Astronomy Poetry

In this lesson, students listen to and discuss poetry that pertains to the study of astronomy and write their own poems to enhance their learning of the subject. As a final project, students use the ReadWriteThink Printing Press to compose original poetry books about astronomy. Although this lesson uses astronomy as a model, it can be modified for many content area topics.

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Astronomy Poetry

Standards & Objectives

Academic standards

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.3: Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.5: Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.6: Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.3: Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 7 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.5: Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.6: Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.3: Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words or phrases based on grade 8 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.5: Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.6: Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.2: Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.3: Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text (e.g., through examples or anecdotes).
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.5: Analyze how a particular sentence, paragraph, chapter, or section fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.7: Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.8: Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.9: Compare and contrast one author's presentation of events with that of another (e.g., a memoir written by and a biography on the same person).
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.1: Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.2: Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.3: Analyze the interactions between individuals, events, and ideas in a text (e.g., how ideas influence individuals or events, or how individuals...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.5: Analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the major sections contribute to the whole and to the development of the ideas.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.6: Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.7: Compare and contrast a text to an audio, video, or multimedia version of the text, analyzing each medium's portrayal of the subject (e.g., how...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.8: Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.9: Analyze how two or more authors writing about the same topic shape their presentations of key information by emphasizing different evidence or...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.2: Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.5: Analyze in detail the structure of a specific paragraph in a text, including the role of particular sentences in developing and refining a key concept.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.6: Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.8: Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.9: Analyze a case in which two or more texts provide conflicting information on the same topic and identify where the texts disagree on matters of fact...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.7: Compare and contrast the experience of reading a story, drama, or poem to listening to or viewing an audio, video, or live version of the text,...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.9: Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres (e.g., stories and poems; historical novels and fantasy stories) in terms of their approaches...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.1: Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.6: Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts,...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.3: Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 6 Language...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts,...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.2: Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.3: Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.4: Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 7 Language...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts,...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.3: Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance and sufficiency of the evidence and...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.4: Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.8.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grade 8 Language...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.10: Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two)...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.5: With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.8: Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.6.9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.10: Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two)...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.5: With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.6: Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and link to and cite sources as well as to interact and collaborate with...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.8: Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.10: Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two)...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, relevant descriptive details, and well-structured event...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.5: With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.8: Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
GLE 0301.3.3: Know and apply the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, evaluating, and publishing.
GLE 0601.1.1: Demonstrate control of Standard English through the use of grammar and mechanics (punctuation, capitalization, and spelling).
