Diverse Texts and Materials for Integrated Content Area Unit-4th Grade Life Science by Tawny Novosad

“Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai” by Claire A. Nivola

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 04:35:51 UTC

With glowing watercolor illustrations and lyrical prose, Claire Nivola tells the remarkable story of one woman's effort to change the fate of her land by teaching many to care for it. An author's note provides further information about Wangari Maathai and the Green Belt Movement. In keeping with the theme of the story, the book is printed on recycled paper.

“Seeds of Change” by Jen Cullerton Johnson

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 04:35:51 UTC

A picture book biography of scientist Wangari Maathai, the first African woman–and first environmentalist–to win a Nobel Peace Prize (in 2004) for her work planting trees in her native Kenya.

“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 04:35:51 UTC

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is a remarkable true story about human inventiveness and its power to overcome crippling adversity. It will inspire anyone who doubts the power of one individual's ability to change his community and better the lives of those around him.

The Lion Queens of India-Jan Reynolds

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 04:35:51 UTC

Award-winning photojournalist Jan Reynolds offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the world of the endangered Asiatic lions and the female forest rangers who fight to save them.

Multicultural Picture Books List

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 04:35:51 UTC

A curated list of picture books representing a range of cultures, available in both English and students’ home languages.

“We Are Water Protectors” by Carole Lindstrom

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 04:35:51 UTC

A poetic picture book raising awareness about Indigenous peoples and environmental protection. Particularly relevant for units about community and environment.

Smithsonian Learning Lab: Animals and Ecosystems

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 04:35:51 UTC

The Smithsonian recognizes the need for basic research, species and habitat protection, and conservation in order to safeguard Earth's biodiversity. Research, collaborations, and public outreach initiatives contribute to scientific knowledge and public awareness, and play a role in protecting habitats and promoting sustainable practices.

National Geographic Kids: “Animal Adaptations”

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 04:35:51 UTC

In this episode of Moment of… watch a lioness as she hunts for her dinner. You’ll be amazed by what happens when she leaps for her lunch!

Ecosystems Virtual Field Trip-California Science Center

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 04:35:51 UTC

Wildlife in Focus features 12 stunning portraits of some of the animals who have called the California Science Center their home. More than 3,000 animals reside at the California Science Center, and together they represent hundreds of species. Some thrive in the wild, while others are at risk. Many are easy to overlook.

Newsela – Articles at Multiple Levels

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 04:35:51 UTC

Articles on current events and history available at multiple reading levels and in Spanish. Great for differentiating content and supporting ELLs.

BrainPOP ELL

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 04:35:51 UTC

An interactive resource with videos, games, and quizzes designed to support English language development across content areas.

CommonLit: Multilingual Text Sets

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 04:35:51 UTC

A repository of reading passages from diverse authors, many with Spanish translations. Useful for cross-curricular reading practice.

PBS LearningMedia: Culture and Diversity

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 04:35:51 UTC

Free videos, interactive lessons, and media celebrating multiculturalism. Supports social studies, language arts, and more.

Listenwise: Academic Listening Content

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 04:35:51 UTC

Authentic audio stories from NPR and other sources, featuring topics from around the world—ideal for developing listening skills in ELLs.

ELL Vocabulary Picture Cards

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 04:35:51 UTC

Visual picture cards to reinforce key content vocabulary, adaptable for all subjects. Can be found online for free or created using templates.

Spotlight on America’s Children: Video Series

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 04:35:51 UTC

A series of short videos highlighting diverse kids’ experiences in America. Great for prompting discussion and personal connections.

Dual-Language Word Walls

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 04:35:52 UTC

Create word walls in English and students’ home languages using real objects and images. Promotes vocabulary development and honors students’ linguistic backgrounds.

Traditional Music and Songs Playlist

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 04:35:52 UTC

Play music from various cultures represented in your classroom—for transitions, celebrations, or thematic lessons. Sites like YouTube and Smithsonian Folkways offer collections.

Ecosystems-Britannica Kids!

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 05:06:06 UTC

BrainPop-Ecosystems

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 05:06:50 UTC

Mystery Science-Plant Superpowers

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 05:09:05 UTC

In this unit, students explore the different parts of plants, like roots, stems, branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits. They observe similarities and differences between parent plants and their offspring. Students also investigate how plant traits help those plants survive.

Generation Genius-Structure of Living Things

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 05:11:54 UTC

All plants & animals have structures that help them survive.
Each structure has a specific function.
Animal structures may appear similar or different depending on where they live

Life Science Lab Kit

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 05:15:29 UTC

Students will more easily be able to complete the labs found in the Apprentice Companion with this lab kit that includes most of the harder to find supplies.

Field Guides

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-11 05:16:23 UTC

Our field guides and nature books for kids are the perfect resources for children to learn about natural world! Discover interesting facts about birds, rocks, minerals, and animals, and more.

Bird Beak Slide Show

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-17 05:51:44 UTC

Bird Beak Brittanica

tnovosad1 — 2025-08-17 05:52:25 UTC