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progress monitoringDIBELS DIBELS is a registered trademark of Dynamic Measurement Group, Inc. Visit our website at www.dibels.org. Revised 5/17/10 DIBELS® Next Administration Directions and Scoring Keys Daze/Level 6 Progress Monitoring Roland H. Good III Ruth A. Kaminski with: Kelli Cummings, Chantal Dufour-Martel, Kathleen Petersen, Kelly Powell-Smith, Stephanie Stollar, and Joshua Wallin Dynamic Measurement Group, Inc. ® Copyright 2011 Dynamic Measurement Group All rights reserved ©2011 All rights reserved ® Daze G6/Progress Monitoring Directions: Make sure you have reviewed the scoring rules in the DIBELS Assessment Manual and have them available. Say these specific directions to the students: 1. Before handing out the worksheets, say I am going to give you a worksheet. When you get your worksheet, please write your name at the top and put your pencil down. Hand out the Daze student worksheets. Make sure each student has the appropriate worksheet. When all of the students are ready, say You are going to read a story with some missing words. For each missing word there will be a box with three words. Circle the word that makes the most sense in the story. Look at Practice 1. Listen. After playing in the dirt, Sam went (pause) home, summer, was (pause) to wash her hands. You should circle the word “home” because “home” makes the most sense in the story. Listen. After playing in the dirt, Sam went home to wash her hands. Now it is your turn. Read Practice 2 silently. When you come to a box, read all the words in the box and circle the word that makes the most sense in the story. When you are done, put your pencil down. Allow up to 30 seconds for students to complete the example and put their pencils down. If necessary, after 30 seconds say Put your pencil down. 2. As soon as all students have their pencils down, say Listen. On her way home, she (pause) chair, sleep, saw (pause) an ice cream truck. You should have circled “saw” because “saw” makes the most sense in the story. Listen. On her way home, she saw an ice cream truck. When I say “begin,” turn the page over and start reading the story silently. When you come to a box, read all the words in the box and circle the word that makes the most sense in the story. Ready? Begin. Start your stopwatch after you say “begin.” 3. Monitor students to ensure they are reading and circling the words. Use the reminders as needed. 4. At the end of 3 minutes, stop your stopwatch and say Stop. Put your pencil down. Collect all of the Daze worksheet packets. Timing 3 minutes. Start your stopwatch after you say “begin.” Reminders If the student starts reading the passage out loud, say Remember to read the story silently. (Repeat as often as needed.) If the student is not working on the task, say Remember to circle the word in each box that makes the most sense in the story. (Repeat as often as needed.) If the student asks you to provide a word for them or, in general, for help with the task, say Just do your best. (Repeat as often as needed.) G6/Directions Copyright 2011 Dynamic Measurement Group All rights reserved ©2011 All rights reserved Taking Great Nature Photographs Many people love looking at a beautiful landscape or at waves crashing into rocks on a wind-swept beach. They may want to capture a bit of it on camera in order to share it with 2 others. Because the subject is so beautiful, they think, “This is sure to be a wonderful 4 photograph!” 4 However, taking a good nature photograph can be tricky . If you're not careful, a majestic 6 mountain may look like a distant pebble. Crashing waves can easily become a gray blur , with 9 the seagulls above them appearing as tiny specks in a washed-out sky. The vibrant colors of 11 real life may not be easy to capture in the photo. It is also easy to have all of your 13 subjects come out too small. By following a few simple suggestions, you can learn to take 16 photographs that capture the true beauty of nature . 17 The first thing to consider is what type of camera you have available. Some cameras 19 are more suited to taking certain kinds of pictures than others. When shooting landscapes , 21 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 1 G6/Progress Monitoring 1 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved professional photographers use special camera lenses that can capture more far-off details than an 22 ordinary camera. In a sense, they can “ grab ” more of the scene than a narrow lens can. Some 25 digital cameras have a special setting for shooting landscapes that can help achieve the same effect. 27 Cameras with this setting are best at shooting sweeping landscapes. 28 Luckily , you don't need a special camera to take a good nature photograph! It just 30 depends on what you want to take a picture of. If you have an ordinary camera , one strategy 33 is to concentrate on capturing smaller scenes and details. Rather than the whole forest, focus 35 on an especially beautiful tree . Don't take a picture of the whole lake; instead, focus on some 37 interesting reeds by the shore. You may be surprised at how effective and interesting a photo 40 can be when it focuses on a small detail. 41 It is important to consider the position of the objects in the photo. Making sure the 43 background is uncluttered keeps the attention on the main subject. Also, placing the subject off 45 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 1 G6/Progress Monitoring 1 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved center often creates a more interesting photo than if it is right in the middle of the frame. 47 The right light can make or break a photograph. Shooting at mid-day when the sun is high in 49 the sky can lead to photos that look lifeless and washed out. It can also create harsh 52 shadows that will ruin a photograph . Many professional nature photographers shoot only early in 54 the morning or late in the afternoon , shortly before sunset. Colors look warmer and richer when the 56 sun is low in the sky . 57 Finally, remember that a great nature photograph may be as close as the backyard or a 59 neighborhood park. Look for interesting colors and details, such as a snail crawling up a tree 61 trunk or autumn leaves in a puddle. Even a weed growing in the crack in the sidewalk can make a 64 beautiful photo. By paying attention to the suggestions above, anyone can take a great nature 66 photograph. 66 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 1 G6/Progress Monitoring 1 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved The Pharmacist Pharmacists are experts in the science of medicine. They know about the kinds of drugs that 1 are used to treat all types of illnesses. They are also familiar with laws that regulate their use. 3 Because pharmacists know how medications can be used to heal certain illnesses, they 5 help people get well and maintain a healthy lifestyle. 6 People must go to college for many years to become pharmacists. They have to study math, 8 as well as sciences such as chemistry and biology . Like doctors and other workers in the field of 11 health care, they learn about how the human body works. They need to know what medicines 13 are used for a variety of things, such as broken bones or the flu . 15 Each day, pharmacists give people the medicines that doctors advise them to take. In some 17 cases, they will need to discuss a patient's medicine with the doctor who ordered it. 18 An important aspect of a pharmacist's job is working with people. The pharmacist gives the 20 customers the items they have ordered. They also explain how much of each drug should 23 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 2 G6/Progress Monitoring 2 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved be taken. People who come into the pharmacy need to know how many times each day and at what 25 time of day they should take their medicine. Pharmacists then let people know about any side 27 effects that the drug may cause, such as aches and pains, fatigue, or runny nose. They 29 also tell people to call their doctor if they have more serious side effects. Patients can put 32 themselves at risk if the doctor's orders are not followed exactly. One of the most important jobs 34 of a pharmacist is to make sure that patients taking more than one drug don't have adverse 36 effects due to the interaction of medications. 37 Another job of the pharmacist is to order and store medicines. Drugs are shipped from the 39 companies where they are made. Pharmacists must keep careful records of which drugs they 41 have in stock and which are sold out. It is also their job to ensure that all of the drugs they 43 give out are safe and pure. 44 Most pharmacists work in drugstores. Other pharmacists work in hospitals or nursing 46 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 2 G6/Progress Monitoring 2 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved homes. There, they keep records of patient information for the doctors and nurses . They may 48 also tell the medical staff about new drugs that are going to be available soon. 50 More and more pharmacists are working in new positions not traditionally occupied 52 by pharmacists. Some work in sales or conduct research for groups that make medicines. Others 54 work for health insurance companies to work out plans to cover the cost of certain drugs or to 56 analyze the costs and benefits of medications. Even though these pharmacists do not give out 58 drugs based on a doctor's order, they still have to know how the human body works. People who 60 work in sales for drug companies often give information to doctors and other pharmacists about 62 new drugs that are coming on the market . Other positions include working for colleges, the 64 government , the military, or for professional pharmacy associations . 