Claws, Paws, Hooves, Wings & Things...

IAITC’s Creature Feature of Reading

Activities to Complement:

2014 iREAD

Summer Reading Program

Adapted from ireadprogram.org

Table of Contents

Table of Contents .......................................................................................... 3

Dairy Cattle ................................................................................................... 4

Better Butter ................................................................................. 5

Beautiful Bovine ............................................................................ 6

Beef Cattle ..................................................................................................... 7

Hamburger Paragraph ................................................................... 8

Horses ......................................................................................................... 10

Handsome Horses ....................................................................... 11

Pigs ............................................................................................................. 13

Paper Bag Pig .............................................................................. 14

Comparing Mammals with Math .................................................. 16

Winged Things ............................................................................................. 17

Egg Creative Writing .................................................................... 18

Butterfly Life Cycle ...................................................................... 21

So Many Bees! ............................................................................. 22

Answer Sheet ............................................................................................... 23

Dairy Cattle

Featured Creature: Dairy Cattle Suggested Reading Materials: Suggested Websites: IAITC Dairy Ag Mag www.midwestdairy.com Dairy Terra Nova www.prairiefarms.com Nutrition Ag Mag www.moomilk.com Click, Clack, Moo—Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin | ISBN: 1442408898 | Overview: Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type. All day long he hears: Click, clack, moo.

But Farmer Brown’s problems really begin when his cows start leaving him notes. Join the

fun as a bunch of literate cows turn Farmer Brown’s farm upside down. Clarabelle: Making Milk and So Much More by Cris Peterson | ISBN: 1590783107 | Overview: Clarabelle is a Holstein dairy cow. After giving birth to a calf, her body is now producing

milk. The book discusses life on the dairy farm. A must read for children and adults seeking to learn something new about food and agriculture.

Extra Cheese, Please! by Cris Peterson | ISBN: 1590782461 | Overview: This book starts on the farm where a calf is born and milking begins, then moves to the cheese-making plant where the milk is heated and cooled, stirred and swirled, thickened, drained, and sliced, and finally packaged for stores. This book is a wonderful collaboration, concluding with the author's own recipe for pizza! The Milk Makers by Gail Gibbons | ISBN: 0689711166 | Overview: After the cow is milked, there are still many steps the milk must go through before it reaches you. This book describes them all. The book also identifies many other things you eat and drink that come from milk, too. Gail Gibbons’ unique style makes this a fascinating book for both children and adults. Cindy Moo by Lori Mortensen | ISBN: 0062043935 | Overview: Inspired by classic rhyme, a cow named Cindy Moo sets out to prove that cows really can leap over the moon. The other cows laugh at her, but that doesn’t stop Cindy from trying— and failing—night after night . . . until a trick of nature shows Cindy a way to triumph. Dairy Cows by Kathy Henderson | ISBN: 0516011529 | Overview: This book describes the physical characteristics and life cycle of dairy cows, how milk is made, the use of milking machines, and the processing of raw milk at the dairy plant. The book also contains a “words you should know” section to familiarize readers with some dairy terms. From Farm to You—Cheese by Carol Jones | ISBN: 0791070050 | Overview: This book discusses the history of cheese, how it is made by hand, and how it is made in a factory. This is a fun introduction to cheese, where it comes from and the process from farm to you. Mrs. Wishy-Washy’s Farm by Joy Cowley | ISBN: 0142402990 | Overview: Mrs. Wishy-Washy rubs and scrubs all the animals on the farm. But this time they aren't standing for it. Duck, Cow, and Pig are leaving for good! They run away to the big city. But they get lost, wander into a restaurant, and even stumble into a hardware store and get covered in paint! Where is Mrs. Wishy-Washy when they need her? Maybe her farm isn't so bad after all . . .

4

Better Butter

Grade Level: 2—4 Objectives: Students will observe the process of changing one food form to another, such as a liquid to a solid. Common Core: English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.1; SL.3.1; SL.3.2; W.4.2 Next Generation Science Standards: Structure and Properties of Matter: 2-PS1-3; 2-PS1-4

Materials: • Heavy whipping cream • Containers (with lids) • Scale Directions: Talk about where milk comes from and how milk is made into many products, such as butter.

