"Why Is Coco Orange?" [Video]

Videos

Grades3, 4, 5Science, Social Studies, Health

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by EPA

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What it is

This is a video read aloud of the story about a chameleon with asthma who learns about the EPA's Air Quality Index and how he can stay safe when there is poor air quality.

Teaching tips

Positives

This video helps young children understand the implications of air pollution.
The story is accompanied by captivating and colorful pictures.

Prerequisites

Assumes prior fundamental knowledge of air pollution.

Differentiation & Implementation

Challenge the students to identify some environmental asthma triggers commonly found on school premises and suggest possible solutions.
Students can read a digital version of this book here.

From the scientist review

The video outlines how to stay healthy even when air quality is polluted. This story will enlighten students to take collective actions in reducing air pollution. The air quality chart is also appropriate for students to practice. This is recommended for teaching.

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At a glance

Grades: 3, 4, 5
Subjects: Science, Social Studies, Health
Format: YouTube Video
Language: English
Location: North America, North America > United States
Provider: EPA
Authors: EPA
Published: October 18, 2021
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · 4-ESS3-1. + 14 more

Core

Core Standards legacy

4-ESS3-1.4-ESS3-1. Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and that their uses affect the environment.
5-ESS3-1.5-ESS3-1. Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
D2.Geo.10.3-5D2.Geo.10.3-5 Explain why environmental characteristics vary among different world regions.
D4.6.3-5D4.6.3-5 Draw on disciplinary concepts to explain the challenges people have faced and opportunities they have created, in addressing local, regional, and global problems at various times and places.
D4.7.3-5D4.7.3-5 Explain different strategies and approaches students and others could take in working alone and together to address local, regional, and global problems, and predict possible results of their actions.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.2CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.2 Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.2CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.2 Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.3CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.3 Explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text, including what happened and why, based on specific information in the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.3CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.3 Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).
1.5.31.5.3 Describe ways in which safe and healthy school and community environments can promote personal health.
3.5.23.5.2 Locate resources from home, school, and community that provide valid health information.

Michigan Climate Education Hub

Michigan Climate Education Hub Standards legacy

5-ESS3-15-ESS3-1 Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
3-53-5 – P4.3 Explain different strategies students and others could take to address problems and predict possible results.
RI.4.2.RI.4.2. Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.
SL.3.2.SL.3.2. Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

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What it is

Teaching tips

From the scientist review

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