S UP E R
HABITAT ENGINEERS TO THE
RESCUE!
A G A G II A AN N TT CC H HA A PP TT EE RR BB O OO O KK
In collaboration with a 2nd grade classroom
S UP E R
HABITAT ENGINEERS TO THE
RESCUE!
A GIANT CHAPTER BOOK
In collaboration with a 2nd grade classroom
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Joan Ganz Cooney Center from Sesame Workshop FUNDED BY
Robin Hood Foundation
COPYRIGHT © 2025 THE GIANT ROOM
THIS BOOK BELONGS TO:
GIVE
F L E S R U O Y TICKER
ER
H
ES
H E!
PLACE T
D R A W A N A
NAME OF THE AWARD
TABLE OF CONTENTS About the Book........................................................................................... 2 Meet the Habitat Engineers................................................................... 4 About the Process.................................................................................... 22 Persuasive Writing................................................................................... 28 Chapter 1: Mateito the Red Panda by Mateo..................... 30 Chapter 2: Mr. Plantwy by John................................................ 34 Chapter 3: Red Polins by Jesus................................................. 38 Chapter 4: Tom Tiger by Michael............................................. 42 Chapter 5: Penguinito by Julio.................................................. 46 Chapter 6: Sup Jayden Jay by Jayden.................................. 50 Chapter 7: Mollylis by Maia........................................................ 54 Chapter 8: Camila by Tayra........................................................ 58 Chapter 9: Flower Tail by Genesis........................................... 62 Chapter 10: Marou the Firefly by Matias.............................. 66 Chapter 11: Folly the Koala by Aurora.................................... 70 Chapter 12: Kolly by Mauricio..................................................... 74 Chapter 13: Sun Red by Edwin................................................... 78 Chapter 14: Sam the Running by Samantha....................... 82 Chapter 15: Dandrop by Daniels............................................... 86 Chapter 16: Alicia by Amy............................................................ 90 Chapter 17: Sun-NY by Mr. E...................................................... 94 Credits........................................................................................................... 98 About The GIANT Room....................................................................... 99
ABOUT THE BOOK For six weeks, The GIANT Room and the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop partnered with students and teachers in Queens to co-design a classroom book and a deck of trading cards showcasing students’ science learning and writing. Throughout the project, students also strengthened their AI literacy and critical-thinking skills by responsibly using a suite of AI tools to support their creative writing process. As part of the school’s Plant and Animal Relationships science unit, the program explored the connections between animals, plants, and their habitats. Students created their own “Habitat Engineers” with special powers to help the environment, then wrote informational and persuasive manuscripts to convince scientists why their Engineer should be considered the habitat’s superhero. Their completed work is featured in this book, along with a set of collectible Habitat Engineer trading cards. We extend our gratitude to the school and the Joan Ganz Cooney Center for their partnership, and to the Robin Hood Foundation for funding the program and making this publication possible.
Your creative collaborators, The GIANT Room
2
ACERCA DE ESTE LIBRO: Durante seis semanas, The GIANT Room y Joan Ganz Cooney Center de Sesame Workshop colaboraron con estudiantes y maestros en Queens para co-diseñar un libro y tarjetas de colección que muestran el aprendizaje de ciencias y la escritura de los estudiantes. A lo largo del programa, los estudiantes también fortalecieron su alfabetización en Inteligencia Artificial (IA) y sus habilidades de pensamiento crítico, al usar de manera responsable una serie de herramientas de IA para apoyar su proceso de escritura creativa. Como parte de la unidad de ciencias “Relaciones entre Plantas y Animales” de la escuela, el programa exploró las conexiones entre los animales, las plantas y sus hábitats. Los estudiantes crearon sus propios “Ingenieros del Hábitat”, con poderes especiales para ayudar al medio ambiente. Después, escribieron textos informativos y persuasivos para convencer a científicos de por qué su Ingeniero es el mejor superhéroe del hábitat. Su trabajo final está incluido en este libro, junto con las tarjetas de colección de sus Ingenieros del Hábitat. Queremos agradecer a la escuela y a Joan Ganz Cooney Center por su colaboración, y a Robin Hood Foundation por financiar el programa y hacer posible esta publicación.