GLE 0601.2.1: Demonstrate critical listening skills essential for comprehension, evaluation, problem solving, and task completion.
GLE 0601.2.2: Begin to differentiate between summarizing and paraphrasing.
GLE 0601.2.3: Begin to distinguish between a summary and a critique.
GLE 0601.2.6: Understand strategies for expressing ideas clearly and effectively in a variety of oral contexts.
GLE 0601.2.8: Participate in work teams and group discussions.
GLE 0601.3.1: Write in a variety of modes for different audiences and purposes.
GLE 0601.3.2: Employ various prewriting strategies.
GLE 0601.3.3: Organize ideas into an essay with an introduction, developing paragraphs, conclusion, and appropriate transitions.
GLE 0601.3.4: Refine strategies for editing and revising written work.
GLE 0601.4.2: Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys.
GLE 0601.4.3: Make distinctions about the credibility, reliability, consistency, strengths, and limitations of resources, including information gathered from websites.
GLE 0601.4.4: Write a research paper, using primary and secondary sources and technology and graphics, as appropriate.
GLE 0601.5.2: Analyze text for fact-opinion, cause-effect, inferences, evidence, and conclusions.
GLE 0601.6.1: Comprehend and summarize the main ideas and supporting details of informational texts.
GLE 0601.7.1: Analyze media for their ability to inform, persuade, and entertain.
GLE 0601.7.2: Examine the relationship between the visual (e.g., media images, painting, film, graphic arts) and the verbal in media.
GLE 0601.8.3: Recognize the conventions of various literary genres.
GLE 0607.6.1: Analyze information about the major components of the universe.
GLE 0701.2.6: Deliver effective oral presentations.
GLE 0701.3.3: Organize ideas into an essay with an introduction, developing paragraphs, conclusion, and appropriate transitions.
GLE 0701.3.4: Refine strategies for editing and revising written work.
GLE 0701.4.1: Define and narrow a problem or research topic.
GLE 0701.4.2: Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys.
GLE 0701.4.3: Make distinctions about the credibility, reliability, consistency, strengths, and limitations of resources, including information gathered from websites.
GLE 0701.4.4: Write a research paper, using primary and secondary sources and technology and graphics, as appropriate.
GLE 0701.6.1: Comprehend and summarize the main ideas and supporting details of informational texts.
GLE 0701.6.2: Analyze the organizational structures of informational texts.
GLE 0801.1.1: Demonstrate control of Standard English through grammar usage, and mechanics (punctuation, capitalization, and spelling).
GLE 0801.2.7: Participate in work teams and group discussions.
GLE 0801.3.3: Organize ideas into an essay with an introduction, developing paragraphs, conclusion, and appropriate transitions.
GLE 0801.3.4: Refine strategies for editing and revising written work.
GLE 0801.4.2: Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys.
GLE 0801.4.3: Make distinctions about the credibility, reliability, consistency, strengths, and limitations of resources, including information gathered from websites.
GLE 0801.6.2: Analyze the organizational structures of informational texts.
SPI 0601.1.1: Identify the correct use of nouns (i.e., common/proper, singular/plural, possessives) and pronouns (i.e., agreement, subject, object) within context.
SPI 0601.1.10: Identify the correct spelling of plurals and possessives.
SPI 0601.1.18: Identify correctly and incorrectly spelled words in context.
SPI 0601.1.19: Recognize and use grade-appropriate and content specific vocabulary within context.
SPI 0601.2.4: Select the most appropriate behaviors for participating productively in a team (e.g., contribute appropriate and useful information and ideas, understand the...
SPI 0601.2.5: Identify the functions and responsibilities of individual roles within an organized group (i.e., reporter, recorder, information gatherer, leader, timekeeper).
SPI 0601.3.1: Identify the purpose for writing (i.e., to inform, to describe, to explain, to persuade).
SPI 0601.3.12: Select the most appropriate format for writing a specific work-related text (i.e., instructions, directions, letters, memos, e-mails, reports).
SPI 0601.3.5: Select illustrations, descriptions, and/or facts to support key ideas.
SPI 0601.3.8: Select appropriate time-order or transitional words/phrases to enhance the flow of a writing sample.
SPI 0601.3.9: Select an appropriate concluding sentence for a well-developed paragraph.
SPI 0601.4.3: Determine the most appropriate research source for a given research topic.
SPI 0601.5.7: Make inferences and draw conclusions based on evidence in text.
SPI 0601.8.6: Identify the stated or implied theme of a literary text.
SPI 0601.8.7: Analyze figurative language (i.e., hyperbole, simile, metaphor, personification,) within context.
SPI 0701.1.17: Use context clues and background knowledge of roots and affixes to determine the meaning of multi-meaning words.
SPI 0701.1.18: Use context clues and background knowledge of roots and affixes to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
SPI 0701.1.20: Recognize and use grade appropriate and/or content specific vocabulary within context.
SPI 0701.1.21: Decode unknown grade level words in context, using previously learned strategies as aids in determining meaning.
SPI 0701.2.4: Determine the most effective methods for engaging an audience during an oral presentation (e.g., making eye contact, adjusting speaking rate).
SPI 0701.3.1: Identify the purpose for writing (i.e., to inform, to describe, to explain, to persuade, to entertain).
SPI 0701.3.13: Select the most appropriate format for writing a specific work-related text (i.e., instructions, directions, letters, memos, e-mails, reports).
SPI 0701.3.2: Identify the audience for which a text is written.
SPI 0701.3.5: Select the appropriate time-order or transitional words/phrases to enhance the flow of a writing sample.
SPI 0701.3.8: Select an appropriate concluding sentence for a well-developed paragraph.
SPI 0701.4.1: Select the most focused research topic.
SPI 0701.4.3: Determine the most appropriate research source for a given research topic.
