MACBETH
We have begun our indepth exploration of William Shakespeare's play of Macbeth. We will explore this text using various techniques that will help students understand the words and ideas presented in this story. One of our big inquiry questions is "When is killing right or wrong?". We started our unit acting out the battle between Norway and Scotland in a controlled slow-motion action. After the battle, we looked at the text that described Macbeth's bravery:
For brave Macbeth - well he deserves that name-
Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished stell
Which smoked with bloody execution,
Like valour's minion carved out his passage
Till he faced the slave,
Till he unseamed him from the nave to th' chops
And fixed his head upon our battlements.
We also explored this battle from a villager's point of view. We portrayed a normal day in the life of a villager when the army of Norway invaded and attacked. Students were able to share their thoughts on our inquiry question. We learned that King Duncan's friend, Cawdor, was a traitor. We discussed what King Duncan would do to Cawdor. If he were to execute Cawdor, would this killing be justified?
For brave Macbeth - well he deserves that name-
Disdaining Fortune, with his brandished stell
Which smoked with bloody execution,
Like valour's minion carved out his passage
Till he faced the slave,
Till he unseamed him from the nave to th' chops
And fixed his head upon our battlements.
We also explored this battle from a villager's point of view. We portrayed a normal day in the life of a villager when the army of Norway invaded and attacked. Students were able to share their thoughts on our inquiry question. We learned that King Duncan's friend, Cawdor, was a traitor. We discussed what King Duncan would do to Cawdor. If he were to execute Cawdor, would this killing be justified?
The Prophecy
"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightening, or in rain?
When the hurlyburly's done,
When the battle's lost and won,
That will be ere the set of sun.
Where the place?
Upon the heath.
There to meet with Macbeth."
After the battle, Macbeth and Banquo meet three "weird sisters" on the heath and receive a foretelling of their future.
Macbeth's Prophecy Banquo's Prophecy
Hail Macbeth, Thane of Glamis! Lesser than Macbeth and greater.
Hail Macbeth, Thane of Cawdor! Not so happy, yet much happier.
Hail Macbeth, that shall be king hereafter. Thou shalt get kings though thou be none.
Students created their own interpretation of the "weird sisters" and we discussed the meaning and implications of the prophecies. What might need to happen to King Duncan in order for Macbeth to become king?
When the hurlyburly's done,
When the battle's lost and won,
That will be ere the set of sun.
Where the place?
Upon the heath.
There to meet with Macbeth."
After the battle, Macbeth and Banquo meet three "weird sisters" on the heath and receive a foretelling of their future.
Macbeth's Prophecy Banquo's Prophecy
Hail Macbeth, Thane of Glamis! Lesser than Macbeth and greater.
Hail Macbeth, Thane of Cawdor! Not so happy, yet much happier.
Hail Macbeth, that shall be king hereafter. Thou shalt get kings though thou be none.
Students created their own interpretation of the "weird sisters" and we discussed the meaning and implications of the prophecies. What might need to happen to King Duncan in order for Macbeth to become king?
Third Grade Design Challenge
Wind Energy
To connect with classroom learning, students built windmills to harness the wind to complete a task. Sometimes, they needed to go back to the "drawing board" and redesign the propellors on their windmill.
To connect with classroom learning, students built windmills to harness the wind to complete a task. Sometimes, they needed to go back to the "drawing board" and redesign the propellors on their windmill.