3rd Grade Library Resources
Unit 1: Geography
Suggested Internet Resources for Geography
- Enchanted Learning. 6 July 2004. http://www.enchantedlearning.com/geography/ This website has printable worksheets that includes the following skills:
- Compass Rose
- Landforms
- Latitude Longitude of the World
- Plotting Longitude and Latitude
- Bennett, Anthony. Internet Geography. 6 July 2004.
- http://www.geography.learnontheinternet.co.uk/
- At the banner on the top of the website click on What’s New to access the teacher’s page. From there, go to teacher links for an Awesome Library. Click on lesson plan # 4 for lessons on the 5 Themes of Geography.
- National Geographic. 7 July 2004. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ This is an excellent website for downloading maps, and extra resources to enhance the geography lesson.
- Mapping Our World. Oxfam Education. 22 June 2008.http://www.oxfam.org.uk/education/resources/mapping_our_world/
- mapping_our_world/l/lesson1/index.htm Each of the "lessons" within this site comes with a teacher's guide and is great for reviewing and supplementing map understanding. For example, in one part of this site, students can see exactly how a globe is flattened into a flat map and how that impacts the size and shape of some of the landforms!
Suggested Media Materials
- "Globes and Us." Discovery Education Streaming. (18:00) Use segments 1-5. “Learn about latitude and longitude, grids, degrees, minutes, seconds, time zones, scale, legends, keys, cardinal and intermediate directions, and hemispheres through live action and animation.” http://app.discoveryeducation.com/player/view/assetGuid/
- 51952613-CC1B-4E50-AB29-223056612634
- "Let’s Talk Geography: Bodies of Water.” Discovery Education Streaming. (22:26) 4 segments. “Explores the many terms geographers use to describe the bodies of water that cover 70 percent of our planet. The presentation defines oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and wetlands and names areas of land surrounded by water.”http://app.discoveryeducation.com/player/view/
- assetGuid/EE9E9AE7-B956-4C00-A647-ACEC0DD45CB9
- "Let's Talk Geography: Landforms." Discovery Education Streaming. (7:54) 4 segments: Mountains, Plateau, Mesa and Butte, Valley, and a quiz.http://app.discoveryeducation.com/player/view/assetGuid/F2AD4320-D6B7-4F78-AA95-41BFB4AD56DD
- “How Location Affects Life: Different Areas, Climate, Latitude and Longitude.”Discovery Education Streaming. (22:26) 4 segments. “Every place on Earth has its own unique combination of features that make it special. Geographical features such as climate, landforms, and natural resources dictate how humans behave in certain areas of the world. Human factors like government and population also affect the way people live their lives. This program explains how and why populations congregate in different parts of the world.” http://app.discoveryeducation.com/player/view/
- assetGuid/742088BF-490A-4E20-8668-6409B76492B1
- Tool Kit for Teaching Geography from National Geographic (www.nationalgeographic.org/education or 1-800-437-5521
- Many Faces, Friendly Faces from Steck-Vaughn. (ISBN #0817275169. www.SteckVaughn.com or 1-800-531-5015.) This is a multimedia, software integrated approach to the 3rd Grade Communities Around the World. The Mahopac Central School District utilizes this program throughout its 3rd grade.
Unit 2: United States
Suggested Internet Resources
- Betsy Norris, Dulcie Davis, Donna Brock. The PBS Democracy Project. 6 July 2004.
- http://www.pbs.org/democracy/kids
- A description of the branches of the United States government, local government, the voting process, U.S. History and “How Does Government Affect Me?” There is also “A Day in the Life of the President.” It is designed for grades 3-6 therefore, best suited for upper level third graders.
- Ruth Apperson Rous. I Am The Flag. 6 July 2004.
- http://www.usflag.org
- A first person description of the flag; what the different elements symbolize; its history; its current purpose; other relevant facts. Some vocabulary advanced for grade 3.
- Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government for Kids. 6 July 2004.
- http://bensguide.gpo.gov/
- The k-2 section is most appropriate for 3rd graders. Our Government, Symbols of U.S. Government, games and activities and other relevant websites are included.
- 4-H Virtual Farm. 6 July 2004.
- http://www.sites.ext.vt.edu/virtualfarm/main.html
- A visit to a 4-H virtual farm to discover why farming is part of your life.
- The Kids Page. 6 July 2004. http://www.agr.state.il.us/kidspage/
- The site focuses on how we get food products from: Farm to Market to Table. The site links also identify what food/ingredients go into making pizza, etc.