66 Most pharmacists say that they enjoy helping people in their efforts to stay healthy and 68 happy. Contributing to a healthy community is one of the best parts of their job . 70 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 2 G6/Progress Monitoring 2 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved The Appalachian Trail Twisting and turning from Maine to Georgia, the Appalachian Trail is among the longest footpaths in the United States. It crosses fourteen states as it winds its way through deep forests, 1 across streams , and over craggy mountains. People come from all over to hike it. However, 3 few of them walk the trail from beginning to end. That's hardly a surprise, because the entire 5 trail measures more than two thousand miles long . Hiking the complete trail would take about 7 five million footsteps! Still, to see even a tiny portion of it is to experience some of the 10 most beautiful landscape in the United States. 10 The trail began as one man's proposal in 1921. Benton McKaye pictured the trail as a 12 ribbon connecting several mountaintop camps where people could relax and enjoy nature. His 14 vision included hotels, inns, study centers, and villages where people could work together 16 farming the land, making crafts, and taking care of the forest. 17 At the time , there were several hiking clubs whose members owned and looked after 19 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 3 G6/Progress Monitoring 3 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved hundreds of miles of hiking trails. These clubs were all in favor of the idea. However, it 21 wasn't until 1930 that work actually began on the trail . Once it started, it progressed quickly. 23 Hiking club members, working without payment, did almost all the construction, clearing bushes 25 and trees and marking the pathway. Although the inns , study centers, and villages were never 27 constructed , the trail was completed on August 14, 1937. Today , nearly all the trail is on 29 public lands that are protected so people will be able to enjoy them for years to come. 32 Every year, more than three million people hike along at least a piece of the Appalachian 34 Trail. Most hike for just a few days, but a few each year hike the entire length of the long 37 trail. That can take months of traveling , so these hikers must make careful plans beforehand. 39 Most begin in March or April at the southern end of the trail. A few start in the middle, hike to 41 one end of the trail, then return to their starting point by vehicle and hike to the other end. The 44 trail itself has campgrounds and shelters but no stores where food and other supplies can be 46 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 3 G6/Progress Monitoring 3 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved purchased. Hikers must purchase these in towns that are dotted along the trail. Sometimes the towns 48 are as much as three days apart. For some hikers, reaching a town is a welcome relief. Towns 50 provide them the opportunity to stay in a hotel or eat at a restaurant if hikers are weary of 53 the challenging life of the trail. Other hikers will simply pass through, but all must decide what 55 supplies will be needed for the next segment of the journey . 57 Despite the challenges, people greatly enjoy hiking the trail. They come for the fun 59 of hiking the craggy green mountains of the eastern United States. They enjoy the opportunity to 60 ramble through heavy forests that are crisscrossed by streams . They delight in seeing the animals 62 that inhabit the wilderness along the trail. No matter how much or how little time each 65 hiker spends on the trail, all of them come away with a sense of wonder. 66 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 3 G6/Progress Monitoring 3 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved City of Rocks Picture in your mind a large, busy city. Do you see clusters of office buildings of different 1 shapes and heights, forming columns of steel and glass rising above busy streets? 3 Now imagine the same shapes, but a little smaller and made only of stone. Some of the 5 structures are low to the ground , and others are towering columns. The rocks form arches, and 7 there are passages that look like streets and alleys. This strange city is in the middle of a 9 high desert. Instead of busy traffic, the only sound you hear is the whispering of the wind 12 between the columns of rock. Unlike other cities, this one was made by nature , not by 14 humans. 14 This place exists in the southwestern desert of New Mexico, near a town named Deming. It 16 is the City of Rocks State Park. Visitors of all ages come to climb the rocks and walk 18 among them, imagining that they see familiar objects in the fantastic rock shapes. Sometimes they 20 see the outlines of people or animals . Many of the rock formations have been named for the 22 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 4 G6/Progress Monitoring 4 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved shapes they resemble. 22 Geologists estimate that volcanoes erupted thirty-three million years ago, spewing out fiery 24 pieces of rock and ash. This rock and ash settled and formed a layer of hard lava , 27 which cracked and splintered as the lava cooled . Over millions of years, blasts of sand and rain 29 driven by strong winds, as well as heat and cold, eroded the softer spaces between the hard 31 columns of stone . It took all of this time and weather to bring into being the rock city as 34 it looks today. 34 The rocks vary in height and width. Some reach fifty feet, and others are close to the 36 ground . On average, the columns of rock are fifteen to thirty feet high, with varying widths. 39 Archaeologists have found evidence of settlements from the Mimbres Nation, who lived in the 40 area hundreds of years ago. Holes in some of the rocks show that they had been used to grind 43 seeds, nuts and grains . Later, members of the Apache Nation settled in the region , followed by the 45 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 4 G6/Progress Monitoring 4 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved Spanish who arrived five hundred years ago. 46 In the mid- eighteen hundreds, explorer John Bartlett passed through the region . He didn't see 48 the City of Rocks. Instead, he saw some stone pillars close by that he called the “Giants of the 50 Mimbres.” 50 Also at about this time , the amazing scenery, as well as the hot springs, began 52 attracting visitors who were traveling west by stagecoach. A hotel was built for travelers who 54 wanted to pause in the middle of their journey to bathe in the spring waters and visit the 56 mysterious rock city . 57 It was only recently that the region has been designated a state park. At this park 59 visitors can spend the day or camp overnight. Camping areas are nestled among trees and stone 61 walls with picnic tables and fireplaces in peaceful, private spots. A garden that is maintained 63 by the park service displays many types of cacti. 64 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 4 G6/Progress Monitoring 4 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved The City of Rocks is a great park to visit with friends and family . Tourists of all ages can 66 scramble over the boulders in a kind of geological playground set against an enchanting desert 68 and big blue sky. 69 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 4 G6/Progress Monitoring 4 Page 4 ©2011 All rights reserved The Boy Who Made a Difference John Benson Junior, or “Benny,” was a boy from Alaska. When Benny was a young boy, he left home and began attending a mission school . Here, he would be given one of the most 3 incredible opportunities of his life. 3 At this time , Alaska was still a territory. It was not yet one of the states of the U.S. 5 Many people, including the territorial governor, were working hard for the cause of statehood. 7 The governor had been to Washington, D.C., where he had seen all of the flags of the 9 forty-eight states . He felt strongly that Alaska needed its own flag. When he returned home, he 11 persuaded a group of army veterans to organize a flag-designing contest for children who 13 were in grades seven to twelve. Contest rules were circulated to schools throughout the 15 territory and news of the competition soon arrived at the school Benny attended. He was in 18 seventh grade at the time that he decided to enter the contest. 