Go through the safety procedures and importance of cleanliness with students.

Group students into groups of two to four.

Discuss whipping cream in its liquid form and let the students know that a change will be taking place with the whipping cream.

Pour whipping cream into baby food jars until half full.

Screw on the lids. Before shaking, carefully check to make sure the lids are closed securely.

Have the students take turns shaking the jar to “churn” the cream. Have them shake the jars until they can no longer hear the liquid moving. The teacher should check the jars to see if the cream has separated into milky liquid and creamy solid butter.

Help students carefully pour off the liquid. Serve the homemade butter on bread or crackers.

Discussion Questions:

Students should read the Dairy Ag Mag and answer the questions that follow.

1. Where does milk come from?

2. What other products can be made from the milk, or what other foods have milk in them?

3. Are there other ways of changing food into a different state of matter?

Writing Prompt:

When whole milk sits out, tiny fat molecules float to the top, forming a layer of cream that can be skimmed and collected. To make butter, the cream is stirred so that the fat molecules get shaken out of position and clump together. Eventually, after enough agitation, the fat molecules clump to form butter. When this occurs, fat molecules have separated from the liquid in the cream and the liquid can be removed. Record your answers for the following procedure.

Weigh the amount of heavy whipping cream that you start with and then weigh the amount of butter that you end with. How much of the cream turned into butter?

Repeat this activity a few more times. (Use different temperatures of heavy whipping cream. Do you get similar results each time you use a different temperature of heavy whipping cream and each time you use room-temperature cream, or is there variation in your results?)

Write your opinion to describe what factors you think affect your results.

5

Beautiful Bovine

Grade Level: 2—4 Objectives: Students will be able demonstrate some of the body parts of a cow to show how a cow is different from a human. Common Core: English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.2; W.3.2; W.3.2b Next Generation Science Standards: Inheritance and Variation of Traits: Life Cycles and Traits: 3.LS1-1

Materials: • Surgical glove • Vest - leather/fur • Yarn • Chewing gum • Fly swatter • Plastic headband • Cardboard • Four socks • Sandpaper • Four balloons • Large bag • Elastic Directions: Assemble the pretend parts of a cow as follows: Udder - Stuff the surgical glove with tissue. Attach yarn to tie around student's waist.

Horns and ears - Cut cardboard in the shape of a cow's ears and horns, and attach them to a plastic headband.

Hooves - Cut four cardboard hoof prints and attach them to the bottoms of the four socks.

Tongue - Cut sand paper to hang around student's head. Attach yarn to tongue to hang around student's head.

Stomachs - Blow up four balloons and tie them together with yarn.

Tail - Tie fly swatter to a piece of yarn to tie around the student's waist.

Gum - Give student a piece of chewing gum to chew as "cud.”

Hide - Place the vest on the student to represent the hide of a cow.

Place items in your bag once assembled.

1. Ask one of your students to volunteer to be dressed up to look like a cow. To avoid

embarrassing any of your students, ask your principal or another adult to be the volunteer.

2. Ask students to imagine what a cow looks like and what special parts it has that are different from a human. What makes a cow a cow?

3. Ask students to suggest ways to make the volunteer look like a cow. As they come up with ideas, dress the volunteer with the props in your bag. Share background information regarding each body part as you dress up your volunteer.

Writing Prompt: After completing the activity, students should conduct research about cows. Write a two paragraph response identifying characteristics of a cow. How does a cow compare and contrast to beef cattle? How about a human? Explain your answers in detail using information learned and researched from the text.

