What's Up?
School: Genesee Community Charter School
City/State: Rochester, NY
Grade(s): 3
Format(s): Book: Nonfiction/Informational
Subject(s): English Language Arts, Science and Technology
Type(s): Informative/Explanatory
Writing Assignment Description
This book was written as part of a three-month learning expedition on astronomy. It was written to help introduce other students to these topics.
In this culminating product, students brainstormed questions they had about astronomy – ones that deeply interested them. Students researched the answers to their own questions and then shared their answers via both text and illustrations.
How This Writing Can Be Useful
- Answers complex questions with clarity and accurate scientific information
- Compelling illustrations help clarify the text, and are clearly the freehand work of a child – the fact that they are not traced, done with circle templates or cleaned up by adults adds their charm and power
- Models the importance of good questions - students’ questions are very thoughtful. For example, “What kid of rock is the moon made of?” and “How do astronomers know what they know?” and “Why don’t we feel the earth spinning?”
Relevant Resources
Common Core State Standards
| Standard | Long Term Learning Target |
|---|---|
| W.3.2 |
|