Making Multicultural Connections
Through Trade Books

A River Ran Wild
by Lynne Cherry

Cultural Group: Native American, Nashua

Content Connection: Science Grade 4

Topic : Ecosystems

Suggested Exemplars

• Picture Interpretation: Composition by Jackson Pollack
• Word of the Day: pollution

Learning Sequence

1. Picture Interpretation activity, students interpret Composition.

2. Read A River Ran Wild aloud to gather information about how the picture, Composition, relates to the story.

3. Students will work in pairs and create a story board (in picture form) showing how the Nashua River became polluted.

4. Refer to Grade 4 Ecosystem Kit/Lesson 9, "Upsetting the Balance:"
   1. Identify the three pollutants and discuss how they negatively affect a balanced ecosystem.
   2. Have students set up experiments with these pollutants, Lesson 10.

Extension

• Have students complete a Word of the Day journal entry for pollution.

Technology Link

• MICROSOFT DANGEROUS CREATURES (Microsoft)
• A WORLD OF PLANTS CD-ROM (National Geographic)
• FOREVER GROWING GARDENS CD-ROM (Media Vision)
• SIM TOWN (Maxis Software)

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© 1996 MCPS Department of Academic Programs, Division of Enriched and Innovative Instruction,Program of Assessment, Diagnosis, and Instruction