19 Benny's design was a simple one that showed stars on a blue background. It featured 21 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 5 G6/Progress Monitoring 5 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved seven small stars in the shape of the Big Dipper and one large star that represented the North 23 Star. Benny explained that the blue field represented the Alaska sky and the color of a favorite 25 flower, the forget-me-not. The North Star referred to the future of Alaska, which would be the 27 northernmost state in the Union when it was finally admitted. The Big Dipper, or Great Bear, as the 28 Alaskan natives called it, symbolized strength. 29 Benny's design was one of ten sent from his school for the final judging. 31 Considering he was only in seventh grade, he was also one of the youngest students to enter the 33 contest. After reviewing all the entries, the judges voted to use Benny's design. Overnight, 35 Benny became a celebrity for the people of Alaska. He received a gold watch that showed his 37 flag emblem and a scholarship to use after high school. Years later, Benny's description of his 39 design became part of the Alaska state song . 41 After graduating from high school, Benny returned to his hometown to work with 42 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 5 G6/Progress Monitoring 5 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved his father . Later on, he decided to use his scholarship money to learn to become a diesel 45 mechanic at a school in Seattle. He spent most of the rest of his life working as an airplane 47 mechanic in Alaska. 47 Benny Benson was not forgotten and for the rest of his life he was admired as an 49 unofficial goodwill ambassador for Alaska. He was the first Alaskan native to join the Elks Club, 51 and many streets and schools were named for him. He was an Alaskan who brought honor 53 and respect to his people. 53 Even after Benny died he continued to be honored, including in 2002 when an 55 exhibition celebrating the seventy-fifth anniversary of the flag was held. The state's governor 57 reminded citizens of the importance of listening to the ideas of young people, because, as 59 Benny Benson showed , even a young boy can make a difference . 61 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 5 G6/Progress Monitoring 5 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved Penguins at the Mall One day in early February, Esteban's little sister Ana watched a movie about penguins in school. At dinnertime that night, she couldn't stop chattering about it. She decided penguins were her 2 favorite animal and drew lots of pictures of them to display in her room . 4 Esteban wanted to do something special for Ana for her birthday in March, and he knew 5 there was a colony of penguins living in their province of Alberta. These penguins lived 7 together at the famous West Edmonton Mall, an enormous nearby shopping center. Esteban's 8 parents agreed he could take Ana there to see the penguins, and Esteban's father recalled 10 overhearing that a baby penguin had hatched there recently and that there had been a contest to 13 name it. Ana was excited, and brainstormed with Esteban about what the winning name might 15 have been. 15 A few weeks later , Ana and Esteban headed on down to the West Edmonton Mall. Ana had 16 never been there before, so Esteban showed her some of the sights the huge shopping center 19 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 6 G6/Progress Monitoring 6 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved had to offer. The size of forty-eight city blocks, the mall was the largest in North America and 20 one of the biggest on the entire planet . It had its own fancy hotel, amusement park, and even 23 water park all contained within it. Esteban and Ana didn't have time to see all those things, but they 25 did stop by a life-size model of the Santa Maria, one of Christopher Columbus's 27 ships. They also attended a sea lion show, where the trainers talked about the animals while they 29 performed . Esteban found himself fascinated by the creatures , and was surprised by how friendly 31 they were . Ana giggled at meeting one of them afterwards . 33 Finally, it was time for Esteban and Ana to visit the sea life caverns, where the penguins 35 lived. They stopped by the caverns' invertebrate touch pool first, where an attendant showed them 37 how to gently handle the underwater animals and plants without hurting them. Esteban pointed out 39 a starfish to Ana that was latched onto a rock, and they both felt its cold, bumpy skin. 41 But Ana couldn't be distracted for long, even by a starfish . She tugged on Esteban's sleeve, 43 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 6 G6/Progress Monitoring 6 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved and, smiling , he walked with her into the next room. There were the penguins! 45 Ana was enchanted. She ran around, following first one penguin and then another, 47 getting as close as she could to the exhibit walls . Esteban had to admit that the penguins 50 were cute. Penguins were preening, chasing after fish , and jabbering with each other. They 51 seemed to be in their own world. 52 “Esteban, look at that one!” 53 Esteban turned and saw the penguin Ana was indicating, which was a little smaller 55 than the others, and had a white eyebrow over each eye. A guide saw where he was looking. 57 “That's one of our younger penguins,” said the guide. “It was the tenth penguin born here, 59 and we held a contest to name it.” 60 “My dad told me about that,” said Esteban. “So, what did you name it?” 61 “Dayo,” said the guide . “It means, joy arrives.” 62 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 6 G6/Progress Monitoring 6 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved Esteban looked over at Ana, who was cooing and giggling at the penguin. He smiled . “I 64 think that was a perfect choice ,” he said. 65 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 6 G6/Progress Monitoring 6 Page 4 ©2011 All rights reserved Jockey's Ridge State Park It's a hot, sunny day and a surfer is on her board, descending a gentle slope. Suddenly, the board wobbles to the left , and the surfer is tossed off the surfboard . She tumbles a few times, then she 2 gets up and retrieves her board. This surfer doesn't have a drop of water on her, though , 5 because she isn't surfing in the ocean . She's surfing the sand dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park, in 6 North Carolina. 6 Jockey's Ridge is the highest sand dune park in the eastern United States. It is part of a 8 set of low islands that separate the mainland from the powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean. 10 The park has three very different areas. The first is the dune area itself, which 12 is often called “The Living Dune” because it is always changing with the shifting winds. The 14 dunes area is very harsh, not only because of the winds and the shifting sands but also 17 because of the high heat during the summer months. The temperature of the sands can reach 19 one hundred thirty degrees, making it impossible for plants and animals to make their homes here. 21 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 7 G6/Progress Monitoring 7 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved The areas around the dunes , however, have a variety of plants and animals . At the base of 23 the dunes, protected from the winds and heat, some grasses can grow, and water accumulates. This 25 area features several types of trees and bushes , including live oaks and red cedars. Effects of 28 wind and salty air from the sea stunt the growth of the trees, causing them to look like bushes. 30 Animals such as foxes, raccoons, and deer make their homes in this area. 32 The area where the Roanoke River empties into the sea has cattails, saw grass , and other 34 plants. It is a habitat for waterfowl and several kinds of fish . Pelicans and osprey, once almost 36 extinct, live in abundance here. They share the waters with herons, sand pipers, and 38 snowy egrets . 39 If you're hiking the park in the early morning, you might be lucky enough to see tracks 41 made by lizards, mice, or the hognose snake, which is a harmless reptile that leaves a 43 distinctive S-shaped track in the sand . 44 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 7 G6/Progress Monitoring 7 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved The amount of sand in the dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park would fill six million 45 dump trucks. The sand, which is mostly from quartz rock, has been finely ground by millions of 48 years of wind and water. The dunes do not blow away because the wind changes directions, 50 blowing the sands back and forth . 51 Lightning often strikes the sand during violent storms that blow in from the ocean . The 53 storms cause hollow tubes called fulgurites to form in the sand. Visitors can see examples of 55 fulgurites at the park headquarters. 