Sus colaboradores creativos, The GIANT Room
3
E E T M THE
HAB AT EN IT S GINEER
The habitat engineer’s name AI-generated avatar based on student’s original design
How the Habitat Engineer helps plants and animals
The materials the habitat engineer uses
Original design by the student
The Habitat Engineer's role in the forest system, as described by the student
Designer of the Habitat Engineer
5
MATEO AI AVATAR PROMPT: A red animal resembling a panda with black paws and ears, busy scattering seeds across the forest floor, surrounded by curious animals watching the work. Lush green forest background with rays of sunlight filtering through the trees. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
PAGE 30 Author’s signature
GENESIS AI AVATAR PROMPT: A tan and pink cat with large, sparkling eyes, a flower atop its head and blooming flowers along its tail, busy cleaning with gentle water splashes. Place the cat in a vibrant, lush garden with colorful flowers all around. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
PAGE 62 Author’s signature 6
JOHN AI AVATAR PROMPT: A tall green plant with several shiny leaves and circular patterns rises from a rich brown earth mound, characterized by its vibrant foliage. In the background, a sunny garden scene with freshly cleaned soil and nearby gentle streams reflecting the nurturing environment. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
PAGE 34 Author’s signature
JULIO AI AVATAR PROMPT: A sketched penguin wearing a beanie and scarf, carefully feeding baby animals nearby; a vivid icy underwater background with fish and bubbles. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
PAGE 46 Author’s signature 7
JESUS AI AVATAR PROMPT: A small red and gray bear with soft fur, looking helpful and friendly, surrounded by sparkling clean water that it shares with woodland animals. The background is a bright, lush forest full of vibrant green trees and colorful flowers. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
PAGE 38 Author’s signature
MICHAEL AI AVATAR PROMPT: A baby tiger with a round head, pointy ears, and large eyes. Lush green forest teeming with life and patches of sunlight filtering through a dense canopy. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
PAGE 42 Author’s signature 8
MAIA AI AVATAR PROMPT: A black teardrop-shaped creature with a beige head, two antennae, and lots of red legs, surrounded by tiny squirrels carrying seeds to help it grow strong. The background is a vibrant forest teeming with green plants and lively animals. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
PAGE 54 Author’s signature
AURORA AI AVATAR PROMPT: An orange koala with black outlines, striped tail, and a playful smile, using its mouth to clean while surrounded by floating seeds; the background is a vibrant jungle with lush green plants and vivid flowers. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
PAGE 70 Author’s signature 9
DANIELS AI AVATAR PROMPT: A light blue and black smiling raindrop character with friendly eyes and limbs made of leaves, surrounded by woodland creatures, standing cheerfully under a large tree. The background is a lush forest with vibrant plants and tall trees. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
PAGE 86 Author’s signature
TAYRA AI AVATAR PROMPT: A small brown creature in a vibrant purple outfit is cheerfully holding a pink purse, surrounded by lush green leaves, teeming animals, and flowing water, symbolizing its role in creating food. The background features a vibrant, lively jungle scene overflowing with plant life and small animals frolicking. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
PAGE 58 Author’s signature 10
AMY AI AVATAR PROMPT: A brown creature with pink ears, a multicolored crown, four legs and a curvy tail, standing proudly while helping plants and animals thrive. Surrounded by a lush, vibrant forest filled with diverse wildlife and flourishing plants. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
PAGE 90 Author’s signature
MATIAS AI AVATAR PROMPT: A glowing insect with a segmented body, six legs, and two delicate wings, emitting a soft, warm light that helps plants grow and animals see at night; set against a twilight forest background with silhouettes of trees. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
PAGE 66 Author’s signature 11
