I taught for 33 years and I have my MST in the teaching of Social Studies. In 1988, I was awarded the Elementary Social Studies Classroom Teacher of the Year Award from both the New York State Council for the Social Studies and the National Council for the Social Studies. My shop contains mostly social studies materials including web quests, and reader's theater scripts on famous people in history, science and literature.
I taught for 33 years and I have my MST in the teaching of Social Studies. In 1988, I was awarded the Elementary Social Studies Classroom Teacher of the Year Award from both the New York State Council for the Social Studies and the National Council for the Social Studies. My shop contains mostly social studies materials including web quests, and reader's theater scripts on famous people in history, science and literature.
Part of my Series: Interesting Stories about Presidents, students will learn about Calvin Coolidge and his many animals. Some nicknamed the White House , “Pennsylvania Avenue Zoo”. Additionally, students will learn interesting facts about the 30th President of the United States. The reading passage also include a Did You You? Fun facts and comprehension questions.
Check out my other Interesting Stories about Presidents:
George Washington and the Camel:
Thomas Jefferson and the Mammoth Cheese:
John Quincy Adams Goes for A Swim:
Part of my Series: Interesting Stories about Presidents, students will learn about John Quincy Adams and his regular exercise routine, swimming in the Potomac River. Additionally, students will learn interesting facts about the Sixth President of the United States. The reading passage also include a Did You You? Fun facts and comprehension questions.
Check out my other Interesting Stories about Presidents:
George Washington and the Camel:
Thomas Jefferson and the Mammoth Cheese:
Learn about the history of the famous games which began in ancient Greece, both past and present with this informative webquest. There are 15 questions as well a number of fun facts.Extension activities are also included(and the key).The webquest can be completed in one class period and is geared for upper elementary and middle school students.Can be used before a vacation, for a Friday activity or if you are studying the ancient Greeks. Updated for Paris 2024 Games.
The famous games started in the country of Greece. Use this nine question web quest to learn about the country of Greece. Learn about Greece, a Webquest.
I also have several resources on China( including a unit of study, a webquest and a reading passage/activity on the Great Wall of China.
Learn about Jules Verne, called the “father of science fiction”. Note: This is also given to H.G. Wells. The Ms. Bie Ografee Reader’s Theater Script has Jules Verne as a guest on her talk show. Lots of interesting information on his life and contributions to literature. Also includes a Did You Know? section, comprehension questions, a teacher page with some extension activities, links and the key.
Mrs. Bie Ografee Talk Show Reading Theater Scripts:
Vikings
Ferdinand Magellan
Marco Polo
Christopher Columbus
Leonardo da Vinci
Michelangelo
Visit with a Crusader
Visit with a Victim of the Black Death
Martin Luther King Jr.
Rosa Parks
Harriet Tubman
George Washington Carver
Katherine Johnson
Tuskegee Airmen
Marian Anderson
Marie Curie
Galileo Galilei
Sir Isaac Newton
Albert Einstein
Jane Goodall
Moon Landing: Interview with first astronauts to walk on the moon
Rachel Carson
Jacques Cousteau
Thomas Edison
Visit with a Pilgrim
Revolutionary War Female Spies
Revolutionary War Tory
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison, Father of the Constitution
Pioneer Woman, Narcissa Whitman
Civil War Women Soldiers
Sacagaewa
Sequoyah
Lewis and Clark
Abraham Lincoln
California Gold Rush: Visit with a ‘49er
Wright Brothers
A Road trip Across the USA for Women’s Suffrage
WW 2: Women Pilots
Elizabeth Blackwell
Susan B. Anthony
Sonia Sotomayor
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Louisa May Alcott
Edgar Allen Poe
William Shakespeare
Charles Dickens
Johnny Appleseed
Visit with a Leprechaun
Visit with a Groundhog
To Tell the Truth Plays:
Hans Christian Andersen
Elizabeth Blackwell
Amelia Earhart
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt
Elizabeth Blackwell
First Lady Edith Wilson
First Lady Florence Harding
King Tut
First Lady Hillary Clinton
First Lady Michelle Obama
First Lady Abigail Adams
First Lady Martha Washington
First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln
First Lady Dolly Madison
First Lady Lady Bird Johnson
My website for teachers/kids has lots of geography activities, short reads, factoids on different topics, news, career surveys, bell ringers and more.
Looking for a reading passage and activities on Sir Edmund Hillary? If, so, check out this resource which is part of my Let’s Meet Series. Done in the first person, students will learn about the life of Sir Edmund Hillary, mountaineer, humanitarian and explorer. Also included are Did You Know? Fun Facts, Comprehension Questions, a Map Activity and a Teacher Page with extension activities.
The reading passage activity could also be a lesson for a substitute or for a Friday activity.
