Students will do the following things throughout the course of the class:

Reading:
Use skills and practices of close reading
Explain the general purpose of an informational text
Compare and contrast the organizational structure of different informational texts. 
Determine the main idea(s) of an informational text based on key details. 
Describe and evaluate the features of an interview as an informational text and how these help readers
Explain important relationships between people, events, and ideas in a historical, scientific, or technical text using specific details in the text.
Summarize information that is presented in pictures, numbers, maps, and video 
Answer text-dependent questions about informational text
Determine the gist of and summarize informational text
Explain what a text says using quotes from the text
Determine a theme based on details in a literary text
Determine the meaning of literal and figurative language (metaphors and similes) in text
Use context (e.g., cause/effect relationships and comparisons in text) to help me understand the meaning of a word or phrase.
Determine the meaning of academic and content words or phrases in an informational text
Share ideas and use peers’ ideas to build on my own

Writing:
Describe in writing a unique living thing from the rainforest
Compare and contrast rainforest research from different places 
Write an opinion piece using details and reasons to support opinion
Write informative/explanatory texts that convey ideas and information clearly
Write narrative text about real or imagined events
Use specific language and vocabulary to describe events precisely
Use sensory details to enhance descriptions of experiences and events
Show the actions, thoughts, and feelings of my characters through dialogue, description, and careful pacing
Use a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing.
Document learning about a topic by taking notes
Summarize or paraphrase information in notes and in finished work
Use quotes to create a gist statement from notes about rainforests
Use a variety of sources to develop an understanding of a topic.
Compare and contrast different research methods a scientist has used
Ask questions that are relevant to rainforest research
Gather quotes from informational texts as evidence 
Synthesize ideas about rainforests after a Science Talk.
Locate an answer or solve a problem efficiently, drawing from multiple informational sources
Build knowledge about multiple aspects of a topic by conducting research
Develop a topic with facts, definitions, details, and quotations
Analyze how visual elements add to the meaning, tone, or beauty of literary text 
Describe the features of a field journal
Use text, formatting, illustrations, and multimedia to support my topic
Use academic and scientific vocabulary accurately in my writing
Share ideas and use peers’ ideas to build on my own

Science Concepts:
Explain how scientists communicate their research about the rainforest
Determine the process a scientist uses to preserve specimens.
Follow steps for collecting and preserving specimens.
Explain the purpose of a column study in the rainforest. 
Identify the types and numbers of species counted during a column study
Identify skills needed by scientists in order to study the rainforest canopy
Explain biodiversity using quotes from the text
Compare and contrast different research methods a scientist has used
Ask questions that are relevant to rainforest research
Explain importance of biodiversity

Required text: The Most Beautiful Roof in the World, by Kathryn Lasky