SAMANTHA AI AVATAR PROMPT: A sketched unicorn head with a rainbow horn and vibrant purple mane, distributing seeds gently with leaves woven into its mane. A vivid, lush forest background with plants and animals thriving in harmony. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
PAGE 82 Author’s signature
EDWIN AI AVATAR PROMPT: A sun with an orange spiky border, small arms and legs, wearing glasses and smiling, holding water droplets that sparkle in the light; lively and radiant. The background shows a bright, clear sky with fluffy white clouds and a few playful birds. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
PAGE 78 Author’s signature 12
JAYDEN AI AVATAR PROMPT: A green and brown figure with a round head and two small arms, surrounded by sprouting seeds and twisting roots, appearing energetic and lively, as if it is helping plants grow. The background is a lush garden, filled with vibrant plants and animals enjoying the space. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
PAGE 50 Author’s signature
MAURICIO AI AVATAR PROMPT: A cheerful sun with a big smiling face and bright triangular rays, illuminating a lush landscape filled with thriving plants and happy animals. The vibrant scene is full of life and energy, showing a perfect natural world blessed with sunlight. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
PAGE 74 Author’s signature 13
MADELYN AI AVATAR PROMPT: A smiling flower with a face, vibrant petals, and thin arms and legs, standing proudly; the flower is surrounded by tall trees with birds flying above, set in a lush forest environment. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
Author’s signature
MR. E AI AVATAR PROMPT: A bright yellow sun wearing cool sunglasses, glowing with orange rays, and sporting blue sneakers, floating high above dark clouds in the sky. The vivid blue sky backdrop makes the sun's rays shine even brighter. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
PAGE 94 Author’s signature 14
MS. A
AI AVATAR PROMPT: A cheerful elephant with sparkling big eyes and long eyelashes, a tiny body; she joyfully spreads seeds as she wanders. Set in a vibrant jungle with lush greenery and colorful flowers blooming all around. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
Author’s signature
MS. B
AI AVATAR PROMPT: A clever, shining rectangular creature with a joyful smile, hands and feet like stars, five twinkling stars above her head, embodying wisdom and knowledge, floating among bright, distant galaxies in a starry night sky. 3D illustration, Kawaii style. Character centered.
Author’s signature 15
ABOUT
THE
PROCESS
HOW THIS BOOK WAS MADE Co-designed and co-written by 16 students and a multidisciplinary team of artists, educators, and writers at The GIANT Room, Super Habitat Engineers to the Rescue showcases students’ achievements in science, creative writing, and AI literacy. It invites families and friends to celebrate, reflect on, and learn from their creations. Students designed the Habitat Engineer avatars featured throughout the book by sketching and writing about an animal, plant, machine, or any imaginative creature with special powers to help its habitat. Using The GIANT Remix app, we generated prototypes of their avatars and refined them through multiple feedback rounds to create the final trading cards. You can find the exact AI prompts used in the “Meet the Habitat Engineers” section. Teachers also joined in by creating their own AI avatars. Students then used their trading cards to write informational and persuasive scientific manuscripts. They incorporated key vocabulary from their science unit, such as “habitat,” “roots,” “leaves,” “system,” and “observe”, and received two rounds of feedback to help them revise and edit their writings. All writing in this book is authored by the students, with only minor corrections for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Scan the QR codes in each chapter to explore their writing journey, original drafts, and badges earned for their progress. Why AI? The GIANT Room’s mission is to elevate kids’ voices and provide them with opportunities to publish and share with friends and family. AI is a powerful tool they can use in their creative journey, and along the way they can gain AI and media literacy skills that are incredibly valuable for their future. The GIANT Room introduces students to these tools in a responsible and safe way, always with a human in the loop.
