5th Grade
Project
4 weeks
Creepy Spuds: Stories, Science, and Spudconomics!
1-pager
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to engage 5th-grade students in a cross-curricular exploration of literary creativity, scientific inquiry, and economic understanding through the theme of 'creepy' everyday objects. Students will analyze and create narratives inspired by 'Creepy Carrots', 'Creepy Underwear', and 'Creepy Crayons', applying literary techniques to craft engaging stories that blend humor and suspense. Additionally, students will conduct science experiments such as potato launchers and potato light bulbs, and explore the economic impact of potato farming globally. This project encourages students to collaboratively develop their writing, storytelling, scientific reasoning, and economic analysis skills while integrating artistic expression and multimedia elements.
Learning goals
Students will interpret and analyze literary texts by examining how authors use humor and suspense to engage readers. They will write informative and narrative texts, focusing on transforming ordinary objects into intriguing subjects using literary techniques and precise language. Through collaborative storytelling and multimedia presentations, students will demonstrate their understanding of narrative structure and character development. Additionally, they will explore historical and geographic perspectives by analyzing the economic impact of potato farming globally and conducting science experiments such as potato launchers and potato light bulbs to understand energy transformation and material acquisition in plants.
Standards
- 5.2.1 - Apply strategies to interpret and analyze various types of literary texts.
- 5.3.2 - Write informative/explanatory texts that provide a clear focus and the use of text features to group related information on a well-developed topic, using precise language and domain-specific vocabulary.
- 5.3.3 - Write engaging, real or imagined narratives using literary techniques, character development, sensory and descriptive details, and a variety of transition words to signal a clear sequence of events.
- 5.2.1 - Apply strategies to interpret and analyze various types of literary texts.
- 5.3.2 - Write informative/explanatory texts that provide a clear focus and the use of text features to group related information on a well-developed topic, using precise language and domain-specific vocabulary.
- 5.3.3 - Write engaging, real or imagined narratives using literary techniques, character development, sensory and descriptive details, and a variety of transition words to signal a clear sequence of events.
- PG.2 - Analyze historical time periods and patterns of continuity and change, through multiple perspectives, within and among cultures and societies.
- PG.3 - Apply geographic representations and perspectives to analyze human movement, spatial patterns, systems, and the connections and relationships among them.
- 5.2.1 - Apply strategies to interpret and analyze various types of literary texts.
- 5.3.2 - Write informative/explanatory texts that provide a clear focus and the use of text features to group related information on a well-developed topic, using precise language and domain-specific vocabulary.
- 5.3.3 - Write engaging, real or imagined narratives using literary techniques, character development, sensory and descriptive details, and a variety of transition words to signal a clear sequence of events.
- PG.2 - Analyze historical time periods and patterns of continuity and change, through multiple perspectives, within and among cultures and societies.
- PG.3 - Apply geographic representations and perspectives to analyze human movement, spatial patterns, systems, and the connections and relationships among them.
- PS1.5.4 - The energy released from food was once energy from the sun.
- LS2.5.1 - Plants acquire their material from growth chiefly from air and water.
- ESS3.5.5 - Societal activities have had major effects on land, ocean, atmosphere and even outer space.
- 5.OA.B - Analyze patterns and relationships.
Products
Throughout the project, students will engage in science experiments such as constructing potato launchers and creating potato light bulbs, fostering hands-on learning and scientific inquiry. They will explore the economic impact of potato farming globally through research and discussions, culminating in informative presentations. By the end of the project, students will collaboratively produce a digital storybook, with each student contributing a chapter that creatively transforms ordinary objects into sources of intrigue using literary techniques. Additionally, students will develop multimedia presentations narrating their own 'creepy' stories, integrating visual elements and sound effects to enhance the suspense and humor.
Launch
Begin the project with a 'Creepy Story Circle' where students gather in a dimly lit room to listen to excerpts from 'Creepy Carrots', 'Creepy Underwear', and 'Creepy Crayons', followed by a discussion on what makes these stories engaging. Introduce the 'Mystery Box Challenge', where students receive a box containing an ordinary object and work in groups to develop a short narrative that turns the object into something creepy, using literary techniques. Incorporate a science experiment with potato launchers to explore physics principles, and discuss the economic impact of potato farming globally. Conclude with a 'Creepy Art Exhibit' where students create visual art pieces inspired by the books, depicting ordinary objects in a creepy context, and present their artwork along with a brief narrative explanation.
