Thanks to Education World for use of my Mrs. Waffenschmidt illustration.

Thanks to Education World for use of my Mrs. Waffenschmidt illustration.
Click on icon to go to my website: http://www.gailhennessey.com

Monday, May 22, 2023

Winding down the School Year with Fun Learning Activities

 






End of Year Activities: Looking for something to use with your students during the last couple of weeks of school?

Suggestions:

I also have a number of reading passages and activities on world landmarks including the Great Wall of China, Ayes Rock(Uluru), Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal. I also have web questson different countries and a mini unit on Economics(being Wise Consumers!) which I did the last week of school. I also have lots of different "Everything Has a History topics including Peanuts, chewing gum, pretzels, shoes and more...

Have a wonderful end of the school year and a relaxing summer.
I will be updating my website(http://www.gailhennessey.com ) and my blog throughout the summer. Stop by....
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Thursday, May 11, 2023

Endangered Species Day is May 19th!


Note: I will not be able to update my blog until May 22nd....


 



In 2023, Endangered Species Day is May 19th. Held the 3rd Friday in May, it is a day for creating awareness to the different creatures of the planet whose population is dwindling. It is a day to encourage people to work to save these creatures from going extinct.



Some creatures on the endangered species list include:
Blue Whale, Lemur, Javan Rhino, Mountain Gorilla, Black Rhino, Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Siberian Tiger, Komodo Dragon, Golden Lion Tamarin and the Northern Bald Ibis.

1. What are two reasons for species declining on our planet?

2. If you could save two of the creatures on the endangered species list from extinction, which two would you select? WHY?

3. What might be some factors people might use to determine which creatures to save? For example, why might people in the USA want to protect the Bald Eagle? Why might some people want to protect the mountain gorilla over the Santa Catalina Island Rattlesnake? Other creatures such as the giraffe and elephant(ie:Sumatran Elephant) are on the endangered list. Why might some people select one creature to save over another?

4. Extinct is forever. Some creatures that no longer exist on the planet include the Passenger Pigeon, DoDo bird, Tasmanian tiger, Pinta Island tortoise(the last one,Lonesome George, died in 2015)and the Caribbean Monk Seal. You may find this link of interest: https://www.rd.com/culture/animals-extinct-last-100-years/ Research an extinct creature and draw a picture, including 4 facts learned. Include what caused their extinction.

5. Watch a short video on 10 animals that MAY go extinct in the next few years: https://www.thoughtco.com/recently-extinct-animals-1092157 Write a paragraph on one of the animals.

6. This Endangered Species Coloring Book has lots of information on the topic: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2013-08/documents/cbook.pdf Write 4 facts learned from the text of information.

7. Lots of information for kids on Endangered and extinct species. https://www.activewild.com/endangered-animals-facts-for-kids/

8. Many butterflies are on the endangered list: This website has some of the most endangered butterflies: https://butterflywebsite.com/endangered-butterflies.cfm
In the USA, more than 20 butterflies and moths are endangered. https://www.saveourmonarchs.org/blog/10-endangered-butterflies   What do you think is the main cause of the dwindling population of butterflies?  The famed Monarch Butterfly (2019) may soon be added to the endangered species list.(2019) https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/decision-on-monarch-butterfly-endangered-species-protection-extended-2019-05-24/

9. The Endangered Species Act(1973) helped some creatures' populations increase including the California Condor and Bald Eagle. There are about 1600 creatures in the USA currently protected by this act which was signed by President Richard Nixon.  Donald Trump(2019) plans to change the Endangered Species Act, lessening regulations.  Why do you think Donald Trump wants to do this? Who do you think is helped if there are less regulations to protect species?



Did You Know?
1. Did you know that 50% of the endangered species of the Earth live in the rainforest, esp. the Amazon Rain forest, the world largest?

2. The Vaquita is the most endangered porpoise in the world. It is believed that less than 20 are still alive. Its name means “little cow” in Spanish.

3. Thanks to conservation efforts, the panda is no longer on the endangered list(2016).

4. Did you know that the polar bear is on the endangered list? One of the main reasons is the warming temperatures has caused a decrease in the sea ice. Polar bears use sea ice to hunt one of their favorite foods, the seal.

5. The continent of Asia has the most endangered species.

6. The IUCN Red List compiles a list of endangered species. There are  16,306 endangered species as of 2019. Source: https://www.endangeredearth.com/threatened-by-country/

7. Many butterflies are on the endangered list: This website has some of the most endangered butterflies: https://butterflywebsite.com/endangered-butterflies.cfm
In the USA, more than 20 butterflies and moths are endangered. https://www.saveourmonarchs.org/blog/10-endangered-butterflies   What do you think is the main cause for the decreasing population of butterflies?  The famed Monarch Butterfly (2019) may soon be added to the endangered species list.(2019) https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/decision-on-monarch-butterfly-endangered-species-protection-extended-2019-05-24/ List 4 facts about the monarch butterfly.Draw a picture of a monarch butterfly.