56 The park is open year round during the daytime only. There are picnic shelters, but no 58 overnight camping facilities. Information panels along park walkways describe the various animals 60 and plants found in the area . Visitors are cautioned to wear shoes during the hot summer 62 months, since the sand temperature can be much hotter than the air temperature . 64 Jockey's Ridge State Park is an exciting place to visit , especially for sand surfers. So grab 65 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 7 G6/Progress Monitoring 7 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved your board and come along. The surf is always up at Jockey's Ridge. 67 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 7 G6/Progress Monitoring 7 Page 4 ©2011 All rights reserved Stargazer When we look up into the starry sky, we can see countless specks of light. Some of those specks form shapes we can recognize, such as the Big Dipper. Is there a larger pattern to the stars? 2 Do the points of light relate to one another in special ways? Astronomers have been 5 trying to answer these questions for many years. 6 Toward the end of the nineteenth century, astronomers began to use very large 8 telescopes to study the sky. These had huge mirrors that could gather very small bits of light. 10 For many years, the world's largest telescope was based on Mount Wilson in the U.S. It had a 11 one -hundred-inch mirror. When the telescope was put to use in 1919, a scientist named 14 Edwin Hubble went to work at Mount Wilson. Using this telescope, he became the best- known 16 astronomer of the twentieth century. 16 Hubble had not always been an astronomer. Indeed, when he was in high school, he 18 was not even an outstanding student. He was better known as an athlete who once held 20 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 8 G6/Progress Monitoring 8 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved the high -jump record in Illinois, where he grew up. At the University of Chicago, Hubble 22 studied math and astronomy and he also played on the school's basketball team. 24 After college, Hubble won a Rhodes scholarship to Oxford University in England. There he 25 studied law and he even became a lawyer for a short time, but it did not suit him. After serving 28 in the army in World War I, Hubble stopped practicing law and returned to the study of 30 astronomy. 30 Many astronomers of Hubble's day depended on complex mathematical calculations and 32 theories for their conclusions about the universe . Hubble, though, relied on large numbers of 33 observations and measurements made using the large telescope at Mount Wilson. His theories fit 35 the facts and as a result, his conclusions were very powerful. 37 Hubble discovered that our galaxy , the Milky Way, is not the only galaxy in the universe . 39 He also observed that all the stars and planets in the universe, in our galaxy and others, were not 41 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 8 G6/Progress Monitoring 8 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved standing still but instead were moving away from each other at great speed. In addition, they all 43 seemed to be moving away from the same point. This suggested that the universe had originated 45 in a single place. Because all the stars and planets in the universe were behaving like bits of 48 dirt after an explosion, the theory was called “the big bang” theory. 49 Hubble, who died in 1953, made many more discoveries during his long career. Many 51 of the ways of measuring things in astronomy today are the result of his work, but he realized that 53 there were limits to what we can observe from the Earth's surface, even with much larger 56 telescopes. This is because the Earth's atmosphere tends to get in the way, like looking through 58 foggy glasses. A way to observe from outside Earth's atmosphere had to be developed. When 60 the world's largest and most accurate telescope was launched into orbit around the Earth in 1990, 61 outside the atmosphere , scientists had no trouble coming up with a name . They called it the 63 Hubble Space Telescope. 63 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 8 G6/Progress Monitoring 8 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved Born to Win All parents have great dreams for their children and some go to great lengths to support and train their children from a very early age. That is exactly what Mike Agassi did with his son Andre. 1 When Andre was just an infant his father would hang tennis balls over his crib. He gave 4 him miniature tennis rackets as toys and a full -sized racket for his second birthday. During 5 Andre's early school years, his father helped him hit three thousand tennis shots every day. 7 Later , when Andre was a teenager, his father sent him to a special tennis school . 10 Mike's ambition for and support of his son paid off and Andre Agassi became one of 12 the world's greatest tennis stars. He was the fifth male player to win the Grand Slam, which 13 includes all four of the major tennis titles in the world. He has won dozens of other tennis 16 tournaments and earned millions of dollars. 17 Andre was no doubt influenced by his father's ambition, but he was also probably 19 influenced by his father's athletic ability. Before immigrating to the United States 20 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 9 G6/Progress Monitoring 9 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved and settling in Nevada, Mike competed as a boxer for his native country of Iran in the 22 Olympic Games. 22 Even with these advantages, Andre's path to greatness was not always easy. He 24 became a professional tennis player at the age of sixteen and won a million dollars by the 26 time he was eighteen, but an injured wrist interrupted his career. Then, there was the 28 problem of his public image. Andre was one of the first players to have rock -star length hair, 31 wear an earring, and compete in colorful clothes, as opposed to the traditional white clothing 33 worn by tennis players. On the court , Andre was bold and sometimes a bit of a brat, and off 35 the court , he appeared reckless. His marriage to movie star Brooke Shields lasted only a few 37 months , and his tennis game all but disappeared . 39 Instead of being defeated by these events , Andre rededicated himself to tennis. He 40 began a rigorous conditioning program, and stopped eating so many cheeseburgers. He 42 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 9 G6/Progress Monitoring 9 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved shaved his balding head. He began to win again and presented himself to the world in a much 45 different way. He was more gracious and thoughtful . His focus was not only on himself and his 47 tennis career, but also on giving back to others, especially children with special needs. He founded 49 the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, which funds a school and homes for children in need 51 in the Las Vegas community. 51 Andre became known as an extraordinary friend. When the child of a friend was in 53 the hospital , Andre showed up at three in the morning to sit by her bed so her father could get 56 some sleep. When the little girl complained of feeling hot, Andre left and returned with a 58 window air conditioner he had bought and installed it at her bedside . This sort of kindness has not 60 gone unnoticed. Among his many honors, Andre was named “Most Caring Athlete” of 2001. 62 Andre and his wife , who is also a tennis champion, have two children of their own. Who 64 knows ? Perhaps their two children were born to win , too. 66 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 9 G6/Progress Monitoring 9 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved So You Want to Be a Pilot Choosing a career is an exciting part of being young. A popular option that many young people 1 dream of is being a pilot. When planning a career as a pilot, it's good to start by deciding 3 which kind of pilot you would like to be . 5 If you think about it, what pilots really do is carry different kinds of cargo from 7 place to place. This cargo may be anything from people to letters and packages . Pilots who work 9 for the airlines carry passengers to and from airports in many cities around the world. Airlines fly 11 to numerous destinations all over the world and you may even have an airport in your city . 14 Cargo pilots work for companies that transport supplies and products. Their cargo may 15 be anything from electronic equipment to fresh seafood . When you order a book from the 17 Internet, the book may be shipped to you on a plane . As you might imagine, delivering goods 19 on time is an important part of this job . 21 Some pilots fly military aircraft. These pilots carry both supplies and troops to military 23 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 10 G6/Progress Monitoring 10 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved bases around the world. Some planes used by the military can carry very heavy objects like land 25 vehicles or even helicopters . 