Teaching Tips

• There is a teaching implementation guide on the Globe Elementary main web page that discusses how an educator can implement the storybook guided units in their classroom.
• At the end of the story book there is a section on "Teaching Notes" that provides more background information for the teacher.
• For the second activity it may be helpful to brainstorm other types of changes that are apparent in locations that do not have large seasonal variations in color (e.g., the Southern USA).

About the Content

• All of the activities focus on observation skills and relating the real world to models (ie. drawings, figures, etc).
• Through a year-long series of observing and journaling students will form a hypothesis about the seasons.
• In the year-long observation activity, students observe the colors of the seasons using color squares helping to hone in the subtle details and makes for higher level observations.
• Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.

About the Pedagogy

• Variety of ethnicities represented in Hummingbird Mystery Storybook.
• Connecting other countries in the lessons makes context relatable to many students.
• Critical Thinking Skills are supported by a strong "KWL model".
• Cross content writing and reading are essential and incorporated in the activities through journaling.
• The hummingbird research project is a simple and easy introduction into how scientific research is done.
• Through the unit there are several opportunities to extend the lessons to reach and engage older audiences (e.g., research a different migratory bird).
• The last activity suggests pen pal exchange with a school in Central America, which would facilitate several other types of learning opportunities (ie, about other cultures, climates, languages).

Technical Details/Ease of Use

• Activities available in 5 different languages.
• eBook downloadable with audio recording.

Related URLs These related sites were noted by our reviewers but have not been reviewed by CLEAN