This book is designed to teach students in grades 3–5 to think and learn creatively about our planet Earth. It provides eight different stories about the Earth, each followed by a vocabulary lesson, discussion questions, creative questions and extra activities. A research unit is included at the end of the book.

Grades 3–5.


The lessons and activities in this book align with the following Common Core State Standards*: 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7, 3.8, 3.10; RI.3.1; SL.3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10; RI.5.1; SL.4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.2, 5.4. 5.5, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.10; RI.5.1; SL.5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.6 



Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers. 

Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. 




Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic. 

Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources. 

Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of texts. 

Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific context. 

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. 



Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic. 



Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. 

Summarize a written text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally. 

Summarize the points a speaker makes and explain how each claim is supported by reasons and evidence. 



Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, 



*Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers 

Title: Common Core State Standards English Language Arts 

Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C. 

Copyright Date: 2010