Historic landmarks, astronomy, math, and British geography are integrated in this intriguing exploration on the mysteries of Stonehenge.

• 1.

  Research the English marvel of Stonehenge. Learn about its location, likely origins, and possible purposes. Study photographs and pictures of the area to better understand the size and structure of this amazing site.

• 2.

  On watercolor paper, sketch a scene of Stonehenge using Crayola® Colored Pencils.

• 3.

  Using Crayola Crayons, color in the rocks of Stonehenge and grass around the stones. Press heavily with your crayons.

• 4.

  Cover your work area with recycled newspaper. Lightly cover your drawing with Crayola Watercolor Paints using Watercolor Brushes. The crayon will resist the paint, so the grass and stones pop out from the sky and soil. Dry.

Standards

• LA: Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently.
• LA: Integrate information from several texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably.
• LA: Summarize a written text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
• LA: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
• LA: Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking clearly at an understandable pace.
• MATH: Convert among different-sized standard measurement units within a given measurement system (e.g., convert 5 cm to 0.05 m), and use these conversions in solving multi-step, real world problems.
• SCI: Obtain and communicate information about the sizes of stars, including the sun, and their distances from Earth to explain their apparent brightness.
• SCI: Develop explanations for how patterns in the positions of stars and constellations can be used to navigate on Earth.
• VA: Select media, techniques, an processes; analyze what makes them effective or not effective in communicating ideas; and reflect upon the effectiveness of choices.
• VA: Intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of experiences and ideas.

Adaptations

• Possible classroom resources include: If Stones Could Speak: Unlocking the Secrets of Stonehenge by Marc Aronson; Case Closed?: Nine Mysteries Unlocked by Modern Science by Susan Hughes; Stonehenge by Sean McDaniel; The Secrets of Stonehenge by Mick Manning
• Students use their research on Stonehenge to compose an explanation of how Stonehenge exists, how it was constructed, and what was the purpose of the monument. Student groups devise a theory and use their research to support their thinking.
• Students investigate other English landmarks, such as Big Ben. Use Crayola Model Magic to create 3-D models of each landmark. Display these structures in the classroom or school library, accompanied by a summary paragraph explaining what the landmark is, where it is located, and what its purpose is.