26 Many large companies use their own planes to transport their executives to meetings 27 all over the world. Pilots who work for these companies must have a lot of flying 29 experience to be hired, and they are usually paid well. Many pilots who work for large 32 companies say that getting to spend time in other countries is the best part of their job. 34 An interest in science is a plus when you begin your flight training. Pilots must 36 understand topics such as air pressure, which allows planes to stay in the air, and how 38 weather conditions affect air currents. To guide their planes, pilots need to be able to use 40 computers and other electronic equipment . For example, they need to know how to read all the 42 displays on the instrument panel in the cockpit. 43 You should plan to get a college degree before you apply for a job as a pilot. Some 46 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 10 G6/Progress Monitoring 10 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved colleges have programs that specialize in flight training. These programs include courses in 47 science and math. Students who attend schools with flight programs can actually learn what it's 49 like to fly a plane. First, they practice virtual flights using a simulator until eventually they 51 are ready to start practice flying with an instructor before taking a plane out independently. 53 In addition to their education, pilots also must be in top physical condition. If you 55 are thinking of being a pilot someday, it's a good idea to start eating a good diet and 58 having an exercise program you can stick to. Before being hired, pilots have to obtain a 60 certificate from a doctor stating that they are in good shape , or fit to fly. This certificate must be 63 renewed on a regular basis. Therefore , maintaining your good health will also be important . 65 Being a pilot is an exciting and challenging career. Whether you transport passengers or 66 cargo , you will certainly have an adventurous job ! 68 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 10 G6/Progress Monitoring 10 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved A Famous Architect When he was a young boy, Frank Lincoln Wright wanted to be an architect. He had pictures of famous buildings hung all over the walls of his room . When he was a child, his mother 3 gave him glue, paper, and cardboard and encouraged him to explore shapes and forms. She 4 also gave him blocks to help him learn about three-dimensional space. 6 He later changed his middle name to Lloyd, in honor of his mother, the person responsible 8 for his early interests. When he was fifteen, before he even finished high school, Wright entered a 10 university to begin his formal studies. Later he moved to Chicago, where he worked as a 12 draftsman in several architectural firms. He soon became the chief assistant to the most 14 famous architect of the day, Louis Sullivan. 15 Wright learned a great deal about architecture from working with Sullivan. Sullivan 17 believed that the architecture of America should be based on American needs and ideas instead of 19 European traditions. After a few years, Wright set up his own firm , and later practiced from 21 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 11 G6/Progress Monitoring 11 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved his home. By this time , Wright was developing his own unique style of architecture. It was this 23 style that would eventually make him a famous architect still remembered today. 25 Wright's style differed from the traditional style of the time. He often used blocks of 27 concrete in the design of his structures . Rather than building boxes with stairs in the middle , Wright 29 designed houses with low, sheltering rooflines , open inside spaces, and a central fireplace . He 31 thought that these houses fit better on the open prairies of the American west . With Wright's 33 designs, the style that would become known as the Prairie School of Architecture was born . 35 Over his long career, Wright designed over one thousand houses and buildings, about half of 36 which were completed. His most famous home sits in a beautiful wooded spot. The design 38 makes the home appear as though a stream is flowing out from under it. Wright was 40 especially proud of a hotel he designed in Japan. Very strong concrete was used in the beautiful , 43 open hotel to keep it from collapsing if there were an earthquake. When a big earthquake 45 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 11 G6/Progress Monitoring 11 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved shook the land, the Imperial Hotel withstood the quake. Wright's designs were not only attractive, 47 but sturdy and safe. 47 In addition to being an architect, Wright was a fine self-promoter. He made himself into a 49 star by writing books and giving lectures whenever he was not designing buildings. He 51 created a foundation and workshop where young, aspiring architects could study with him. 53 Wright's first workshop was on land owned by his uncle in the Midwest, but as he 55 grew older, he tired of the cold winters and established a second campus in the southwest . 58 By the time of his death, Frank Lloyd Wright had become a great architect. He has been 59 recognized around the world for his unique style and modern designs. He came a long way 62 from glue and paper and cardboard . He had given the United States a new , American form of 64 architecture and inspired a generation of architects. 65 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 11 G6/Progress Monitoring 11 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved Mayor Mom Today in school, we're having a discussion about local government. Our teacher is explaining that our city has a government that makes and enforces laws. It also hears and decides 2 some court cases. Mr. Billings goes on to say that people living in cities depend on 4 municipal , or city, governments for numerous necessary services . This includes police protection, 6 fire protection, and garbage collection. I am beginning to squirm a little in my chair, because I 8 know what's coming next. 9 Some of my classmates are looking at me as Mr. Billings talks about the mayor. 11 That's because the mayor of our city is also my mom . I'm not embarrassed, because I know my 13 mother has a very important job, but I am a little self-conscious. 15 Mr. Billings says that as the elected leader of our city's government, the mayor 17 appoints people to enforce the laws and can also veto laws passed by the city council. In our 19 city , the mayor leads the weekly city council meetings. She prepares the agenda for each 22 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 12 G6/Progress Monitoring 12 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved meeting and enforces time limits for discussions during the meeting. The mayor helps solve 24 problems and makes this city a good place for us to live, Mr. Billings summarizes . Then he asks, 26 “Who can tell about a specific contribution our mayor has made to improve this community?” 28 My friend Victor raises his hand . “The mayor helped my neighborhood get access to a 30 vacant lot and turn it into a garden ,” he says. He explains that his neighbors thought the empty lot 32 was ugly. It was full of garbage, yard debris and overgrown weeds. The neighbors started a 34 petition in which they asked the mayor to allow them to lease the lot for a reasonable price. They 36 wanted to clear the lot of waste and debris and create a vegetable and flower garden that all 39 their neighbors could share. The mayor fought diligently to allow the neighborhood to rent the 41 lot. She finally convinced the city council to agree with this plan. 42 My mother had told me this story before. I am really pleased to hear Victor 44 describe it so that everyone could hear about her efforts . After Victor's story, Mr. Billings 46 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 12 G6/Progress Monitoring 12 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved turns to me and asks me to give some more information about the mayor . I decide I should 48 share something since I know her pretty well. I'm proud of my mom's achievements, so it isn't 50 hard to think of something to say. I think back to all the projects my mother has talked 53 about during dinnertime since she became mayor. 54 I say that the mayor is always thinking of ways to make this a better city. She 56 encouraged council members to approve a levy to improve public transportation so that it's 58 easier to use the county bus system. She also took advantage of one of our town's favorite 60 pastimes, jogging, and coordinated an annual half-marathon to benefit local charities. When I 62 think about all of the important things my mom has done as mayor, I know I don't have to be 64 self-conscious , just proud. 