Walking to Mr. Plot-a-long's 7th grade classroom, you are surrounded by students listening to music from their phones, high fiving one another, and loudly talking over the swarm of bodies in the hallway, some of who are trying to get to class on time and others who are taking their time. You overhear a conversation between a pair of students, just ahead of you, both African American males.


Student A: Seriously, quick man, I need help. Just a quick plot summary.

Student B: I can't, seriously. I mean, I read it twice. I'm not even kidding. I don't get that shit.

Student A: What do you mean? Twice and you don't get it? You're holding out on me. At least tell me what the greenhouse effect is. I've never seen a green house.

Student B: It's a place for growing plants. Man, whatever, I'm not holding out on you. I seriously can't keep track of science. Why are we reading this in English?

Student A: Thanks for nothing. I'll remember this next time you need me. I'm going to fail the reading check quiz.

Student B: You know I'd help you if I could. Quiet, I don't want Mr. Plot-a-long knowing I don't get it--or that you're asking me to cheat.

(The two students walk briskly through the classroom door, both greeting Mr. Plot-a-long with smiles and nods. Student A says, "What up, Mr. Plot-along," to which Mr. Plot-a-long replies, "Hello, Gentleman! Great to see you two on time today." The two students part ways to take their seats at opposite sides of the classroom).


Before helping Mr. Plot-a-long think about Student B and the difficulties he is having comprehending events from the reading of an information-based on-line website - Learn the Basics an EPA site about climate change. https://www3.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/basics/index.html
After looking at the webpage and the whole site, start thinking of strategies to help this student begin to inquire into the topic.

When finished, head into Mr. Plot-a-long's Classroom to observe how he begins this class period and addresses students' reading homework.