Exhibition
Students will host a 'Creepy Potatoes Showcase' where they present their multimedia presentations and digital storybook chapters to an audience of peers, teachers, and family members. The event will feature a gallery walk of their 'Creepy Art Exhibit' pieces, allowing attendees to explore the creative interpretations of ordinary objects. Students will also perform live readings of their narratives, accompanied by sound effects and visual displays, to highlight their understanding of humor and suspense in storytelling. Additionally, the showcase will include interactive stations where students demonstrate their potato science experiments, such as potato launchers and potato light bulbs, and present research on the economic impact of potato farming globally.
Plan
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Creepy Story Circle - Gather in a dimly lit room to read excerpts from 'Creepy Carrots', 'Creepy Underwear', and 'Creepy Crayons', discussing engaging storytelling elements (25 min)
Mystery Box Challenge - Work in groups to create a narrative transforming an ordinary object into something creepy using literary techniques (20 min)
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Literary Analysis - Explore how authors use humor and suspense in 'Creepy Carrots' to engage readers, identifying specific techniques (20 min)
Creepy Narrative Writing - Develop a short story using sensory details and transition words to transform an ordinary object into a creepy subject (25 min)
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Creepy Art Exhibit - Create visual art pieces inspired by the 'Creepy' books, depicting ordinary objects in a creepy context (30 min)
Art Narrative Presentation - Write a brief narrative explaining the art piece, focusing on character and plot development (15 min)
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Potato Science Experiment Introduction - Discuss the concept of energy transformation and construct potato light bulbs (20 min)
Potato Light Bulb Experiment - Conduct the experiment and observe how potatoes can generate electricity (25 min)
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Economic Impact Exploration - Research the economic significance of potato farming globally and its effects on societies (20 min)
Collaborative Discussion - Share findings in groups and discuss the global importance of potatoes in economic systems (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed short narrative for the 'Mystery Box Challenge,' demonstrating use of literary techniques.
2. Initial draft of the visual art piece and narrative explanation for the 'Creepy Art Exhibit.' 3. Science journal entries detailing observations and reflections from the potato launcher experiment. 4. Research notes and outlines for informative texts on the economic impact of potato farming. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather excerpts from 'Creepy Carrots,' 'Creepy Underwear,' and 'Creepy Crayons' for the 'Creepy Story Circle.'
2. Prepare mystery boxes containing ordinary objects for the 'Mystery Box Challenge.' 3. Provide art supplies for the 'Creepy Art Exhibit,' including paper, markers, crayons, and other materials. 4. Acquire materials for the potato launcher experiment, such as potatoes, PVC pipes, rubber bands, and safety goggles. 5. Collect resources and articles on the economic impact of potato farming for research activities. |
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| Week 2 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Creepy Carrots Review - Revisit 'Creepy Carrots' to analyze how the author uses specific literary techniques to create suspense and humor (20 min)
Potato Launcher Introduction - Introduce the science behind potato launchers and discuss the principles of physics involved (25 min)
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Potato Launcher Construction - Build potato launchers in small groups, applying physics concepts to create a working model (30 min)
Launcher Testing and Evaluation - Test the potato launchers and evaluate their performance, recording observations and discussing improvements (15 min)
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Creepy Narrative Development - Continue developing a creepy story, incorporating sensory details and narrative techniques discussed in Week 1 (25 min)
Peer Review Session - Share narratives with peers for feedback on suspense and humor elements, suggesting improvements (20 min)
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Global Potato Discussion - Engage in a group discussion on findings, emphasizing the significance of potatoes in different cultures and economies (20 min)
Economic Impact Research - Research the global economic impact of potato farming, focusing on historical and contemporary perspectives (25 min)
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Potato Light Bulb Experiment Revisited - Revisit the potato light bulb experiment, focusing on understanding energy transformation and improving designs (25 min)
Science Reflection Journal - Reflect on the science experiments conducted, discussing the principles learned and their real-world applications (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A science experiment report detailing the potato light bulb experiment and explaining energy transformation.
2. Informative text on the global economic impact of potato farming, using text features to group related information. 3. A draft of a narrative story integrating humor and suspense, inspired by the 'Creepy' book series. 4. Visual art pieces for the 'Creepy Art Exhibit', each accompanied by a narrative explanation. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for the potato light bulb experiment: potatoes, nails, copper wire, small LED lights.