18
CÓMO SE HIZO ESTE LIBRO Este libro fue co-diseñado y co-escrito por 16 estudiantes y un equipo multidisciplinario de artistas, educadores, y escritores de The GIANT Room. Este libro, Super Habitat Engineers to the Rescue muestra el increíble trabajo científico, escritura creativa, y la alfabetización de Inteligencia Artificial (IA) de los estudiantes. Al mismo tiempo, invita a sus amigos y familiares a celebrar, reflexionar y aprender sobre el libro. Los estudiantes diseñaron los avatares de los Ingenieros de Hábitat que aparecen a lo largo del libro. Lo diseñaron pensando en un animal, planta, o invento con poderes especiales que ayuda a su hábitat. Después, utilizando la aplicación de Inteligencia Artificial (IA) de The GIANT Remix, generamos prototipos de sus avatares. Estos prototipos pasaron por múltiples rondas de retroalimentación por parte de los estudiantes, hasta que estuvieron listos para formar parte de sus tarjetas de colección. Podrás encontrar las descripciones o “prompts” exactos de IA en la sección “Meet the Habitat Engineers”. Las maestras también participaron y crearon sus propios avatares con IA. Luego, los estudiantes utilizaron sus tarjetas para escribir textos científicos informativos y persuasivos. Ellos incorporaron vocabulario importante de su unidad de ciencia, como “habitat”, “roots”, “leaves”, “system”, y “observe”, dentro de sus textos. Los estudiantes recibieron dos rondas de retroalimentación para ayudarles a revisar y editar lo que escribieron. Lo que está en este libro fue escrito por los estudiantes, con solo pocas correcciones de ortografía, gramática, y puntuación. Escanea el código QR en cada capítulo para ver el proceso de escritura, sus borradores originales y las medallas que obtuvieron por su progreso. ¿Por qué IA? La misión de The GIANT Room es elevar la voz de los niños y brindarles oportunidades para publicar y compartir su trabajo con amigos y familiares. La IA es una herramienta poderosa que los estudiantes pueden utilizar en su camino creativo y, al mismo tiempo, les permite desarrollar habilidades de alfabetización en IA y medios, que son increíblemente valiosas para su futuro. The GIANT Room introduce a los estudiantes a estas herramientas de manera responsable y segura, siempre con una persona presente en el proceso. 19
DR
G IN
G TIN AF
PU BL IS H
PLANNING
RIN G
G
SHA
E DITI N
Writing Wheel
RE
V IS
IN G
EVAL
T UA
IN
G
Students’ Scientific Writing Journeys
Here’s to celebrating the remarkable improvements students made as they revised their manuscripts and applied feedback from The GIANT Remix app: Students improved their sentence structures, added more scientific details, and made spelling, grammar, and punctuation edits. On average they wrote 40% more words in their final draft,
for an average of
99
words!
Average number of words written by students 99.47
100 80 60
59.12
40 20 0
First Draft
Final Draft
AND received
102
badges!
Mission Kickstarter
Word Scientist
Science Hero
Word Hero
Revision Superstar
Scientist Wizard
Punctuation Champion
Super Speller
Grammar Guru 21
Students took up the challenge to include more science vocabulary in their writings! On average, they each wrote 11 science words in their final manuscript!
AND received
35
science badges!
On average, students earned more than 2 science badges (out of 3) on their final writing - an impressive jump from just 0.6 science badges on their original drafts. 22
Word Scientist Badge Requirement: Use at least 1 science keyword. Achieved by: 13 of 16 students
Science Hero Badge Requirement: Include at least 1 science fact. Achieved by: 14 of 16 students
Scientist Wizard Badge Requirement: Use all 5 science keywords. Achieved by: 6 of 16 students
5 science keywords: habitat, roots, leaves, system, observe 23
CriticalThinking Skills Not only did students strengthen their writing skills and science vocabulary, they also learned how to give constructive feedback by sharing their likes, dislikes, and ideas for improving an AI-generated avatar.
By the end of the program, students provided an average of 4.7 pieces of feedback, a GIANT jump from just 1.75 at the start. That’s almost
3x 24
more feedback provided by students!
