Something Different to Try

Archaeology is like a picture puzzle in which scientists try to piece together the story of a past people group using artifacts from the dig site. Often puzzle pieces are missing or there is no expected picture to cue understanding. That story then becomes simply a good hypothesis. In this Something Different to Try simulation, students become archeologists who analyze and interpret their own dig sites and learn what it is like to depend on artifacts to tell the story of a culture. Relying

ANIMAL PORTFOLIO STUDY This is a collection, or portfolio, of independent activities meant to replace the usual animal research report. It can be used by ALL LEVELS of students because of the variety of types of activities students may choose. Subtract items if the number of choices is too overwhelming for your group. It lends itself to DIFFERENTIATION very easily and is Something Different to Try. You determine the point values for each activity. Ones with less DEPTH AND COMPLEXITY earn f

CHICK-KU Science Poetry for You and Your Peeps CHICK-KU is a blending of science, poetry, writing, and syllabication inspired by the book Guyku-A Year of Haiku for Boys by Bob Raczka and Peter H. Reynolds. What a way to assess what students know by using a higher-level thinking format! The 1st page guides them through the writing process with directions and examples. The 2nd sheet is to celebrate their creations. It’s Something Different to Try !

Buildings don’t just happen. A Designer has an idea which is passed on to an Architect who works out the structural logistics and makes the ideas come to life on paper, or blueprints. The building directions on the blueprint are passed along to the Construction Engineer who turns the idea into an actual, tangible structure. Inspectors make sure local building rules, or codes, are being followed. Interpersonal skills, problem-solving, teamwork, descriptive communication, giving and following dire

My Dinosaur Alphabet Book What do you call a lover of dinosaurs? It could be “Paleontologist,” but more than likely a lover of dinosaurs in your class is called Joey or Ashley or Jose or Martika. My Dinosaur Alphabet Book allows your mini-paleontologists to research and share their dino-passions to their hearts’ content. Mmmm…Do you have a Joshua or Latasha who finish work early or “already know it”? This would be perfect differentiation for them to do to keep their bra