Punxsutawney Phil, the world's most only famous groundhog, saw his shadow this morning. So if you believe in the prognostication powers of Phil, you've got to believe that we've got another 6 weeks of winter coming to us. But why do we believe such things? Should we? This lesson plan asks students to pick from a list of superstitions, consider where the superstition came from and then confirm their hypothesis with research.
Teach Figurative Language with Flocabulary [jwplayer file=https://s3.amazonaws.com/flocabulary/media-jrev/figurative-language-media.mp4 image=http://flocabulary.s3.amazonaws.com/images-jrev/figurative-language-image.jpg]Listen to Flocabulary's new, free Figurative Language song. You'll learn all about puns, as well as metaphors, simile and more. Some call it wordplay. Some call them puns. But whether these double meanings make you giggle or make you groan, you should know what they are. Today, our servers are bringing you a big platter of puns and wordplay from rap, literature, advertising and more. When you're done reading, let us know whether you're a wordplay lover or a pun hater. PUN Definition: Wordplay that exploits the multiple meanings of words or words…
What is mutation? Well to understand that, first you need a quick primer on DNA. Everyone has DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) inside of them. That's how you got your mom's blue eyes and your dad's height. DNA is the genetic instruction used in the development, aesthetic and functioning of every human being, including you! Look to your right. Now look to your left. Your neighbors aren't carbon copies of you, are they? That's because no two people have the exact same DNA. Even identical twins have different DNA. Check out our rap, We are DNA, to better understand DNA and the…
Review the Biggest Buzzwords of the Week! When you follow national and worldwide affairs, you get access to deep seated rivalries, the aftermath of disasters, celebrations of legacies, wild science, famous goodbyes and presidential speeches. Each week, we’ll highlight the top buzzwords or terms that your students might not have known or even heard until now. All these words are featured in the most recent edition of The Week in Rap. And once they beef up their vocab, the news will make a lot more sense. THIS WEEK rivalry (noun) -- the act of rivaling: the state of being a rival…
Is "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" a familiar line to you? Did you know it was written during the Civil War by a former slave? You may be surprised to learn that many old familiar songs were written by or for slaves, and that many of the lyrics have double meanings that relate to slavery. Slaves would sing songs as a way to communicate with other slaves or with "conductors" on the Underground Railroad. Because the lyrics were seemingly innocent, plantation owners and overseers had no way of knowing that slaves might be planning on running away or plotting to revolt.…