8. The Endangered Species Act(1973) helped some creatures' populations increase including the California Condor and Bald Eagle. There are about 1600 creatures in the USA currently protected by this act which was signed by President Richard Nixon. Pres. Donald Trump(2019) plans to change the Endangered Species Act, lessening regulations.  Why do you think Donald Trump wants to do this? Who do you think is helped if there are less regulations to protect species?


This is a great way to remember the causes for the decreasing populations of creatures on our planet:
The mnemonic HIPPO represents the five major causes of declining wildlife biodiversity:

    H - Habitat Loss
    I - Invasive Species
    P - Pollution and Pesticides
    P - Population Growth (human) and the Pet Trade
    O - Over-hunting and Over-collecting




Links:
A. What can YOU do to help endangered species? https://www.endangered.org/15-ways-to-help-protect-endangered-species/




Check out these resources on Endangered Species:
  1. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rhinosaurus-Rotund-Rhinos-A-Webquest-698938
  2. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Polar-Bears-A-Webquest-604797
  3. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ElephantsOn-SafariA-Webquest-610125
  4. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leopards-Leaping-Leopard-Webquest-848064
  5. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Giraffe-Learn-all-about-Giraffes-Internet-Activity-2924515
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Word Bee Day is Coming!

 




World Bee Day is May 20th. 
The theme for 2022 is “Bee engaged: Build Back Better for Bees”


In 2018, the United Nations designated May 20th as World Bee Day.

It is estimated that 75% of the veggies, fruits and nuts in the USA are pollinated by bees! Check here to see some of the foods that are dependent on pollination.  https://bees.techno-science.ca/english/bees/pollination/food-depends-on-bees.php





Here are some helpful links:


Short Bee video









DID YOU KNOW?

1.There are approximately 20,000 species of bees.

2. Scientists have found that bees have personalities. Some are shy, some are adventurous!

3. Bees have a navigational system, a type of natural compass which helps them stay on course by using the sun and polarized light.

4.Did you know that a bee’s wing beats about 190-230 times a second?

5. Bees can find “their hive” because each hive has a distinct smell.

6. With two stomachs, a bee places nectar in one and the food it eats in another.

7. Bees are able to recognize faces!

In the News:

Scientists that study viruses(virology) in Netherland have trained about 150 bees, known for their keen sense of smell, to detect the odor of Covid. Using a conditioning technique, the bees received a reward of sugar water when they correctly sniffed out the virus. The trained bees can detect the Covid virus in only a matter of seconds.  Learn more: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-9550297/Bees-Netherlands-trained-detect-COVID-19-infections.html


Illustrations from pixabay and Wpclipart.com



*Illustrations from http://www.fao.org/world-bee-day/en/  and WPClipart.com
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Sunday, May 7, 2023

Leprechaun Day is Coming!

 


  Did You Know? 

1. Leprechaun Day is May 13th(YES...there is such a day!)
2. The National Leprechaun Museum in Dublin, Ireland, is dedicated to the folklore and mythology of Ireland.  
3. The legend of leprechauns dates back as far as the 8th century.
4. In Irish folklore, there are only male leprechauns. 
5. The origin of the word leprechaun may have been “lobaircin”, meaning “small bodied fellow.” 
6. Leprechauns love to dance the jig and wear out  shoes very quickly. Leprechauns are cobblers, or shoe makers. They always carry a tiny hammer for shoe making.
7. “Faeriefolk” live underground, deeply burrowed in caves. The entrances to their caves are usually hidden by rabbit holes or under old tree stumps. 
8. There is a place in Ireland, Carlingford, where someone says they once spotted leprechauns. The Slieve Foy Loop Trail, near the Carlingford Mountains, is protected land. Signs remind hikers to walk softly as it is a heavily populated leprechaun area!
9. The only park of its kind in the world dedicated to leprechauns. is found in Portland, Oregon. Actually, it is also the world’s smallest park, only 2 ft. wide. It was officially named a city park back in 1976. Called Mill Ends Park, it was actually where a light pole was supposed to go but never did. There is a tiny tree in this teeny park. 


Fun activity if you are doing a unit on folklore or want a Friday activity.
Check out this resource: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/LeprechaunsSt-Patricks-DayIreland-A-Readers-Theater-Script-2315668   This fun/informative play has Ms. Bie Ografee's guest being McSean, a leprechaun. McSean is asked questions by the studio audience about the country of Ireland and the long Irish folklore about leprechauns. Great for a unit on folk stories/folklore or as an activity around St. Patrick's Day. The play has 11 questioners, a Did You Know? section, comprehension questions, a teacher page with extension activities and links as well as the key.

