nOnFiCtIoN

cLoSe rEaDiNg
Pearl Freebie

Grades 4-7
Differentiated
High-Interest
Interactive
Paired Text Activities
Answer Keys Included
 close reading overview
First Read
Each student independently reads the text and annotates it using
the marks included on page 3 of this packet. Teachers may opt to
use marks that have already been used in class.

The smaller article can be glued onto the right sides of an

interactive notebook. Students can elaborate on annotations on
the left sides of the notebook.

After adequate time has been given for students to read and
annotate, students briefly share a few thoughts with a partner.

Teachers may wish to read the text aloud so that students have
another opportunity to respond to words and ideas that were
not understood during the students first read.

Second and Third Reads

Students will synthesize, analyze, or evaluate what the text says
in addition to analyzing the text structure and organization.

This will be done through a variety of activities that can be done

as worksheets or included in an interactive notebook. Options for
both possibilities have been included for each text.

After adequate time has been given for students to complete

the activities for the second and third reads, allow time to
discuss.

2014 Fi)h in the Middle

 Thinking Notes Thinking Notes
Something Important Something Important

Things that made me Things that made me

! think wow, yikes, or ! think wow, yikes, or
awesome awesome

? Question I have ? Question I have

Connection I made to Connection I made to

my life, another text, my life, another text,
or the world or the world

What I visualized What I visualized

when I read this part when I read this part

Parts I enjoyed Parts I enjoyed

reading reading
Predictions/ Predictions/
Inferences Inferences
(crystal ball) (crystal ball)

Thinking Notes Thinking Notes

Something Important Something Important

Things that made me Things that made me

! think wow, yikes, or ! think wow, yikes, or
awesome awesome

? Question I have ? Question I have

Connection I made to Connection I made to

my life, another text, my life, another text,
or the world or the world

What I visualized What I visualized

when I read this part when I read this part

Parts I enjoyed Parts I enjoyed

reading reading
Predictions/ Predictions/
Inferences Inferences
(crystal ball) (crystal ball)

2014 Fi)h in the Middle

 possible weekly plans whole class option
Monday 20-30 minutes
First Read - Distribute the same text to each student along with a Thinking
Notes slip. Introduce applicable vocabulary. Not all vocabulary appears in all
levels of the text. Read one paragraph aloud as a class. Allow students to
annotate directly on the text and/or the left side of the INB (if you are
using that option). You will need to model your thoughts the first few times.
Continue reading paragraph by paragraph. You can allow students to discuss
following each paragraph or at the end.

Tuesday 15 minutes
Second Read Distribute the second read activity. You may eventually
decide to have students work independently or in small groups, but the first
few times should be done as a class. Students will highlight requested
information and complete a graphic organizer or short response.

Wednesday 15 minutes
Third Read - Distribute the third read activity. You may eventually decide to
have students work independently or in small groups, but the first few
times should be done as a class. Students will underline or otherwise mark
requested information and complete a graphic organizer or short response.

Thursday 20 minutes
Writing Response - Distribute the writing response sheet. Students will use
information from the week to form an opinion or respond to a prompt. You
may wish to brainstorm first as a class. Model how to use text evidence to
support.

Friday 20-30 minutes

Paired Reading Distribute the paired text and activity. You may decide to
read aloud, in partners, or independently. Students should annotate the text
as its being read. Allow for discussion as needed. Students then complete
the activity as a class, in small groups, or independently.

2014 Fi)h in the Middle

 possible weekly plans small groups option

Monday 20-30 minutes

First Read - Distribute the differentiated texts to each ability group along with a Thinking
Notes slip. You may wish for the higher ability students to work independently or in pairs
while you work with the lowest group. Introduce applicable vocabulary. Not all vocabulary
appears in all levels of the text. Read one paragraph aloud. Allow students to annotate
directly on the text and/or the left side of the INB (if you are using that option). You will
need to model your thoughts the first few times. Continue reading paragraph by
paragraph. You can allow students to discuss following each paragraph or at the end. Pull
the class back together to discuss so students from the different groups can hear others
opinions.

Tuesday 15 minutes
Second Read Distribute the second read activity. Read directions together as a class to
check for understanding. Students will highlight requested information and complete a
graphic organizer or short response. You may eventually decide to have students work
independently or in small groups while you work with the lowest groups.

Wednesday 15 minutes
Third Read - Distribute the third read activity. Read directions together as a class to check
for understanding. Students will underline or otherwise mark requested information and
complete a graphic organizer or short response. You may eventually decide to have
students work independently or in small groups while you work with the lowest groups.

Thursday 20 minutes
Writing Response - Distribute the writing response sheet. Students will use information
from the week to form an opinion or respond to a prompt. You may wish to brainstorm
first as a class. Model how to use text evidence to support.

