Gifted and Talented Curriculum BUNDLE - Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade

This BUNDLE contains both a printable packet version AND individual JPEG files for each document so that you can easily upload to Google Classroom. Since they are in JPEG format, students should be able to write on the documents in Google Classroom.

Additionally, this bundle now includes a PARENT INSTRUCTIONS edition that you can easily pass on to parents when students are out of school. The instructions are easy to follow and allow parents to work with students just as you would in the classroom! This also makes it super easy to send home additional materials for students that need extra enrichment outside of your classroom!

This bundle of mini-units was developed for a Gifted and Talented classroom, but could also be used in the regular classroom. It is designed for grades 3-5 but could be adapted for other grades as well. Every activity is common core aligned and the standards are listed on each activity intro page.

Included in this bundle:

Not-So-Scary-Zombie Unit:

This Not-So-Scary Zombie mini-unit was developed for a Gifted and Talented classroom, but could also be used in the regular classroom. It is designed for grades 3-5 but could be adapted for other grades as well. Every activity is common core aligned and the standards are listed on each activity intro page along with easy to follow instructions to complete each lesson.

Included in this mini-unit:

Razzle Dazzle Words - Students will use the given vocabulary terms (zombie and dystopia related) and definitions to create a visual dictionary sheet (included) that includes the word, definition, picture, a sentence, and synonyms. (GT: Vocabulary, Creativity, Common Core Standards: L.3.6, L.4.6, L.5.6)

Viral Logic - Students will use given "letters" from survivors to put together clues on a grid style logic puzzle to find out where the zombie virus began. (GT: Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Common Core Standards: MP1, MP2, MP3, RL.3.1, RL.4.1, RL.5.1)

Survival Stem - Students will create their own survival tool to get them through the zombie apocalypse - a water filtration system. (GT: Differentiation, Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Common Core Standards and NGSS Science Standards: 3-5-ETS-1, 3-5-ETS-2, 3-5-ETS-3, RL.3.1, RL.4.1, RL.5.1)

Seeking Safety Critical Thinking Project - Students will use a population density map and a topographical map to determine where the best place to go during a zombie attack would be - and then will work with their group to persuade the rest of us to run away with them there. (GT: Critical Thinking, Creativity, Differentiation, Common Core and Social Studies Standards: RI.3.1, RI.4.1, RI.5.1, Human-Environment Interaction, Spatial Patterns and Movement, Global Interconnections)

Plants and Zombies Math Brain Games - Students will compete to answer brain teaser questions. (GT: Differentiation, Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Common Core Standards: MP1, MP2, MP3)

Journal: The Cure - Students will write to explain what is in their zombie "cure" and will illustrate the ingredients, describing how they came to find it. (GT: Differentiation, Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Common Core Standards: W.3.3, W.4.3, W.5.3)

Apocalyptic Analysis - Students will choose from a research choice board to create various research projects relating to zombies. (GT: Research, Presentation Skills, Common Core Standards: RI.3.1, RI.4.1, RI.5.1, W.3.7, W.4.7, W.5.7)

Thanksgiving Unit:

This Thanksgiving mini-unit was developed for a Gifted and Talented classroom, but could also be used in the regular classroom. It is designed for grades 3-5 but could be adapted for other grades as well. Every activity is common core aligned and the standards are listed on each activity intro page.

Included in this mini-unit:

It Wouldn't Be Thanksgiving Journal - Students will write a letter to their parent persuading them to continue a Thanksgiving tradition that they hold dear. (GT: Differentiation, Critical Thinking, CC: W.3.1, W.4.1, W.5.1)

STEM Thanksgiving Day Parade - Students will use materials that you give them (list is included) to create a Thanksgiving Day parade float. Includes STEM think worksheet that asks them to write and draw out their plans. (GT: Affective Development, Competitiveness, Critical Thinking, Differentiation, Teamwork, CC: SL.3.3, M.P.1, M.P.2, SL.4.3, CCRA.SL.2)