SPI 0701.5.5: Select the correct word or phrase to complete an analogy, using synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, categories, subcategories, whole/part, functions, and verb forms.
SPI 0701.5.8: Make inferences and draw conclusions based on evidence in text.
SPI 0701.7.2: Select the visual image that best reinforces a viewpoint or enhances a presentation.
SPI 0701.7.5: Choose the statement that best summarizes/communicates the message presented by a medium.
SPI 0701.8.10: Identify and analyze figurative language (i.e., hyperbole, simile, metaphor, personification, pun) within context.
SPI 0701.8.12: Identify the authors purpose for writing.
SPI 0701.8.8: Analyze the effects of sound (i.e., accent, alliteration, onomatopoeia, repetition, rhyme, internal rhyme) in context.
SPI 0801.1.16: Use context clues and/or knowledge of roots and affixes to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
SPI 0801.1.19: Recognize and use grade appropriate and/or content specific vocabulary.
SPI 0801.1.2: Identify the correct use of verbs (i.e., action/linking, regular/irregular, agreement, perfect tenses, verb phrases) within context.
SPI 0801.2.4: Determine the most effective methods of engaging an audience during an oral presentation (e.g., making eye contact, adjusting speaking rate).
SPI 0801.2.7: Select the most appropriate strategies for participating productively in a team (e.g., gain the floor in orderly ways, meet or set deadlines for completing each...
SPI 0801.2.8: Identify the functions and responsibilities of individuals within an organized group (i.e., reporter, recorder, information gatherer, leader, timekeeper).
SPI 0801.3.11: Identify individual written selections as technical, narrative, persuasive, and/or descriptive in mode.
SPI 0801.3.5: Select appropriate time-order or transitional words/phrases to enhance the flow of a writing sample.
SPI 0801.3.8: Select vivid words to strengthen a description (adjective or adverb) within a writing sample or passage.
SPI 0801.3.9: Select illustrations, explanations, anecdotes, descriptions and/or facts to support key ideas.
SPI 0801.4.2: Identify levels of reliability among resources (e.g., eyewitness account, newspaper account, supermarket tabloid account, Internet source).
SPI 0801.8.14: Identify the authors purpose for writing.
SPI 0801.8.8: Analyze figurative language (i.e., idiom, metaphor, simile, personification, hyperbole, pun) within context.
TSS.ELA.6.L.CSE.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage.
TSS.ELA.6.L.CSE.2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. When reading or writing, explain the functions of...
TSS.ELA.6.L.KL.3: When writing and speaking, vary sentence patterns for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style; maintain consistency in style and tone.
TSS.ELA.6.L.VAU.6: Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domainspecific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or...
TSS.ELA.6.RI.CS.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings.
TSS.ELA.6.RI.IKI.7: Integrate information presented in different media or formats, such as in tables, images, diagrams, and words to develop a coherent understanding of a...
TSS.ELA.6.RI.IKI.9: Compare and contrast two or more authors' presentation of the same topic or event.
TSS.ELA.6.RI.KID.1: Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; cite textual evidence to support conclusions.
TSS.ELA.6.RI.KID.2: Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through details; provide an objective summary.
TSS.ELA.6.RL.CS.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word...
TSS.ELA.6.RL.IKI.7: Compare and contrast the written version of a story, drama, or poem to the experience of listening to or viewing an audio, video, or live production of a text.
TSS.ELA.6.RL.IKI.9: Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres in terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics.
TSS.ELA.6.RL.KID.1: Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; cite textual evidence to support conclusions.
TSS.ELA.6.RL.KID.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary.
TSS.ELA.6.SL.CC.1: Prepare for collaborative discussions on 6th grade level topics and texts; engage effectively with varied partners, building on others' ideas and...
TSS.ELA.6.SL.PKI.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
TSS.ELA.6.W.PDW.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
TSS.ELA.6.W.PDW.5: With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new...
TSS.ELA.6.W.RBPK.7: Conduct research to answer a question, drawing on multiple sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
TSS.ELA.6.W.RBPK.8: Integrate relevant and credible information from print and digital sources; quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding...
TSS.ELA.6.W.RBPK.9: Support interpretations, analyses, reflections, or research with evidence found in literature or informational texts, applying grade 6 standards for reading.
TSS.ELA.6.W.RW.10: Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
TSS.ELA.6.W.TTP.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
TSS.ELA.6.W.TTP.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of...
TSS.ELA.6.W.TTP.3: Write narratives (fiction and nonfiction) to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, relevant descriptive details, and...
TSS.ELA.7.L.KL.3: When writing and speaking, choose precise language to express ideas concisely.
TSS.ELA.7.L.VAU.4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on 7th grade-level text by choosing flexibly from a range of...
TSS.ELA.7.L.VAU.5: When reading, listening, writing, and speaking, explain the function of figurative language, word relationships, and connotation/denotation and use them ...
TSS.ELA.7.L.VAU.6: Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domainspecific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or...
TSS.ELA.7.RI.CS.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word...
TSS.ELA.7.RI.CS.6: Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how an author distinguishes his or her position from that of others.
