1. The Story Of A Seagull And The CAt Who Taught Her To Fly
by Louis Sepulveda
Cyberlesson prepared by
Dr. Catherine Kurkjian

2. Introduction
In this book you will learn about Zorba, a big black cat, his cat buddies, The Colonel, Secretario, Einstein and their quest to keep three promises made to a seagull who is deathly ill.

3. Materials
A copy of The Story of a Seagull and the Cat who Taught her to Fly by Luis Sepulveda
Computer with an Internet Connection
Reading journal and pencil
Character Chart
Sticky notes

4. Before You Read
Take a look at the title of the book, the cover, the illustrations and the chapter names. Discuss with your partner some of your ideas about what you predict the book will be about.
Link below to view each of the videos of seagulls. List 5 things you learned about the gulls from the videos

5. While You Read Part I
While you read Part I, jot down the three promises Zorba made to the the chick’s mom. Which one of promises do you think will be hardest to keep?

6. After You Read Part I
Go back into the text and remember all of the interesting characters you’ve met. Complete the chart below with your partner by listing some of your favorite characters. Tell their names, what they were like with your reasons for saying so. Each partner will draw a picture of their favorite character and include a speech bubble of something they might say.
Name of Character
What was he or she like?
Why do you say so?

7. Self Evalution Part I PART I 4 3 2 Before Reading
I used clues from pictures and title to make a reasonable prediction.
I used some clues, but missed some to make my prediction.
I did not consider the clues carefully to make my prediction.
During Reading
I read to find out about Zorba’s 3 promises and thought about how difficult each one would be to keep
I read to find out about Zorba’s promises, but did not think about how difficult they would be to keep.
I did not read to find out about Zorba’s 3 promises.
After Reading
I talked about the characters with my partner and what they were like. I gave evidence for my reasons. The character I drew would probably say what I had him or her say.
I completed all assignments.
I talked about the characters with my partner and what they were like. I did not give evidence for my reasons. The character I drew would probably say what I had him or her say.
I completed most assignments.
I did not think carefully about the characters and did not consider evidence to support what I thought they were like. I cannot prove why the character I drew might say what I had him or her say.
I completed one assignment..

8. Before You Read Part II
Jot down some questions you might have if you had to hatch a seagull egg and then feed a baby chick. Link to the following website to see if you can answer your questions. Be sure you click on the link entitled imprinting to learn about this interesting bird behavior.
Backyard Birds
nature.net/birds.htm

9. While You Read Part II
While you read Part II find the problems Zorba and his friends had as they tried to keep their three promises to the chick’s mom. Mark them with a sticky note. Check to see if what you predicted was on target.

10. After You Read Part II
After you read Part II go back into the text and find your sticky notes where Zorba and his friends had problems keeping their promise. Discuss with your partner how each of the problems were solved. Talk about some other ways they might have solved their problems.

11. After Reading the Book
Remember when the chick’s mom got caught in an oil slick and Zorba tried to save her. Einstein went to the encyclopedia under “stain remover” where the cats found out that benzene removes oil stains. Poor Secretario dipped his tail into benzene in an effort to help save Lucky’s mom!
Visit the following sites to learn about penguins and otters rescued from oil slicks. What is the prognosis for birds caught in slicks?
If you had access to the Internet how might you go about finding out how to help Lucky’s mom? Explain your search process and what you have found that might help you learn what you can do. Plan to share findings in class.

12. Beyond Reading the Book
Are there other questions you want to ask about how oil slicks impact sea life?
Visit the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Site to try to answer some of your questions
Do you have still have unanswered questions? Visit Ask A Marine Scientist but make sure you read the most frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) first to see if your question(s) have already been answered.
View the movie on sea otters and create a poster with key ideas showing the relationship among sea otters and their environment.

13. Self Evalution Part II PART II 4 3 2 Before Reading
I generated questions and learned a lot about birds. I was able to make strong connections between what I learned and the information in the story.
I learned a few interesting things about birds and connected some of the information to the story
In my mind I did not link information about birds to the story.
During Reading
I focused on key ideas of how the cats were working to keep their promises.
I focused on some of the key ideas while reading.
I did not keep key ideas in mind as I read the story.
After Reading
I read about other animals in oil slicks and carefully connected what I learned to the story. I searched for more information and explained my search process.
I read about other animals in oil slicks and connected some of what I learned to the story. I searched for more information but had difficulty finding information and sharing the search process.
I did not connect information on the websites to the story. I did not find information in my search to link to the story. I had trouble explaining my search process.

14. Self Evalution Part II PART II continued 4 3 2
Going beyond Information in Book
I learned a lot beyond the information provided in the book.
I learned some new information beyond what was provided in the book.
I learned very little information beyond what was provided in the book.
Poster
My poster is appealing and done with care.
My poster communicates important ideas to my audience.
My poster illustrates the key ideas in the video
My poster communicates most of ideas clearly to my audience.
My poster illustrates two key ideas in the video
My poster is not inviting and could be done more carefully.
My poster is confusing to my audience.
My poster illustrates one key ideas from the video.