ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO
1
TimestampUnit titleThe problem in a nutshell / General DescriptionDetailed Description / The full scope of the challenge in clear and compelling language.TimeframeTimeframeClusters / PathwaysExpertiseIndicators addressedTeacher and schoolGrade Level/sCourse CodesReflectionsHelp and Resources
2
11/6/2008 19:57:33About the IncasThe Challenge:
Design and write a children’s book about the Incas, the words and pictures must be our own or the deal is off.		The children’s book company “Brain Food” has hired us to write a series of books called the “About” series. These are to be ten page books with illustrations that give children a working knowledge of past civilizations.Five hoursA successful book will look great and have cover art. The ten pages will be packed with good but interesting information. Remember we have to hold the attention of children.Scott T.
Brigitt F.
Shane w.
Billy W.
In this challenge you will have to become expert at all things related to the Incas. You’ll have to familiarize yourselves with children’s books around 3rd to 5th grade level. Final presentations will be posted here in PDF form. (extra credit for groups who publish their book on a site like LULU.com) KS 5 SOC - H.4.4 Kevin Honeycutt ESSACK6th - Ancient CivilizationsWith LA focus students can work on standards surrounding vocabulary development 1.03.01, 1.04.02 (text features) by creating a book with all components, 1.04.10, Writing - 3.02.01-.06, 3.03,
3
11/6/2008 20:35:20Sports Drinks, Myth or Magic?Chaos Research Group of New York has hired you to test the claims of television adds put out by sports drink makers. Sports drink makers claim their products will improve your physical strength and quickness. Your job is to present your findings in a 5 to 10 minute video to their board. Your findings should include data, graphs, and your scientific method.Five hoursA successful project will include rigorous data and findings in the form of the scientific method. Findings will either support or disprove the sports drink makers claims.Nate
Tate
Jon
Ron		In this challenge you will have to become expert at all things related to the scientific method and data, human physiology, and advertising. You’ll have to research and create a compelling and believable presentation and sharpen it up before you present it. This presentation will be captured on video and uploaded here. SCI 6.01.01, 6.01.02, 1.01.03, 1.01.04Jeff DaMetz Pleasantview AcademyMS/HS levelPropaganda is a good thing to bring into this lesson. The sway to believe the research proposed in advertising is misleading when researching.
4
11/6/2008 20:44:58Mission to MarsDesign a plan to colonize Mars complete with a design for a flexible, sustainable community.
The year is 2013 and we are in trouble! Scientists and astronomers have spotted an Earth Killer asteroid that will strike us in 2015 so plans to colonize Mars have been greatly accelerated as a result. Your team is tasked with designing a plan for the most cost effective way to send permanent settlers to mars.Ten hoursA successful plan will make a great case for it’s chance of success in the allotted time and will be rooted in research and logic. Your math and science must make sense and It would help to have an outside expert recommend your plan. All members of your group are responsible for a working knowledge of the entire plan.Dylan
Denise
Alan
Alicia		In this challenge you will have to become expert at all things related to Mars and space travel and call on outside experts and other sources of information to help you formulate your plan. Additional respect will be won by groups utilizing technology tools like Skype, Google Sketchup and the support site as well as other collaborative tools. You will need evidence that your plan can work and you will be tasked with defending your plan before a panel of experts. Final presentations will be captured on video. 6.05.01, 6.04.01, 6.04.02, 6.03.01, 6.03.02Kevin Honeycutt8th Grade
5
