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Teacher's Notes
Each of the four articles in this group examines an intriguing realm of nature:
ferns, rain, the stirrings of spring, and exotic wildlife. They present solid
science cast in striking poetic language.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
· Extrapolate and paraphrase information from the text
· Gain a broad perspective on the various elements of nature probed in the
articles
· Observe elements of writing, especially the use of introductory hooks and
poetic language
A. “Fascination of Fronds”
Vocabulary
agrarian
prothallus
protuberance
archegonia
sporangia
sori
sporophyte
Reading and Critical Thinking Questions
1. Comment on author William Weekes’ opener: How does he attempt to hook the
reader's attention? Does he succeed?
2. Locate pictures of different species of ferns on the Internet. Paste these
into a booklet or poster and provide captions to describe each.
3. Discuss the various maladies that ferns have been used to treat at various
times throughout history.
4. Why are ferns called "amphibians"?
5. What are the two phases of a fern's life cycle, and what distinguishes these?
B. “Liquid From the Gods”
Vocabulary
irrigation
hydrologic
coalesce
sporadic
cumulonimbus
nimbostratus
orographic
leeward
acid rain
Reading and Critical Thinking Questions
1. Evaluate the techniques that Tom Priddy uses to hook the reader's attention
in the opening passage:
a. Do his questions draw the reader's interest? Why or why not?
b. What metaphor does he use? (Explain its meaning.)
2. What amazing facts does the author provide about raindrops and hailstones?
3. Name two ways by which the relative humidity of air can reach 100%. What is
the result?
4. Explain the difference between high-pressure systems and low-pressure
systems.
5. What are the world's most rainy locations, and which ones (besides deserts)
are the least rainy?
C. “Rites of Spring”
Vocabulary
tentatively
burrow
temperate
inherent
amble
clamorous
orchestrations
Reading and Critical Thinking Questions
1. Discuss the article's striking poetic elements. Examine each of the article's
three sections for examples of
a. crisp, active verbs
b. vivid imagery and/or onomatopoeia
2. What elements are "inherent," according to author Dwight Smith, in the
conventional definitions of the spring season?
3. What examples does Smith provide to illustrate that the "pace of events
quickens" in springtime?
4. With regard to springtime mating rituals, the author states that, for some
species, "mating involves complex displays, dances, food offerings, and other
rituals." What are some examples of creatures that engage in these complex
mating rituals?
D. “Our Alien Landscape”
Vocabulary
inadvertent
exotic
bluestem
stocks
irrigate
bane
millet
hyacinth
loosestrife
albeit
Reading and Critical Thinking Questions
1. Discuss a few of the various means (both inadvertent and deliberate) by which
"alien" plants and animals have entered America.
2. Identify several "alien" forms that have wrought benefits. What are these
benefits?
3. Identify several forms whose introduction into the local ecosystem was
detrimental. Discuss some of those detriments.
4. Examine the differing connotations of the terms "alien" and "exotic." |
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