Friday 20-30 minutes

Paired Reading Distribute the paired text and activity. You may decide to read aloud, in
partners, or independently. Students should annotate the text as its being read. Allow for
discussion as needed. Students then complete the activity in small groups or independently.

2014 Fi)h in the Middle

 possible weekly plans homework option

Monday First read with thinking notes

Tuesday Second read activity
Wednesday Third read activity
Thursday Writing response
Friday Due date/Follow-up in class with paired
text activity

Some of the second/third read activities have a

flippable that you could use as a follow-up
activity in class.

2014 Fi)h in the Middle

 Pearls
Passage Skills Grade Level Word Count

Pearls Compare/ 7.1 402

contrast,
Pearls cause/effect, 6.3 398
opinion/
Pearls 5.5 392
narrative
Pearls writing, 4.3 398
problem/
Diamonds (paired) solution 7.3 362

Full-page texts and activities Pages 8-19

Half-page texts and activities for

Pages 20-31
interactive notebooks
Second read, third read, and writing
response headers for interactive Pages 32-36
notebooks or journal pages.

Possible answers Pages 37-39

Vocabulary

mollusk a soft-bodied creature (sometimes with a shell) that

lives in a wet area

freshwater lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water located

inside a continent

saltwater oceans and other bodies of water located outside

of a continent

metaphor a type of figurative language that makes a

comparison between two things without using the words like
or as

pearl harvester someone who makes a living from gathering

pearls

2014 Fi)h in the Middle

 Pearls
Pearls are popular gems used in all types of jewelry, and they are one
of the gems used to represent June birthdays. Unlike diamonds, emeralds,
or other gemstones, no polishing or cutting is needed to bring out a pearls
beauty. They are the only gems that are made by living sea creatures and
not dug up out of the ground. So, how do sea creatures make pearls?
Most natural pearls are made by oysters. Other mollusks, like clams and
mussels, can produce pearls, but those types of pearls are very rare. Both
freshwater and saltwater oysters can make pearls.
Oysters are bivalve mollusks because they have two shells. When the
oyster grows, the shells must grow along with it, so a soft organ called a
mantle is responsible for making the shell grow. The mantle uses minerals
from the oysters food to make nacre, which is the lining on the inside of the
shell. Sometimes, nacre is called mother of pearl.
When something foreign gets between the mantle and the shell, like a
bit of shell or sand, the mantle gets irritated, and the oyster covers up the
foreign object to protect itself. The mantle uses nacre to make layers
around the object, and a pearl is formed. Sometimes the pearls are nice and
round, and sometimes they are uneven. The most valuable pearls are
perfectly round and smooth. Pearls can also come in a variety of colors, like
white, gray, red, blue, green, and black.
When pearls are made in the wild, they are called natural pearls. This is
a rare event, and these types of pearls can be very valuable. In fact, the
word pearl is a metaphor for something very rare and valuable. Because
of the rarity of this occurrence, pearls can also be made with a little help
from humans.
The process of making cultured pearls begins when a pearl harvester
opens the oyster and makes a little slit in the mantle. Then, a bead is put
between the mantle and the shell. The oyster then forms the pearl by
layering nacre on the bead. This process takes about six months since it only
needs a thin coating of nacre. Even though they still look beautiful, cultured
pearls aren't as expensive as natural pearls because they are more
common.
Whether they are natural or cultured, pearls continue to be one of
natures beautiful miracles!
2014 Fi)h in the Middle
 Pearls
Pearls are popular gems used in all types of jewelry, and they are one
of the gems used to represent June birthdays. Unlike diamonds, emeralds,
or other gemstones, no polishing or cutting is needed to bring out a pearls
beauty. They are the only gems that are made by living sea creatures and
not dug up out of the ground. So, how do sea creatures make pearls?
Most natural pearls are made by oysters. Other mollusks, like clams and
mussels, can produce pearls, but those types of pearls are very rare. Both
freshwater and saltwater oysters can make pearls.
Oysters are bivalve mollusks because they have two shells. When the
oyster grows, the shells must grow along with it. A soft organ called a
mantle is responsible for making the shell grow. The mantle uses minerals
from the oysters food to make nacre. Nacre is the lining on the inside of
the shell. Sometimes, nacre is called mother of pearl.
When something foreign gets between the mantle and the shell, like a
bit of shell or sand, the mantle gets irritated. The oyster covers up the
foreign object to protect itself. The mantle uses nacre to make layers
around the object, and a pearl is formed. Sometimes the pearls are nice and
round, and sometimes they are uneven. The most valuable pearls are
perfectly round and smooth. Pearls can also come in a variety of colors, like
white, gray, red, blue, green, and black.
When pearls are made in the wild, they are called natural pearls. This is
a rare event, and these types of pearls can be very valuable. In fact, the