11/6/2008 20:49:05Design an Artificial HeartDesign an artificial heart in time to save a life.Our firm has been contacted by a very wealthy client in a desperate situation. His 12 year old daughter has been on the organ donor list for two years and she doesn’t have long to live. He wants us to design an artificial heart and have a prototype ready in a week so that the manufacturers can construct the device and save his daughter’s life.Five hoursA successful plan will involve the creation of a prototype, either a physical model or in software. This prototype will have to be reliable and practical and take into account the body it will be implanted in.Meagan
Trease
Ben
Charlie		In this challenge you will have to become expert at all things related to the human heart and circulatory system as well as the systems necessary to power the device you are designing. You’ll need to be familiar with the current state of the art in artificial hearts.7.03.01, 7.02 & 7.01, 6.05.01, 1.01.01 - 1.01.06 Especially if they wrote up their research in scientific method. Add LA/Writing Standards depending on end product requirements for your classroom - research skills in particular.Kevin Honeycutt
ESSDACK		Have students look at any invention such as the recent magnetic therapy for depression, the lung machine, kidney dialysis machine, thermometer's used for body temp - much more than put under your tongue now. Etc. Look at the inventions/inventors leading up to the creation and the future implications of making advancements (Where can we take this knowledge further)
6
11/6/2008 20:52:08The F117Your team has been hired by a museum of air and space to create a 1/4 scale replica of the F117 Nighthawk.Using found and donated materials, construct a 1/4 scale replica of the F117 Stealth Nighthawk.
Ten hoursA successful project will end with your team displaying their replica and posting a ten minute video documenting the research and development of their plane as well as at least one virtual collaboration with an outside expert.William
Anna
Beau
Trent		In this challenge you will have to become expert at all things related to the F117 Nighthawk. You’ll get your hands dirty as you create the plane in 1/4 scale and you are challenged to create a great video that showcases your teamwork, process, research and construction as well as beauty shots of the final product. Math 1.02.A01c. SCI 7.02,LA/Writing 4.02, 4.01, 3.04Kevin Honeycutt
ESSDACK		Works with fraction applications for real life examples of math application.
7
11/6/2008 20:54:58StyrosaursYour team has been tapped to create an exhibit of styrofoam dinosaurs by the American Recycling institute in cooperation with the National Science Foundation.Create a great display and showcase your creativity while building dinosaur skeletons in styrofoam.
One hourA successful project will end in an exhibit to the public of your team’s dinosaurs.All studentsIn this challenge you will have to become expert at all things dinosaur related while you collect and form styrofoam into believable dinosaur skeletons. Please add these!Kevin Honeycutt
ESSDACK		Instead of a dinosaur, work on creating another museum exhibit for your grade level - Pioneer life for 7th GR, Ancient Worlds for 6th, American History 8th, or a Voting Booth for Civics
8
11/6/2008 22:58:48Fighting Fish in the Pet StoreThe Problem:
Paws n’ Claws Pet Store has the opportunity to purchase glass tanks with flat walls for their Betta fish. In the past Bettas have been sold in round edge plastic containers. Paws n’ Claws has a concern that the Bettas will see their own reflection and show a difference in their behavior.
The Challenge:
Paws n’ Claws believe their Betta fish will act differently when sold in a flat-walled glass container. Your job is to present your findings in a 5 to 10 minute video to their purchasing manager. Your findings should include data, photographs, and your scientific method.
One hour, Five hoursWhat success project looks like:
A successful project will include rigorous data and findings in the form of the scientific method. Findings will either support or disprove a behavior change in Betta fish.