AI Literacy Skills By the end of the program, the majority of students knew... AI stands for Artificial Intelligence! AI makes mistakes! As humans, we can give feedback to AI to improve its work. One example of AI prompting is writing descriptions for AI to create images.
25
BADGE GLOSSARY Mission Kickstarter For writing at least 1 word in each section of the manuscript.
Word Scientist For writing at least 1 science keyword.
Word Hero For writing unique and fancy vocabulary.
Science Hero For including at least 1 science fact.
Scientist Wizard For using all 5 science keywords. 26
BADGE GLOSSARY Revision Superstar For making at least 5 revisions.
Punctuation Champion For having less than 3 punctuation errors.
Super Speller For making less than 3 spelling mistakes.
Grammar Guru For making less than 5 grammar mistakes. 27
PERSUASIVE
WRITING
MOST ORGANIZED WRITING AWARD For the most neatly written and logically ordered final pages
CHAPTER 1:
MATEITO THE RED PANDA By Mateo, Age 7
SCAN FOR EDITOR'S NOTES
30 30
My habitat engineer’s name is Mateo. He is a red panda living in the jungle and he is made of fur. The role of Mateo is to move the seeds so they can grow into plants. His powers consist of moving the seeds so plants can grow. He knows a plant is a system. He is a superhero for nature because his power is moving seeds so plants can grow at the Bengal Tiger Reserve. I want someone to vote for Mateito because he moves seeds so plants in the Bengal Tiger Reserve can grow. Scientists can observe that Mateito helps the forest habitat.
31 31
MATEO’S
WRITING JOURNEY FIRST DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
32
FINAL DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
33
STRONGEST SCIENCE REVISION AWARD For adding the most new science details from draft to final
CHAPTER 2:
MR. PLANTWY By John, Age 7
SCAN FOR EDITOR'S NOTES
34 34
My name is Mr. Plantwy. Mister Plantwy cleans the dirt in the habitat. The plant needs sunlight and water and dirt. Mister Plantwy needs to grow in the garden. The seed is from the green plant. The plant is big. Mr. Plantwy cleans the dirt. The plant needs power to grow. The plant’s roots get power from the ground. The plant gets big. Without water, Mr. Plantwy will not grow in the habitat. You should vote for me to save the Bengal Reserve Forest because I can clean the environment. I clean the dirt. I help animals by giving shelter. Animals need different parts of the plant. For example, animals need roots, soil, and leaves. The forest is a habitat because plants and animals work together to help each other live. Scientists can observe Mr. Plantwy helping the forest. 35
JOHN’S
WRITING JOURNEY FIRST DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
36
FINAL DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
37
BEST “PLANT AS A SYSTEM” EXPLANATION AWARD For detailed writing about roots, leaves, and water working together
CHAPTER 3:
RED POLINS By Jesus, Age 7
SCAN FOR EDITOR'S NOTES
38 38
My name is Red Polins. Red Polins is made of water. Red Polins cleans the forest. The forest is Red Polins’ habitat. Red Polins is an animal. His favorite food is bananas. The super powers he has are to clean water and help animals so they can be strong. The water is important for the plants because plants absorb the water through their roots. Leaves use water and sunlight to make food for plants because a plant is a system. Red Polins cleans the water to help the forest to be perfect. They should vote for Red Polins because he cleans so well. He can be a super animal. Scientists can observe Red Polins’ powers.
39 39
JESUS’
WRITING JOURNEY FIRST DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
40
FINAL DRAFT
INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
41
MOST CONFIDENT AWARD For declaring himself a superhero right from the start!
CHAPTER 4:
TOM TIGER By Michael, Age 6
SCAN FOR EDITOR'S NOTES
42
My name is Tom Tiger. Tom Tiger spreads seeds. He does everything. He is a superhero. Power is water. Tom Tiger helps to plant seeds by putting water. The seeds grow apples. Apples are important because they are healthy for tigers. You should vote for me because I help to plant seeds.
