Field Guide to Insects in Western Massachusetts
School: Alice B. Beal Elementary
City/State: Springfield, MA
Grade(s): 2
Format(s): Field guide: Natural science
Subject(s): English Language Arts, Science and Technology, Visual Arts
Type(s): Informative/Explanatory
Writing Assignment Description
Second grade students at the Alice B. Beal Elementary School in Springfield, Massachusetts created a field guide as part of a two-month learning expedition on insects local to their area.
Students worked in pairs, and each entry includes scientific illustrations of the pair’s insect, a life cycle of the insect, as well as detailed written descriptions. Multiple revisions were done with feedback from students and adults.
How This Writing Can Be Useful
- Writing is strong and clear and shows student voice
- Well-designed layout combining different types of information
- Excellent use of headers illustrating how a common format can be used to present information
Relevant Resources
Common Core State Standards
| Standard | Long Term Learning Target |
|---|---|
| W.2.7 |
|