Razzle Dazzle Words - Students will use the given vocabulary terms (Thanksgiving and feast related) and definitions to create a visual dictionary sheet (included) that includes the word, definition, picture, a sentence, and part of speech. (GT: Vocabulary, Creativity, Common Core Standards: L.3.1, L.3.6, L.4.1, L.4.6, L.5.1, L.5.6)

Thankful Paper Bag Books - Students will create paper bag books that illustrate things they are thankful for (GT: Affective Development, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Listening, CC: SL.3.3, SL.3.5, W.3.2, SL.4.3, SL.4.5, W.4.2, CCRA.SL.2, SL.5.5, W.5.2)

Minute to Win It - Students will play in teams to complete three active games with one another. All instructions included and use simple ingredients and tools. (GT: Affective Development, Critical Thinking, Differentiation, Teamwork, CC: SL.3.3, M.P.1, SL.4.3, CCRA.SL.2)

RACK Chains - Students will complete paper chains containing the good deeds they are doing for the people they are thankful for - creating a classroom art piece. (GT: Affective Development, Differentiation, CC: SL.3.3, SL.4.3, CCRA.SL.2)

What's on the Research Menu Today? - Students will use a choice game board to find subjects to research that are Thanksgiving related. There are six research projects to choose from. You could have students research all six or have them choose a few. Rubrics are included!! (GT: Research, Presentation, RI.3.1, RI.4.1, RI.5.1)

Magic Unit:

This Magic themed mini-unit was developed for a Gifted and Talented classroom, but could also be used in the regular classroom. It is designed for grades 3-5 but could be adapted for other grades as well. Every activity is common core aligned and the standards are listed on each activity intro page.

Included in this mini-unit:

Hocus Pocus Journal - Students will determine which three magic tricks they would do with a wand they found and explain why. (GT: Differentiation, Critical Thinking, Common Core Standards: W.3.3, W.4.3, W.5.3)

Magic Carpet STEM - Using given materials, students will follow instructions to engineer their own flying magic carpet. (GT: Affective Development, Competitiveness, Critical Thinking, Differentiation, Teamwork, Common Core Standards: SL.3.3, MP.1, MP.2, SL.4.3, CCRA.SL.2)

Razzle Dazzle Words - Students will use the given vocabulary terms (magic related) and definitions to create a visual dictionary sheet (included) that includes the word, definition, picture, a sentence, and part of speech. (GT: Vocabulary, Creativity, Common Core Standards: L.3.1, L.3.6, L.4.1, L.4.6, L.5.1, L.5.6)

Magic Square Scuffle - Students will compete in groups to complete a set of magic squares (3x3, 4x4, and 5x5) the fastest. (GT: Affective Development, Competitiveness, Critical Thinking, Differentiation, Teamwork, Common Core Standards: MP1)

My Patronus - Students will create an animal to show what their patronus would be if they had one (GT: Affective Development, Critical Thinking, Common Core Standards: SL.3.3, MP.1, MP.2, SL.4.3, CCRA.SL.2)

Would You Rather - Students will step forward or backward from a line to answer critical thinking would you rather questions (magic theme). (GT: Affective Development, Critical Thinking, Common Core Standards: SL.3.3, MP.1, MP.2, SL.4.3, MP.1, MP.2, CCRA.SL.2)

Enchanted Exploration - Students will use a choice game board to find subjects to research that are magic related. There are five research projects to choose from. You could have students research all five or have them choose a few. Rubrics are included!!

Time Travel Unit:

This Time Travel mini-unit was developed for a Gifted and Talented classroom, but could also be used in the regular classroom. It is designed for grades 3-5 but could be adapted for other grades as well. Every activity is common core aligned and the standards are listed on each activity intro page.

