Written by Jim McAlpine, Betty Weincek, Sue Jeweler, and Marion Finkbinder.
What If? is a collection of activities that lead students through explorations in several curriculum areas, always asking the question “What if…?” The book offers an opportunity for students to look at unique situations and to come up with alternative outcomes by combining research with creative thinking. Students utilize the steps in Creative Problem Solving and the higher-level thinking skills to propose, examine, and evaluate their hypotheses. Each What If? proposition can become the beginning of hours of exciting learning. Grades 4–8. 



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

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, 8.1 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2, 5.2, 6.2, 7.2, 8.2 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.3, 5.3, 6.3, 7.3, 8.3 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.4, 5.4, 6.4, 7.4, 8.4 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.7, 5.7, 6.7, 7.7, 8.7 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.8, 5.8, 6.8, 7.8, 8.8 



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. 

Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. 

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. 

Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event sequences. 

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, 

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. 



*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