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Teachers
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Discussion Questions and Activities 1. Examine the cover of Island Sting.
Bonus: The title is used in conversation in the text of Island Sting. Which character uses the words "island sting"? What does the character mean by these words? 2. Imagine that you live in a wildlife refuge. What would be the advantages to living in such an area? What would be the disadvantages? 3. If you could help protect an endangered species, which one would it be? Are there any established organizations to protect the species you choose? Besides sending the organization money, what specific actions could you take to help? 4. Kenzie and Angelo work to decrease litter pollution on their island. Why is decreasing litter important? What could you do to decrease litter on school property? 5. In the story, Angelo apologizes to a character.
6. Angelo’s friends call him by a name that’s close to his given name, but different. How did his nickname come about? 7. In the story the author chose to have Mr. Sanchez use Angelo’s given name and its Spanish pronunciation. Why do you think the author did that? Would anything about the story have felt different if Mr. Sanchez called Angelo by his nickname? 8. What elements of the story would be different if Fisher spoke with the same rhythm, style, and vocabulary as everyone else on the island? Do you think Fisher’s speech pattern and mannerisms enhance or weaken his character? 9. Throughout the book, Kenzie does not have a cell phone. Why doesn’t she? If you had to go without a cell phone, how would your days change? 10. In the last chapter, Kenzie receives a pendant that represents her key to the island. Do you think this is an appropriate gift for her? Why or why not? 11. If Angelo and Kenzie had first met in the flea market’s book tent and not in the combined rescue of Molly, how might their relationship have been different? 12. Both Kenzie and Angelo kept their hunt for the poacher a secret from their family. Do you agree with that decision? Would you have done the same? Why or why not? 13. In one scene where Angelo and Kenzie misunderstand each other, Angelo is sure he is correct when he says: “It’s called turtle grass because… It’s like dog chow. Get it? Think. Chow for dogs—dog chow. Grass for turtles—turtle grass. Sea turtles are herbivores.” Kenzie replies, “Are you sure that’s true of all sea turtles?” Angelo retorts, “That’s what I said, didn’t I?” The story continues by explaining that: “Kenzie’s encyclopedic knowledge of sea turtles was about to explode. If she opened her mouth now, her words would torch him like dragon fire.” In the above scene Kenzie is aware of how much more she actually knows about a subject than Angelo, and Angelo is sure he knows more than Kenzie. Have you ever been in a similar position as Angelo or Kenzie? How did you respond? 14. If Mr. Sanchez and Ms. Ryan had each learned of what Kenzie and Angelo were up to, how you think they would have responded. In what ways do you think Mr. Sanchez’ response would be similar to Ms. Ryan’s? How might their responses have differed? 15. Kenzie refuses to speak to her father as in the following scene. “You handle it, Mom. I don’t want to talk to him.” “Kenzie, we’ve been over this. Your dad loves you. He cares about what’s going on in your life.” “If he cares so much, why’d he leave?” “He didn’t leave because he doesn’t care about you. What happened was between—” “Mom, I know what happened. I don’t want to talk to him.” Have you refused to talk to someone? If so, did you ever get over it? What do you think caused Kenzie’s change of heart? Why do you think she finally called her father? 16. At the end of the book, in addition to the silver key pendant, Kenzie is given a puppy. What significance do you think that gift holds? Why do you think the author chose to have Angelo present her with the puppy? 17. Angelo and Kenzie both receive reward money. Do you agree with how Angelo plans to use his money? Kenzie doesn’t make it clear how she will use hers. How do you think she will spend it? 18. The author never reveals the amount of money they receive. How much do you think a reward for catching the poacher would be? 19. If you received a reward of five hundred dollars, how would you use the funds? Activities 1. Social Studies and math - Kenzie moves from New York City to Big Pine Key, Florida. Social
2. Art -
3. Language Arts/Writing - Pretend you are a character in Island Sting. Describe your character and your purpose in the story. Choose a scene and rewrite it with you in it. 4. Map/Computer skills - a) Examine the map of Big Pine Key in the book. Without a scale, how can you estimate distance on this illustration? (Note the mile marker signs.) Using the map in the book, estimate the distance from Kenzie’s house on Big Pine Key to US#1. Compare this map with Google Earth maps. Estimate the distance on Google maps. (Accept answers close to 5.3 miles.) Repeat the steps and estimate the distance from the National Key Deer Refuge maintenance center to the fish camp just before the bridge to No Name Key. (Accept answers close to 2.6 miles.) b) Explore the water around Big Pine Key using Google Earth maps. You can see the changes in water color and often see the scars left by boats in shallow water.
5. Graphic Organizers -
b) As Kenzie becomes involved with catching the poacher and working with other teens on the island, what does she learn about herself? · Create a three column chart of her personality traits and/or behavioral characteristics in the beginning of the book, the middle, and at the end. · Include any people and/or events that serve as catalysts to her growth. · Repeat the process for Angelo. 6. Science - When the term “endangered species” is heard, most people think of animals. Research and then list both the plants and animals that are threatened or endangered in your state, providence, or country. Explain the difference between “threatened” and “endangered.” 7. Science and Career Ed - grade 8- From Learn NC- Key deer: Evolution and species survival by Tammy Johnson and Martha Tedrow http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/careerstart-grade8/5585
8. Writing Prompts Writing prompts to accompany Island Sting (or StakeOut) North Carolina Standards Connections (Grade 7) Writing Prompt #1: Your Community Blog appears online and is published in the local newspaper. It features a column called “Fresh Start.” The blog is sponsoring a contest titled “It Starts With You.” Students are encouraged to write an essay describing how one individual can improve either the indoor or outdoor environment of their school or neighborhood. The winning essay will be published in the Community Blog and will win one free pizza per month for a year.
Write an essay which proposes how you can improve the indoor or outdoor environment of your school or community.
o Focus on your school or community and either its indoor or outdoor environment. o Consider who reads this blog, the purpose of the essay, and its intended context. o Organize the ideas in your essay so they progress logically o Include details that support your ideas. o Edit your essay for standard grammar and language.
(Grade 7) Writing Prompt #2 : In Island Sting, Kenzie organizes the KKC, plans an island cleanup, and secretly leads her friends in a plot to uncover the identity of the endangered Key deer killer. Do you agree or disagree with her methods? What would you have done the same and/or differently if you were in her position? Be prepared to discuss and defend your position in a small classroom group.
o State a clear position in agreement, disagreement, or both. o Support each position with relevant details. o Organize your structure in an appropriate manner for your purpose and audience. o Anticipate readers’ concerns, counter-arguments, and include your response to these concerns. o Provide a summary or sense of closure to the writing. o Edit your essay for standard grammar and language.
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o Focus on your school or community and either its indoor or outdoor environment. o Consider who read o Organize the ideas in your essay so they progress logically o Include details that support your ideas. Edit your essay for standard grammar and language |