word pearl is a metaphor for something very rare and valuable. Because
of this rare event, pearls can also be made with a little help from humans.
The process of making cultured pearls begins when a pearl harvester
opens the oyster and makes a little slit in the mantle. Then, a bead is put
between the mantle and the shell. The oyster then forms the pearl by
layering nacre on the bead. This process takes about six months since it only
needs a thin coating of nacre. Even though they still look beautiful, cultured
pearls aren't as expensive as natural pearls because they are more
common.
Whether they are natural or cultured, pearls continue to be one of
natures beautiful miracles!
2014 Fi)h in the Middle
 Pearls
Pearls are popular gems used in all types of jewelry. They are one of
the gems used to represent June birthdays. Unlike diamonds or other
gemstones, no polishing or cutting is needed to bring out a pearls beauty.
They are the only gems that are made by living sea creatures and not dug
up out of the ground. So, how do sea creatures make pearls?
Most natural pearls are made by oysters. Other mollusks, like clams and
mussels, can produce pearls. Those types of pearls are very rare. Both
freshwater and saltwater oysters can make pearls.
Oysters are bivalve mollusks because they have two shells. When the
oyster grows, the shells must grow along with it. A soft organ called a
mantle is responsible for making the shell grow. The mantle uses minerals
from the oysters food to make nacre. Nacre is the lining on the inside of
the shell. Sometimes, nacre is called mother of pearl.
When something gets between the mantle and the shell, like a bit of
shell or sand, the mantle gets irritated. The oyster covers up the thing to
protect itself. The mantle uses nacre to make layers around the object. A
pearl is formed! Sometimes the pearls are nice and round, and sometimes
they are uneven. The most valuable pearls are perfectly round and smooth.
Pearls can also come in a variety of colors, like white, gray, red, blue, green,
and black.
When pearls are made in the wild, they are called natural pearls. This is
a rare event, and these types of pearls can be very valuable. In fact, the
word pearl is a metaphor for something very rare and valuable. Because
of this rare event, pearls can also be made with a little help from humans.
The process of making cultured pearls begins when a pearl harvester
opens the oyster and makes a little slit in the mantle. Then, a bead is put
between the mantle and the shell. The oyster then forms the pearl by
layering nacre on the bead. This process takes about six months since it only
needs a thin coating of nacre. Even though they still look beautiful, cultured
pearls aren't as expensive as natural pearls because they are more
common.
Whether they are natural or cultured, pearls continue to be one of
natures beautiful miracles!
2014 Fi)h in the Middle
 Pearls
Pearls are popular gems used in all types of jewelry. They are one of
the gems that stand for June birthdays. Diamonds and rubies have to be
polished and cut to look beautiful. No polishing or cutting is needed to bring
out a pearls beauty. They are the only gems that are made by living sea
creatures and not dug up out of the ground. So, how do sea creatures make
pearls?
Most natural pearls are made by oysters. Other mollusks, like clams and
mussels, can make pearls. Those types of pearls are very rare. Both
freshwater and saltwater oysters can make pearls.
Oysters are bivalve mollusks. They have two shells. When the oyster
grows, the shells must grow, too. A soft organ called a mantle makes the
shell grow. The mantle uses minerals from the oysters food to make nacre.
Nacre is the lining on the inside of the shell. Sometimes, nacre is called
mother of pearl.
The mantle gets irritated when something gets between it and the shell.
It could be something like a grain of sand or a bit of broken shell. The oyster
covers up the thing to protect itself from being bothered by it. The mantle
uses nacre to make layers around the object. A pearl is formed! Sometimes,
the pearls are nice and round. Sometimes, they are uneven. The most
valuable pearls are perfectly round and smooth. Pearls can also come in
many colors. Pearls can be white, gray, red, blue, green, or black.
Pearls made in the wild are called natural pearls. These are rare events.
Natural pearls can be very valuable. In fact, the word pearl is a word used
for something very rare and valuable. Because of this rare event, pearls can
also be made with a little help from humans.
The process of making cultured pearls begins when a pearl harvester
opens the oyster and makes a little slit in the mantle. Then, a bead is put
between the mantle and the shell. The oyster then forms the pearl by
layering nacre on the bead. This process takes about six months. It only
needs a thin coating of nacre. Even though the pearls still look beautiful,
cultured pearls aren't as expensive as natural pearls because they are
more common.
Whether they are natural or cultured, pearls continue to be one of
natures beautiful miracles!
2014 Fi)h in the Middle
 Pearls Second Read

Go back through the text and highlight the characteristics of
natural pearls with a yellow highlighter, marker, or colored pencil.
Highlight the characteristics of cultured pearls in blue. Highlight
what they have in common in green. Complete the Venn diagram
using the information you highlighted. One has been done as an
example.

