"We
should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes."
John F. Kennedy
"If
you don't risk
anything, you risk even
more."
Erica
Jong
Our research project for this
unit will be to create a risk takers theme park/discovery
zone. We will map out the park, dedicate monuments to different types of risk takers, and
create brochures
to advertise it. Here is a blank brochure template
too.
In writer's
workshop we will be working on narrative stories
where the characters take responsible risks. To learn more about
how to write narratives visit this link.
Also, there are great writing tips in
movies on Brainpop.
Finally, you can practice your grammar and spelling at Funbrain.
We will be reading Number
the Stars in read aloud.
To find out more about this wonderful book and its author Lois Lowry
follow the links. This books asks: "What would you risk for a friend?
" "What is courage?" "Can ordinary people be heros?"
"Can you be brave and terrified at the same time?"
Research and Story Links 
"Courage is found in
unlikely places."
J. R. R.
Tolkien
"Adventure is worthwhile in
itself."
Amelia Earhart
Mrs.
Frisby and
the Crow
•
For
the
Love of Crows Information about crows
• Mice
as Pets Mice are very cute!
Mae
Jemison, Space
Scientist
•
Former Astronaut
Reflects On Risks After the Columbia
shuttle disintegrated, the risks of space travel were on people's minds.
•
Weighing the Risks
of Human Spaceflight Another astronaut's
view on the risks of human space travel.
Sarah,
Plain and
Tall
•
Taking
the Risk Out of Mail-Order Romance An
article in the "Moscow Times" about modern-day
mail-order brides, but from Russia
not Maine.
• Stepfamilies
Advice for kids on stepfamilies and adjusting to a new
family situations.
The
Girl Who Loved
the Wind
• Establishing
Reasonable Safety Rules Parents are
advised to not be too overprotective.
•
Editorial
Opinion about Overprotection of Children
The author is worried that children may react to
overprotection by rebelling and taking unnecessary risks.
The
King's
Fountain
•
Castles and Palaces
This is a collection of pictures and descriptions of castles
and palaces all over the world. 
• Standing
up to Swaziland's
King Challenging a king is
definitely risky. Read about a
modern-day leader who was jailed for it.
Toto
• African
Elephant – Threats A World
Wildlife Fund
web page that discusses how habitat
loss and poaching are both major threats to African elephants.
• Man-eating
Lions Dine on
Ecotourists Yikes! The fear our hero
overcomes is based on reality!
Two
Tickets to
Freedom
• Running
a Thousand Miles
for Freedom The original book written by
William Craft, on which
"Two Tickets to Freedom" was based.
• The
Underground Railroad Although William and
Ellen Craft did not use the
"Underground Railroad", this site has information about the
difficulties and possible consequences faced by all runaway slaves at
that
time.
• National
Geographic's
Virtual Tour of the Underground Railroad
Enter and make decisions as you travel on your dangerous
journey.
Research
Famous Risk Takers
Academy of Achievement This is
an outstanding online museum with achievers from all areas of society.
American Cultural
History facts and photos of all areas of culture.
Historical Voices
audio and text files of historical speeches and more. Warning, this
site takes awhile to load.
My Hero read stories and
biographies of famous heroes.
National
Geographic Society Homepage
The Smithsonian Homepage Known as the
nation's treasure house for learning.
"And
the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was
more
painful than the risk it took to blossom. "
Anais
Nin
"Only
those who will risk
going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."
T. S.
Eliot