65 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 12 G6/Progress Monitoring 12 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved Digging for Facts Imagine that you and some friends are helping to plant a garden. Your shovel slices deep into the ground and brings up another heaping mound of dirt . But this time, you spy something 2 unusual in the dirt. You carefully dump the dirt onto the ground and pick up the object , 5 turning it over in your hand. The object has a particular shape to it, with a pattern on the 7 sides and a sharp point . It's an arrowhead, you realize. You've found an object that was created 9 many years ago. 10 If you put the arrowhead in your pocket and take it home, not bothering to ask questions 12 about it, you're simply a finder of objects. If, on the other hand , you begin to wonder who might 14 have made the arrowhead and what it might have been used for, you're starting to think like an 17 archaeologist. 17 Archaeology is the study of ancient people and their relationship to their environment , or 19 the world around them. Archaeologists are scientists who try to answer questions 20 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 13 G6/Progress Monitoring 13 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved about how ancient people lived. They use clues to find out who the people were, where they 22 originally came from, and what challenges they faced . Their work is especially important when 24 no written records were left behind by those ancient people. Even when written records are 26 available , though, they don't always tell us enough . Archaeologists can help fill in the blanks 29 by studying objects left behind long after the people are gone. These objects may include tools , 31 cooking utensils, weapons, and the remains of buildings and houses. 32 Most archaeologists prepare for their work by getting a college degree. They usually begin 34 with classes, but eventually help out at “ digs .” These are places where objects are dug up, in 36 much the same way you dug up your imaginary arrowhead. 37 The digging is done very slowly and carefully, so as not to destroy any objects. Some 39 items are very delicate , having been in the ground for hundreds or even thousands of years. 41 Archaeologists keep detailed notes about the objects and about exactly where they were found and 43 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 13 G6/Progress Monitoring 13 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved what things were nearby. 44 Found objects that are easily moved, such as tools or weapons, are called artifacts. 46 Objects that are not so easily moved, such as the walls of a house or a pool for water, are 48 called features. Still other objects that are naturally occurring, like seeds and animal bones, 50 are called ecofacts. Archaeologists carefully examine all these clues to try to create a 52 complete picture of how ancient people lived. 53 Archaeologists often work with other types of scientists. They use high-tech methods 55 such as x-rays, special chemical tests, and computers. Sometimes they know exactly where to 57 look for objects because there have been other digs close by. Other times they use written 59 records and maps . Occasionally a dig site is spotted from the air or even from space by 61 satellites that take detailed pictures of Earth. But archaeologists still depend on luck, too. 63 Sometimes an action as simple as sticking a shovel or a spade into the earth and finding 65 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 13 G6/Progress Monitoring 13 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved something interesting leads to the discovery of a large dig site. 67 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 13 G6/Progress Monitoring 13 Page 4 ©2011 All rights reserved Overcoming Fear Many people do not like to speak in public. For one boy, trying to avoid public speaking 1 became a habit. He disliked public speaking so much that he refused to do so, even when he 3 had to for school . Who was the boy? His name was Daniel Webster and he went on to 5 become a lawyer and political leader. He was also an admired public speaker. 7 Daniel Webster was born in New Hampshire in the late seventeen hundreds . His parents 9 were farmers who worked very hard. Webster was one of nine children , but illness in his childhood 11 meant he was unable to work on the farm with his siblings . Instead, his parents hired many tutors 13 to help teach their son and they sent him to one of the best schools in the country . 16 They wanted to give their son the best possible education. Later, Webster went to college in 18 New Hampshire. He joined a group in college that made him practice speaking in front of other 20 people. Through these experiences, he mastered his fear of public speaking and was so 21 successful that soon after his college graduation, officials in his college town invited him 23 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 14 G6/Progress Monitoring 14 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved to give the annual Independence Day speech. 24 Webster studied law and completed a legal apprenticeship. Before he was able to 26 finish, though, he took a job as a schoolmaster to help support his older brother's educational 28 pursuits. Eventually he returned to his legal training. Soon, he set up a legal practice near the 30 town he grew up in and also became involved in politics. His reputation as a skilled lawyer 32 and a public speaker began to spread and he was even elected to the U.S. House of Representatives 33 because of his opposition to the War of 1812. The war was between Britain and the United States, 35 over regulations that had hurt the shipping trade in New England. 36 After serving two terms in Congress, Webster moved to Boston. He achieved national fame 38 as a lawyer and public speaker and also successfully represented Dartmouth College in a 39 case before the U.S. Supreme Court. He also served in Congress once again, this time as a 41 representative from Boston. Only a few years later , he was elected to the U.S. Senate. 43 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 14 G6/Progress Monitoring 14 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved Over the next few years, Webster made three attempts to gain the office of President. He 45 was never successful in becoming a nominee; however, President William Henry Harrison 46 appointed Webster as Secretary of State. Four years later, he served again in the Senate, and 48 then returned as Secretary of State. While still serving in the Senate, Webster was 50 credited with having prevented Southern states from seceding from the Union over the issue of 52 slavery . Webster opposed slavery, but feared the breakup of the Union over the issue. He 54 is remembered for his strong defense of the nation over states' rights. In 1957, over a 56 hundred years after his death, he was even named as one of the five most outstanding 59 Senate members in U.S. history. 59 The next time you don't want to speak in front of others, think of Daniel Webster and 61 know that it is a very common problem that can be overcome. 63 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 14 G6/Progress Monitoring 14 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved The Mayo Clinic You've probably heard the saying, “Every cloud has a silver lining.” It means that difficult situations often result in changes for the good. It is hard to believe that a disaster such 3 as a tornado could have a silver lining. Yet that's exactly what happened after a tornado struck the 5 rural town of Rochester, Minnesota. 5 Many townspeople were injured by this powerful tornado . Even worse, the town did not 7 have a hospital. The injured citizens had to be treated in temporary shelters. To prevent this 9 from happening in the future, a group of nuns decided to build a hospital in the town . They 12 hired William Mayo, a doctor who had helped the tornado victims, to direct the project . Soon the 14 people of the town could go to an organized hospital whenever they needed care. 16 The doctors on staff at the new hospital were Dr. Mayo and his two sons, William 18 and Charles. A few years after the hospital opened, the elder Dr. Mayo retired . He left the 20 hospital's operation in the hands of his children. Today, the Mayo Clinic is considered one of 22 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 15 G6/Progress Monitoring 15 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved the best hospitals in the world . The foundation of the clinic is a saying by the elder Dr. Mayo, “No 24 one is big enough to be independent of others .” This philosophy of teamwork and cooperation 26 is a large part of the success of the Mayo Clinic. 27 Throughout their lives , brothers Charles and William were very different from each other. 29 Charles loved practical jokes and was very social, whereas William was quiet and reserved. 31 As adolescents, their lives were similar to many other teens of their day . They went to school 33 in the mornings and helped out with chores on the family farm later in the day. 35 The boys' parents valued learning and taught their sons about science. Their mother 37 set up a telescope on the roof so she could teach them about the stars. She also helped them 40 learn the names of all the plant and tree species on the farm. From their father , they learned 42 about chemistry and anatomy. The boys also learned Latin at a special school and read classic 44 literature from the family's library. 