Have children pretend that they are shrunk and are placed into an environment. Have them keep a journal of their experience as they travel. In their writing have them make sure that they mention living and non-living things that they encounter. They can draw pictures and give names and personalities to the things they meet.

Have students travel back in time to a city of their choice. (One that they are familiar with.) Students will write lyrics to what they see, touch and hear. Live and dead. Make sure that they have enough info that you know that they understand the environment at that time.