43 43
MICHAEL’S
WRITING JOURNEY FIRST DRAFT
INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
44
REVISIONS TO FIRST DRAFT
INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
45
STRONGEST SCIENTIST OBSERVATION AWARD For a clear final line inviting scientists to observe
CHAPTER 5:
PENGUINITO By Julio, Age 7
SCAN FOR EDITOR'S NOTES
46
My habitat engineer’s name is Penguinito. He is made of feathers and flippers. My role is to take care of the water. Penguinito lives in Antarctica where it is very cold. My powers are to feed the babies. Penguinito uses food like fish and squid. The penguins have food stored in their stomachs. The Antarctica habitat is a place where some animals are predators and others are prey. Scientists can observe me taking care of the babies and helping the animals.
47
JULIO’S
WRITING JOURNEY FIRST DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
48
FINAL DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
49
MOST CREATIVE IDEA AWARD For turning garbage into toys - brilliant idea!
CHAPTER 6:
SUP JAYDEN JAY By Jayden, Age 7
SCAN FOR EDITOR'S NOTES
50 50
My name is Sup Jayden Jay. I am made of roots. My habitat is the forest. My super power is making food. I make my own air. You can take the leaves. My super powers are making more seeds and roots. I see the leaves. I love mushrooms. I love me. I love my tree because it is so fun to be in the tree. I have super powers because I help the community. I can collect the garbage. We can't have garbage in the community. You can make a toy with it. I move the seeds. I want to go to the Tiger Reserve to make roots and trees. Vote for me because the Tiger Reserve is not growing. There is no water. Thank you for inviting me to the Tiger Reserve.
51 51
JAYDEN’S
WRITING JOURNEY FIRST DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
52
FINAL DRAFT
INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
53
MOST DRAMATIC ACTION AWARD For writing the most action-packed moment (lifting a car!)
CHAPTER 7:
MOLLYLIS By Maia, Age 7
SCAN FOR EDITOR'S NOTES
54 54
Her name is Mollylis. She needs the food to be strong. She is a girl. She lives in the forest. The seeds made her bigger. Her power is so strong. My power is to get lots of seeds to get bigger to grab the car that is heavy. It makes nature strong. She cleans the forest. It will be so nice and cool. You should vote for me because I am going to clean the forest for people to come to see the animals. And they enjoy the forest and the sun is shining.
55 55
MAIA’S
WRITING JOURNEY FIRST DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
56
MS. B
!! W W O O W W
THESE GREAT HABITAT ENGINEERS ARE PERSUASIVE & INFORMATIVE!
WHO DO YOU THINK THE SCIENTISTS SHOULD VOTE TO BE THE HABITAT ENGINEER SUPERHERO? MS. A
LET'S KEEP! R E A D IN G 57 57
THE MOST GENTLE HELPING AWARD For writing with a soft, caring tone throughout.
CHAPTER 8:
CAMILA
By Tayra, Age 7
SCAN FOR EDITOR'S NOTES
58
My name is Camila. I am made of wood. I make food for the plants using pots. Camila makes food and plays with animals. She will help animals.
59
TAYRA’S
WRITING JOURNEY FIRST DRAFT
INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
60
REVISIONS TO FIRST DRAFT
INTRODUCTION
61
BEST COMMUNITY THEME AWARD For strong writing about helping the whole community
CHAPTER 9:
FLOWER TAIL By Genesis, Age 7
SCAN FOR EDITOR'S NOTES
62 62
My name is FLOWER TAIL. My habitat is the forest. The butterfly is beautiful. I am so pretty. It cleans water. My power is cleaning the community. I have a sparkly collar. My power is cleaning the community. I do that by cleaning the water because the plants need water and sun. The forest is a habitat where plants and animals work together to help each other live. Scientists should vote for me because I help the plants to grow. I help the roots to grow. The leaves help make food. Observe me cleaning the water and helping nature.
