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.
Probably the most famous scientist of the 20th century, Einstein was a physicist who’s most remembered for his Theory of Relativity. From 1901 to 1954, Einstein published more than 300 scientific works. This Reader’s Theater Script introduces students to Albert Einstein. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show series, the script includes information about Einstein’s childhood, his education, and contributions to science. There is a Did You Know? section, comprehension questions, and a teachers page which includes lots of extension activities, additional links and children’s books and the key. The format is a “studio” audience who asks questions of Ms. Bie Ografee’s guest, in this case, Albert Einstein.
Additional Resources on this Topic You May Find of Interest:
1. Learn about the history of space with this informative web quest.
There are 12 web questions, comprehension questions and extension activities:
Space: A Webquest/Extension Activities
2. Learn about Astronaut John Glenn’s historic flight to become the first American to Orbit the Earth. Years later, he would also become the oldest American to go on the Space Shuttle! This biographical web quest also contains several questions about the early days of space exploration. There are several
extension activities and the key: John Glenn, A Webquest
3. A Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Reader’s Theater Script. Marie Curie: A Reader’s Theater Script
4. Trailblazers in Science: A Bundle of Six Reader’s Theater Scripts: STEM Biographies(George W. Carver, Jacques Cousteau, Elizabeth Blackwell, Thomas Edison, Marie Curie and this play(Katherine Johnson): Trailblazers in Science(Six STEM Biographies) Reader’s Theater Scripts (All these plays are also sold individually.)
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A bundle of FIVE Reader’s Theater Scripts from my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series. The six scientists in this bundle include:
Galileo Galilei
Sir Isaac Newton
Jane Goodall
Albert Einstein
Rachel Carson
Use these fun/informative STEM biographical plays during a unit of study in science, for Women’s History Month or for a Friday Biographical person day or before a vacation.
The format involves an appearance on Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show where audience questioners ask the guest questions about their life and contributions to science. It’s a great opportunity to have students role-play and show their acting skills.
Each play is also available for purchase separately.
I also have a bundle of SIX other Reader’s Theater Scripts: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/resource-11483934 This resource has plays on the following:
Elizabeth Blackwell
Thomas Edison
George Washington Carver(also in my African American Trailblazer bundle)
Jacques Cousteau
Marie Curie
Katherine Johnson(currently in the news as she is highlighted in the movie,“Hidden Figures”)
Studying the Romans? This resources includes the following products to assist in the teaching of Ancient Rome and the Romans.
Ancient Romans-Unit of Study with activities and links
Ancient Roman- Secret Message Review Activity
Italy and Ancient Rome-A Webquest with activities and links
Diocles: Famous Charioteer (Reading Passage with activities)
Spartacus: Roman Gladiator(Reading Passage with activities)
Julius Caesar: ( Reading Passage with activities)
All resources are also available to be purchased individually.
Gail Hennessey
The following information may be helpful for Women’s History Month.In 2024, the theme is "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” The theme is to highlight women who have tried to eliminate bias and discrimination in our lives.Use this handout for students to learn about the contributions of women, especially for Women's History Month. There are extension activities and thought questions for students to answers.
1. Check out this Women's History Month Webquest: There are many women who have made contributions which have shaped our world. This webquest can be done at any time during the year.Each web question contains information on the women highlighted. Extension links/activities are included as is the key. Grades 4 and up. Here are the highlighted women in this web quest: Elizabeth Blackwell, Clara Barton, Amelia Earhart, Susan B Anthony,Sally Ride, Rosa Parks, Jane Goodall, Eleanor Roosevelt, Marie Curie, Sacagawea , Sonia Sotomajor and Katherine Johnson:Women's History Webquest. https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/women-s-history-webquest-11148790
Reader's Theater Script: Revolutionary War Spies:Culper Spy Ring and Female Agent 355: Learn about women spies during the Revolutionary War! I really had fun developing this play! Female Spies during Revolutionary War: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/revolutionary-war-spies-a-visit-with-female-agent-355-culper-spy-ring-script-12076857
Bookmark Bios: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/bookmark-bios-women-in-modern-history-1700s-to-present-12012485
2. Women History: A Bundle of TEN Reader's Theater Scripts on Women in History: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/women-s-history-a-bundle-of-ten-reader-s-theater-scripts-12078379
I have lots of other Reader’s Theater Scripts on first ladies in my To Tell the Truth series.