Natural Pearls Cultured

Pearls

Both

used in jewelry

2014 Fi)h in the Middle

 Pearls Pearls
Both
Cultured Natural
Direc4ons: Cut on do:ed lines. Fold on solid line. Go back through the text and highlight the characteris4cs of
natural pearls with a yellow highlighter, marker, or colored pencil. Highlight the characteris4cs of cultured pearls
in blue. Highlight what they have in common in green. Complete the Venn diagram by wri4ng the informa4on
you highlighted underneath the corresponding ap.
2014 Fi)h in the Middle
 Pearls Third Read

Go back through the text one last time to find causes and
effects. Label the causes with a C and the effects with an E.
Then, add them to the chart.

Cause Effect

2014 Fi)h in the Middle

Direc4ons: Cut on do:ed lines. Fold on solid line. Write causes on the aps and the eects underneath the aps.
2014 Fi)h in the Middle
 Pearls Writing Response
A pearl is often hidden in an ugly shell. Chinese proverb

What do you think this proverb means? Use text evidence when
necessary to support your opinion.

2014 Fi)h in the Middle

 Pearls Writing Response
As the text states, the word pearl can be used to describe
someone or something that is rare and valuable. Think of
someone or something in your life that is rare and valuable. Why
is that person or thing rare and valuable?

2014 Fi)h in the Middle

 Diamonds
Cut diamonds are beautiful, making them a popular gem choice for
jewelry. Most of the diamonds that are mined are not good enough to be cut
into gems. Rough diamonds that are not colorless or perfectly clear may
not be chosen for cutting into a gem. Diamonds are the hardest natural
substance. Diamonds that are not gem-quality may end up on an industrial1
cutting or grinding tool, possibly in the form of a diamond-tipped drill bit2.
However, the demand for all qualities of diamonds is higher than what can
be mined. How does the diamond industry keep up with the demand?
One solution is the use of synthetic diamonds. Synthetic diamonds are
not mined. Rather, they are created in a laboratory. It is possible to create
a synthetic diamond that is exactly like a natural one. Only a gemologist with
special equipment can tell the difference between them. Almost all
synthetic diamonds are for industrial use. This is because of the fact that
most of the diamonds produced are colored because of the chemicals
involved in making them. It is much more expensive to create a colorless
diamond than it is to mine one. However, almost all of the fancy colored
diamonds used in jewelry are synthetic.
Another solution to the high demand of gem-quality diamonds is
diamond enhancement. Cut diamonds are treated to improve their quality.
Laser drilling removes inclusions3. Sealants fill tiny cracks. Other treatments
can either change or remove color. Although enhanced diamonds look better
after treatment, they are priced lower than untreated diamonds of similar
quality. Also, the seller has to disclose4 that the diamond has been treated.
Finally, buyers who just want the look of the diamond without the huge
price tag may be satisfied with a diamond simulant. A diamond simulant
looks like a diamond. The most common simulant is the cubic zirconia. Cubic
zirconia gems are synthetic. They arent as hard as diamonds, so they are
not for industrial use. A cubic zirconia is very sparkly and almost always
colorless.
Diamonds are popular for gem or industrial use. However, synthetic
diamonds, enhancements, and simulants have satisfied the high demand for
diamonds.

1manufacturing
2the cutting part of the drill
3black carbon specks within a gem
4reveal

2016 Fi)h in the Middle

 Pearls/Diamonds
What is the problem as described in Diamonds?

What is the solution to the problem in Diamonds?

What are some similarities and differences between the pearl

and diamond industries?

