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The Visit , 1899 by Lilla Cabot Perry

On the surface two things may seem alike. If you examine them closely, however, you find differences. When students understand how two or more things are alike, they can begin to organize their own ideas for written explanation. Being able to identify how things are alike and different can help students make a decision on what is best for them--think presidential candidates here.

Use the painting above to help students identify similarities and differences in a visual media. Then move on to a short piece of text.

Aquarium fish are cold-blooded, so they cannot adjust to abrupt changes in water temperature. As a result, you must keep the water temperature steady in any aquarium  The water's composition may be different, though, depending on the kind of fish you have. Marine (saltwater) fish need exactly the right amount of salt and other compounds dissolved in their water. Freshwater fish, on the other hand, cannot tolerate much salt. In general, marine fish are more delicate and more expensive. Many people think they are worth the extra trouble, however, because of their glorious colors and exotic shapes.

Two questions: Notice the writer's use of "on the other hand." Does this phrase signal a similarity or difference? After reading this comparison and contrast, which type of fish do you think would be more interesting?

Here is an interesting article that compares and contrasts centipedes and millipedes. Once your students have read the article, have them create a graphic organizer (like a Venn diagram) where they list the similarities and differences of these two insects.

Wondering about the differences between Vampires and Zombies? Well, check out these articles: 

http://blogs.nlb.gov.sg/ask/children/1558

http://zombieresearchsociety.com/archives/3756

http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-vampires-and-zombies/

http://www.helium.com/items/1557426-vampires-and-zombies

You could also have students list the ways that these articles describe zombies~there is some definite differences in ideas.

Reading about topics and their similarities and differences should naturally segue into a writing assignment. Here are some suggested topics:

News online vs. newspapers
Driving vs. taking public transportation
Trip to the zoo vs. trip to the museum
Vacation in the mountains vs. vacation at the beach
Dollywood vs. Disney World


Mrs. Etheridge