Learn about the country of Ireland!

Learn about the country of Ireland: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Ireland-Webquest-and-Activities-517483
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Monday, May 1, 2023

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander(AAPI) Heritage Month!

                             




       May is Asian American and Pacific Islander(AAPI) Heritage Month!

There is a Black History Month, Native Americans Heritage Month, a Hispanic American Month and a Woman’s History Month. Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month is a time to highlight the contributions of these groups of people to the culture of the United States. It is celebrated in the month of May but could be used throughout a school year whenever you are wishing to highlight contributions of famous people to our world.


Did YOU Know? 

1. Could the people of Polynesia have sailed across the Pacific to Hawaii? In 1973, a group of people tried to prove this was possible. 

Using just traditional sailing and navigational methods, the Hokule’a sailed, in 1975, from Hawaii to Tahiti and returned back to Hawaii. Eventually, the Hokule’a did a 3 year voyage covering 47,000 nautical miles around the world.(completed in 2017) 






Extension Activities:

Ask the students if they can identify Asia and Pacific Island nations. Use a world map to locate the countries. 

Scroll down to Map of Asia Pacific region: http://worldmapwithcountries.net/2018/07/26/asia-pacific/


1. Try Japanese Origami: https://www.origamiway.com/very-simple-origami-for-kids.shtml 

2. Make a Chinese paper Lantern: https://chalkacademy.com/easy-chinese-paper-lanterns-template/ 

3. Try Rangoli, an Indian art: https://www.kidsartncraft.com/rangoli-designs-kids/ 

4. Try learning a Filipino dance called tinkling. https://kidskonnect.com/social-studies/tinikling/ 

5. Lunar New Year: https://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com/chinese-new-year.html 

6. Learn about the Hula, Traditional Hawaiian dance: https://textproject.org/wp-content/uploads/fyi4k/FYI-for-Kids-5-11-Hula.pdf

7. https://www.nypl.org/blog/2021/05/19/aapi-heritage-month-recommendations-teen-ambassadors 

Book recommendations
8. https://www.education.com/worksheets/asian-pacific-american-heritage-month/ Coloring sheets

9. Learn about the Cherry Blossom Festival: https://www.tripsavvy.com/japan-cherry-blossom-festivals-1550069 

10. Dragon Boat Festivals: https://raisingworldchildren.com/2018/10/31/dragon-boat-festival-kids/

11. Animals native to Asia: https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-animals-live-in-asia.htmlhttps://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-animals-live-in-asia.html

12. Animals native to Pacific Islands: https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/regions/pacific-islands

13. Languages from Pacific Islands: https://www.allaroundthisworld.com/learn/oceania-and-the-pacific-%20islands/polynesia/polynesia-language/#.YR2MJi1h3Fwhttps://www.allaroundthisworld.com/learn/oceania-and-the-pacific-%20islands/polynesia/polynesia-language/#.YR2MJi1h3Fw

14. Languages from Asia: https://www.allaroundthisworld.com/learn/oceania-and-the-pacific-islands/polynesia/polynesia-language/#.YR2MJi1h3Fw

15. There are many people to highlight in a resource on Asia/Pacific Islanders including Here are additional names you may wish to share with your students: 

Michelle Kwan: Figure skater, Olympic medalist(Hong Kong ancestry). 

Kristi Yamaguchi: Olympic Gold Medalist, figure skating(Japanese ancestry). 

Apolo Ohno: Japanese American speed skater/ 8 time medalist at Olympics. 

Iwao Takamoto: Japanese American animator and creator of Scooby Doo. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: WWE World Heavyweight Champion and 

actor, Samoan and African American descent. Jordan Ta’amu NFL quarterback, Samoan descent. 

16. https://www.allaroundthisworld.com/listen/pacific-islands-songs-for-kids/kafa/#.YPGepS1h2FU listen to music from Pacific countries(see instruments). Sing songs such as a Lullaby from Tonga, Tahiti, etc. Click on Oceania and the Pacific Islands. 

17. For teachers: http://www.hokulea.com/voyages/our-story/ 

Additional Links for Teachers: 

https://asianpacificheritage.gov 

https://imdiversity.com/villages/asian/asian-pacific-american-heritage- month-for-kids/ 

https://www.teachervision.com/holidays/asian-pacific-american-heritage-month





Check out my webquest: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Asian-American-and-Pacific-IslanderAAPI-Heritage-Month-A-Webquest-7160633?st=2b36c5629de6ed9a0fa1ad3d3d7cb07b


Free illustrations from Pixabay

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