Included in this mini-unit:

A Place in Time Journal - Students will write to explain where they would go if they could travel to the past AND to the future. (GT: Differentiation, Creativity, Critical Thinking Common Core Standards: W.3.3, W.4.3, W.5.3)

Razzle Dazzle Words - Students will use the given vocabulary terms (time travel related) and definitions to create a visual dictionary sheet (included) that includes the word, definition, picture, a sentence, and part of speech. (GT: Vocabulary, Creativity, Common Core Standards: L.3.1, L.3.6, L.4.1, L.4.6, L.5.1, L.5.6)

Time Machine STEM - Students will use basic materials to build a "time machine" that will keep an egg (the human) safe for the quick speeds necessary to travel through time. (GT: Critical Thinking, Differentiation, Teamwork, Common Core Standards: MP1, MP2)

WHEN Are We Jack? - Students will do an Internet scavenger hunt to find out WHEN in time we are in each scenario using historically accurate facts. (GT: Research, Teamwork, Competitiveness, Critical Thinking, Common Core Standards: RI.3.1, W.3.7, RI.4.1, W.4.7, RI.5.1, W.5.7)

Math TIME - Students will create human clocks in their groups to answer time word problems involving time travel. (GT: Differentiation, Competitiveness, Teamwork, Common Core Standards: 3.MD.A.1, 4.MD.A.2, MP1, MP2)

TIME For Research - Students will use a choice game board to find subjects to research that are time travel related. There are six research projects to choose from. You could have students research all six or have them choose a few. Rubrics are included!! (GT: Research, Presentation, RI.3.1, RI.4.1, RI.5.1)

Art Unit:

This Art mini-unit was developed for a Gifted and Talented classroom, but could also be used in the regular classroom. It is designed for grades 3-5 but could be adapted for other grades as well. Every activity is common core aligned and the standards are listed on each activity intro page.

Included in this mini-unit:

Journal - Mona Lisa Smiles: Students will write and draw to show what Mona Lisa is looking at to make her smile. (GT: Creativity, Critical Thinking, CC: W.3.3, W.4.3, W.5.3)

Color Wheel of Me: Students will follow directions to create a color wheel that represents them (clear instructions included in product). (GT: Creativity, Affective Development, Presentation Skills, CC: SL.3.3, SL.4.3, CCRA.SL.2)

Razzle Dazzle Words: Students will use the given vocabulary terms (art related) and definitions to create a visual dictionary sheet (included) that includes the word, definition, picture, a sentence, and part of speech. (GT: Vocabulary, Creativity, Common Core Standards: L.3.1, L.3.6, L.4.1, L.4.6, L.5.1, L.5.6)

Artist Logic: Students will answer questions to solve a logic puzzle about famous works of art. (GT: Critical Thinking, CC: SL.3.3, MP1, MP2, SL.4.3, CCRA.SL.2)

Talent Boxes: Students will follow instructions to create boxes that represent famous artists. (GT: Creativity, Research, CC: RI.3.1, RI.4.1, RI.5.1)

Tangram Tournament: Students will work in teams to put together tangram puzzles and create works of art. (GT: Critical Thinking, CC: MP1, MP2)

Palette Presentations: Students will choose research and presentation activities from a choice board related to art and famous artists. (GT: Critical Thinking, CC: RI.3, RI.4.1, RI.5.1, W.3.7, W.4.7, W.5.7)

Fairy Tale Unit:

This Fairy Tale mini-unit was developed for a Gifted and Talented classroom, but could also be used in the regular classroom. It is designed for grades 3-5 but could be adapted for other grades as well. Every activity is common core aligned and the standards are listed on each activity intro page.

Included in this mini-unit:

Journal - Dear Disney - Students will write to their favorite Disney character and explain why they are their favorite and why it must be hard to be that character (GT: Creativity, Critical Thinking, CC: W.3.2, W.4.2, W.5.2)

Alphabet Improv - Students will play a game in which they write a story as a classroom using improvisational skills (GT: Creativity, Affective Development, Presentation Skills, Teamwork, CC: SL.3.3, SL.4.3, CCRA.SL.2)

Razzle Dazzle Words - Students will use the given vocabulary terms (fairy tale related) and definitions to create a visual dictionary sheet (included) that includes the word, definition, picture, a sentence, and synonyms. (GT: Vocabulary, Creativity, Common Core Standards: L.3.6, L.4.6, L.5.6)

Fairy Tale Court - Students will analyze fairy tale stories and "prosecute" the villains using a given form as a team. (GT: Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Presentation Skills, Creativity, CC: W.3.3, W.4.3, W.5.3)

Fairy Tale Mix-Ups - Students will work in groups to rewrite fairy tales by mixing up the characters, settings, and plot problems using the cards given.

