5th Grade Prompt
Stink Bugs
1. Stink bugs are a type of bug that is native to East Asia but was accidentally introduced to the
United States in the late 1990s. Stink bugs quickly established themselves in large populations. They
are difficult to manage because of their large number and large range.
Description
2.
Many types of stink bugs exist, so the size of individuals varies. Most adult stink bugs are from
8 to 10 millimeters (0.3 to 0.4 inch) in length. Adults have four wings, six legs, and two antennae.
Their beaks are long and narrow. Stink bugs are usually green or brown. Some also have bright white
markings. Stink bugs are easy to recognize because they look like they are wearing a triangular
shield of armor on their back. Despite their name, stink bugs do not actually stink—unless they are
crushed. Then they release a bad smell.
Behavior
3.
Most adult stink bugs are active between May and October. In cooler climates, adults hibernate,
or sleep, during the winter. In warmer climates, stink bugs don't hibernate but are much lessactive
during the winter.
4.
Female stink bugs lay large groups of eggs. The eggs are shaped like barrels, which they place
in rows. Females stay close to their eggs to guard them and the larva when they hatch.
Diet
5.
Most adult stink bugs are herbivores, which means they feed on plant life, such as leaves,
flowers, fruit, and crops. Some types of stink bugs are omnivores. They eat other insects, including
caterpillars, as well as plants and crops.
Habitat
6. Stink bugs thrive in many different habitats. Outdoors they live in crop fields, orchards, and
gardens. However, they also live quite comfortably indoors. Stink bugs can enter houses in many
ways, but their nests are most commonly found in attics. They reproduce quickly and can infest a
home.
Impact
7. Stink bugs are not harmful to people but are considered pests. This is mostly because they
appear in large numbers and reproduce quickly. Stink bugs can be harmful to plant life. They can
scar the plants or crops they feed on. If they are present in large numbers, stink bugs can cause
crops to fail.
Writing Prompt:
In paragraph 7, the text states, "Stink bugs are not harmful to people but are
considered pests!' Use facts from the text to explain why this is true.
Link to audio: https://audioboom.com/boos/2581972-stink-bugs
4th Grade Prompt:
After reading "The Great Pyramid of Giza", explain why and how the ancient Egyptians built the Great
Pyramid. Support your explanations with evidence from the text.
The Great Pyramid of Giza
The Seven Wonders of the World are ancient structures that most people consider to be
the most amazing of all time. These structures were built thousands of years ago before
people had construction equipment like bulldozers to push the earth and cranes to lift
heavy blocks. Many people consider the Great Pyramid of Giza to be the most remarkable
of the Seven Wonders. Why? It is the oldest wonder and the only one still standing today.
The Great Pyramid was built in ancient Egypt around 2560 B.C.E. Other pyramids are
near the Great Pyramid, but they are smaller. The Great Pyramid was about 480 feet (146
meters) tall when it was first built. Over time, sand and wind decreased its height. It was
the tallest structure in the world for nearly 4,000 years.
In ancient Egypt, kings and queens were buried in pyramids, which were enormous
tombs. People thought their rulers could take their belongings with them into the afterlife,
so they filled their kings' and queens' pyramids with everything they could possibly ever
need. An Egyptian king named Khufu oversaw the construction of his own burial tomb, the
Great Pyramid. He wanted it to be larger than any pyramid ever built.
Some scholars believe that many people pushed the stones, one at a time, up ramps. It
most likely took about ten thousand people more than twenty years to build the Great
Pyramid.
People tried to make the Great Pyramid as beautiful as possible. They covered the outside
with polished white stones. However, many of these stones were damaged by earthquakes in
the Middle Ages. Most were then taken away and used for other purposes. The pyramid has
three burial chambers. The first is underground. A'statue of Khufu was once in the second.
The third is Khufu's burial chamber.
While the Great Pyramid has been worn down over time, it still stands proudly today. It has
survived for thousands of years as a reminder of the ancient Egyptians and the effort they
put into building it. Many people now care for the Great Pyramid to ensure that it will remain
standing for years to come.
Facts About the Great Pyramid
* Scientists believe that the construction of the Great Pyramid was completed during Khufu's
lifetime.
* The base of the Great Pyramid covers 13 acres of land.
*The Great Pyramid and those around it can be seen from 30 miles (48 kilometers) away.
*People are not allowed to climb on the Great Pyramid, but they can go inside it.
Link to audio: https://audioboom.com/boos/2581909-the-great-pyramid-of-giza
3rd Grade Prompt:
The Great Journey West
Michael and Rachel Robinson were packing everything they owned into a covered wagon. They
had decided to move to the West. They hoped to find some land and start their own farm. They
imagined it would be a very exciting and beautiful trip.
Michael and Rachel packed so many things that the wagon looked ready to break. Neighbors
came out and warned them to be careful. "This trip may not be all fun and games," said one neighbor
to Michael. Michael did not listen. He just smiled cheerfully and said, "Everything will be fine!"
On April 5, 1848, Michael tied the wagon to an ox, and the strong animal began pulling it. Michael
and Rachel began their great journey west.
They traveled all day along, a bumpy dirt trail to a meeting place in Missouri. They were surprised
to see many other people with wagons hoping to move to the West. It was going to be a long, slow
trip with so many other wagons on the trail.
Shortly after they started, Michael saw the wagon wheels coming loose. The wagon was too
heavy. They had to leave behind their heavy table and chairs. Then they had to get rid of their chest
as well. That way there would be room to sleep inside the wagon when they got tired from walking.
Along the way, Michael and Rachel became very hungry. Of all the things they had packed, they
had not brought enough food! They had to trade some fancy silver plates for a bag of rice to eat. The
trip was becoming much more difficult than they had expected!
After weeks of travel, Michael began to feel ill. Rachel took care of him, but they had to sell their
nicest things to buy him medicine. Michael and Rachel then took the wrong path and got lost. That
made their long trip even longer.
Just when they were almost too tired to continue, they finished their journey. They had made it to
the West! Along the way they had to leave behind almost everything they owned. But they knew the
important thing was that they had made it, and they still had each other.
Writing Prompt: Summarize the problems Michael and Rachel have during their journey to the West.
Be sure to include specific details from the text.
Link to audio: https://audioboom.com/boos/2582077-the-great-journey-west