2016 Fi)h in the Middle

 Pearls
Pearls are popular gems used in all types
of jewelry, and they are one of the gems used
to represent June birthdays. Unlike diamonds,
emeralds, or other gemstones, no polishing or
cutting is needed to bring out a pearls beauty.
They are the only gems that are made by living
sea creatures and not dug up out of the ground.
So, how do sea creatures make pearls?
Most natural pearls are made by oysters.
Other mollusks, like clams and mussels, can
produce pearls, but those types of pearls are
very rare. Both freshwater and saltwater
oysters can make pearls.
Oysters are bivalve mollusks because they
have two shells. When the oyster grows, the
shells must grow along with it, so a soft organ
called a mantle is responsible for making the
shell grow. The mantle uses minerals from the
oysters food to make nacre, which is the lining
on the inside of the shell. Sometimes, nacre is
called mother of pearl.
When something foreign gets between the
mantle and the shell, like a bit of shell or sand,
the mantle gets irritated, and the oyster covers
up the foreign object to protect itself. The
mantle uses nacre to make layers around the
object, and a pearl is formed. Sometimes the
pearls are nice and round, and sometimes they
are uneven. The most valuable pearls are
perfectly round and smooth. Pearls can also
come in a variety of colors, like white, gray, red,
blue, green, and black.
When pearls are made in the wild, they
are called natural pearls. This is a rare event,
and these types of pearls can be very valuable.
In fact, the word pearl is a metaphor for
something very rare and valuable. Because of
the rarity of this occurrence, pearls can also
be made with a little help from humans.
The process of making cultured pearls
begins when a pearl harvester opens the oyster
and makes a little slit in the mantle. Then, a bead
is put between the mantle and the shell. The
oyster then forms the pearl by layering nacre
on the bead. This process takes about six
months since it only needs a thin coating of
nacre. Even though they still look beautiful,
cultured pearls aren't as expensive as natural
pearls because they are more common.
Whether they are natural or cultured,
pearls continue to be one of natures beautiful
miracles!
2014 Fi)h in the Middle
 Pearls and a pearl is formed. Sometimes the pearls
are nice and round, and sometimes they are
Pearls are popular gems used in all types
uneven. The most valuable pearls are perfectly
of jewelry, and they are one of the gems used
round and smooth. Pearls can also come in a
to represent June birthdays. Unlike diamonds,
variety of colors, like white, gray, red, blue,
emeralds, or other gemstones, no polishing or
green, and black.
cutting is needed to bring out a pearls beauty.
When pearls are made in the wild, they
They are the only gems that are made by living
are called natural pearls. This is a rare event,
sea creatures and not dug up out of the ground.
and these types of pearls can be very valuable.
So, how do sea creatures make pearls?
In fact, the word pearl is a metaphor for
Most natural pearls are made by oysters.
something very rare and valuable. Because of
Other mollusks, like clams and mussels, can
this rare event, pearls can also be made with a
produce pearls, but those types of pearls are
little help from humans.
very rare. Both freshwater and saltwater
The process of making cultured pearls
oysters can make pearls.
begins when a pearl harvester opens the oyster
Oysters are bivalve mollusks because they
and makes a little slit in the mantle. Then, a bead
have two shells. When the oyster grows, the
is put between the mantle and the shell. The
shells must grow along with it. A soft organ
oyster then forms the pearl by layering nacre
called a mantle is responsible for making the
on the bead. This process takes about six
shell grow. The mantle uses minerals from the
months since it only needs a thin coating of
oysters food to make nacre. Nacre is the lining
nacre. Even though they still look beautiful,
on the inside of the shell. Sometimes, nacre is
cultured pearls aren't as expensive as natural
called mother of pearl.
pearls because they are more common.
When something foreign gets between the
Whether they are natural or cultured,
mantle and the shell, like a bit of shell or sand,
pearls continue to be one of natures beautiful
the mantle gets irritated. The oyster covers up
miracles!
the foreign object to protect itself. The mantle
uses nacre to make layers around the object,
2014 Fi)h in the Middle
 Pearls formed! Sometimes the pearls are nice and
round, and sometimes they are uneven. The
Pearls are popular gems used in all types
most valuable pearls are perfectly round and
of jewelry. They are one of the gems used to
smooth. Pearls can also come in a variety of
represent June birthdays. Unlike diamonds or
colors, like white, gray, red, blue, green, and
other gemstones, no polishing or cutting is
black.
needed to bring out a pearls beauty. They are
When pearls are made in the wild, they
the only gems that are made by living sea
are called natural pearls. This is a rare event,
creatures and not dug up out of the ground. So,
and these types of pearls can be very valuable.
how do sea creatures make pearls?
In fact, the word pearl is a metaphor for
Most natural pearls are made by oysters.
something very rare and valuable. Because of
Other mollusks, like clams and mussels, can
this rare event, pearls can also be made with a
produce pearls. Those types of pearls are very
little help from humans.
rare. Both freshwater and saltwater oysters
The process of making cultured pearls
can make pearls.
begins when a pearl harvester opens the oyster
Oysters are bivalve mollusks because they
and makes a little slit in the mantle. Then, a bead
have two shells. When the oyster grows, the
is put between the mantle and the shell. The
shells must grow along with it. A soft organ
oyster then forms the pearl by layering nacre
called a mantle is responsible for making the
on the bead. This process takes about six
shell grow. The mantle uses minerals from the
months since it only needs a thin coating of
oysters food to make nacre. Nacre is the lining
nacre. Even though they still look beautiful,
on the inside of the shell. Sometimes, nacre is
cultured pearls aren't as expensive as natural
called mother of pearl.
pearls because they are more common.
When something gets between the mantle
Whether they are natural or cultured,
and the shell, like a bit of shell or sand, the
pearls continue to be one of natures beautiful
mantle gets irritated. The oyster covers up the
miracles!
thing to protect itself. The mantle uses nacre to
make layers around the object. A pearl is
2014 Fi)h in the Middle
 Pearls uses nacre to make layers around the object. A
pearl is formed! Sometimes, the pearls are nice
Pearls are popular gems used in all types
and round. Sometimes, they are uneven. The
of jewelry. They are one of the gems that
most valuable pearls are perfectly round and
stand for June birthdays. Diamonds and rubies
smooth. Pearls can also come in many colors.
have to be polished and cut to look beautiful. No
Pearls can be white, gray, red, blue, green, or
polishing or cutting is needed to bring out a
black.
pearls beauty. They are the only gems that are
Pearls made in the wild are called natural
made by living sea creatures and not dug up out
pearls. These are rare events. Natural pearls
of the ground. So, how do sea creatures make
can be very valuable. In fact, the word pearl is
pearls?
a word used for something very rare and
Most natural pearls are made by oysters.
valuable. Because of this rare event, pearls can
Other mollusks, like clams and mussels, can make
also be made with a little help from humans.
pearls. Those types of pearls are very rare.
The process of making cultured pearls
Both freshwater and saltwater oysters can
begins when a pearl harvester opens the oyster
make pearls.
and makes a little slit in the mantle. Then, a bead
Oysters are bivalve mollusks. They have
is put between the mantle and the shell. The
two shells. When the oyster grows, the shells
oyster then forms the pearl by layering nacre
must grow, too. A soft organ called a mantle
on the bead. This process takes about six
makes the shell grow. The mantle uses minerals
months. It only needs a thin coating of nacre.
from the oysters food to make nacre. Nacre is
Even though the pearls still look beautiful,
the lining on the inside of the shell. Sometimes,
cultured pearls aren't as expensive as natural
nacre is called mother of pearl.
pearls because they are more common.
The mantle gets irritated when something
Whether they are natural or cultured,
gets between it and the shell. It could be
pearls continue to be one of natures beautiful
something like a grain of sand or a bit of broken
miracles!
shell. The oyster covers up the thing to protect
itself from being bothered by it. The mantle
2014 Fi)h in the Middle
 Pearls Second Read
Pearls Second Read




