WorldScapes Books - Set 3, Grade 5
Global Issues |
Social
Studies (Photo Essays) |
Language
Arts (Stories) |
History (Biographies) |
Math |
Science |
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| Caribbean |  Finders, Keepers? |
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| Discover who has the rights to claim
sea-floor treasures of shipwrecks lying on the ocean floor? |
It's carnival time! Join two best friends, Hector and Alberto, as they make their carnival masks. Then learn how Puerto Rico's culture is a blend of other cultures and traditions. |
Contemporary fiction In this story set in the Caribbean, we learn that the biggest is not always the best and that small, delicate things can be strong, too. Kindness. |
Who was Christopher Columbus? Why did he sail to America? Read about the determination that took him from Spain to the islands of the Caribbean Sea. Then discover the peace-loving culture of the Taino people who lived there. |
Use math to investigate
tourism statistics in the Caribbean Island
group of the Bahamas. |
Discover how islands are
made and about different populations in
an island ecosystem. |
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| Ireland |  Operation Communication |
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| Languages around the world are dying out. Learn how the Irish and other people are trying to preserve minority languages. | No matter where in the world they live, caring for animals is an important part of many children's lives. Meet an Irish girl and share in her love for horses. Find out about her responsibilities and learn a little about life in Ireland. Commitment. |
Traditional tale In an old castle high in the green hills of Ireland, there lived three sisters. Discover how two of them learn a lesson about kindness in this colorful Cinderella story from Ireland. |
Who was Saint Brendan? Did he really sail from Ireland in a leather boat? Discover the legend of the mariner monk. Then read about the commitment of Tim Severin, the modern-day historian who followed in Brendan's footsteps. |
Analyze codes starting with the story of a 16-year-old Irish girl who created a code to make the Internet more secure. | Examine the life of farming families in Ireland, including the history of the potato famine. | |
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| Japan |  Fast Track to Success |
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| In some countries, students are under a lot of pressure to perform well and succeed in school. Read about how they cope.
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Meet some Japanese children and enjoy the fun and games during the spring festival in Sapporo. Find out a little more about life in urban Japan. Friendship. |
Traditional tale In this age-old tale from Japan, we learn that it does not pay to be dishonest or lazy and that a kind, gentle, and loyal spirit will be remembered and honored forever. |
Who was Murasaki Shikibu? Why is she still famous today? Read about Murasaki's life in ancient Japan, and find out why generosity was important to this writer in the Emperor's magnificent court. |
Investigate geometry and
the history of kite making traditions in
Japan. |
Discover how the people
of Japan use modern technology to solve
overpopulation problems. |
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| Mexico |  The Animal Files |
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| Some rare pets are caught illegally. Read about poaching endangered animals and what people doing to help.
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Kin goes to school and plays soccer just like the other kids in his neighborhood. When he finally explores the ancient pyramids near his home in Palenque, Mexico, however, Kin learns to respect his Mayan heritage. |
Fantasy In this story set in the jungles of Mexico, we step back in time and join a young Mayan prince as he discovers friendship and adventure outside the protection of the royal palace. |
Who was Alberto Ruz Lhuillier? How did he discover something that had been lost in time? Read about his curiosity and commitment for Maya archaeology, and find out what led him to discover a hidden tomb. |
Explore the number system and calendars developed by the Mayan people of Central America. | Evaluate plants and how people use them, especially for food production | |
Nepal |
 Reaching New Heights |
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| Learn how the educational opportunity for the children in Nepal is changing. |
Zoe from New Zealand accompanies her photographer father on a trek in Nepal. Find out how she copes with the challenges of trekking, and share her encounter with a culture different from her own. Respect. |
Traditional tale Kauda can't bear to see animals being mistreated. He is rewarded for his compassion, but when a greedy man steals Kauda's magic away, it is the animals that come to the rescue! |
Who were the famous pair of climbers that became the first people to make it to the top of the world's highest mountain? Read about their amazing teamwork and how they have each gone on to influence the lives of others. |
Investigate facts and figures
related to trekking and mountaineering
in Nepal. |
Identify how plants, animals,
and people survive on the world’s
highest mountains. |
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U.S.A. |
 Is That Fair? |
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| Much of our clothing is made by people in other countries. Learn about fair trade and consumerism.
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Since synchronized swimming was made an Olympic sport, teams have formed all over the world. Read about this graceful sport and the serious commitment it requires from its team members. |
Contemporary fiction Kei is mad about the sea. But he hangs out with boys who catch and sell tropical fish and coral illegally. When Kei finds a valuable bracelet, he sells it for diving gear, but he feels terrible when he meets the girl who lost it. In the end, Kei decides honesty is worth more and is rewarded. |
Who is Loretta Claiborne? What lessons can we learn from her amazing life? Discover how Loretta's natural ability and determination helped her become one of the greatest ever Special Olympians. |
Investigate time differences
and travel times between Hawaii and the
mainland states. |
Analyze waves, tides, tsunamis, oceans currents, and sea safety. | |
Vietnam |
 Patching Up the Past |
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| Can people who once fought each other in war be friends? Read about forgiveness and healing the wounds of war.
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Come with TJ and his mother as they journey between two worlds to meet long-lost family. TJ learns to respect a country and culture that is different from his own. |
Play Hoa Moc Lan is not
like most other young women her age.
She is a champion sword fighter and
an expert with a bow and arrow! She
has to put on a different act entirely,
however, when she becomes part of
the king’s army. Discover |
Who were the Trung sisters? Why are they famous in Vietnam? Read about the courage of these Vietnamese national heroines, and find out about their fight against oppression. |
Analyze information related
to one of the world’s longest rivers. |
Discover Vietnam’s
many and varied birds and its conservation
programs. |
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