TSS.ELA.7.RI.IKI.7: Compare and contrast a text to an audio, video, or multimedia version of a text, analyzing each medium's portrayal of the subject.
TSS.ELA.7.RI.KID.1: Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; cite several pieces of textual evidence to support conclusions.
TSS.ELA.7.RL.CS.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word...
TSS.ELA.7.RL.CS.6: Analyze how an author establishes, conveys, and contrasts the points of view of different characters or narrators in a text.
TSS.ELA.7.RL.IKI.7: Compare and contrast a written story, drama, or poem to its audio, filmed, staged, or multi-media version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to...
TSS.ELA.7.RL.KID.1: Analyze what a text says explicitly and draw logical inferences; cite several pieces of textual evidence to support conclusions.
TSS.ELA.7.SL.CC.2: Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media formats; explain how this clarifies a topic, text, or issue under study.
TSS.ELA.7.SL.PKI.4: Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use...
TSS.ELA.7.SL.PKI.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
TSS.ELA.7.W.PDW.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
TSS.ELA.7.W.PDW.5: With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new...
TSS.ELA.7.W.PDW.6: Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to collaborate with others; link to and cite sources; type a complete product in...
TSS.ELA.7.W.RBPK.7: Conduct research to answer a question, drawing on multiple sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.
TSS.ELA.7.W.RBPK.8: Integrate relevant and credible information from print and digital sources; quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding...
TSS.ELA.7.W.RW.10: Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
TSS.ELA.7.W.TTP.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
TSS.ELA.7.W.TTP.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of...
TSS.ELA.7.W.TTP.3: Write narratives (fiction and nonfiction) to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, relevant descriptive details, and...
TSS.ELA.8.L.CSE.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage.
TSS.ELA.8.L.CSE.2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. When reading and writing, explain the functions of ...
TSS.ELA.8.L.KL.3: When writing and speaking, adjust style and tone to a variety of contexts; when reading or listening, analyze stylistic choices to determine context.
TSS.ELA.8.L.VAU.5: When reading, listening, writing, and speaking, explain the function of figurative language, word relationships, and connotation/denotation and use them ...
TSS.ELA.8.L.VAU.6: Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate general academic and domainspecific words and phrases; develop vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or...
TSS.ELA.8.RI.CS.6: Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.
TSS.ELA.8.RI.IKI.8: Delineate and evaluate the rgument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims and the...
TSS.ELA.8.RL.CS.6: Analyze how similarities and differences in the points of view of the audience and the characters create effects such as suspense, humor, or dramatic irony.
TSS.ELA.8.SL.CC.1: Prepare for collaborative discussions on 8th grade level topics and texts; engage effectively with varied partners, building on others' ideas and...
TSS.ELA.8.SL.CC.3: Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and relevance and sufficiency of the evidence; identify...
TSS.ELA.8.SL.PKI.4: Present claims and findings in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence; sound, valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye...
TSS.ELA.8.SL.PKI.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
TSS.ELA.8.W.PDW.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
TSS.ELA.8.W.PDW.5: With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new...
TSS.ELA.8.W.RBPK.7: Conduct research to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on multiple sources and generating additional related, focused...
TSS.ELA.8.W.RBPK.8: Use search terms effectively; integrate relevant and credible information from print and digital sources; quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of...
TSS.ELA.8.W.RW.10: Write routinely over extended time frames and shorter time frames for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
TSS.ELA.8.W.TTP.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
TSS.ELA.8.W.TTP.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of...
TSS.ELA.8.W.TTP.3: Write narratives (fiction and nonfiction) to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, relevant descriptive details, and...

Alignment of this item to academic standards is based on recommendations from content creators, resource curators, and visitors to this website. It is the responsibility of each educator to verify that the materials are appropriate for your content area, aligned to current academic standards, and will be beneficial to your specific students.

Learning objectives:

Students will:

Express their understanding and knowledge of a content area topic, such as astronomy, by writing poems that integrate vocabulary and information studied in class
Reinforce content area knowledge in a creative and reflective manner
Use the writing process approach when writing content area poems

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level:

Understanding

Extension suggestions:

Repeat this lesson throughout the year in other content areas. At the end of the year, compile all poems into a class book and distribute a copy to each student. This is a great way to review content area topics before final exams!

Have students listen to excerpts from The Planets Suite at AquarianAge.org and write poems about their feelings afterward.

Encourage students to research an astronomy topic that was not covered during the unit and write a poem about it that demonstrates their new knowledge.

Helpful Hints

Materials needed:

Index cards for reflection

References

Contributors:

Jonathan Snellings

Originator:

Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation