Mini-Lesson

Objective: Students will identify key elements in a science article.

1. Tell students that TIME For Kids articles are grouped into categories. These include world, national, entertainment, health and science news. Have students brainstorm a list of possible topics for each type of story. They may look at past stories on timeforkids.com for ideas.

2. Explain that readers can expect to find certain features in each type of story. In this lesson, students will focus on a science article. Tell them that these are three things they can expect to find in most science articles: numbers, quotes from experts and scientific language.

3. Pass out the article A Walk on Dry Land. Have students underline examples of science-article features as they read. Review the list after reading. Ask: Why is it important to include these features in a science story? How would the story be different if one or more of these features was not included?