Lesson
The Science of Superpowers
By Mariama J. Lockington & Peter Calhoun Hall, 826NYC
In this superlesson, students isolate DNA, design planes, build lairs, and engineer safe transport to help a hero save the day. Students will also take technical notes and explore new forms of poetry.
Level
Grades 5–8
Type
Informational, Poetry, STEM
Commitment
4 Sessions: 2 Hours Each
Download Includes
Lesson Instructions
Content Background for Instructors
6 Lesson Handouts
4 Optional STEM@Home Follow-Up Activities
2 Student Writing Examples
What Your Students Will Learn
In this superlesson, students isolate DNA, design planes, build lairs, and engineer safe transport to help a hero save the day. Students will also take technical notes and explore new forms of poetry.
Common Core Alignments
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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1
Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.A
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.A
Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which ideas are logically grouped to support the writer's purpose.
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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.B
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.B
Provide logically ordered reasons that are supported by facts and details.
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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.C
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.C
Link opinion and reasons using words, phrases, and clauses (e.g., consequently, specifically).
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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.D
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.1.D
Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.
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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.10
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.10
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
What Your Students Will Produce
Your students will create a backstory to explain the history of a character through narrative, prose, design and experiments.
Writing Samples from This Lesson
- Marshmallows by Athena, 826NYC
- The Acorn Avenger by Jalen, 826NYC
- Owl Girl by Athena, 826NYC