The Compass Tribune, A Student-Created Newspaper

What’s the Weather Like Today? 

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In order to practice observing, measuring, and communicating weather data in order to see patterns in weather and climate, Ms. Ashley Wilbor's first grade class created a weather journal. Over the course of two weeks, Ms. Wilbor's class recorded data and observations such as the temperature, general feeling (hot, warm, windy, cold), and sky conditions. This fun activity provided a solid foundation and introduction to the basic concepts of weather (communication of weather data, weather systems, clouds, rain, heat, and cold) including measurement using tools such as a thermometer. Moreover, this specific activity addresses the four domains of language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing (as seen in the GPS).

How Weather Affects Culture and Travel

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Mrs. Ashley Topham's fourth grade class spent two weeks studying weather, climate, and seasonal patterns.  As a culminating activity that related weather to culture and travel, students worked in collaborative groups to research a country of their choice.  Students investigated important facts about the country's culture, learned about the weather patterns and climate of the country, and determined the most important tourist attractions the country had to offer.

Based on their research, students created
travel guides about their country that highlighted important facts and made recommendations about travel based on weather patterns.  The students also held a Travel Fair to display their travel guides and learn about how weather affects countries and travel across the world.


From the eye of Katrina

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Mrs. Allen's sixth grade class has just completed an integrated unit about hurricanes.  Click here to see what they have to say about one of our nation's deadliest events.


New Celebrity Single Brings Relief to Pakistan

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Ms. Leonhard's 9th grade class raised awareness about Pakistan flood survivors by writing a music review. Students used powerful language to write a song which will aid the relief process. Read more about the hot new single by clicking on "Celebrity Single Music Review." 


Mississippi Katrina Survivor 5 Years Later

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Arthur Pontas' new house--still rebuilding five years later.
Ms. Melissa Hootselle's 11th and 12th grade ESOL classes interview a Mississippi Gulf Coast Katrina survivor five years later. The interview is the last step of a three-week unit based on Spike Lee's When the Levees Broke. The four-part documentary chronicles the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the City of New Orleans and its people. New Orleans was the main focus of media attention following the hurricane. Mississippi was devastated as well, but received little notice in comparison. See what Arthur Pontas has to say about Katrina and life on the MS Gulf Coast five years later--click on "Cultural Connections-Special Interview" for the inside scoop!

For More Information...

To view the complete Units of Work and sample lesson plans of the activities listed above, please visit http://homebasedgroup5.wetpaint.com