Go back through the text and highlight the Go back through the text and highlight the
characteristics of natural pearls with a yellow characteristics of natural pearls with a yellow
highlighter, marker, or colored pencil. Highlight highlighter, marker, or colored pencil. Highlight
the characteristics of cultured pearls in blue. the characteristics of cultured pearls in blue.
Highlight what they have in common in green. Highlight what they have in common in green.
Complete the Venn diagram using the Complete the Venn diagram using the
information you highlighted. One has been done information you highlighted. One has been done
as an example. as an example.
Natural Cultured Natural Cultured
Pearls Pearls Pearls Pearls
Both Both
used in used in
jewelry jewelry
2014 Fi)h in the Middle
 Pearls - Second Read

Go back through the text and highlight the characteristics of natural pearls
with a yellow highlighter, marker, or colored pencil. Highlight the characteristics
of cultured pearls in blue. Highlight what they have in common in green.

Natural Cultured
Both
Pearls Pearls

Direc4ons: Cut on do:ed lines. Place glue on back of direc4ons and glue in notebook. Complete the Venn diagram
by wri4ng the informa4on you highlighted underneath the corresponding ap.

Pearls - Second Read

Go back through the text and highlight the characteristics of natural pearls
with a yellow highlighter, marker, or colored pencil. Highlight the characteristics
of cultured pearls in blue. Highlight what they have in common in green.

Natural Cultured
Both
Pearls Pearls
2014 Fi)h in the Middle

Direc4ons: Cut on do:ed lines. Place glue on back of direc4ons and glue in notebook. Complete the Venn diagram
by wri4ng the informa4on you highlighted underneath the corresponding ap.
 Pearls Third Read Pearls Third Read

Go back through the text one last time to find Go back through the text one last time to find
causes and effects. Label the causes with a C causes and effects. Label the causes with a C
and the effects with an E. Then, add them to and the effects with an E. Then, add them to
the chart. the chart.
Cause Effect Cause Effect
2014 Fi)h in the Middle
 Pearls Third Read
Go back through the text one last time to find causes and effects.
Label the causes with a C and the effects with an E.

Direc4ons: Cut on do:ed lines. Place glue on back of direc4ons and glue in notebook. Write causes on the aps
and the eects underneath the aps.