63 63
GENESIS’
WRITING JOURNEY FIRST DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
64
FINAL DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
65
BEST EARTH-FRIENDLY IDEA AWARD For the clever “less electricity” solution
CHAPTER 10:
MAROU THE FIREFLY By Matias, Age 7
SCAN FOR EDITOR'S NOTES
66 66
The firefly lives in the park. The park is a habitat because it gives shelter and water for animals. His name is Marou. He gives light for the plants to grow. The plant makes food for animals. Plants use their leaves to take in sunlight and their roots to drink water from the soil. I give light to the plant. When plants grow they make food for animals. I give light to animals so they can see. Humans will not use as much electricity. You should vote for me because I glow for animals so they can see. You will not pay for the electricity. Scientists can observe Marou giving light to the plants and animals. Marou helps the whole system in nature by helping both plants and animals.
67 67
MATIAS’
WRITING JOURNEY FIRST DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
68
FINAL DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
69
FUNNIEST DETAIL AWARD For the hilarious and charming butterfly-chasing moment
CHAPTER 11:
FOLLY THE KOALA By Aurora, Age 7
SCAN FOR EDITOR'S NOTES
70 70
My name is Folly the Koala. My role is to clean the habitat with my claws. I am made of fur. I am an animal. My favorite thing is to chase and observe the butterflies. I love to eat eucalyptus leaves. Folly the Koala is a superhero because she cleans the environment with her claws. She cleans the dirt to help plants grow. A clean environment keeps the plants and roots strong. Folly is the best because she helps the Tiger Reserve stay clean. You should vote for me because my engineer cleans the environment with her claws! Folly is observant and helps the whole habitat to stay clean and makes the system work together.
71 71
AURORA’S
WRITING JOURNEY FIRST DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
72
FINAL DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
73
COOLEST SCIENCE EXPLANATION AWARD For the coolest science explanation— plasma gives heat and light!
CHAPTER 12:
KOLLY
By Mauricio, Age 7
SCAN FOR EDITOR'S NOTES
74 74
My name is Kolly. He gives sunlight to plants. I’m made of plasma. Plasma gives off heat and light that plants and animals in the habitat need. Plants use their leaves to collect sunlight. Sunlight helps them make food through a process called photosynthesis. Plants and animals work together as a system to keep the forest alive. You should vote for me because I help all animals and plants survive and this makes me the best.
75 75
MAURICIO’S
WRITING JOURNEY FIRST DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
76
FINAL DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
77
MOST SCIENTIFIC ENDING AWARD For adding strong science words (light, germs, photosynthesis!) near the end
CHAPTER 13:
SUN RED
By Edwin, Age 6
SCAN FOR EDITOR'S NOTES
78
My name is Sun Red. I clean the forest. Sun Red’s role is cleaning. My Sun Red is made of energy. Sun Red helps by cleaning the forest in his habitat. The forest is a system. He is a superhero. Vote for Sun Red because Sun Red gives water to the plants. He also cleans. He keeps the habitat clean by giving light and killing germs. Scientists can observe Sun Red giving light to the plants. Plants’ leaves use the light to make food. Plants' roots take in water from the soil.
79
EDWIN’S
WRITING JOURNEY FIRST DRAFT
INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
80
FINAL DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
81
MOST MAGICAL ENDING AWARD For including a unicorn helper that brings a whimsical finish
CHAPTER 14:
SAM THE RUNNING By Samantha, Age 7
SCAN FOR EDITOR'S NOTES
82 82
My name is Samantha. I am beautiful. I am in the zoo. I help the leaves to grow by putting water. Plants’ parts work like a system. Leaves can take up space. Their roots absorb water. I am a superhero because I want to help the leaves and flowers. I make food for the leaves. My habitat is in the zoo. My unicorn is great because she is fast. She helps leaves and flowers. Scientists can observe me helping the leaves and flowers grow.