6

Beef Cattle

Featured Creature: Beef Cattle Suggested Reading Materials: Suggested Websites: IAITC Beef Ag Mag www.illinoisbeef.com Beef Terra Nova www.beefusa.org Little Joe by Sandra Neil Wallace | ISBN: 0375860975 | Overview: The Stegner family’s cow gives birth to Little Joe. This is Eli’s first chance to raise an animal

to show at next fall’s county fair. Eli and Little Joe learn lessons about growing up and responsibilities. Eli’s story is one that may not be familiar to every child, but the themes of

growing up and learning some difficult lessons will appeal to kids and adults alike. The Beef Princess of Practical County by Michelle Houts | ISBN: 0440422701 | Overview: It’s Libby Ryan’s turn to shine at the Practical County Fair. Libby is excited as she and her

granddad pick out calves for her to raise on their cattle farm. After a few months of preparing for the Practical County Fair, Libby finds that she is growing closer to her steers with each passing day, and the pressure to win the steer competition is mounting.

Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry | ISBN: 0375848037 | Overview: When Brother's dad is shipped off to Iraq, along with the rest of his reserve unit, Brother

must help his grandparents keep the ranch going. He’s determined to maintain it just as his father left it, in the hope that doing so will ensure his father’s safe return. The hardships Brother faces will not only change the ranch, but also reveal his true calling.

Beef Cattle: A-to-Z Book by Anderson and Buggey | ISBN: 978-1-926781-08-2 | Overview: This book introduces beef cattle and discusses why beef cattle are important. The book

presents important cattle facts alphabetically with each page introducing a new vocabulary word illustrated with a photo. The suggested activities at the end of the book can be included with downloadable lesson plans.

Beef Cattle: Story of Agriculture by Anderson and Buggey | ISBN: 978-1-926781-09-9 | Overview: This book introduces beef cattle and the food we get from them. The book follows cattle from

the farm to the dinner plate, explaining how beef cattle are raised and processed into meat and by-products that are shipped across the country and beyond. The suggested activities at the end of the book can be included with downloadable lesson plans.

Life on a Cattle Farm by Judy Wolfman | ISBN: 1575055163 | Overview: This book is informative and insightful. It explains the terminology and processes that tran-

spire on a cattle farm from day to day. The book is filled with real pictures to complement the information.

Amazing Grazing by Cris Peterson | ISBN: 1590788680 | Overview: Cris Peterson visits ranches to learn about philosophies of their owners and see how the ranches are run. The pictures capture beauty and operations that create a portrait of ranching in the American West.

7

Hamburger Paragraph

Grade Level: 2—4 Objectives: Students will become familiar with the components of a paragraph and create an agriculture themed paragraph. Common Core: English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1; W.4.1a; W.4.1b; W.4.2; W.4.2e; SL.4.1 Directions:

Engage students in a conversation about hamburgers. Possible questions include: How many

of you like to eat hamburgers? Who likes to eat plain hamburgers? What toppings do you like on your hamburger? Why do we put toppings on hamburgers?

Suggest to students that a paragraph is like a hamburger by sharing the “Hamburger Recipe.”

Guide students through the writing process as a class by going over the “Hamburger Para-graph” worksheet.

Then, give each student a worksheet and encourage them to write their own paragraphs. This activity would be a great way to have students research and write about different agriculture themed topics. There is a list of potential topics below.

Have each student exchange their paragraph with one another. Students should read paragraphs out loud to the class.

Hamburger Recipe:

Top Bun: Introduction - Every hamburger needs a top bun, every paragraph needs an introduction.

Hamburger: The Topic Sentence - The most important part. You cannot have a burger or a paragraph without it.

The Fixings: Supporting Details - Supporting details support or describe the topic sentence. They make the paragraph more interesting to read; just as ketchup, mustard, and pickles make a hamburger more interesting to eat.

Bottom Bun: Conclusion - A conclusion finishes off a paragraph and leaves you with a final thought or idea. A paragraph is unfinished without a good conclusion, just as a hamburger without a bottom bun. Your burger would fall apart and so would your paragraph.