Pearls Third Read

Go back through the text one last time to find causes and effects.
Label the causes with a C and the effects with an E.
2014 Fi)h in the Middle

Direc4ons: Cut on do:ed lines. Place glue on back of direc4ons and glue in notebook. Write causes on the aps
and the eects underneath the aps.
 Pearls - Writing Response
Pearls - Writing Response
A pearl is often hidden in an ugly shell.
Chinese proverb
What do you think this proverb means? Use
text evidence when necessary to support
your opinion.
A pearl is often hidden in an ugly shell.
Chinese proverb
What do you think this proverb means? Use
text evidence when necessary to support
your opinion.
2014 Fi)h in the Middle
 Pearls - Writing Response
Pearls - Writing Response




As the text states, the word pearl can be As the text states, the word pearl can be
used to describe someone or something that used to describe someone or something that
is rare and valuable. Think of someone or is rare and valuable. Think of someone or
something in your life that is rare and valuable. something in your life that is rare and valuable.
Why is that person or thing rare and valuable? Why is that person or thing rare and valuable?
2014 Fi)h in the Middle
 Diamonds Another solution to the high demand of
gem-quality diamonds is diamond enhancement.
Cut diamonds are beautiful, making them a
Cut diamonds are treated to improve their
popular gem choice for jewelry. Most of the
quality. Laser drilling removes inclusions3.
diamonds that are mined are not good enough
Sealants fill tiny cracks. Other treatments can
to be cut into gems. Rough diamonds that are
either change or remove color. Although
not colorless or perfectly clear may not be
enhanced diamonds look better after
chosen for cutting into a gem. Diamonds are the
treatment, they are priced lower than
hardest natural substance. Diamonds that are
untreated diamonds of similar quality. Also, the
not gem-quality may end up on an industrial1
seller has to disclose4 that the diamond has
cutting or grinding tool, possibly in the form of
been treated.
a diamond-tipped drill bit2. However, the demand
Finally, buyers who just want the look of
for all qualities of diamonds is higher than what
the diamond without the huge price tag may be
can be mined. How does the diamond industry
satisfied with a diamond simulant. A diamond
keep up with the demand?
simulant looks like a diamond. The most common
One solution is the use of synthetic
simulant is the cubic zirconia. Cubic zirconia
diamonds. Synthetic diamonds are not mined.
gems are synthetic. They arent as hard as
Rather, they are created in a laboratory. It is
diamonds, so they are not for industrial use. A
possible to create a synthetic diamond that is
cubic zirconia is very sparkly and almost always
exactly like a natural one. Only a gemologist with
colorless.
special equipment can tell the difference
Diamonds are popular for gem or
between them. Almost all synthetic diamonds
industrial use. However, synthetic diamonds,
are for industrial use. This is because of the
enhancements, and simulants have satisfied the
fact that most of the diamonds produced are
high demand for diamonds.
colored because of the chemicals involved in
making them. It is much more expensive to 1manufacturing
2the cutting part of the drill
create a colorless diamond than it is to mine 3black carbon specks within a gem
one. However, almost all of the fancy colored
4reveal
diamonds used in jewelry are synthetic.
2016 Fi)h in the Middle
 Pearls/Diamonds
Pearls/Diamonds




What is the problem as described in What is the problem as described in
Diamonds? Diamonds?
What is the solution to the problem in What is the solution to the problem in
Diamonds? Diamonds?
What are some similarities and differences What are some similarities and differences
between the pearl and diamond industries? between the pearl and diamond industries?
2016 Fi)h in the Middle
 Pearls Second Read

Go back through the text and highlight the characteristics of
natural pearls with a yellow highlighter, marker, or colored pencil.
Highlight the characteristics of cultured pearls in blue. Highlight
what they have in common in green. Fill out a Venn diagram.

Pearls Second Read

Go back through the text and highlight the characteristics of
natural pearls with a yellow highlighter, marker, or colored pencil.
Highlight the characteristics of cultured pearls in blue. Highlight
what they have in common in green. Fill out a Venn diagram.

Pearls Second Read

Go back through the text and highlight the characteristics of
natural pearls with a yellow highlighter, marker, or colored pencil.
Highlight the characteristics of cultured pearls in blue. Highlight
what they have in common in green. Fill out a Venn diagram.

Pearls Second Read

Go back through the text and highlight the characteristics of
natural pearls with a yellow highlighter, marker, or colored pencil.
Highlight the characteristics of cultured pearls in blue. Highlight
what they have in common in green. Fill out a Venn diagram.

Pearls Second Read

Go back through the text and highlight the characteristics of
natural pearls with a yellow highlighter, marker, or colored pencil.
Highlight the characteristics of cultured pearls in blue. Highlight
what they have in common in green. Fill out a Venn diagram.
2014 Fi)h in the Middle
 Pearls Third Read
Go back through the text one last time to find causes and
effects. Label the causes with a C and the effects with an E.
Then, create a chart with the causes and effects.

Pearls Third Read

Go back through the text one last time to find causes and
effects. Label the causes with a C and the effects with an E.
Then, create a chart with the causes and effects.

Pearls Third Read

Go back through the text one last time to find causes and
effects. Label the causes with a C and the effects with an E.
Then, create a chart with the causes and effects.

Pearls Third Read

Go back through the text one last time to find causes and
effects. Label the causes with a C and the effects with an E.
Then, create a chart with the causes and effects.