- Agriculture in the Classroom USDA. 6 July 2004.
- http://www.agclassroom.org/kids/index.htm
- Students can virtually visit a farm and investigate a farmer’s many jobs by watching short video clips. It is another good resource for information on how we get food products from: Farm to Market to Table
- Factmonster. 3 June 2005.
- http://www.factmonster.com/states.html
- Students can click on a state and find factual information.
- The US 50. 3 June 2005.
- http://theus50.com
- Enjoy word puzzles and beautiful pictures on this site that is fun and factual.
- Factfinder Kids’ Corner. 16 July 2014.
- http://www.census.gov/schools/census_for_kids/
- This site from the US Census Bureau, is a place where students can learn about the census, gather facts and figures about the states and enjoy the quiz questions.
- Truckin’ Across the USA. 3 June 2005.
- http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/usa02/usa02.htm
- This site, developed by a fourth grade class in Westchester County, is an interactive “tour” of the 50 states. Students click on a state and are taken to a page designed and written by another student. There is factual and interesting information about each state in the US.
Unit 3: Brazil
Internet Resources
- Graphic Maps. 6 July 2004. http://worldatlas.com/aatlas/world.htm Provides clear and concise maps that can be accessed quickly and used by teachers and students. This site also contains statistics and relevant information pertaining to specific countries.
- MapZones . Panalink Internet Services. 6 July 2004.http://www.mapzones.com/world/south_america/brazil/mapindex.php Brazil map and information for teachers. Material is general and a good overview for instruction. This site contains many pop-ups.
- Time for Kids. 6 July 2004. Time Inc. http://www.timeforkids.com/around-the-worldThis site has access to a variety of kid friendly information about world news and information. You can specify countries of interest and get cultural information as well as maps. Many of the links are interactive and provide an opportunity for a child to compare their life to that of a child in another country.
- abcteach. 27 September 2010.. http://www.abcteach.com/ (Some materials require a log in to access) There are numerous rain forest resources available at abcteach.com. Go to the site and search "rain forest" and you will find worksheets, fact sheets, coloring pages, and lots more.
- Journey to Amazonia. PBS. 6 July 2004. http://www.pbs.org/journeyintoamazonia This is a wonderful site that is kid friendly and provides teacher resources as well. You can search the site and find a variety of categories to explore. This site also has many links to other valuable information.
- Passport to Knowledge. NASA and NSF. Passport to the Rainforest sponsored by NASA and NSF. 7 July 2004. http://passporttoknowledge.com/rainforest/main.htmlGood site for teachers to gather information about the Rainforest. Some of the material is a bit too advanced for students.
- Enchanted Learning. Enchantedlearning.com. 7 July 2004. http://www.zoomschool.com/subjects/rainforest/ Nice map for reinforcement of Rainforest locations.
- The World Fact Book. Central Intelligence Agency. 6 July 2004.http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/br.html Teacher resource guide providing statistical information annually in almanac form.
- Mama Lisa’s World: Children Songs and Nursery Rhymes. 6 July 2004. 2004.http://www.mamalisa.com/world/brazil.html This site is in Portuguese with English translations of children songs and nursery rhymes which may be downloaded for audio. * Real time audio free download available at site.
- Global Trek. Scholastic Inc. 6 July2004.http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/globaltrek/destinations/brazil.htm Provides opportunities for enrichment activities for students to pursue additional research and develop an online travel journal. The site allows access to a variety of countries throughout the world.
- Thomson, Shelia. Crosscultural Maria-Brazil: Food and Eating Habits. 6 July2004.http://www.maria-brazil.org/brazilian_eating_habits.htm Foods and eating habits presented in an easy to read format with color pictures. Good resource for teacher-directed activities and information. Many recipes included.
- Brazil’s Canela Indians of Northeastern Central Brazil. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. 6 July2004. http://www.mnh.si.edu/anthro/canela/ Overview of life, culture and history of the Canela Indians. Teacher preview of photographs recommended as many may not be suitable for students.
- Rain Forest at Night. National Geographic Society. 6 July2004.http://www.nationalgeographic.com/earthpulse/rainforest/index_flash.htmlInteractive exploration of the rain forest with animals and plant species.
- Amazon Interactive. Educational Web Adventures. 6 July2004.http://www.eduweb.com/ amazon.html Interactive adventure in the Amazon Rainforest with simulation capabitity for planning and managing an ecotourism project.