Michelle Obama
Eleanor Roosevelt
Hillary Clinton
Lady Bird Johnson
Mary Todd Lincoln
Martha Washington
Dolly Madison
Abigail Adams
Additionally, I have READER'S THEATER SCRIPTS on Susan B. Anthony, Katherine Johnson, Rachel Carson, Marie Curie, Elizabeth Blackwell, Sacagawea, Amelia Earhart, Marian Anderson, Bessie Coleman, Joan of Arc, Sojourner Truth, Phillis Wheatley, Mary Anning, Caroline Herschel, Sophie Brahe, Hypatia, Hildegard of Bingen, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks ,Aida de Acosta and more. I also have a play on Revolutionary War Female Spies, Women who Fought in the Civil War and Women Pilots during World War 2 (WASP).
Please consider following me if you find this resource of value and I'd also appreciate as you look for resources to use with your students during the school year, that you might take a peek at my other resources(biographical plays on famous people in history, science and literature), internet activities, reading passages and more. Thank you. Gail Hennessey
Use this handout to have students learn about endangered species. In 2024, Endangered Species Day is May 17th.
I also have webquests on Elephants, Giraffes, Rhinos, Leopards, Polar Bears.
Have students learn about the Tour de France and history of the Bicycle with this FREE handout or Interactive Notebook Activity. Please check out my other resources at my TES Store. Thank you. Gail Hennessey
Looking for something for the upcoming 2024 Paris Games? Check out this webquest on the country of France. From famous landmarks, to famous people, to contributions of the French to the world, this 14 question webquest gives a great introduction to the country. It is packed with lots of interesting facts! There are 10 Did You Know fun Facts, 5 comprehension questions and a Teacher page with extension activities and the key. Additionally there is a map skill activity. Could be used as a Friday activity, before a vacation or for a substitute resource. You could also give it to your students for a “summer” activity to keep the learning going!
A DBQ activity uses primary sources. Sources can include diaries,posters, music, news articles from the time, anything written by those who participated in or witnessed an event in history. Students review the given documents and use many cognitive skills in processing what they see and read. After gathering information using the documents, students develop an essay answering a question, in this case, “Describe Life on the Home Front During World War 2”, citing several of the documents reviewed.
A teacher page includes the Key and suggestions for a rubric to grade the DBQ.
If a teacher wishes to use the activity as a web quest, suggestions are also given.
I also have a similar activity on Life of a Japanese-American Child living in an Internment Camp during WW2.
Includes:
Greeks: A Unit of Study with notes, activities and links
Socrates: A Reading Passage with comprehension questions, activities
History of the Famous Games which began in Ancient Greece-an Internet Activity
County in Focus: Let’s Learn about the country of Greece-an Internet Activity with activities, links.
Ancient Greek Secret Message Review Activity
Wish to to practice oral reading fluency in Language Arts and want a biographical reader’s theater play?Try this fun and information play on Amelia Earhart based on the To Tell the Truth Game Show. Comprehension/discussion questions/ extension activities and links,too.
Students will learn about the history of the sport of “football”, (only the USA and some say Canada, use the term, soccer) and the famous games held every four years.
Great for a Friday activity to show kids that everything has a history, even sports!
Includes 11 web questions, a map skill activity on the 2022 Host Country of Qatar, A Did You Know? Section, Comprehension. Questions, a Teacher page with several extension activities and the key.
Learn about Katherine Johnson, a physicist, space scientist and mathematician, who played a very important role with NASA’s early space missions with this biographical play. The movie Hidden Figures highlights the role of NASA’s “computers” such as Katherine Johnson and their contributions. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series of Reader’s Theater Scripts, there are comprehension questions, a Did You Know? section,a Teacher page with extensions/links and key.
A great STEM biography!
Additional Resources on this Topic You May Find of Interest:
1. Learn about the history of space with this informative web quest.
There are 12 web questions, comprehension questions and extension activities:
Space: A Webquest/Extension Activities
2. Learn about Astronaut John Glenn’s historic flight to become the first American to Orbit the Earth. Years later, he would also become the oldest American to go on the Space Shuttle! This biographical web quest also contains several questions about the early days of space exploration. There are several extension activities.
Other plays in the Ms. Bie Ografee’s Talk Show Series: Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Bessie Coleman Sacagawea, George Washington Carver, Thomas Edison, Martin Luther King, Sequoia, Michelangelo, DaVinci, Tuskegee Airmen, Susan B. Anthony, Marco Polo, Christopher Columbus, an interview with a groundhog, an interview with a leprechaun, an interview with Simon, victim of the Black Death, An Interview with Agent 355, a female agent in the Culper Spy Ring(Revolutionary War), Interview with a 49er from the California Gold Rush and more.