Check out my resource on Mt. Everest, too.
In 1923, English mountaineer George Mallory was asked,”Why do you want to climb Mt. Everest?” HIs response, “Because it’s there.” Thousands has been trying to summit the world’s highest mountain peak since this time. Learn about Mt. Everest, Nepal and the Yeti with this webquest! Lots of extension activities,interesting facts and comprehension questions are included. arts.
Check out my Let’s Meet Series:
I have a number of similar reading passages on famous people in this series, “Let’s Meet…” including: Phillis Wheatley(poet), Sojourner Truth(abolitionist, Women’s Rights Activist, Author), Mary Anning (paleonotologist) ,Joan of Arc(military leader),Caroline Herschel(Astronomer), Hildegard of Bingen(writer/composer), Artemisia(Female Naval Commander during the Battle of Salamis), Sophie Brahe(Astronomer), Enheduanna(first known Poet),Hanno(Sea Explorer of the Phoenicians), Agnodice(First Female Doctor of Ancient Greece), Hypatia(First female mathematician), Aglaonike(astronomer), Alexander the Great(famous general), Aesop(Fable Writer of Ancient Greece), Hannibal(famous general), Ramses(Great Pharaoh), Hatshepsut(Female Pharaoh) and Socrates(Philosopher of Ancient Greece).
Other Reading Passages:
George Washington and the Camel
Calvin Coolidge and the “Pennsylvania Avenue Zoo”
John Quincy Adams Takes a Swim
Thomas Jefferson and the Mammoth Cheese
Sojourner Truth
Santa Fe Trail: Wind WagonThomas
Revolutionary War Heroine: Catherine “Kate” Moore
Barry(Battle of Cowpens)
Enheduanna, First Known Poet in History
Artemisia(Female Naval Commander during the Battle of Salamis)
Hanno: Phoenician Explorer
Ramses the Great
Hatshpsut
Hammurabi
Alexander the Great
Aesop
Socrates
Hannibal
Hypatia: First Woman Mathematician
Aglaonike(Greek astronomer)
Agnodice(First Female Doctor of Ancient Greece)
Julius Caesar
Archimedes
Sparticus
Diocles
Joan of Arc
Phillis Wheatley
Mary Anning
Caroline Herschel
Sophie Brahe: Astronomer and Horticulturist
Hildegard of Bingen(Middle Ages)
Aida de Acosta(First Woman to Fly a Powered Aircraft)
Women’s Suffrage: The Silent Sentinels
History of Pretzels
History of Marshmallows
History of Tulips
Snowmen in History
History of April Fools’ Day
Great Wall of China
Eiffel Tower
Ayres Rock(Uluru)
Taj Mahal
Travel to Iceland
Travel to Greece
Travel to Japan
Price
Use this Test Your Knowledge Challenge Activity for students to learn about U.S. Landmarks. There are 20 statements and several extension activities in this resource. Could be used as independent work or small group work. Great for a Friday resource, before a vacation or for a substitute day.
If you would like a student version OR a resource in Word, please let me know and I would be happy to provide these for you.
Other Test Your Knowledge Challenge Activities: (more coming)
Candy and Sweets:
Women Trailblazers:
Presidents:
Maps and Geography:
Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day:
World Capitals:
Use this informative Reader’s Theater Script to learn about Marco Polo. Marco Polo helped to start the Age of Discovery with his book on his adventures to China. The fun/informative play uses the format of Marco Polo being a guest on a talk show and the studio audience asks questions about his life. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series.
Grades 5 and up
Kids love mummies!Practice oral reading fluency in Language Arts with this biographical reader’s theater on King Tut.Learn lots of cool facts about mummies and the discovery of King Tut’s tomb with this play. Comprehension/discussion questions/ extension activities,Great for informative text/listening standards!
Grades 5 and up…
Let’s Explore China! Did you know that enough dirt was used to create theGreat Wall of China to circle the earth with an 8 ft. high wall? Did you know that the yo-yo was invented by the Chinese or that the number 9 is considered good luck? Notes,lots of activities and resources are included in this unit on China. Lots of information to introduce students to China! Great for February and Chinese Year Year.
Learn about the contributions of our first ladies!Great for May 16th Biography Day! Need a quick Friday(or day before a vacation activity)? Wish to to practice oral reading fluency in LA?Try this fun and information reader's theater play on Abigail Adams. Grades 4 and up. Comprehension questions,discussion questions,activities as well as links for more information are also included.
Use this fun/informative play to learn about First Lady Michelle Obama. Discussion questions,comprehension questions and extension activities are also included.Skill including speech and listening and reading for information.
