This unit enables students to enjoy learning new words using other strategies besides simply looking words up and defining them. My seventh grade Language Arts students were having trouble retaining and recalling new vocabulary words on teacher made tests. On a one month evaluation of weekly vocabulary test scores, the average of all students grades for the one month period was 67. This unit gives students a chance to work in groups, use context clues, and utilize hands-on activities to aid in retention and recollection of vocabulary. According to the student survey, my students don't always think about their best skills and use them to complete a task. This unit offers students a wide variety of tasks which require the utilization of many skills. They will not only know their best skills, but also be able to demonstrate them in these activities. Learning Expectations addressed in this Unit: The student is able to extend reading vocabulary using contextual and reference skills. The student will develop the structural and creative skills necessary to produce written language that can be read and interpreted by various audiences. The student will use cognitive strategies to evaluate text critically. The student will select, evaluate, and utilize resource material in order to apply it effectively.