Your students will explore how the sun powers life on Earth through a high-interest informational text while practicing reading comprehension and writing skills. This resource is perfect for teachers looking to cover NGSS 5-PS3: Energy in food originates primarily from the sun while integrating ELA standards like main idea, text evidence, and explanatory writing. Both printable PDF and Google Slides™ versi
4th - 6th
Close Reading, General Science, Writing
CCSS, NGSS
RI.4.1
, RI.4.2
, RI.4.4
+25
Cause and Effect Reading Mystery – The Cracked Column (Ancient Greece) 4-6 grade
(Ancient Greece Close Reading for Grades 4–6 – PDF + Digital Included)Turn your students into history detectives! In this high-interest reading mystery, a column in an ancient Greek amphitheater has suddenly cracked—and three suspects may be to blame. Students will step into the role of History Sleuths to investigate the clues, highlight cause-and-effect relationships, and decide who they think is responsible using text evidence and logical reasoning. This resource includes both a printable P
4th - 6th
Ancient History, Close Reading, Reading Strategies
CCSS
RL.4.1
, RL.4.3
, RL.5.1
+11
Asian Elephants Close Reading & Science | Habitat Explorer Activity | 3rd–5th
Short Description: Cross-curricular close reading activity about Asian elephants in the rainforest! Includes nonfiction passage, comprehension questions, vocabulary practice, explorer-themed directions, printable and Google Slides versions, and an answer key. Full Product Description: Bring science and reading together in this engaging, explorer-themed activity! In this Asian Elephants Close Reading & Science Explorer Pack, students step into the role of Junior Wildlife Researchers as the
3rd - 6th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Other (Science)
CCSS, NGSS
RI.3.1
, RI.3.4
, RI.3.10
+11
Elephants Close Reading & Science | Animal Habitats Activity 3rd- 5th grade
SHORT DESCRIPTION Close reading passage + comprehension questions + vocabulary matching with science integration! Includes printable PDF + Google Slides version. Explorer-themed and NGSS-aligned. FULL PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Bring science and reading together with this high-interest, explorer-themed close reading activity! Students step into the role of Junior Wildlife Researchers as they investigate how African elephants survive in the savanna. This resource blends nonfiction reading, vocabulary,
3rd - 5th
Close Reading, General Science, Informational Text
CCSS, NGSS
RI.3.1
, RI.3.4
, RI.3.10
+8
Desert Elephants Close Reading & Science | Habitat Explorer Activity | 3rd - 5th
Short Description:Engage students with this science + reading activity about desert elephants in Namibia! Includes close reading passage, vocabulary, comprehension questions, digital Google Slides, printable worksheets, and explorer badges. Full Product Description:Travel to the Namib Desert with your students through this high-interest Desert Elephants Close Reading & Explorer Activity! Designed for upper elementary, this cross-curricular resource blends reading, science, and adventure wit
3rd - 5th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Other (Science)
CCSS, NGSS
RI.3.1
, RI.3.4
, RI.3.10
+9
Elephants Around the World | Close Reading & Science Explorer Activity | 3rd–5th
Short Description :Cross the globe with this science + reading adventure! This nonfiction close reading activity focuses on elephant habitats, adaptations, and conservation. Includes comprehension questions, vocabulary matching, digital + printable versions, and explorer badges. Full Product Description:Take your students on a global learning adventure with the Elephants Around the World Close Reading & Explorer Pack! Perfect for upper elementary, this engaging, nonfiction resource helps st
3rd - 5th
Close Reading, Earth Sciences, Informational Text
CCSS, NGSS
RI.3.1
, RI.3.4
, RI.3.10
+9
Forest Elephants Close Reading & Science | Habitat Explorer Activity | 3rd - 5th
Short Description:Nonfiction close reading activity focused on forest elephants in the Congo Basin! Includes comprehension questions, vocabulary matching, Explorer Mission theme, printable + digital versions, and badges. Full Product Description:Explore the mysterious world of forest elephants in the Congo Basin with this engaging, explorer-themed reading and science resource! Students will read a high-interest nonfiction passage, identify key vocabulary, and respond to comprehension questions
3rd - 5th
Close Reading, Informational Text, Other (Science)
CCSS, NGSS
RI.3.1
, RI.3.4
, RI.3.10
+8
Showing 1-20 of 20 results
About the store
Experience
Welcome to Curiosity First, where learning begins with wonder.
Our mission is to spark curiosity, creativity, and real-world connection in every classroom. With experience in upper elementary and middle school education, we design inquiry-based, standards-aligned resources that inspire students to think critically, explore deeply, and connect learning to the world around them.
Many of our lessons are inspired by travel, culture, and global exploration. Whether students are solving mysteries in ancient civilizations, taking virtual science adventures, or engaging with diverse and meaningful texts, each resource invites them to wonder, question, and discover.
At Curiosity First, we believe learning should be relevant, joyful, and empowering, for both teachers and students. Our goal is to save educators time while creating lessons that truly make learning come alive.
Teaching style
Curiosity First resources are designed around inquiry, creativity, and connection. We believe students learn best when they’re encouraged to ask questions, explore big ideas, and see themselves in the content they study.
Each lesson uses project-based learning, storytelling, and real-world relevance to make concepts meaningful and engaging. Every resource invites students to take ownership of their learning, think critically, and celebrate curiosity as the heart of understanding.
Awards & shining teacher moments
Our approach has been celebrated for making learning student-centered, culturally relevant, and curiosity-driven. Some of the most rewarding feedback comes from educators who share that their students are more engaged, more thoughtful, and more excited to learn.
We take pride in creating materials that transform classrooms into spaces of discovery, where curiosity leads the way.
My own education history
Curiosity First was founded by an educator with a Master’s in Teaching and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, bringing experience from a variety of grade levels and subjects, including ELA, math, science, and social studies.
Our work is grounded in research-based best practices, combining inquiry-based learning, culturally responsive teaching, and creativity to make learning meaningful and equitable for all students.
Additional biographical information
Curiosity First was created from a simple belief: before success, there is curiosity.
We are passionate about connecting education to real life, designing lessons that help students understand the “why” behind what they learn. Inspired by global exploration, culture, and creativity, our goal is to nurture curious thinkers who are ready to explore the world with empathy and purpose.
Every resource we create is built to spark wonder, inspire learning, and celebrate curiosity as the heart of education.
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