The idea to foster contributions of African Americans began with Dr. Carter G. Woodson, back in 1926. Love his motto to live by-“It is never too late to learn!” Check out my web quest for Black History Month. 13 fact packed questions/Did You know facts, comprehension questions and more:
Learn about the interesting gift that Thomas Jefferson received on New Year’s Day, in 1802. The whopper of a cheese tipped the scale at about 1235 pounds. The reading also includes a Did You Know? section with lots of informative factoids about Thomas Jefferson, comprehension questions and seven extension activities. For President’s Day,study on author of Declaration of Independence,reading in content area.
Try this informative web quest on Martin Luther King! One of Martin Luther King’s quotes, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Comprehension questions and additional links/extension activities,too. Skills include:reading for information and using research/computer skills.
Valentine’s Day is February 14th. The symbol of the holiday is a heart. What do you know about the human heart and the Valentine’s Day holiday? Grab a red pencil and use this web quest to find out some very interesting facts about the human heart and the holiday of Valentine’s Day!
There are 9 web questions, a 20 All things Red Activity, lots of fun facts and 9 extension activities.
Another in my Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series, A Reader’s Theater Script.This fun/informative play has Ms. Bie Ografee’s guest being McSean, a leprechaun. McSean is asked questions by the studio audience about the country of Ireland and the long Irish folklore about leprechauns. Did You Know, Comprehension questions, teacher page with extensions/link/key. Great for unit on folklore/St. Patrick’s Day time or May 13th which is Leprechaun Day!(Yes, there really is such a day).
Check out my other resources:https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/gailhennessey
Other plays in the Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series: Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Maria Anderson, Bessie Coleman, Sacagawea, Sequoia, Michelangelo, DaVinci, Tuskegee Airmen, William Shakespeare, A Visit with a Groundhog,and Susan B. Anthony.More to be added…
Gail
Nicknamed “the Moses of Her Sex”, Susan B. Anthony was a civil rights leader involved with the antislavery movement and the women’s rights and suffrage movement. She caused quite a commotion when, in 1872, she tried to do something most unusual for a woman. She attempted to vote in a presidential election.
Great for American History lesson, for women’s history month, or for a biography day!
The fun/informative play uses the format of Shakespeare being a guest on a talk show and the studio audience asks questions about his life. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series. Also includes: Comprehension/Did You Know?section, LOTS of extension activities/links/key.
Other plays in the Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series: Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Abraham Lincoln,Bessie Coleman,Marian Anderson,Sacagawea, Sequoia, Michelangelo, DaVinci, Tuskegee Airmen, Black Death,Love Brewster(Pilgrim)Susan B. Anthony. More to be added…
Use this informative Reader’s Theater Script to learn about Marian Anderson, one of the most important singers of the 20th century. Anderson also played an important role in overcoming prejudice toward African American artists. In 1955, she was the first African American to sing at the New York Metropolitan Opera. She participated in the famous March on Washington, in 1963, and was also a “goodwill ambassadress for the United Nations, performing all over the world . Great for Black History Month in February or Women’s History Month in March. Comprehension questions/extension activities, key.
What do you know about Antarctica? Did you know that there aren’t any countries on this continent? Did you know that Antarctica is called the largest desert in the world? Grab your warmest coat, a hat, goggles, scarf and gloves and let’s explore the continent of Antarctica!
Geographical web quest which introduces kids to the continent of Antarctica. There are 10 web quests(with lots of information in the questions), 14 Did You Know? facts, comprehension questions(including several "thought question"), a teacher page with a number of extension activities, additional links and key.
Great for a Friday activity, before a vacation, or when you are looking for a geography resource.
NOTE: 7/16- I had to change question 4 as the link is no longer working. Please download the newest version.
A Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Reader’s Theater Script.
Use this informational and fun script for students to learn about Marie Curie, the Polish scientists who was a pioneer in the area of radioactivity.
*Students will find some of the uses of radioactive materials in the 1920s most interesting(as did I). Radium was placed in toothpaste to make teeth whiter, it was placed in shampoo, face creams, even chocolate! Even Marie and Pierre kept a glass jar with radium salt on their night stand because they were fascinated by its glow. People didn’t realize the harmfulness of radioactivity.
A “studio” audience asks questions of Ms. Bie Ografee’s guest, Marie Curie. There are comprehension questions, a Did You Know? section, a Teacher Page with extension activities, key and additional links.
Other plays in the Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series: Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Abraham Lincoln,Bessie Coleman,Marian Anderson,Sacagawea, Sequoia, Michelangelo, DaVinci, Tuskegee Airmen,Love Brewster(Pilgrim)Susan B. Anthony, Jacques Cousteau, Agent 355-member of the Revolutionary War’s Culper Spy Ring, A Visit with a Groundhog, A Visit with a Leprechaun, A Visit with Simon(victim of the Black Death), Michelangelo, daVinci, Marco Polo. More to be added…