45 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 15 G6/Progress Monitoring 15 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved As they grew up, the brothers became known for their kindness, and they earned the 47 respect of the people in their town . During the first years that the Mayo Clinic was in 49 operation, the brothers stressed to the hospital staff the importance of working as a team . Over 51 time, the hospital became known for its sharing of ideas among its doctors. Today , it has a 53 branch for training new doctors and a library for both doctors and patients. 55 Charles and William continued their work for the Mayo Clinic until their deaths. At the 56 end of their lives, the hospital had changed from one small building with about forty beds to 59 a large complex of buildings that treated tens of thousands of patients each year. From tragedy to 61 success, the Mayo Clinic just goes to show that there is, in fact , a silver lining behind 63 every cloud. 63 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 15 G6/Progress Monitoring 15 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved China's Great Wall Over two thousand years ago, the emperor of China wanted to find a way to make the borders of his country more secure. He decided to build a giant wall , which would keep out invaders. The 1 wall would go on to take millions of people and several centuries to build. Today, over two 4 millennia later, much of the wall still stands. It stretches almost four thousand miles , longer 6 than the distance from California to New York. While it no longer retains its original function 8 as a barrier, the Great Wall of China remains a popular site for visitors who want to see and 10 experience a piece of an ancient world. 11 China's winding wall is no mere fence, as it is full of passes and watchtowers. Fires would be 13 lit from the wall to warn of oncoming attackers. While the width and height of the wall vary 15 greatly at different points along its path, on average it measures from fifteen to thirty feet 18 wide and around twenty-five feet tall . The shape and size of the wall have varied through the 20 centuries. Before the emperor decided to build one great wall, disconnected walls of different 22 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 16 G6/Progress Monitoring 16 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved lengths and directions were scattered across China. In building the wall, these sections were 24 connected and expanded until at one point, the wall was large enough that it took one 26 million soldiers to guard it. 26 If you followed the wall across China, you would visit all the varied landscapes the 28 country has to offer. The wall stretches from deserts to hills, from grasslands to mountains. The 30 wall itself is formed from a wide range of the various building materials available in China, 32 from ones as simple as mud and reeds to bricks that continue to stand centuries later. Many of 35 the materials used to make the wall came from locally available sources, as the uneven terrain 37 made it difficult to get building supplies to the appropriate sites. 38 Different building materials required different methods. The walls made out of mud and dirt 40 stood around six inches thick and had several different layers. They often had a wooden frame 42 that was packed with the earth. These walls broke down quickly and needed frequent repairs to keep 44 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 16 G6/Progress Monitoring 16 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved them standing . The sturdier walls were usually a mix of stone or brick. After baking in kilns , 47 the bricks would often have to be transported to the building site with the help of animals 49 and ropes. 49 As the emperors built up the wall, it became not only a useful tool for defense, but also 52 a monument to their strength. The towers provided increased security and added to China's image 54 as a powerful empire. As the wall grew and changed through the years, sections added later were 56 more decorated and imposing than the earlier sections. 57 The wall is now considered to be one of the human -made wonders of the world. Visitors 59 to the wall can see the results of centuries of care , sweat, and ambition. Today, the wall is 62 no longer meant to keep visitors out of China. To many of the millions of people who make 64 the trip to China each year, seeing the wall is what brings them in. 65 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 16 G6/Progress Monitoring 16 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved Through the Castle Jeremiah was excited to be miniature golfing with his grandmother. They arrived at the front office, rented clubs and balls, and headed over to the course . Jeremiah was amazed when he saw 2 it. 2 Scattered everywhere throughout the course were small sculptures and buildings, including 4 a windmill, with blades that were actually rotating. Near another hole , there was a statue of an 6 acrobat performing a flip, and still elsewhere was what resembled a tiny stream with a 8 small bridge arching over it. It was like being in a shrunken fantasy world, and Jeremiah 10 couldn't wait to get started. 11 On the grass by the first hole was a castle , constructed so that the ball was prevented 14 from going around it. Inspecting the castle , Jeremiah saw three doorways going through it. Unless 16 he hit the ball directly through one of the doorways, he wouldn't be able to get past the 18 building and into the hole . Jeremiah decided to aim for the middle doorway. He placed the ball 20 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 17 G6/Progress Monitoring 17 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved on the green to prepare his first shot. 21 When Jeremiah took a swing, the ball zoomed forward, much faster than he had 23 intended. It struck the side of the castle, bounced back the way it had come, and halted 26 farther back than where it had begun . Jeremiah laughed as he realized this wasn't going to be as 28 simple as he had envisioned . He decided to hit the ball much more softly until he had gotten the 30 hang of it. 31 After several attempts, Jeremiah managed to get the ball to stop right in front of one of the 33 castle doors. He peered through it and took a swing, and the ball rolled gently through the 36 door. As Jeremiah hovered anxiously , the ball plopped in. “Nice shot, Jeremiah,” his grandmother 38 complimented him. 38 On his grandmother's turn, she stared at the course, thinking hard. Then she aimed sideways 40 at the wall! Jeremiah was astonished as the ball bounced off two walls and traveled straight 42 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 17 G6/Progress Monitoring 17 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved through the castle doors and into the hole. “How did you do that, Grandma?” he asked. 44 “It's all about angles , Jeremiah,” she said cheerfully. “The ball will bounce off the 46 wall at the same angle it struck it.” She drew a diagram on the back of her scorecard to 48 demonstrate . “If you know what direction you want the ball to be traveling when it arrives at 51 the door, you can calculate where to hit it.” She explained some more until Jeremiah thought 53 that he understood what to do . 54 They jogged over to the next hole , which had a small maze barring the way . Jeremiah 56 and his grandmother looked it over eagerly , discussing what they thought would be the 57 most successful strategy. Jeremiah's grandmother went first, and her attempt hit the first barrier 59 before halting, having barely gone six inches. They both laughed , and Jeremiah's grandmother 61 prepared to try again . Jeremiah decided that even when they didn't succeed, miniature golfing was 63 fun. He watched his grandmother putt, eager for his own opportunity to locate the perfect angle. 65 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 17 G6/Progress Monitoring 17 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved Finders but Not Keepers It was summer, and Gloria and Andres were excited about summer vacation. A family tradition was to spend the first month of the summer vacation traveling. Almost as soon as the final school 2 bell had rung, Dad would attach the pop -up trailer to the bumper of the family van, the 5 kids would fill the trailer with camping gear, Mom would pack snacks for the road, and off they 7 would all go, on a new adventure. 8 Gloria, Andres, and their parents had chosen several national and state parks to visit during 10 their trip this summer . They were going to see rivers, mountains , prairies, grasslands, and forests. 12 Part of the fun would be to see anticipated sights. Possibly the best part of the trip, though , 15 would be the unplanned sights and adventures . Something unexpected always occurred on 16 these trips . 