Pearls Third Read

Go back through the text one last time to find causes and
effects. Label the causes with a C and the effects with an E.
Then, create a chart with the causes and effects.

2014 Fi)h in the Middle

 Pearls Writing Response

A pearl is often hidden in an ugly shell. Chinese proverb

What do you think this proverb means? Use text evidence when
necessary to support your opinion.

Pearls Writing Response

A pearl is often hidden in an ugly shell. Chinese proverb

What do you think this proverb means? Use text evidence when
necessary to support your opinion.

Pearls Writing Response

A pearl is often hidden in an ugly shell. Chinese proverb

What do you think this proverb means? Use text evidence when
necessary to support your opinion.

Pearls Writing Response

A pearl is often hidden in an ugly shell. Chinese proverb

What do you think this proverb means? Use text evidence when
necessary to support your opinion.

Pearls Writing Response

A pearl is often hidden in an ugly shell. Chinese proverb

What do you think this proverb means? Use text evidence when
necessary to support your opinion.
2014 Fi)h in the Middle
 Pearls Writing Response

As the text states, the word pearl can be used to describe
someone or something that is rare and valuable. Think of
someone or something in your life that is rare and valuable. Why
is that person or thing rare and valuable?

Pearls Writing Response

As the text states, the word pearl can be used to describe
someone or something that is rare and valuable. Think of
someone or something in your life that is rare and valuable. Why
is that person or thing rare and valuable?

Pearls Writing Response

As the text states, the word pearl can be used to describe
someone or something that is rare and valuable. Think of
someone or something in your life that is rare and valuable. Why
is that person or thing rare and valuable?

Pearls Writing Response

As the text states, the word pearl can be used to describe
someone or something that is rare and valuable. Think of
someone or something in your life that is rare and valuable. Why
is that person or thing rare and valuable?

Pearls Writing Response

As the text states, the word pearl can be used to describe
someone or something that is rare and valuable. Think of
someone or something in your life that is rare and valuable. Why
is that person or thing rare and valuable?
2014 Fi)h in the Middle
 Pearls/Diamonds

What is the problem as described in Diamonds? What is the
solution to the problem in Diamonds? What are some similarities
and differences between the pearl and diamond industries?

Pearls/Diamonds
What is the problem as described in Diamonds? What is the
solution to the problem in Diamonds? What are some similarities
and differences between the pearl and diamond industries?

Pearls/Diamonds

What is the problem as described in Diamonds? What is the
solution to the problem in Diamonds? What are some similarities
and differences between the pearl and diamond industries?

Pearls/Diamonds
What is the problem as described in Diamonds? What is the
solution to the problem in Diamonds? What are some similarities
and differences between the pearl and diamond industries?

Pearls/Diamonds

What is the problem as described in Diamonds? What is the
solution to the problem in Diamonds? What are some similarities
and differences between the pearl and diamond industries?

2016 Fi)h in the Middle

 Pearls Second Read
Possible Answers
Go back through the text and highlight the characteristics of
natural pearls with a yellow highlighter, marker, or colored pencil.
Highlight the characteristics of cultured pearls in blue. Highlight
what they have in common in green. Complete the Venn diagram
using the information you highlighted. One has been done as an
example.

Natural Pearls Cultured

Pearls

made naturally Both

made with
extremely rare used in jewelry human help

can be valuable made by oysters inside is a bead

come in many more common

colors
less expensive
no cutting or
polishing needed

2014 Fi)h in the Middle

 Pearls Third Read
Possible Answers
Go back through the text one last time to find causes and
effects. Label the causes with a C and the effects with an E.
Then, add them to the chart.

Cause Effect

oyster grows mantle makes the

shell bigger

minerals from nacre is made

food

something gets the mantle is

between mantle irritated
and shell

mantle is irritated uses nacre to

surround the
irritant

nacre surrounds pearls are made

the irritant

natural pearls are humans help to

rare make pearls

natural pearls are they are less

more common expensive

2014 Fi)h in the Middle

 Pearls/Diamonds
Possible Answers
What is the problem as described in Diamonds?

The demand for diamonds for gem and industrial purposes is

higher than what can be mined.

What is the solution to the problem in Diamonds?

Synthetic diamonds, diamond enhancements, and diamond

simulants satisfy much of the demand.

What are some similarities and differences between the pearl

and diamond industries?

Both industries use cultured pearls or synthetic diamonds to fill

the demand, and they tend to be less expensive than natural
pearls and diamonds. Both pearls and diamonds are popular for
making jewelry.

Pearls are created by living creatures, while diamonds are mined.

Pearls are naturally beautiful, while diamonds need to be cut.
Diamonds also have industrial uses.

2016 Fi)h in the Middle

Examples of Interactive Notebook Elements

2014 Fi)h in the Middle

You May Also Like

2014 Fi)h in the Middle

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2016 Fifth in the Middle
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