Shakespeare!

William Shakespeare was one of the greatest playwrites of all time. His plays were written over 500 years ago and are still talked about today. Right click and open this brainpop link. Watch the video on William Shakespeare and answer the folllowing questions. (To login to brainpop, the username is E2t2 and the password is grant)

1. When was William Shakespeare born?

2. 14-lined poems are called _______.

3. What was the name of Shakespeare's theater?

4. What is a comedy?

5. What is a tragedy?

6. What is your favorite Shakespearian play and why? If you've never seen one of his plays, think of a play you would like to see and why.

Remembering Lincoln

On February 12, Americans will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. All across the nation, there will be celebrations to honor the life of the great President. Read this article on Abraham Lincoln and answer the following questions. READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE BEFORE YOU ATTEMP TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS!

1. What character traits best describe Lincoln?
2. In your own words, what does this quote from Lincoln mean? "If slavery is not wrong, [then] nothing is wrong."

3. Lincoln is considered to be one of the greatest Presidents. Why?

4. When and where was Abraham Lincoln born?

5. What can kids do every day to honor Lincoln’s life?

6. In what order was Lincoln the president?

Middie Wrestler Doesn't Quit!

Wrestling is one of the world's most physically demanding sports. Good wrestlers have great balance, coordination, strength, stamina, and endurance. Read this Times Herald Record article on one of Middletown's wrestlers, Eddie Donohue, and answer the following questions.
1. What is every local wrestler's goal?
2. Summarize the article. Was Eddie a good wrestler when he first started? How has he changed?
3. In the article, it mentions that Eddie has an older brother who wrestled. What is his name? Was his brother a good wrestler?
4. True or False: Eddie wants to place third or fourth in sections (the Section 9 wrestling tournament.
5. Why do wrestlers have to watch what they eat?
6. If you were to meet Eddie, you would tell him...

An Inauguration Like No Other

On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States. Many memebers of the media and close to 400,000 poeple attended his inauguration. Time For Kids send two of their student reports to attend the inaugeration and to write about it. Sydney Turner wrote this article and Harrison Gilman wrote this article. Read both articles. Compare and contrast the two articles on the class blog. In addition, respond to their articles by stating your own opinions.

All About Dolphins!

Dolphins are very smart and interesting creatures. Read this article on dolphins and answer the following questions. Note: At the bottom of the article make sure you click "Expand for more" to view the entire article.

1. Look at the above picture. Do you think the dolphin is smiling? Why or why not.
2. Dolphins are classified as part of the group called porpoises. Name two other animals that are also in the porpoise group.
3. Which paragraph talks about how dolphins find food?
4. In your own words, explain echolocation.
5. How fast can dolphins swim.
6. What is the size and weight of dolphins?
7. How high can a dolphin jump out of the water?

If you finish early, read this article for fun.

Winter Celebrations!

Read this article and learn about unique traditions, celebrations, and holidays that occur around the world during December and January. MAKE SURE YOU READ ALL 3 PAGES OF THE ARTICLE. After reading, discuss on the blog what you found interesting, unique, different, or just plain weird. It's OK to have a different opinion, just remember to be respectful of other cultures. There is no format on how to answer, so just have fun with this one.

Your Amazing Brain

Your brain is on of this most wondrous and mysterious organs in your body. Although scientists have learned much about the brain, there is still a lot to be learned. Read this article from National Geographic Kids to discover exciting information about the brain. Remember to read all three pages of the article. Answer the following questions.

1. If you're having trouble learning something, what does the article suggest you should do?

2. How many neurons (brain cells) does your brain contain?

3. IN YOUR OWN WORDS, describe how your brain is like a "supercharged pinball machine."

4. True or False: Your brain produces its own electricity. Write the title of the paragraph that proves or disproves this statement.

5. How fast do neurons send signals to your brain? Give your own example on why it is important for neurons and your brain to send and receive messages so quickly.