Let's create continuous conversations about climate change education: Spreading the Sediment of Science!

Why is CoCo Red?

Provided by: EPA

Ebooks Grades 3-5

Synopsis

This downloadable picture book is about a chameleon named CoCo and his experience with poor air quality, including information about wildfires, controlled burns, and asthma.
The ebook also includes a glossary, comprehension questions, an answer key, and resources to learn more about air quality and childhood asthma.

Subjects: English Language Arts, Health

Authors: EPA

Region: United States

Languages: English

Positives

Students with asthma will be able to identify with CoCo.
This story has a balance of providing a lot of information while not being overwhelming.

Prerequisites

Some students may benefit from having the glossary terms defined before reading.
The Preparing for Wildfires (CDC) link is broken.

Differentiation & Implementation

Teachers can use this book to segue from a unit about animal adaptations to a unit about air quality or health.
If students aren't familiar with chameleons, teachers can show them images from the internet or read an informational text about them.
After reading the story, students can discuss the difference between wildfires and prescribed or planned burns.
Students can practice accessing the AirNow website.
Older students can use the questions at the end as a comprehension assessment.
Older students can discuss how climate change and human activity exacerbates poor air quality.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format