
Astronomical Instruments
Learners explore the parts and function of different astronomical tools throughout the ages.
Unit:AstronomyIncludes
Astronomical tools thinking routine slides, Astronomical tools teacher guide

Rotation of the Earth
Learners are introduced to the rotation of the Earth through a video and the thinking routine ‘see, think, wonder.’ Learners read a short informational text about the rotation of the Earth and the patterns it creates.
Unit:AstronomyIncludes
Informational text about the rotation of the Earth, Astronomy unit vocabulary, Timelapse of the sun’s movement across the sky

Data
Learners explore the concept of a pattern and practice interpreting data.
Unit:AstronomyIncludes
Data lesson slides, Video of the rotation of the Earth, Astronomy unit vocabulary
Shadows
Learners investigate the relationship between shadows, an object and a light source and begin to understand that the rotation of the Earth causes a change in length and direction of shadows.
Unit:AstronomyIncludes
Timelapse of the sun’s movement across the sky
Shadows continued
Learners observe the relationship between shadows, an object and a light source by going outside and practicing scientific behaviors. Learners practice creating data about shadows.
Unit:AstronomyIncludes
Shadow tracker, Video of shadows changing throughout the day
Revolution of the Earth
Learners will be introduced to the revolution of the Earth and investigate a new pattern the movement of the Earth creates - the seasonal appearance of stars in the night sky. The investigation takes place through a folktale and an informational text.
Unit:AstronomyIncludes
Thuraya’s folktale, Informational text about the Earth’s revolution, Astronomy unit vocabulary, Video of the Earth revolving

Final Project
Learners choose a phenomenon created by the movement of the Earth and a way to represent it through a graphical display of data. Learners create a folktale that explains the phenomenon including an understanding of why this mattered to our ancestors.
Unit:AstronomyIncludes
Final project planning sheet and rubric

Mapping exploration
Learners rotate through mapping stations, starting to define their understanding of space and place through different modalities including geography and art literacies.
Unit:Geographies of HomeIncludes
Lesson slides, Heart-map handout, My Map Book, Sarah Fanelli

Sound maps
Learners explore representations of different sounds as they create sound maps.
Unit:Geographies of HomeIncludes
You Draw My Hum lesson plan, Nia Fekri, Sonic hunt handout, Lesson slides

Final Project
Learners work to memorialize some of their favorite places through collaborative art.
Unit:Geographies of HomeIncludes
Examples of murals and collaborative design, Special places handout (from lesson 2), Mentor texts and artists (from lesson 2), Final project example

How Can I Bring My Stories to Life?
Learners will brainstorm different special moments with a loved one and create a comic strip/storyboard to represent it. Learners experiment with figurative language to bring their writing to life.
Unit:Food & StoriesIncludes
Comic book template, Ten Ways to Hear Snow (Arabic excerpt)

Preparing for Interviews
Learners reflect about their relationship with favorite family recipes and brainstorm questions they would like to ask a family member about food or recipes. This is preparation for a family interview.
Unit:Food & StoriesIncludes
Mentor texts: ways I can tell my family’s story, أكلنا من

Family Interview Connections
Learners will make meaning of interviews. Learners share their interview with a partner, looking for similarities.
Unit:Food & StoriesIncludes
Same, different, connect, question, Family interview connections

Creating Recipe Stories
Learners will use their family interviews to create multimodal recipe stories.
Unit:Food & StoriesIncludes
Family interview connections

Oral Storytelling
Learners will explore different examples of oral storytelling practices like Zajal, hekaye, and harvesting songs.
Unit:Food & StoriesIncludes
Food and Stories unit vocabulary, Examples of oral storytelling, Oral storytelling observation tool

Preparing for Final Presentations Day 1
Learners will complete and revise two chosen pieces from their portfolios and reflect on their growth.
Unit:Food & StoriesIncludes
Checklist for final presentations, Portfolio reflection, Family letters

Preparing for Final Presentations Day 2
Learners will self-assess using a rubric and prepare for their presentations.
Unit:Food & StoriesIncludes
Checklist for final presentations, Family letters, Rubric for final presentations

Creating List Stories
Learners read رف الأباريق by عائشة الهاشمي that turns a simple teapot into ten imaginative tools that inspire our young narrator to paint, make music, decorate windowsills, and finally, write. Students are guided to create their own list stories in the same style.
Collection:Arabic Language Arts Mentor Text LessonsIncludes
List story template
Other HILL pursuits
Get in Touch
We'd love to hear from educators, parents and students. Tell us how you're using Athl in your classroom — or how we can help.
We aim to respond within a few working days.