STEM Stories - Students will create STEM solutions for four different fairy tale stories, including: Cinderella's Stepsisters, Gingerbread Man, Goldilocks, and Hansel and Gretel. (GT: Critical Thinking, Differentiation, Teamwork, CC: MP1, MP2)

Once Upon a Research Project - Students will choose between twelve different fairy tale research projects from a fairy tale choice board and present to the class. (GT: Research, Presentation Skills, RI.3.1, W.3.7, RI.4.1, W.4.7, RI.5.1, W.5.7)

Carnival Unit:

This Carnival and Roller Coaster mini-unit was developed for a Gifted and Talented classroom, but could also be used in the regular classroom. It is designed for grades 3-5 but could be adapted for other grades as well. Every activity is common core aligned and the standards are listed on each activity intro page.

Included in this mini-unit:

Buy a Coaster Journal - Students will write a letter to their school administrator to persuade them to buy a roller coaster for the school playground. (GT: Differentiation, Creativity, CC: W.3.1, W.4.1, W.5.1)

STEM Coaster - Students will complete a STEM challenge to build a working roller coaster for a marble with simple parts. (GT: Affective Development, Competitiveness, Critical Thinking, Differentiation, Teamwork, CC: SL.3.3, SL.4.3, M.P.1, M.P.2, CCRA.SL.2

Ability Coasters - Students will cut, paste, and write to create a roller coaster picture showing their abilities and things they can work on. All student work can be strung together to make one large roller coaster classroom display. (GT: Affective Development, CC: SL.3.3, M.P.1, M.P.2, SL.4.3, CCRA.SL.2)

Mind Bender Madness - Students will divide into teams and compete to answer math mind bender brain teasers with a carnival theme. (GT: Affective Development, Competiveness, Critical Thinking, Differentiation, Teamwork, CC: 3.NF.A.1, 3.OA.A.1, 3.OA.A.3, M.P.1, 4.NF.B.3b, 4.NBT.B.5, 5.NF.A.2)

Razzle Dazzle Words - Students will use the given vocabulary terms (carnival and roller coaster related) and definitions to create a visual dictionary sheet (included) that includes the word, definition, picture, a sentence, and part of speech. (GT: Vocabulary, Creativity, Common Core Standards: L.3.1, L.3.6, L.4.1, L.4.6, L.5.1, L.5.6)

Mirrors of Me - Students will create funhouse mirror versions of themselves to show how they believe other students see them, how teachers see them, and how they see themselves. (GT: Affective Development, CC: SL.3.3, M.P.1, M.P.2, SL.4.3, CCRA.SL.2)

Take Research For a Ride! - Students will use a choice game board to find subjects to research that are carnival related. There are ten research projects to choose from. You could have students research all ten or have them choose a few. Rubrics are included!! (GT: Research, Presentation, RI.3.1, RI.4.1, RI.5.1)

Space Unit:

This Space mini-unit was developed for a Gifted and Talented classroom, but could also be used in the regular classroom. It is designed for grades 3-5 but could be adapted for other grades as well. Every activity is common core aligned and the standards are listed on each activity intro page.

