Cay Projects

Students in regular reading classes are working to complete one of four project options upon completing our classroom novel, The Cay.

Option 1 – Diorama

Using a shoebox or other small box without a lid or flaps, create ONE specific scene from the story. After creating the scene, write 2 paragraphs; the first explaining the significance of the chosen scene and the second paragraph describing how you created the scene. Glue these paragraphs to the back of the box.

Option 2 – Island Map

Draw a large map of the island on 12"x18" construction paper (see me for the paper) or larger. Be sure to include everything that you know about the island before the hurricane hit. Also include things that Timothy and Philip built, such as the hut, the line that Philip used to find his way around while blind, and the catchment.

This map should be colorful and well-labeled with a map key. After you have created the map, write a short paragraph about the map, and glue this paragraph to the back
of the map.

Option 3 – Research Paragraphs

Using an encyclopedia, book, or the Internet, research TWO of the following topics: U-boats, US Navy destroyers during World War II, hurricanes in the Caribbean Sea, Curacao (often listed under "Netherlands Antilles"), or causes of blindness after birth. You will take notes on each topic and then write a page for each topic explaining what you learned.

Option 4 – Survivor

Timothy and Phillip had to survive for many months on only a few things that they brought with them. Everything else, they "made do" from items that they found on the cay. Many people in Illinois have had to survive after a tornado destroyed their homes.

For this project, prepare a survival kit for your home of items that you already have. After you have finished, if there are items which you know you should have, but don't, make a list of those items for later purchase. After you have gathered the items together (and know which ones you need), write a 1 page about creating your Tornado Survival Kit.