Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls Unit Study

With the help of a young immigrant boy they meet on their crossing to America, two famous tightrope walkers manage to survive the treachery of a rival showman.

Thanks to Christa Stephien for writing the lessons for this Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls unit study.

Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls Unit Study Lessons

This unit study includes lessons and printables based on the book Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls by Emily Arnold McCully.

Here are some sample lessons from the Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls unit study.

Geography: Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is the collective name for the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. These are a series of waterfalls that lie on the American/Canadian border in upstate New York. Combined, they have the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world. They were formed when the glaciers receded at the end of the last ice age. The Horseshoe Falls drop about 173 feet and are 2,600 feet wide, while the American Falls drop between 70-100 feet and are 1,060 feet wide. How much water flows over the falls is directly related to the elevation of Lake Erie, and reaches its peak in late spring or early summer. At its peak, the volume of water is as much as 202,000 cubic feet per second. The color of the water going over the falls is green, because of dissolved salts and rock, which is caused by the swiftness and power of the Niagara river. The falls are regarded both for their beauty and as a useful source of hydroelectric power.

History: Real Tightrope Walkers
While Mirette and Bellini are fictional characters, there have been real people who have braved the tightrope across the Niagara.

Watch the video about Charles Blondin. How does Blondin remind your student of Bellini?

Maria Spelterini (b. July 7, 1853, d. October 19, 1912) was an Italian tightrope walker who crossed the Niagara gorge on tightrope on July 8, 1876. She was 19. She crossed just north of the lower suspension bridge. She did it again on July 12, wearing peach baskets strapped to her feet. She did it a third time on July 19^th, blindfolded, and with her ankles and wrists manacled on July 22^nd. She also toured Europe, and performed at Moscow and St. Petersburg. It seems like she was a real life Mirette!

You can grab a copy of the entire Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls unit study and printables in an easy-to-print file at the end of this post.

Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls Printables

In addition to the unit study lessons, this file includes some Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Fallss printables:

• From Paris to Niagara Falls Map
• From Poland to Niagara Falls Map
• Continents Discs and Continents Cards
• Statue of Liberty Simple Fold Book
• Italics 3/4 Book
• Writing a Letter Template
• Newspaper Template
• Five Fast Facts About Niagara Falls Notebook Page

How to Get Started with Your Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls Unit Study & Printables

Follow these simple instructions to get started with the Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls unit study:

1. Buy a copy of the book, Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls, or borrow one from your local library.
2. Print the Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls unit study.
3. Choose the lessons you want to use with your student (a highlighter works great for this).
4. Choose and prepare the lapbook printables you want to use with your student.
5. Enjoy a week of reading and learning with Mirette.

Get Your Free Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls Unit Study & Lapbook

Simply click on the image below to access your free Mirette and Bellini Cross Niagara Falls unit study and printables.