- Kids’ Corner, Brazilian Embassy in Washington, DC. 15 May 2014.http://www.kidscornerbrazil.org/ Kid's Corner is a child-friendly website all about Brazil. There are activities, games and links.
- http://www.brasilemb.org/education/education-in-brazil-and-in-the-us/64 where students can get involved with Monica, a cartoon character who takes them on an interactive tour of the country.
- Kids Corner Brazil. http://www.kidscornerbrazil.org Contains a Virtual tour of Brazil, key facts, States, Flag, Anthem, National Symbols, Maps, and Games. 3 June 2008.
- Go Places Brazil: A Kid's-Eye View. Time for Kids.http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/specials/articles/0,28285,190791,00.htmlInterviews with kids in Brazil about their homeland, differences between Brazil and America, and society's biggest challenges.
Sites for Maps:
- http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/americas/brazil_econ_1977.jpg Product map
- http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/americas/brazil_land_1977.jpg Land use map
- http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/americas/brazil_veg_1977.jpg Vegetation map
- http://www.nationalgeographic.com/earthpulse/rainforest/index_flash.html
- http://www.floramex.com/map-brazil.htm
Unit 4: China
Internet Resources
- PBS – Great Wall Across the Yangtze. Public Broadcasting System. 6 July 2004http://www.pbs.org/itvs/greatwall/ This site tells the story and gives images of the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges, the Three Gorges Dam, and the effects the dam will have on the area.
- Scholastic Global Trek. Scholastic, Inc. 6 July 2004.http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/globaltrek/destinations/china.htm This site gives information and illustrations on historical background, government, past, and present China. It also has links to other China websites.
- Video Title: Stories of China: Land and People. Edonline. 6 July 2004http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/itv/ This video is divided into small segments each discussing some aspect of China:
- Dragon Backbone – discusses one small area of China and life.
- Kitemaker – explains how a master kite maker makes a traditional kite.
- Pedicab – Transportation in Beijing.
- Sister Rivers – The Three Gorges Dam and its effects on a family.
- Write Chinese – Use of Characters and the development of writing over time .
- Col, Jeananda. Crafts and Activities for Chinese New Year. 6 July 2004http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/chinesenewyear The website gives creative and easy activities for you to make and do with your students in celebration of the Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival. The Chinese Lantern and Tangram puzzles are terrific!
- Col, Jeananda. All About the Great Wall of China. 6 July 2004http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/greatwall/index.html The site has good information about the wall and the emperor who ordered its construction. There are a few links that are of interest as well.
- Changing Place. Thirteen WNET New York. 6 July 2004http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/lessons/changing/b.html Unit for Becoming American: The Chinese Experience. This unit gives the children an understanding of what some Chinese people go through when leaving their homes and moving to the USA. This unit includes links, videos names, and texts for information.
- The Stories of China: Land and People. Sister Rivers. United Streaming Video. 7 July 2004. http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/itv/ Discusses the 3 Gorges Dam and its effects on a family that lives in the area. Suggested Media
- Big Bird Goes to China, Sesame Street Productions
- “The Stories of China: Land and People. Sister Rivers.” (US) Discovery Education Streaming Video. Subscription is required. For Lessons 4, 6 and 10.http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=986973A7-8ACD-43ED-BD5D-4DFDA446A304&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US Explore the Yangtze River before it was dammed. Learn the five key principles behind the art form of Chinese writing. Take a pedicab to tour the streets of China's. Observe a professional kitemaker create a special Chinese kite. Learn how nomadic Tibetan tribesman live along the mouth of the Yellow River.
- “China: People and Places.” Discovery Education Streaming. Subscription is required.http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=A7D265F9-F1F7-48CD-BA66-685894B248ED&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US From the sprawling, opulent palace of China's emperors to its modern gymnasiums and pools, students learn about the culture and history of China in this three-segment program. Write Chinese—Teaches the intricacies of this 50,000-character alphabet. Forbidden City—Explores one of the world’s most extravagant palaces. Young Athletes—Athletes train almost from infancy to bring honor to their families and nation.
- “China: Fun and Firecrackers: Kung Fu Kids.” Discovery Education Streaming.Subscription required. Lesson 10 http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=F2241676-AFC6-4FE1-B5AF-3A492E5CA287&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US Children in a Chinese village practice the ancient discipline of martial arts. Daily village life is shown.
- “China: Fun and Firecrackers: Eat, Play, Boys, Girls.” Discovery Education Streaming. Subscription required.
