This fall, the third through sixth grade students had the opportunity to join the Writers in the Schools program, led by George Mason University graduate writing students. These fellows worked closely with the Westminster students to study and write about strange but true creatures.
Through research, video files, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s live cam, students researched creatures that are so weird that their stories had to be told! With an introduction from science writer Jason Bittel, a writer for
NatGeo, the students gained insights about what it means to be a science writer.
Through their research and writing, the students learned about the Japanese Spider Crab, hummingbirds, reindeer bioluminescence, zombie spiders, and the electric eel. The writers also had the chance to experiment with research techniques to identify useful information to use in a NEWS OF THE WEIRD story. Finally, the students transformed their writing into a fiction piece where they used their new creature expertise to write riveting short stories starring their creatures. Check out the highlights in the video above!
Finally, the students enjoyed a wonderful celebration where they shared their writing and received special awards for their writing and efforts. What a wonderful way to celebrate the students’ achievements. Next up will be a fiction-writing class for third through sixth grade students as well as a sensory writing class for the second graders.