17 The family's first destination was Palisades State Park, near Garretson, South Dakota. Before 17 they arrived at the park, Andres asked what a palisade was. Gloria searched for the definition in 19 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 18 G6/Progress Monitoring 18 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved a dictionary the family always kept in the car and proudly explained that a palisade was a 22 line of lofty cliffs. Andres smiled at his sister, who always seemed to be a step ahead of him. 24 Gloria's definition was a perfect description of the scenery the family witnessed when they 26 arrived at the park . A deep gorge, formed over many years by a rushing stream, cut through a 28 flat prairie. The whole family was awed by the massive , vertical walls of the cliffs. 30 Once the family's campsite was in order, Andres and Gloria took off to explore the area a 32 short distance from the site. After only a minute or two, Gloria spotted a bright 34 red stone on the ground, which she picked up and stuck in her pocket. 36 The next morning, the park ranger stopped by the family's campsite to welcome them to the 38 park . He informed them about the park's many features and activities. Gloria showed the 40 ranger the stone she had found, and he responded that she had found something very unique . The 43 stone was pipestone, which he said Native Americans consider sacred and have used for centuries 45 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 18 G6/Progress Monitoring 18 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved to make peace pipes. 45 The ranger explained that according to Native American legend , in ancient times the Great 47 Spirit came to visit the Native people. The Spirit came in the form of a large bird and told 49 all the Indian nations that this unique red stone was a symbol of the Native people . The 52 Spirit told the Indians that the stone belonged to all of their people and that no weapon could 54 be made from it. 54 The ranger explained that the legend had been passed down for many generations. The 56 Great Spirit's commandments regarding the stone are honored to this day . When he left, 58 Gloria knew what she wanted to do. She returned to the location where she had found the stone and 60 placed it on the ground. It pleased her to think that the family had already had their 62 first unexpected adventure, and the trip had only just begun. 64 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 18 G6/Progress Monitoring 18 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved The Competition As soon as the car was parked, Felicia bounced out, scurried to the trunk to grab her suitcase, and then hurried inside the airport. Her dad followed behind her. Waiting inside the airport were her three 1 teammates and coach. They were all getting ready to fly to a national math competition, for 3 which they had been preparing all year. 4 Felicia's math teacher had invited her to join the team back in November. Felicia had always 6 enjoyed math, and thought working together with her classmates and going to competitions would be 7 fun . So, every Saturday, Felicia and her team gathered to practice. In January, they 9 won their district competition, and a month later they won the state meet. Now Felicia and her 11 teammates were on their way to represent their state at the national competition. Felicia 13 couldn't wait . 14 On the airplane, Felicia tried to take a nap, but found she was too excited to get to sleep. 16 Instead, she unpacked some of the materials her coach had given her to work on. She had 18 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 19 G6/Progress Monitoring 19 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved a packet of problems from previous national level competitions and worked through them. Finally, 20 she just watched the scenery out the window as the plane approached for a landing. 22 The team arrived at their hotel. Swarming all over the lobby and hallways were kids 24 from all over the country . Everyone was friendly and eager to meet other math competitors. By 26 the time she got to her room, Felicia had met teams from all over the country. The 28 competition hadn't even begun, and Felicia was already feeling exhilarated. 30 The team met for one final practice that night. The competition in the morning would 32 consist of an individual round and a team round. Felicia and her teammates all aspired to do well 34 in the individual round , but it was in the team round that they hoped to excel. They knew each 36 others' particular strengths and how to work together to solve the tougher problems. They 38 were confident that the months of practice would pay off. 39 Their practice session went well, so Felicia and her teammates headed off to get some 41 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 19 G6/Progress Monitoring 19 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved sleep so they would be refreshed for the next day. In the morning, they quizzed each other 44 over breakfast on the facts and formulas they would need to use during the competition . Felicia 46 tried to remain calm. It would be her job during the team round to write down the final answer, 48 and she needed to remain focused if she didn't want to make a mistake. 50 Felicia's team filed with all the other competitors into the great ballroom where the 52 competition would be held . They found their assigned seats and made sure they had enough 54 pencils and scratch paper. Finally, the director of the competition walked onto the stage and to the 56 microphone . He gave a brief speech of welcome and outlined the schedule for the day . Then 59 he signaled the staff to hand out the tests. Felicia took a deep breath. The national math 61 competition was about to begin . 62 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 19 G6/Progress Monitoring 19 Page 3 ©2011 All rights reserved Boiling Springs State Park Visitors to the state of Oklahoma have their pick of things to do. First of all, the state has many interesting historic sites to visit. In addition , there are mountains, lakes, and streams that 2 are part of scenic recreation areas. For more than fifty years, the state has developed 5 parks around these lakes and streams. Fishing , boating, and waterskiing are just some of the 6 outdoor activities on hand for visitors to the state parks and recreation areas. 8 There are fifty-two state parks and recreation areas in Oklahoma. One favorite is Boiling 10 Springs State Park. The park is in the northwest corner of the state and was built by the 12 Civilian Conservation Corps in the nineteen-thirties. The CCC, as it was known, was created by 13 President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. His idea was to give work to people during a time when 15 jobs were hard to find and to protect the nation's natural resources at the same time. Millions of 17 acres of federal and state lands were improved through the work of the CCC. 18 Boiling Springs Park has several natural springs, but the springs don't actually contain 20 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 20 G6/Progress Monitoring 20 Page 1 ©2011 All rights reserved hot, boiling water. The strong , churning flow of water below the surface of the sandy-bottomed 22 springs just makes the water look as if it is boiling. 24 The springs are not the only natural attraction in the park. On a hike through 26 Boiling Springs Park, you'll see a small but very beautiful lake. You'll hike in the midst of walnut, 28 oak, and elm groves full of lovely, old trees. If you're alert , you might see a deer or even a 31 rabbit. If you are very quiet and take your time, you might also spot a wild turkey or skunk. 33 Bobcats , beavers, and badgers live in the area as well. The springs and abundant wildlife 36 attracted early Plains Indians to this region. 36 The park campgrounds contain fifty campsites along with several shaded tent sites. For 38 visitors who prefer more modern accommodations, there are several small cabins available for 40 rent, each with a fireplace , television, dishes, cookware, and linens. For large groups of visitors, the 42 park has ten bunkhouses and a common building where meals can be cooked and eaten. 44 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 20 G6/Progress Monitoring 20 Page 2 ©2011 All rights reserved Throughout the park there are many picnic tables. There are three open-sided buildings 46 that can be rented for family reunions, company picnics, and other large events. There is 48 even a park swimming pool, a snack bar and a public golf course very close to the park. 50 After a picnic and before a swim in the pool , you can hike or bike on one of the park's 53 three scenic hiking trails . These include a nature trail that offers visitors a chance to see many 55 kinds of plants and animals native to the park. 56 It's not likely you'll soon forget a visit to this state park. If you want to be sure 59 that you'll remember the adventure , the park has a gift shop where you can buy t-shirts, caps, and 61 other souvenirs of your stay in Boiling Springs. 62 According to the state motto, “Oklahoma's okay.” Boiling Springs State Park is 64 more than okay, though. It is historic and scenic, and it is full of interesting things to see and do. 66 Daze Scoring Key G6/Progress Monitoring 20 G6/Progress Monitoring 20 Page 3