- http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=59F31A03-274C-41FB-B00E-CBF795162252&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US A Chinese family in a city celebrates Chinese New Year. Everyone helps to celebrate with fireworks, a feast and gifts for the children.
- “Globe Trekker Central China.” Discovery Education Streaming. Subscription required.http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=9CFA5EAF-81B7-48F3-823E-EC3844D85B5C&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US Travel states of Shaanxi, Henan and Inner Mongolia, spotting wonders like Three Gorges Dam.
- Globe Trekker Beijing. Discovery Education Streaming. Subscription required.http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=ABD69125-173D-44CA-AE29-9F0254DE530A&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US Climb the Great Wall, experience the Lantern Festival and admire such sites as the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
Unit 5: Kenya
Link:
- John Tyman ‘Kenyan Folk Tales.” Cultures in Context Series. A collection of many folktales is found on this website. http://www.johntyman.com/africa/folk
Video Clips
- “Kenya.” World Geography: Africa. Discovery Education Streaming. [03:00]http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=F050DAE6-103C-4D91-BA25-E04A38299F32&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US
- “Kenya.” World's Best: Wild Africa. Discovery Education Streaming.
- [04:14] http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=B36D45C3-2382-41B4-9012-1D25C426E747&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US With its long tropical beaches and dramatic wildlife parks, Kenya is one of the world's most popular destinations. Go on a big game safari, photograph the wildlife, stay in a tree-top lodge, and test the laws of physics on the equator.
- “Kenya's Samburu Tribe: Nomadic Highlanders Herd Cattle in the Cradle of Mankind.” Elementary Video Adventures: Stories from Africa. Discovery Education Streaming[02:52] http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=00F681E5-739D-49DC-B106-1BF5FF9BB7A8&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US hemisphere, highlands Samburu, cattle herders, nomads, equator, Kenya, Great Rift Valley
- “Slow Moving Herds Migrate to Food and Water, and Birth of a New Born.” Elementary Video Adventures: Stories from Africa. Discovery Education Streaming “[03:12]http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=00F681E5-739D-49DC-B106-1BF5FF9BB7A8&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US
- “Welcome to Ed's Herd in Kenya, Africa!” World of Nature: Ed, the Orphan Elephant. 1994. Discovery Education Streaming [04:01]http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=1AD7A318-B3DC-491C-8116-162B46E7C7C3&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US This clip introduces us to Ed and the herd of elephants he travels with in Kenya, Africa.
- “A Look at a Kenyan Classroom” Teachers’ Domain. 02:25.http://www.teachersdomain.org/asset/vtl07_vid_kenyaclass In this video segment from Wide Angle, learn about education in Kenya by visiting the first-grade classroom of Joab, a young Kenyan boy.
Resources for Pen Pals
- Kenya Connects Pen Pal program complements studies of African cultures through social studies and language arts curricula. It also provides an important tool for educators to promote and integrate writing skills across various disciplines. Program participants discover cultural education as it was meant to be -- a live and inspiring learning experience -- not a book exercise. In the first person, students convey information about their own culture and absorb knowledge of a distant one, while also gaining mastery over the art of communication and exchange. More information is found at http://kenyaconnect.org
- Skype’s directory is filled with teachers who want to connect with other teachers using Skype. You can search by keyword, or you can filter teachers by language, ages taught and what you’re looking for (classroom exchange, inspiration, subjects). More information is found at education.skype.com You might want to watch a short clip made by Skye about the connection between one of our teachers and another country.http://youtu.be/a-S78iRD6gwm
- Epals Global Community. This site connects teachers around the world to collaborate on projects or have students meet each other, individually. http://1.epals.com/
- Red Rose School in Kenya. Article and videos about this school for Orphans in Nairobi. You can arrange to connect with the students there.http://www.voanews.com/english/news/a-13-2008-11-25-voa24-66795147.html andhttp://redrosechildren.blogspot.com/
Unit 6: Making a Difference
Suggested Internet Resources
- If the World Were a Village http://youtu.be/QrcOdLYBIw0 Based on the book, If the World Were a Village, animated presentation of David Smith’s book If the World Were a Village. By looking at people around the world in sets of 100 this presentation highlights the many ways are world is divided.
- Independence Day in Brazil http://aglobalworld.com/holidays-around-the-world/brazil-marks-independence-day/
- Independence Day in Brazil http://www.123independenceday.com/brazil/
- Independence Day in Kenya http://aglobalworld.com/holidays-around-the-world/kenya-independence-day/
- National Day in China http://aglobalworld.com/holidays-around-the-world/national-day-china/