Potential Topics: Impact of agriculture on our daily lives

Agriculture in different cultures

Agriculture in different regions of the United States

Agriculture around me—about agriculture in the student’s community

8

Introduction

Topic Sentence

Supporting Details (2-3 Sentences)

Supporting Details (2-3 Sentences)

Conclusion

Hamburger Paragraph

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Horses

Featured Creature: Horses Suggested Reading Materials: Suggested Website: IAITC Horse Ag Mag www.horsemenscouncil.org War Horse by Michael Morpurgo | ISBN: 9780545403351 | Overview: In 1914, Joey, a beautiful foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army in the

midst of the war on the Western Front. He witnesses the horror of the battles in France. Joey's courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. His heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master

again? Horses! by Gail Gibbons | ISBN: 0823418758 | Overview: What would kings, queens, knights, cowboys, stagecoach drivers, or farmers have done

without horses? This book relates the long history horses and humans have shared. The book includes horse biology and behavior, as well as colorful and clear diagrams that will interest all who want to know more about horses.

Horsepower: The Wonder of Draft Horses by Cris Peterson | ISBN: 1563979438 | Overview: Less than a century ago, draft horses were one of the main sources of power in the United

States. They helped plow fields, haul wood, deliver milk, and carry people wherever they needed to go. This book captures the stature and dignity of draft horses through informative text and amazing photography.

Firehorse by Diane Lee Wilson | ISBN: 1442403314 | Overview: Rachel is furious and lonely when the family moves to Boston—especially since she had to

sell her beloved horse. She finds an injured firehorse, and begins caring for her. Outbreaks of fires escalate, and the horses who pull the fire engines fall ill. The Great Boston Fire of 1872 is brought to life, and Rachel proves her determination to make something of herself.

The Cowboy ABC by Chris L Demarest | ISBN: 0789425092 | Overview: The spirit of the West rides in this vivid ABC book. Children intrigued by cowboys will find

this amazing. The book takes viewers along on a cattle drive to observe details and absorb impressions of this American dream.

Leah’s Pony by Elizabeth Friedrich | ISBN: 1563978288 | Overview: Leah and her pony ride through tall fields of corn and race across green pastures, chasing

cattle under summer skies. But now the land is devastated by a terrible drought. Like many farmers, Leah's papa faces losing the family farm. Leah raises the money by selling her pony. Set in the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, this book tells the story of one child and what she would sacrifice for love of her family.

Riding Freedom by Pam Munoz Ryan | ISBN: 0439087961 | Overview: Charlotte Parkhurst finds work as a stable hand and becomes a famous stage-coach driver

(performing brave feats and outwitting bandits). After some tragic events in her life, she ultimately settles out west on the farm she dreamed of having since childhood.

10

HANDsome Horse

Grade Level: 3—4 Objectives: After completing this activity, students will be more familiar with the unit of measurement called “hands” that is used to determine a horse’s height. Students will have also practiced reading rulers and making measurement conversions. Common Core: Mathematics: CCSS.Math.Content.3.OA.A.3; 3.G.A.2; 4.MD.A.1 Background: Horses are measured in units called “hands.” One hand represents 4 inches. The origin of

measuring a horse this way is very old, but easy to understand. In days long ago people did not have the common measuring devices like tape measures. To measure a horse, they used what was available. At various times in history and in different locales, a "hand" was defined as the width of a person's hand using the fingers only, the width of a person's hand using the fingers and the thumb, the height of a clenched fist, and possibly many others. Somewhere along the way, the measuring unit of a hand was standardized to mean four inches. Though the origins are ancient, a hand is still the unit of measurement for horses that modern horse owners use today. This activity will allow students to convert horse heights into feet and inches and practice reading a ruler. Directions: Carefully look at each horse and read the measurement from its withers (shoulder blades) to the ground. Each measurement will ask you to either determine how many “hands” tall the horse is or to convert hands into feet and inches. Important things to know: A “hand” is equal to 4 inches. There are 12 inches in a foot. Example:

This horse is 15.9 hands tall. Convert this measurement into feet & inches.