2. Provide access to research resources (books, articles, online databases) for students to explore the economic impact of potato farming globally. 3. Prepare art supplies (paper, paints, markers) for students to create their 'Creepy Art Exhibit' pieces. 4. Create a classroom library or digital resource list with copies of 'Creepy Carrots', 'Creepy Underwear', and 'Creepy Crayons' for narrative inspiration. 5. Set up an area or digital platform for students to draft, edit, and share their informative and narrative texts. |
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| Week 3 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14 | Day 15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Creepy Narrative Completion - Finalize the development of the creepy story by revising and enhancing sensory details and narrative techniques (25 min)
Illustration Creation - Design illustrations to accompany the narrative, focusing on visualizing key moments and enhancing the story's mood (20 min)
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Multimedia Presentation Planning - Plan a presentation integrating visual elements and sound effects to narrate the 'creepy' story, emphasizing suspense and humor (25 min)
Sound and Visual Workshop - Explore tools and techniques for creating sound effects and visual elements that enhance the narrative (20 min)
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Potato Launcher Optimization - Analyze the performance data from previous launcher tests and apply improvements to enhance design and functionality (30 min)
Launcher Presentation Prep - Prepare a brief presentation explaining the physics concepts and design choices behind the potato launcher (15 min)
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Economic Impact Presentation - Collaborate in groups to create a presentation on the global economic impact of potato farming, using research from prior weeks (25 min)
Presentation Rehearsal - Practice delivering the economic impact presentation, focusing on clarity and engagement (20 min)
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Potato Light Bulb Exploration - Conduct a deeper analysis of the potato light bulb experiment results, discussing energy transformation concepts (25 min)
Science and Story Integration - Develop a reflection piece connecting scientific discoveries from the experiments to the themes in the creepy narratives (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed science experiment logs documenting the potato light bulb experiment and potato launcher results.
2. Draft of a collaborative digital storybook chapter focusing on the transformation of a chosen ordinary object into something creepy using literary techniques. 3. Research presentation on the economic impact of potato farming in different regions worldwide, highlighting historical patterns of continuity and change. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for science experiments: potatoes, copper wires, zinc nails, LED lights for potato light bulbs; PVC pipes, rubber bands, and potatoes for potato launchers.
2. Prepare research resources on global potato farming, including articles, videos, and economic data analysis tools. 3. Set up collaborative digital tools for storybook creation, such as shared document platforms or storyboarding software. 4. Organize a reading session with digital copies of 'Creepy Carrots', 'Creepy Underwear', and 'Creepy Crayons' to analyze narrative techniques. 5. Set up a visual presentation area for students to showcase their economic impact findings and storybook drafts. |
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| Week 4 | Day 16 | Day 17 | Day 18 | Day 19 | Day 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Digital Storybook Finalization - Collaboratively review and edit individual chapters of the digital storybook, ensuring each narrative transforms ordinary objects into sources of intrigue using literary techniques (25 min)
Sound and Visual Integration - Enhance narratives with sound effects and visual elements, preparing for multimedia presentations (20 min)
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Multimedia Presentation Rehearsal - Practice narrating 'creepy' stories using multimedia elements, focusing on effectively combining humor and suspense (25 min)
Potato Launcher Demonstration - Present and explain the science behind potato launchers to peers, highlighting physics principles and engineering design (20 min)
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Economic Analysis Presentation - Share research findings on the global economic impact of potato farming, discussing historical time periods and cultural perspectives (25 min)
Potato Light Bulb Showcase - Demonstrate potato light bulbs and discuss the scientific principles of energy transformation and material acquisition in plants (20 min)
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Creepy Art Exhibit Preparation - Set up the visual art pieces inspired by 'Creepy' books for the upcoming showcase, ensuring narratives are ready for presentation (20 min)
Live Narrative Performance Practice - Rehearse live readings of narratives, focusing on character development and sensory details to engage the audience (25 min)
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Creepy Potatoes Showcase - Host the event where students present multimedia presentations, digital storybook chapters, and demonstrate their science experiments to an audience (30 min)
Reflective Discussion - Engage in a closing discussion reflecting on learning experiences and the integration of literary creativity, scientific inquiry, and global economic understanding (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Final Multimedia Presentation
2. Completed Chapter for Digital Storybook 3. Potato Light Bulb Experiment Demonstration 4. Economic Impact Research Presentation |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for the potato light bulb experiment (potatoes, copper wires, galvanized nails, small light bulbs).
2. Ensure access to computers and software for finalizing multimedia presentations. 3. Prepare the venue for the Creepy Potatoes Showcase, setting up art exhibit areas and presentation spaces. 4. Coordinate with students to ensure all presentation materials and sound effects are ready for the live readings. 5. Provide resources and support for students to finalize their economic impact presentations. |
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