Introduce students to the county of South Korea. There are 11 web questions, lots of Did You Know? facts, comprehension questions and a teacher page with 7 extension activities. There is also a key for both the web quest and comprehension questions and additional links for teachers. Although the activity could be done in one class period, if you decide to do some of the extension activities, this resource could be used over several days.
Did someone say pumpkin pie? Learn about the pumpkin with this 8 web question web quest. There are several comprehension questions and lots of extension activities. Great for a fall activity. Updated for 2023.
Kids will have fun learning some very cool facts about pumpkins. Another record breaking pumpkin was grown for 2023! Possible Interactive Notebook Activity. Great for a fall activity.
Use these resource to share with kids that history is all around us. I start the year with Why Study History? These resources would be a great beginning of the year or end of the year activity. An activity I used to to with my students had the students writing a paragraph on their favorite childhood toy. What was it? Why was it important to you? What did it look like? What happened to it. This got the discussion started that even THEY have a personal history. I shared my Pinkie, a stuffed dog, that was my very favorite childhood toy( which I still have).
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Everything has a history…even the peanut. Use this informative web quest to show your kids the history of the peanut!
March is National Peanut Month. My web quest," Learn about the Peanut!" is a fun/informative activity that helps develop skills such as reading for information and using research and computer skills. Comprehension questions, fun facts about the peanut and lots of extension activities (and the key) are included. A great activity for a Friday,before a holiday or when you need a substitute activity.
Part of my Everything has a History series, check out these resources, too.
1. History of Candy: https://www.tes.com/us/teacher-lessons/everything-has-a-history-even-candy-web-quest-11184489
2. History of Shoes: https://www.tes.com/us/teacher-lessons/shoes-everything-has-a-history-webquest-extension-activities-11146894
3. History of Chewing Gum: https://www.tes.com/us/teacher-lessons/chewing-gum-everything-has-a-history-webquest-extension-activities-11146897
Considered to be the greatest writer of the English language, learn about William Shakespeare with this fun/informative play. Shakespeare introduced about 3000 words to the English language . It is said that next to the Bible, his works are the most quoted!
Great for Language Arts, study on the Renaissance or on a Friday or day before a holiday when you’d like to introduce your students to famous people with a biography activity.
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 resources of interest:
Check out my web quest on Charles Dickens:Today, a person who is very tight with money, is often called a scrooge, after, the main character in A Christmas Carol. Did you know that several other words and phrases were coined by Charles Dickens? Words such as abuzz, flummox, the creeps,round the clock and whiz-bang are credited with Dickens. Other words that Dickens helped to popularize include, kibosh, butter-fingers,boredom,messiness,squashed,bah humbug,and tousled.
Here’s another interesting fact about Charles Dickens.Someone said that if you counted all the words which Dickens used in his writing, it was an amazing 4.6 million different words! One of the most famous writers of all times,Dickens also wrote Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities, David Copperfield and more. My webquest includes 8 fun/informative questions to learn about Dickens. Additional activities/links,too. Charles Dickens, A Webquest
This reader’s theater play introduces kids to fairy tale writer,Hans Christian Andersen. His story, The Ugly Duckling, some say was actually about him. Great activity for Anti-Bullying Month in October to go along with reading of this fairytale. Comprehension questions, discussion questions, extension activities and resources are included. Hans Christian Andersen, A Reader’s Theater Script
I also have a fun/informative Reader’s Theater Script on Charles Dickens. Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show Series, students will be introduced to the life of Charles Dickens, one of the most famous writers of all time. There are 11 questioners in the play as well as a Did You Know? section of fun facts, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extension activities, additional links and the key.Charles Dickens, A Reader’s Theater Script
Use this fun/informative play uses the format of Edgar Allan Poe 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.
Louisa May Alcott:
This resource includes seven famous writers in history.
Includes:
William Shakespeare: A Reader’s Theater Script
Charles Dickens: A Reader’s Theater Script
Hans Christian Andersen: A Reader’s Theater Script
Edgar Allan Poe: A Reader’s Theater Script
Louisa May Alcott: A Reader’s Theater Script
Sojourner Truth: A Reading Passage
Phillis Wheatley: A Reading Passage
Enheduanna, First Known Poet in History: A Reading Passage
Each resource is also available as an individual purchase.
Gail Hennessey