Answer: 5 feet 3.6 inches tall Solution: 15.9 hands x 4 inches = 63.6 inches 63.6 inches ÷ 12 inches = 5.3 feet tall at the withers 5 ft & (0.3 ft x 12 inches) = 3.6 inches Complete the worksheet on page 12. Round inches to 1 decimal place.

11

HANDsome Horse

12

1. This horse is 13.4 hands tall. Convert this measurement into feet and inches.

Show your work here:

Answer:

2. This horse is 15.3 hands tall. Convert this measurement into

feet and inches.

Show your work here:

Answer:

3. This horse is 11 hands tall. Convert this measurement into feet and inches.

Show your work here:

Answer:

Lesson Extender: Create a wall display that marks the standard heights for different breeds of horses and ponies. As a class, figure out what each measurement is in feet and inches and then mark them with a cut out of a horse. After the horses’ heights are marked, students could make their own sign and put it on the wall. Students will be able to compare their height with the horses’ height. You could even measure students at the beginning of the year and then at the end to see how much they have grown!

4. If a horse is 6 feet 4 inches from the ground to the withers, how many hands tall is the horse? (Hint just reverse the math equation but don’t forget to put it into inches before you divide.)

5. If a horse is 4 feet 4 inches from the ground to the withers, how many hands tall is the horse? 6. If a horse is 5 feet 8 inches from the ground to the withers, how many hands tall is the horse?

Pigs

Featured Creature: Pigs Suggested Reading Materials: Suggested Websites: IAITC Pork Ag Mag www.ilpork.com Pork Terra Nova www.nppc.org Pigs to the Rescue by John Himmelman | ISBN: 0805086838 | Overview: During some mishaps at the Greenstalk farm, pigs start to “come to the rescue.” The pigs solve problems ranging from tilling the field to substituting for the rooster, and they create some chaos with each solution. Cartoons and humor complement this barnyard comedy.

Pigs by Gail Gibbons | ISBN: 0823415546 | Overview: This book presents background information about hogs. The informative text is complemented with cartoons and watercolors for illustration. The last page even offers facts and trivia about the creatures. This book is a fantastic read for the younger readers! Pigs & Pork: Story of Agriculture by Anderson and Buggey | ISBN: 978-1-926781-01-3 | Overview: This book is filled with fun facts, photos, and easy to read information. Find interesting facts with each turn of the page. Colorful charts, graphs, and photographs help the reader understand pork’s role in the agricultural industry.

Pigs—An A-to-Z Book by Anderson and Buggey | ISBN: 978-1-926781-00-6 | Overview: Each page contains a letter of the alphabet and a word about pigs beginning with that letter. This book contains fun facts and real pictures of pigs and the products we get from them. This is a must read to learn more about the pork industry. A Hog Ate My Homework by Gary Metivier | ISBN: 0981894607 | Overview: Willie, a second grader, is about to find out how he did on his first school report. The problem is he wasn't very inspired when he wrote it. He hoped no one would notice, but thanks to his sister, Ashley, it seems everyone will! Can a trip to a family farm help get him out of this mess? Willie has some work to do, and it could get very messy! Pigs by Rachael Bell | ISBN: 1588103668 | Overview: This book provides facts in an easily readable format. Two-page chapters cover such topics as what these creatures eat, how they live, and how they are raised. Clear, color photos complement the text to show life on the farm. The Three Pigs by David Wiesner | ISBN: 9780618007011 | Overview: This book begins with three pigs collecting materials and building houses of straw, sticks, and bricks. But the wolf’s huffing and puffing blows the first pig right out of the story . . . and into the realm of pure imagination. Dialogue balloons, text excerpts, and a wide variety of illustration guide the reader through a fantasy world. The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka | ISBN: 0140544518 | Overview: A spoof on the three little pigs story, this time told from the wolf's point of view. This book is creative, exciting and puts a fun exciting twist on a familiar story.

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Grade Level: K—1st Objectives: Students will demonstrate their knowledge of pig parts and

how pigs differ from humans.

