Synonyms are words that have about the same meaning. Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings. You can use a scale to show how words relate to each other.

Compare the three words on the scale at the right. They are all synonyms for run. Jog is the slowest kind of run. Sprint is the fastest kind of run. Look at the order.

Scale

The words at the opposite ends of the scale below are antonyms.

Make a Scale Work with a partner. Make a scale for the antonyms huge and tiny. Think of other words that relate. Write them in order on the scale.

HISTORY

The Columbia River is an important resource. With too much rain, rivers can flood and cause damage.

A flooded river covers a road in Bihar, India.

• 1 Use an Almanac Almanacs have facts on topics such as floods. Work with a partner. Use an almanac to find out about recent or famous floods.

• 2 Find Out More Use library books or the Internet to learn more about a particular flood. Where and when did it happen? What damage did it cause? How did it affect people? Take notes.

  Internet InsideNG.com

  Find out about a historic flood.

• 3 Share Your Findings Tell what you learned about the flood.