83 83
SAMANTHA’S WRITING JOURNEY FIRST DRAFT
INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
84
FINAL DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
85
CUTEST AUTHOR VOICE AWARD Because the voice in the writing is naturally warm and adorable
CHAPTER 15:
DANDROP By Daniels, Age 7
SCAN FOR EDITOR'S NOTES
86 86
My habitat engineer’s name is Dandrop. Dandrop is a drop of water. He helps plants grow and helps animals by giving them food in the forest habitat. Sun and water work together by helping plants grow and make food. He is so cute. He also helps roots to grow and seeds to grow and leaves spread. Plants drink water through their roots. Scientists can observe how plants grow by giving them water. My powers are helping plants grow. My powers help the Bengal Tiger Reserve by helping the environment with clean water. Without water plants can’t make their own leaves and they will die. If the plants die the environment will die too. You should vote for me because I can give water to the tigers. Water keeps the whole forest system alive. I can help plants to grow and I can make it rain. For trees and plants to not die when plants get water through their roots they can grow strong leaves. The environment would look better and it would work better too.
87
DANIELS’
WRITING JOURNEY FIRST DRAFT
INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
88
FINAL DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
89
SWEETEST CHOICE AWARD For making the sweetest food: honey, and a sweet character design
CHAPTER 16:
ALICIA
By Amy, Age 8
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My name is Alicia. My powers are to make food and flowers. Alicia helps the animals and the roots by magic. I am made of fur and flowers. I wear a necklace made of leaves and flowers. Alicia makes honey and helps her animals. Alicia makes honey using flowers. Animals eat honey. Alicia is part of the forest habitat, where the plants and animals all work together to help each other live. You should vote for me because I protect the forest and habitat. I help all animals. Scientists can observe how I protect the forest. Vote for me.
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AMY’S
WRITING JOURNEY FIRST DRAFT
INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
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FINAL DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
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BEST SCIENTIST INVITATION AWARD For ending with the strongest, most formal call to scientists—“I invite scientists to come…”—like a true researcher.
CHAPTER 17:
SUN-NY By Mr. E
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My Habitat Engineer’s name is Sun-NY. Sun-NY is made up of energy! My role is to create day and night and to shine so bright. Sun-NY is a superhero because without him the plants won’t grow. Sun-NY helps with a system called photosynthesis. The word photosynthesis means “put together with light”. The process of photosynthesis uses plants to change light energy into carbon dioxide to make food for the plants. I invite scientists to come to the Bengal Tiger Reserve and observe how my power has helped the whole forest thrive.
95
MR. E’S
WRITING JOURNEY FIRST DRAFT
INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
96
FINAL DRAFT INTRODUCTION
DESCRIBE
FINISH
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A GIANT thank you to the teachers, the students and families, and the GIANT team members who made this publication possible. Book Concept & Planning
Ms. A Ms. B Azadeh Jamalian, PhD Jessica Mezei, PhD Rebecca Schifilliti Maru Segovia Hongjin Du Maya Hood-Wilson Rama Deshpande
Book Design & Development
Rebecca Schifilliti Azadeh Jamalian, PhD Paulina Quezada M. Rama Deshpande Aaron Toplin Vanessa Raphael Camila Soto
GIANT Kid Collaborators
John, Maia, Amy, Mateo, Daniels, Samantha, Edwin, Mauricio, Aurora, Matias, Genesis, Tayra, Jesus, Jayden, Julio, Michael and Madelyn
More GIANT thanks to the Robin Hood Foundation, Tech + Learning Fund for their generous support of this project, and to Joan Ganz Cooney Center from Sesame Workshop for their partnership.
ABOUT
The GIANT Room The GIANT Room is a creative co-design lab that provides opportunities for children, families, and educators to collaborate with designers, policymakers, scientists, artists, and engineers. In addition, on our GIANT Remix platform, we provide opportunities for children to co-design and co-publish books and games they can read and play with their friends and family.
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