LESSONS

Fiction

The Prohuman Grade 4 curriculum is aligned to two sets of standards: Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Character and Social Emotional Development (CSED) National Guidelines. The full collection of units introduces all nine of the prohuman character strengths: optimism, grit, gratitude, curiosity, courage, compassion, fairness, understanding, and humanity. In Unit 4, Lesson 1, “Learning Curiosity from Literature,” students will learn examples of curiosity from a contemporary work of children’s literature. Students will also create their own sentences demonstrating their comprehension of the word curiosity. Finally, students will practice reading and conversation skills by sharing sentences with classmates. SUGGESTED TIME: 20 minutes RELATED SUBJECT: English Language Arts LEARNING OUTCOMES: Listen to a read aloud to improve understanding of English sentence structure and comprehension Ask and answer questions to understand the meaning of a text Determine the central message, lesson, or moral of a story and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text Demonstrate understanding of the meaning of curiosity Demonstrate understanding of standard English sentence structure and grammar Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions REQUIRED MATERIALS: Book: The Girl With Big, Big Questions by Britney Winn Lee or Video: Read aloud of The Girl With Big, Big Questions (~5 min) Prohuman Grade 4 Unit 4 Worksheet 1: Learning Curiosity from Literature VOCABULARY: Curiosity: I want to learn new things. ELA COMMON CORE STANDARDS MET CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.1 Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.2 Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.3 Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.10 By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poetry, in the grades 4-5 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.4.3 Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.4.4 Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.4.4.A Read grade-level text with purpose and understanding. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.9.A Apply grade 4 Reading standards to literature (e.g., "Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text [e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions]."). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.B Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and carry out assigned roles. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.C Pose and respond to specific questions to clarify or follow up on information, and make comments that contribute to the discussion and link to the remarks of others. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.D Review the key ideas expressed and explain their own ideas and understanding in light of the discussion. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1.F Produce complete sentences, recognizing and correcting inappropriate fragments and run-ons. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2.A Use correct capitalization. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2.D Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.3.A Choose words and phrases to convey ideas precisely. CHARACTER AND SOCIAL EMOTIONAL (CSED) NATIONAL STANDARDS MET Intellectual Character A1 Describe why it is important for learners to be curious Intellectual Character B1 Explain how a particular historical or contemporary person practiced curiosity Intellectual Character B4 Demonstrate the ability to analyze data, facts, and information Self-Awareness A1 Understand and explain why different situations may set in motion or give rise to different emotions (e.g., learning something new or difficult, meeting someone new) Social-Awareness A4 Explain a time when you put yourself in “someone else’s shoes” in order to understand their perspective and point of view Social-Awareness A5 Explain what empathy means (e.g., the ability to sympathetically understand and personally identify with the emotional states, needs and feelings of others) LESSON PROCEDURE Tell students that we will be learning about curiosity. Ask students what curiosity means. Tell them that curiosity means we want to learn new things. Show students a picture from the NY Times series “What’s going on in this picture?” Ask: What is going on in this picture? Ask: What do you see that makes you say that? Ask: What more can you find? Next, read them the photo caption. Let’s read a book about a girl who shows curiosity. Read the book The Girl With Big, Big Questions by Britney Winn Lee or Play the video: Read aloud of The Girl With Big, Big Questions (~5 min) Ask students to complete the questions on their worksheet. Have students read their sentences to a partner. EXTENSION ACTIVITIES - SUGGESTIONS Talk with your students about times you have seen people demonstrating curiosity. You could give examples of family, friends, and/or historical or current public figures. Talk with your students about times you have demonstrated curiosity, despite hardships. GRADE 4 UNIT 4 WORKSHEET 1: LEARNING CURIOSITY FROM LITERATURE Curiosity: I want to learn new things. ACTIVITY: How did the main character in this story show curiosity? What is the story’s main message about curiosity? What in this story could be an ethical principle (a rule for doing good) that everyone in the world could follow all the time?

