What Are Compound Words? Sometimes you can combine two base words to form a compound word:

Follow these steps to figure out the meaning of a compound word.

• 1. Find the base words.

  waterproof = water + proof

• 2. Figure out the meaning of the base words.

  water = a liquid, as in ocean water

  proof = able to keep something out

• 3. Put the meanings of the base words together to figure out what the word means. A waterproof camera keeps water from getting inside.

Analyze Compound Words Work with a partner. Find each word below in the selection. Read the sentence in which the word appears. Then use the three steps to figure out the meaning of each word.

• 1. hitchhiking, p. 14

• 2. backpack, p. 16

• 3. bathtub, p. 16

• 4. underwater, p. 16

• 5. outlines, p. 22

• 6. overhead, p. 24

HEALTH & SCIENCE

An endangered species is a type of animal or plant that may not be able to survive. With a group, use the Internet, books, newspapers, or other resources to research an animal that is considered an endangered species.

• 1 Gather Information Answer these questions:

  • • Why is the animal considered an endangered species?

  • • Can the animal survive in different places? Why or why not?

  • • How do people try to protect and save the animal?

• 2 Discuss as a Group Imagine you are in charge of a group to help an endangered species. What would you do to help protect and save the species? Why? Use details and examples from your research.