State Cookies

These are just a few of the state cookies my students brought in today! After learning all about our state's regions, rivers, cities, landforms, and points of interest, they had to create a cookie to show this new info off!

State Brochure

We are working on the locations that make NM interesting and unique. After reading and researching points of interest, including state and national parks and monuments, the students had to choose a required number of each to write about. A script was provided for developing writers, but strong writers were encouraged to use stronger voice in their writings. No matter which writing style they chose, the same content was required: What is the place called? Where is it located in the state? What is one interesting fact about it? What is something you might learn about it or the state if you visit it?

The brochure was created using am 11” x 18” piece of construction paper that was accordion folded. The cover had to feature an image of NM and the state name. The 4 inside panels focused on specific types of parks , monuments, or events/attractions. The back panel showcased our state’s symbols.

Desert Ecosystem Book Suggestions

Flower Parts You Can Eat!

Sorry the image is blurry! I'm also sorry I don't remember where I discovered this idea to give credit; it is a fantastic activity! After studying plant and flower parts, including the foldables I posted before, my students created flower parts they could eat once they labeled them all correctly. The petals are fruit rolls. The stamens are licorice pulls (a single strand). The sepal was a full-size licorice. The pollen was cake/cookie sprinkles. (Tip—put these in a small cup. Have a second cup with water next to it. Have the kids dip the licorice in the water and then in the sprinkles.) We keep the ovary and its breakdown simple at our grade level, but you could get more detailed if needed. A marshmallow and m&m were used.

Ecosystem Dioramas

After my students were put into small groups, they drew an ecosystem to study. Books, websites, and other materials were available for the students to use. They had prompts they had to answer, including:
~What are some plants that grow in your ecosystem? Describe some of their adaptations that allow them to thrive.
~What are some animals that live in your ecosystem? Describe some of their adaptations that allow them to thrive.
~Describe the climate, including average seasonal temperatures and precipitation.
The reports were hung over the diorama for others to read.

While the groups were working, I stopped at each to ask questions and prompt them too. The level of engagement was phenomenal.

No More "Said"

"Said" is one of those words I see too often in fourth-grade writings. While it isn't off limits totally, I have set a limit of once per paragraph. This poster, then, offers some other options from which students can draw.


"No Said" Printable

Cacti Adaptations Model

After reading Cactus Hotel, a wonderful book about the desert ecosystem, food chains in the desert, and cactus adaptations, my students created a model cactus to bring the adaptations to life. As the Styrofoam balls were being painted green, we talked about chlorophyll and its role in photosynthesis. We recalled why many desert plants either don't have leaves (like cacti) or have very small ones (to reduce water loss). The fleshy nature of cacti was also discussed as a water storage feature. Once the balls were dry, the spikes were added. Students were given lengths of floral wire to cut into short pieces. These were poked into the cactus at even distances around it. As they did this, students talked about the protection these provided, both from hungry/thirsty herbivores and subtle shade that is provided. Small, square tissue paper flowers were then added. (Use a pencil with an eraser to shape the tissue paper, dab in glue, and set.) While students did this, we talked about the role of flowers—to attract pollinators. Although we did not make the fruit that follows pollination, we discussed its purpose too—to attract animals that will eat it and spread the seeds to continue the survival of the species. My students were extremely proud of their creations and did exceptionally well on the assessment for cactus (and other plants) adaptations.