Nonfiction

Civil Rights

The Prohuman Grade 4 curriculum is aligned to two sets of standards: Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Character and Social Emotional Development (CSED) National Guidelines. The full collection of units introduces all nine of the prohuman character strengths: optimism, grit, gratitude, curiosity, courage, compassion, fairness, understanding, and humanity. In Unit 4, Lesson 2, “Learning Curiosity from a Nonfiction Text,” students will learn an example of curiosity from the life of a real person. By independently reading a nonfiction text, students will develop their reading comprehension skills. Finally, students will create their own sentences that demonstrate their reading comprehension and share their sentences with a partner. SUGGESTED TIME: 20 minutes RELATED SUBJECT: English Language Arts LEARNING OUTCOMES: Read a nonfiction text independently to develop reading comprehension skills Demonstrate understanding of the main idea of a nonfiction text Compose sentences that demonstrate comprehension of the word curiosity Demonstrate understanding of standard English sentence structure and grammar Practice reading and conversation skills by sharing sentences with classmates REQUIRED MATERIALS: Video: George Carruthers - 2011 National Medal of Technology & Innovation by National Science and Technology Medals Foundation (NSTMF) (~2 min) Prohuman Grade 4 Unit 4 Worksheet 2: Learning Curiosity from a Nonfiction Text VOCABULARY: Curiosity: I want to learn new things. ELA COMMON CORE STANDARDS MET CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.1 Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.4 Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words or phrases in a text relevant to a grade 4 topic or subject area. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.5 Describe the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or information in a text or part of a text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.8 Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.10 By the end of year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, in the grades 4-5 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.B Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and carry out assigned roles. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.C Pose and respond to specific questions to clarify or follow up on information, and make comments that contribute to the discussion and link to the remarks of others. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.D Review the key ideas expressed and explain their own ideas and understanding in light of the discussion. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1.F Produce complete sentences, recognizing and correcting inappropriate fragments and run-ons. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2.A Use correct capitalization. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2.D Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.3.A Choose words and phrases to convey ideas precisely. CHARACTER AND SOCIAL EMOTIONAL (CSED) NATIONAL STANDARDS MET Intellectual Character A1 Describe why it is important for learners to be curious Intellectual Character A2 Understand the skills (being prepared, focused effort, diligent practice, attention to detail, etc.) that enable someone to acquire or polish a skill Intellectual Character B1 Explain how a particular historical or contemporary person practiced curiosity Intellectual Character B4 Demonstrate the ability to analyze data, facts, and information Civic Character A4 Explain why it is important for everyone to serve and contribute to their family, school, community, nation, globally Civic Character A6 Describe how a role model volunteers and contributes to the common good LESSON PROCEDURE Without providing any context, show students the first image of this article from NASA, “Remembering the First Moon-Based Telescope.” Ask the students what they see. Ask the students what they wonder about. Explain that this image was taken in 1972 of Apollo 16 astronaut John Young using a telescope to photograph star clouds, nebulae, and Earth’s outermost atmosphere from the Moon. It was the first telescope used to make astronomical observations from the surface of another planetary body. Tell students that this scientist who received a patent for this telescope is named George Carruthers. Play the video: George Carruthers - 2011 National Medal of Technology & Innovation by National Science and Technology Medals Foundation (NSTMF) (~2 min) Have students read the nonfiction text on the worksheet, quietly to themselves. Circle the room to support the students. Have students write the answers to the worksheet questions. Have students share their answers with a partner. GRADE 4 UNIT 4 WORKSHEET 2: LEARNING CURIOSITY FROM A NONFICTION TEXT Curiosity: I want to learn new things. NONFICTION TEXT: DR. GEORGE CARRUTHER’S CURIOSITY George Carruthers was born in Ohio in 1939. As a kid, he was very interested in space. When he was 10, he built his first telescope from lenses he saw for sale in an astronomy magazine. In 1964, he earned a PhD in aeronautical and astronautical engineering. George then worked for the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). In the 1960s, George designed, built, tested, and patented a compact and powerful telescope, which became the first (and still the only) astronomical instrument sent to the Moon. It was placed on the lunar surface on Apollo 16 in 1972, and it performed very well, leading to better knowledge of the Earth’s outermost atmosphere and the vast spaces between the stars and galaxies invisible to the eye. George became famous and helped young people get involved in science, technology, and engineering. He mentored many students and brought students into his laboratory to experience research. In the 1980s, he took part in creating the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP), which supports students in working and being mentored by NRL scientists to experience and appreciate science firsthand. Over the years, Carruthers has received many awards and honors for his work. In 2013, he was awarded the 2011 National Medal for Technology and Innovation by President Barack Obama. Source: https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/george-carruthers-astronautical-engineer-astronomer ACTIVITY: How did George Carruthers show curiosity? What did George invent that made him famous? How did George help others? What is something you are curious about and why?