Common Core: English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.K.4; SL.K.1a; SL.K.2; SK.K.6 Materials: Template Pink Paint or Construction Paper Paper Lunch Bag Markers Scissors Glue Introduction:

Get familiar with your pig. Lay your bag flat, and closed, as if it were new. The smooth side will be

the BACK of your puppet. (It's important to distinguish front and back!) The other side has a flippy

tab (This is the bottom of the bag when carrying your lunch). This flippy tab will be the HEAD. The

remaining part below the tab will be the BODY. OK, now that we're comfy with our bags, let's craft!

Directions: Print the template, color in the pieces, as necessary, and cut them out.

Take a piece of pink construction paper, cut it to the size of the body, and glue it onto the paper

bag.

Cut another piece the size of the head and glue it onto the bag.

You can also cut a third piece the size of the back and glue it onto the bag.

Alternatively, you can paint your whole bag pink.

Glue the eyes, snout, and ears onto the head.

Lift the side tab and put on a spot of glue. Attach the arm. Do the same with the other arm.

Cut the tail out in a spiral (follow the template dotted lines).

Turn the bag over and glue the center of the spiral to the bag.

Lesson Extender: With prompting and support, ask students questions about the below words. Students should then look up the words in the dictionary. Use each word in a sentence. Be prepared to share one of your sentences with the class. • hog • pork • breeds • swine • snout • sow • boar • piglet

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Paper Bag Pig

15

16

Comparing Mammals with Math

KEY: a = 7 b = 10 c = 6 d = 6 h = 4

1. Using the key, find the perimeter of a trapezoid: a + b + c + d

Perimeter of dairy cattle =

2. Using the key, find the area of a trapezoid: (h / 2) x (a+b)

Area of dairy cattle =

KEY: a = 9 b = 14 c = 6 d = 8 h = 6

3. Using the key, find the perimeter of a trapezoid: a + b + c + d

Perimeter of dairy cattle =

4. Using the key, find the area of a trapezoid: (h / 2) x (a+b)

Area of dairy cattle =

a

b

KEY: a = 8 b = 5

5. Using the key, find the perimeter of a rectangle: 2a + 2b

Perimeter of beef cattle =

6. Area of a rectangle: a x b

Area of beef cattle =

KEY: a = 14 b = 9

7. Using the key, find the perimeter of a rectangle: 2a + 2b

Perimeter of beef cattle =

8. Area of a rectangle: a x b

Area of beef cattle =

c

a

d h

b

r

KEY: r = 10 π = 3.14

13. Using the key, find the circumference of a circle: 2 x π x r

Circumference of pig =

14. Area of a rectangle: r x r x π

Area of pig =

KEY: a = 8 π = 3.14

15. Using the key, find the circumference of a circle: 2 x π x r

Circumference of pig =

16. Area of a rectangle: r x r x π

Area of pig =

Grade Level: 3—4

Common Core: Mathematics:

CCSS.Math.Content.4.OA.A.1; 3.MD.C.5;

3.GA.1

KEY: a = 9.5 b = 3.5

9. Using the key, find the perimeter of a rectangle: 2a + 2b

Perimeter of horse =

10. Area of a rectangle: a x b

Area of horse =

KEY: a = 11.5 b = 5

11. Using the key, find the perimeter of a rectangle: 2a + 2b

Perimeter of horse=

12. Area of a rectangle: a x b

Area of horse =

a

b

Winged Things

Featured Creatures: Insects and Chickens Suggested Reading Materials: Suggested Website: Poultry Terra Nova www.aeb.org Adios Oscar! by Peter Elwell | ISBN: 0545071593 | Overview: Oscar the caterpillar meets Bob the butterfly, and is awed by Bob's wings. Bob assures him

that he will have wings someday, then flies off to Mexico. Oscar grows a cocoon and emerges with wings, but becomes a moth instead of a butterfly. This charming story about loving one’s self and pursuing one's dreams sends an important message to children.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle | ISBN: 0399226907 | Overview: As the newborn caterpillar snacks through the pages (leaving behind a hole to stick a little

finger through), he gets bigger, fatter, and turns into a lovely butterfly with wings the color of Swiss cheese, oranges, and cherry pie!

