My students need 50 packs of modeling clay to create their own mythological creature for a cross curricular novel study in ELA and animal study in science.
With our world of high-tech gadgets and effortless entertainment, it is hard to capture the attention and imagination of students within the classroom. During my novel study of The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, I can keep my students on the edge of their seats with interest and imagination.
My students are from a very low socio-economic community.
Most have little to no literacy experiences at home. Many have never left their small town and have no desire to go beyond the achievements of their parents. Prior knowledge is limited to life within the small town and farm life. Our high school has the highest drop-out rate in our district. We are working diligently to create a love of education, a desire to be successful and a need to be a productive citizen. It is very rewarding to watch my students grow and expand their world through the diverse novel studies, hands-on discoveries and the integrations of technology being used as a teaching tool rather than a play toy. The students respond well to high expectations when it is accompanied by genuine care. They need the diverse units of study I wish to provide for them in order to experience the world and know that they can achieve a successful life.
My Project
I have requested modeling clay that will be used during a cross curricular unit of a novel study from The Lightning Thief and an animal study in science. While reading the novel, the students will conduct a mini-research project on the mythological creatures that are used as characters in the story. Then, the students will synthesize this knowledge with the study of animals in science to create their own mythological creature. The students will show their understanding of different types of animals by explaining the characteristics and co-existence of each component of the creature. Explaining the creature forces them to evaluate each type of animal that was used to make the final product. It takes the action out of the novel and places it into their minds and hands as they develop their creature. The project takes the lessons taught about the different characteristics of animals and forces them to apply that knowledge in a tangible way
I believe this project is important because it is a fun way to apply knowledge and interact with literature while emphasizing higher order thinking skills.
The project addresses many learning styles, giving each student the chance to succeed. Finally, the project is not just regurgitated notes taken from the novel or the study of animals. It requires creativity and application of knowledge. It forces the students to think for themselves and reinforces my desire for the students to be self-learners.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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