Included in this mini-unit:

Journal: Teaching Aliens - Students will write descriptively to explain to an alien how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, understanding that the alien doesn't know anything about the ingredients or utensils. (GT: Creativity, Critical Thinking, W.3.2, W.4.2, W.5.2)

Razzle Dazzle Words - Students will use the given vocabulary terms (space related) and definitions to create a visual dictionary sheet (included) that includes the word, definition, picture, a sentence, and part of speech. (GT: Vocabulary, Creativity, Common Core Standards: L.3.1, L.3.6, L.4.1, L.4.6, L.5.1, L.5.6)

Name Aliens - Students will create aliens out of their names and follow instructions to decorate them according to things like their pets, birthday, and how many vowels and consonants are in their name (GT: Creativity, Listening, SL.3.3, SL.4.2, 4.G.A.1, 4.G.A.3, CCRA.SL.2)

Build a Planet - Students will create a paper mache planet for their alien to live on, then write about the planet and the alien in detail. (GT: Creativity, Listening, W.3.3, W.4.3, W.5.3)

Space Research - Students will choose from one of six options on a choice board to research different aspects of space and space exploration. Includes rubric. (GT: Research, Presentation, RI.3.1, RI.4.1, RI.5.1)

Would You Rather Jump Game - Students will answer Would You Rather questions by jumping to one side or the other of a tape line. (GT: Affective Development, Listening, SL.3.3, SL.4.3, CCRA.SL.2)

Constellation Races - Students will race to use play-doh and glow-in-the-dark stars to recreate pictures of constellations that you hold up (included). (GT: Affective Development, Competitiveness, SL.3.3, SL.4.3, CCRA.SL.2)

Galactic Number Order - Students will put giant numbers in order from smallest to largest to show each planet's distance from the sun and each planet's circumference. Then they'll determine which planet they are. (GT: Differentiation, Communication, Critical Thinking, M.P.1, M.P.2, 4.NBT.A.2, 5.NBT.A.3

Career Unit:

This Career mini-unit was developed for a Gifted and Talented classroom, but could also be used in the regular classroom. It is designed for grades 3-5 but could be adapted for other grades as well. Every activity is common core aligned and the standards are listed on each activity intro page.

Included in this mini-unit:

Dream Job Journal - This journal prompt asks students to think of what they would do with their lives if they had all the money in the world. This encourages them to think of what they would LIKE to do if money didn't matter. Then students will look back at what they wrote and decide what a "dream job" might be, draw a picture of themselves doing it, and write pros and cons of the job. Journaling sheets are included. (GT: Creativity, Critical Thinking, Affective Development, Common Core Standards: W.3.1, W.3.2, W.3.8, W.4.1, W.4.4, W.4.8, W.5.1, W.5.2, W.5.3, W.5.4, W.5.8)

Career Inferences - Instructions are included for creating your own career inference packets using items you have around your home and classroom. Students will use their guide sheet (included) to determine which job each packet represents. (GT: Creativity, Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Common Core Standards: RI.3.3, RI.3.7, RI.4.3, RI.4.7, RI.5.3, RI.5.7)

Razzle Dazzle Words - Students will use the given vocabulary terms (career related) and definitions to create a visual dictionary sheet (included) that includes the word, definition, picture, a sentence, and synonyms. (GT: Vocabulary, Creativity, Common Core Standards: L.3.6, L.4.6, L.5.6)

Career Math Bingo - Students will solve math word problems (included) and cross off their answers on (included) bingo cards. (GT: Differentiation, Critical Thinking, Competitiveness, Common Core Standards: 3.OA.A.1, 3.OA.A.3, 3.OA.B.5, 3.OA.C.7, 3.OA.D.8, 4.OA.A.3, 4.OA.A.2, 4.NBT.B.4, 4.NBT.B.5, 5.NBT.B.6)

Career Logic - Students will solve a grid logic puzzle about careers (answer key included). (GT: Critical Thinking, Common Core Standards: RL.3.1, RL.4.1, RL.5.1)

Ingredients for Success - Students will watch as you follow this recipe to create play-doh. Each part represents something needed to be successful in life. (GT: Listening, Critical Thinking, Common Core Standards: SL.3.1, SL.4.1, SL.5.1)

Career Research - Students will research careers that seem interesting to them. They will use the given form to guide their research.