The Magic School Bus Inside a Beehive by Joanna Cole | ISBN: 0590257218 | Overview: Ms. Frizzle introduces her class to the insect kingdom by exploring a honeybee hive.

Students learn about chores such as foraging for nectar and pollen, building honeycombs, making honey, and feeding larvae, as well as observing typical honeybee behavior. The book is cleverly written and incorporates scientific information and touches of humor.

The Honey Makers by Gail Gibbons | ISBN: 0688175317 | Overview: This book introduces young readers to honeybees and bee culture. The Honey Makers is

packed with information explaining the organization of a hive, the life cycle of the insects, and typical beekeeping practices. The book also discusses the functions of adult worker bees, particularly, honey making. The full-color artwork makes learning visually fun.

Chicks and Chickens by Gail Gibbons | ISBN: 0823419398 | Overview: Domestic chickens are an essential part of agriculture and food production in America. This

book takes a look at how chicken eggs are developed for human consumption and how fertilized eggs develop into embryos and finally, into fuzzy little baby chicks.

Big Chickens by Leslie Helakoski | ISBN: 0142410578 | Overview: When four big chickens see a wolf sneaking near their coop, they run into the woods to hide.

But for a bunch of big chickens, running away from danger isn't as easy as it looks. They wonder: What if they get stuck in a ditch? What if they hit an iceberg in the lake? Brimming with silliness and the kind of humor small children love, here's a read-aloud book with an uplifting message and a very satisfying ending.

From Egg to Chicken by Gerald Legg | ISBN: 0531153339 | Overview: Each volume in the “lifecycles” series looks at the lifecycle of an animal or plant, with very

large, vivid illustrations, and very simple text. This book traces the growth of an egg into a chicken.

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18

Egg Creative Writing

Grade Level: 1—4 Objectives: After completion of this activity, students will be able to outline parts of the inside of an egg through storytelling and writing. Common Core: English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.1.1; RI.1.2; RI.1.7; RF.4.4a; W.4.2; W.4.2b; W.4.7; SL.4.4 Next Generation Science Standards: Structure, Function and Information Processing: 4-LS1-1; 4-LS1.A

Materials: Stapler Large Oval Plate Markers Pen or Pencil Introduction:

There are three essential parts of the egg: the yolk, the egg white or albumen, and the shell. The

yolk contains fat and protein which nourishes the embryo during its later stages of development,

while the albumen serves to protect the yolk by acting as a cushion which absorbs jolts and jars

when the egg is moved. The shell is hard and provides protection for the insides of the egg.

Directions: After reading the recommended reading, explain that students will use the information gained to write a story about a chick. Their story will be written on the lines of page 19. The story should be from the viewpoint of a chick inside the egg about to hatch. Use descriptive words gathered from research.

Give each student a large oval plate. Ask them to staple their story to the plate after they cut on the black lines of page 19.

Give each student page 20 and have them cut on the black lines. They can color the chick and then write the title of their story on the top. This piece will now fit into the story page on the plate to look like an egg. When you pull the tab with the title up, the chick will come out of the egg.

Lesson Extender: With prompting and support, ask students questions about the below words. Students should

then look up the words in the dictionary. Use each word in a sentence. Be prepared to share one of your sentences with the class. Try to incorporate these words into your story.

• hen • egg • hatch • chick • yolk • embryo • shell • protein Bring an incubator to hatch chicks in a classroom. Use page 19 as a journal for the days the

students are waiting for the chicks to hatch.

Have students read their story aloud to the class.

A—Front

1. Write your story on the lines.

2. Cut along the bold line.

19

B—Middle Insert

1. Color the chick.

2. Cut along the bold line.

3. Put the title of your story on the space above the chick.

20

Grade Level: 1—4 Objectives: Students will gain an understanding of the life

cycle of a butterfly using the pasta life cycle model.