STEM

History

The Prohuman Grade 4 curriculum is aligned to two sets of standards: Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Character and Social Emotional Development (CSED) National Guidelines. The full collection of units introduces all nine of the prohuman character strengths: optimism, grit, gratitude, curiosity, courage, compassion, fairness, understanding, and humanity. In Unit 4, Lesson 3, “Writing an Informative Text,” students will write an informative text that will examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. SUGGESTED TIME: 20 minutes RELATED SUBJECT: English Language Arts LEARNING OUTCOMES: Introduce a topic and group related information together Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details Use linking words and phrases (e.g., also, another, and, more, but) to connect ideas within categories of information Provide a concluding statement or section Demonstrate understanding of standard English sentence structure and grammar REQUIRED MATERIALS: Prohuman Grade 4 Unit 4 Worksheet 3: Writing an Informative Text About Curiosity VOCABULARY: Curiosity: I want to learn new things. ELA COMMON CORE STANDARDS MET CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.A Introduce a topic clearly and group related information in paragraphs and sections; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.B Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.C Link ideas within categories of information using words and phrases (e.g., another, for example, also, because). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.D Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2.E Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or explanation presented. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.B Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and carry out assigned roles. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.C Pose and respond to specific questions to clarify or follow up on information, and make comments that contribute to the discussion and link to the remarks of others. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.D Review the key ideas expressed and explain their own ideas and understanding in light of the discussion. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1.F Produce complete sentences, recognizing and correcting inappropriate fragments and run-ons. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2.A Use correct capitalization. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2.D Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.3.A Choose words and phrases to convey ideas precisely. CHARACTER AND SOCIAL EMOTIONAL (CSED) NATIONAL STANDARDS MET Intellectual Character A1 Describe why it is important for learners to be curious Intellectual Character A2 Understand the skills (being prepared, focused effort, diligent practice, attention to detail, etc.) that enable someone to acquire or polish a skill Intellectual Character B1 Explain how a particular historical or contemporary person practiced curiosity Intellectual Character B4 Demonstrate the ability to analyze data, facts, and information Civic Character A4 Explain why it is important for everyone to serve and contribute to their family, school, community, nation, globally Civic Character A6 Describe how a role model volunteers and contributes to the common good LESSON PROCEDURE Today we will write an informative text about George Carruthers, whom we learned about in the previous lesson. Write informative text on the board. The informative texts we write should do six things. First, the informative text should introduce a topic clearly. Second, it should group related information in paragraphs. Third, it should develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic. Fourth, it should link ideas within categories of information using words and phrases (e.g., another, for example, also, because). Fifth, it should have clear language to inform about or explain the topic. Sixth and finally, it should provide a concluding statement or section. NOTE: Collect and keep the worksheet on the following page for the next day’s lesson in which students will share their stories with a partner. GRADE 4 UNIT 4 WORKSHEET 3: WRITING AN INFORMATIVE TEXT ABOUT CURIOSITY Curiosity: I want to learn new things. ACTIVITY: Write an informative text about George Carruthers, whom we learned about in the previous lesson. Your informative text should be about what he did, how he showed curiosity, and how he helped others. Your informative text should: Introduce a topic clearly. Group related information in paragraphs. Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic. Link ideas within categories of information using words and phrases (e.g., another, for example, also, because). Have clear language to inform about or explain the topic. Provide a concluding statement or section.

The Prohuman Grade 4 curriculum is aligned to two sets of standards: Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Character and Social Emotional Development (CSED) National Guidelines. The full collection of units introduces all nine of the prohuman character strengths: optimism, grit, gratitude, curiosity, courage, compassion, fairness, understanding, and humanity. In Unit 4, Lesson 4, “Sharing Informative Texts,” students will practice their reading skills by reading their informative texts to a partner and their listening skills by listening to their partner’s informative texts. Then, students will write what they learned from writing their informative texts, both about the writing process and the topic. Finally, students will participate in a class discussion focusing on what they learned from writing their informative texts. SUGGESTED TIME: 20 minutes RELATED SUBJECT: English Language Arts LEARNING OUTCOMES: Read aloud to a partner to support the development of English pronunciation, syntax, and grammar Listen to a partner’s reading to develop active listening skills Engage in collaborative discussions with peers Receive feedback from the teacher to improve writing REQUIRED MATERIALS: Prohuman Grade 4 Unit 4 Worksheet 4: Sharing Informative Texts About Curiosity VOCABULARY: Curiosity: I want to learn new things. ELA COMMON CORE STANDARDS MET CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.B Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and carry out assigned roles. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.C Pose and respond to specific questions to clarify or follow up on information, and make comments that contribute to the discussion and link to the remarks of others. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1.D Review the key ideas expressed and explain their own ideas and understanding in light of the discussion. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.1.F Produce complete sentences, recognizing and correcting inappropriate fragments and run-ons. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2.A Use correct capitalization. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.2.D Spell grade-appropriate words correctly, consulting references as needed. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.3.A Choose words and phrases to convey ideas precisely. CHARACTER AND SOCIAL EMOTIONAL (CSED) NATIONAL STANDARDS MET Intellectual Character A1 Describe why it is important for learners to be curious Intellectual Character A2 Understand the skills (being prepared, focused effort, diligent practice, attention to detail, etc.) that enable someone to acquire or polish a skill Intellectual Character B1 Explain how a particular historical or contemporary person practiced curiosity Intellectual Character B4 Demonstrate the ability to analyze data, facts, and information Civic Character A4 Explain why it is important for everyone to serve and contribute to their family, school, community, nation, globally Civic Character B6 Describe how a role model volunteers and contributes to the common good Social Awareness A1 Use “I-statements” to let others know that you have heard them Interpersonal/ Relationship Skills A7 Give and receive constructive feedback to classmates and peers LESSON PROCEDURE Today, we will read our informative texts about curiosity with a partner. Circle the room to support the students as they take turns reading their informative texts (written in Lesson 3) with their partners. (10 min) Ask students to complete the worksheet questions. Ask the class if anyone would like to share the answers to their worksheet questions. Collect students’ worksheets from both Lesson 3 and Lesson 4 to provide feedback. GRADE 4 UNIT 4 WORKSHEET 4: SHARING INFORMATIVE TEXTS ABOUT CURIOSITY Curiosity: I want to learn new things. ACTIVITY: What did you learn from writing your informative text about the writing process? What is something you are curious about, and how can you use your curiosity to learn about it?