Unit Overview/Summary - FOCUS:

In the first part of this unit, students research multiple informational texts about natural disasters using all that they know about the author's use of text structure to determine connections between people, events, ideas, or concepts to support their findings. Students read multiple accounts, including firsthand and second-hand, to describe similarities and differences between two or more accounts on the same topic, understanding that the author’s point of view affects how the events are described. For example, after conducting research by reading various texts about natural disasters, students write a speech in which they state their opinion about how U.S. humanitarian organizations should prioritize assistance to neighboring countries when they are struck by natural disasters. 

Unit Duration:

30 days (25 days instruction; 5 days reteaching/enrichment) based on 130 minutes to 180 minutes per day