Common Core: English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.3; W.4.2; W.4.2a; W.4.3c Next Generation Science Standards: Inheritance and Variation of Traits: Life Cycles and Traits: 3-LS1-1; 3-LS1.B Materials: Paper Plates Pasta (Couscous, Rotini, Shells, Bow-ties) Elmer’s Glue Marker Directions: Give each student a paper plate.

Using a marker, have them write out the names of the four stages on the paper plate. “Egg” at

the top left, “Larva” at the top right, “Pupae” at the bottom right, and “Adult” at the bottom left.

Draw arrows clockwise from “Egg” to “Larva” and from “Larva” to “Pupae” and so forth.

Put a dot of glue under “Egg” and drop a pinch of couscous on it for the egg.

Put a dot of glue next to “Larva” and place two rotini pasta noodles on it for the two larva.

Put a dot of glue next to “Pupae” and place two of the shells on it for the pupae.

Put a dot of glue next to “Adult Butterfly” and place the bow-tie on it for the adult butterfly.

Lesson Extenders:

Research different types of life cycles.

Investigate and illustrate the life cycles of other organisms.

Make a flip book of the life cycle of a butterfly. Include pictures and descriptions of what

occurs at each phase. Research how long each phase of the cycle takes.

Compare and contrast each model of a pasta butterfly life cycle with a real butterfly life cycle.

Reflect on why pasta was chosen to represent the life cycle.

Butterfly Life Cycle

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So Many Bees!

Grade Level: 2—4 Objectives: In this lesson, students find out how the honey bee lives, including the characteristics

and roles of the queen bee, the worker bee, and the drone.

Common Core: English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1; W.4.1b; W.4.1d; SL.4.1; SL.4.1c

Next Generation Science Standards: Structure, Function and Information Processing: 4-LS1-1; 4-LS1.A Background: Honey bees are social insects and live in groups called “colonies.” Within each colony are three types, or castes, of honey bees: a queen, worker bees, and drones. Members of each caste have a slightly different body depending on the tasks they perform. Directions: Name three distinct features of each type of honey bee, then research and answer the questions

that follow on a separate sheet of paper.

Questions:

1. What is the role of the Queen bee in the hive?

2. What is the role of the Worker bee in the hive?

3. What is the role of the Drone bee in the hive?

4. What role do bees play in agriculture? What traits allow them to carry out this role?

Writing Prompt:

Using the information students learn, they should write a paragraph sharing their opinion on

which bee plays the most important role. Make sure they state their opinion and support it with

details learned. Have students share their reasoning through a class discussion.

Queen Worker Drone

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Trapezoid—Page 16

1. Perimeter = 29

2. Area = 34

3. Perimeter = 37

4. Area = 69

Rectangle—Page 16

5. Perimeter = 26

6. Area = 40

7. Perimeter = 46

8. Area = 126

Answer Sheet

Rectangle—Page 16

9. Perimeter = 26

10. Area = 33.25

11. Perimeter = 33

12. Area = 57.5

Bees Duties—Page 22

1. Queen—The Queen’s primary duty is to lay eggs.

2. Worker—The job of the Worker bee is to tend the young, gather and store nectar and pollen,

make honey, royal jelly and beebread, produce wax, and care for the Queen and Drones.

3. Drone—The Drone’s only job is to mate with the Queen.

Circle—Page 16

13. Circumference = 62.8

14. Area = 314

15. Circumference = 50.24

16. Area = 200.96

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Horses—Page 12

1. 4 feet 5.6 inches

2. 5 feet 1.2 inches

3. 3 feet 8 inches

4. 19 hands

5. 13 hands

6. 17 hands

Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom

1701 Towanda Ave.

Bloomington, IL 61701

Phone: 309-557-3334

Fax: 309-557-2098

www.agintheclassroom.org

Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom Ag Mags are four-page colorful

agricultural magazines for kids. They contain information about agriculture,

classroom activities, career interviews and bright pictures.

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find your county contact information.

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