Grades 6-8
Discovering George Washington as Scientific Thinker and Early Adopter of Technology
Grades: 6-8
Brief Description: In this interactive presentation, students are introduced to a lesser-known side of Washington as a scientific thinker, creative problem solver, and early adopter of technology. Students will hear excerpts of the book read aloud and learn factual information about problem solving using the technology of the 18th century. They can participate in an interactive reenactment of decision-making involved in crop rotation on the farm. Students should come away with a new understanding and appreciation of technology, its role in early America, and how it has changed over time, in addition to insights into George Washington as a scientific problem solver.
Duration: approximately 45 minutes
Researching Time and Place through Primary Sources
Grades: 6-8
Brief Description: Students will learn about historical fiction and the role that facts play in formulating a fictitious story. The author will conduct a discussion about primary and secondary sources and demonstrate how she conducted her own research. She will read excerpts from her books, The Lost Locket of Lewes and The Great Explosion, sharing factual information about the 19th century and indicating where facts anchored the text. Students can then select a primary source available at home, at school, or some other location that they could research. This can be done in pairs or as a solo activity. They can think about ways in which the primary source could anchor or inspire a story.
Duration: approximately 45 minutes
Accompanying Text: The Lost Locket of Lewes and The Great Explosion, A Powder Mill Chronicle
Finding the Story Arc
Grades: 6-8
Brief Description: Students will learn about the narrative components of a story and how the author creates an arc. They will identify these components as the author reads the story aloud and the children will have a chance to ask questions. They can outline the arc of a story they are thinking about writing. This can be done in pairs or as a solo activity.
Duration: approximately 45 minutes
Accompanying Text: The Lost Locket of Lewes and The Great Explosion, A Powder Mill Chronicle