Team Members: For better results include remote partners in the testing of this product. Partners may include students from other schools, professionals working with exotic fish, researchers in animal science, or pet store owners dealing with Betta fish.Expertise:
In this challenge you will have to become expert at all things related to the scientific method and data, animal behavior, and animal purchasing. You’ll have to research and create a compelling and believable presentation and sharpen it up before you present it. This presentation will be captured on video and uploaded.
Indicators Addressed:
Science Tested Standards: 1.1.2 Investigations, 3.6.1 Behavioral Response to Stimuli
(Please add the indicators you and your learners addressed as a comment to this unit.)

Kansas Career Fields and Cluster Model

Academic and Technical Skills

Environmental and Agricultural Systems
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources – Animal Science

Arts, Communication, and Information
Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications – Visual Arts

Industrial, Manufacturing, and Engineering Systems
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics – Science and Math (Investigative, Informational, and Educational)

Jeff DaMetz
ESSDACK		Fifth grade, Sixth grade, Seventh grade, Eighth grade, Ninth gradePlease share the document that has your expectations for scientific method - those of us who are weak in this area can see the benefit of recognizing how much writing can be worked into this project and other scientific investigations - TeresaTCA Thanks in Advance as I could benefit from this : )
9
11/7/2008 0:42:15Write an Alphabet Book!Write an alphabet book.We've been hired to design alphabelt books that will be published on LULU.comFive hoursGroups will be successful when they published their self-designed books on LULU or another publishing site..Authors will need to become experts on alphabet books as well as making the alphabet fun to learn.LA 4.02.04, 4.02.02, 4.01.01-.07 3.01-3.08 for upper level kiddos (6-8th GR).Pre, Kindergarten, First gradeABC books work for any age level if topic is on their level. ABC of Ancient Greek Life, ABC of living in KS, ABC's of Quantril's raid, etc.
10
11/7/2008 0:47:55The Story of Flat Stanley Write a book about the adventures of your flat Stanley or other Stanley character.We've been hired to create a book that people will enjoy sharing the life and times of a flat, traveling character.Nine weeksThe successful authors will create and publish a book that shares the story of the life and times of a flat character.Each child will create one.Successful authors will become experts on the places and things that their flat characters experience while telling interesting stories about these things. They will learn how to write a book that people will enjoy reading.LA 4.02.04, 4.02.02, 4.01.01-.07 3.01-3.08 for upper level kiddos (6-8th GR) Additional Sci/Hist or math concepts if you've addressed a focus area for the writing..Pre through Fourth gradeTake Flat Stanley back in time through historical exploration, or as you investigate science. Use him as your body that you travel through for life science and body systems/functions.
11
11/7/2008 0:52:06Tell the story of our school!Write a book or create a video that tells the story of our school.We've been hired by the principal to share the story of our school in the form of a book or a movie.Five hoursSuccessful authors and film makers will create books and movies that share the story of our school after researching it's history and interviewing teachers and others who know about the school..Successful teams will create quality books or movies that tell the story of our school in interesting ways.LA 4.02.04, 4.02.02, 4.01.01-.07 3.01-3.08 for upper level kiddos (6-8th GR).Pre through Eighth grade
12
11/7/2008 0:56:23Book reviewsWrite a book review or create an audio file or a podcast telling about a book you read recently.We've been hired by Fun-Read Publishers to create book reviews that will help other readers know more about books they could read.One hour, Five hoursSuccessful students will create book reviews that show that they read and understood a book while entertaining the reader or listener..Successful reviewers will create written reviews or audio files or podcasts that share their feelings about a book they have read, while entertaining the reader/listener.LA 4.02.04, 4.02.02, 4.01.01-.07 3.01-3.08 for upper level kiddos (6-8th GR) Have them write in a specific style for 3.09.Pre through Twelfth grade
13
11/7/2008 1:03:05Tell the story of a chicken!Tell the story of a chicken from eggs to full grown chicken that lays eggs.The National Poultry Association has asked us to create a picture book that tells the story of a chicken from egg to egg laying full grown chicken. Five hoursSuccessful authors will create a picture books with either photographs, or drawings/paintings that tells the story of the life oof a chicken in an interesting way. They will then publish their books on LULU or another self-publishing site..Authors will need to study the life of chickens and take pictures or draw or paint pictures of the different stages of a chicken's life. They will need to know how to organize their pictures and words into an attractive book that kids will enjoy and learn from.LA 4.02.04, 4.02.02, 4.01.01-.07 3.01-3.08 for upper level kiddos (6-8th GR).Pre through Sixth grade
14
11/7/2008 1:20:02Why My Pet is the Best!Write a story that tells people why your pet is the best.You been hired by Pets Rock Pet Store to write a story that will persuade readers that your pet is the best.One hour, Five hoursSuccessful authors will create stories that convince readers that their pet is the best. They will share their stories on paper or on blogs or as audio files so that people can read and hear them..Authors will be expert at sharing the reasons why their pet is the best and at writing in a persuasive way.LA 4.02.04, 4.02.02, 4.01.01-.07 3.01-3.08 for upper level kiddos (6-8th GR) 3.09 for Persuasive.Pre through Sixth grade
15
11/7/2008 1:42:39About my BiomeCreate a presentation that teaches people about a biome and record it in either audio or audio/video.We've been hired by the magazine "Nature" to create audio files or videos that teach people about a biome.One hourSuccessful students will create entertaining audio files or videos that teach people about a biome. The presentation will have lots of details about their biome..Students will need to become experts about the biome they are teaching about.LA 4.02.04, 4.02.02, 4.01.01-.07 3.01-3.08 for upper level kiddos (6-8th GR) Presentations require storyboarding often which can count as writings.Pre, Kindergarten, First through Twelfth grade
16
11/7/2008 1:47:47From the dirt to your table.Grow the ingredients for a dish you serve to your classmates.The Food Channel has hired us to create dishes that contain foods we grow ourselves. Grow some ingredients and create a dish you can share with others.Nine weeks, One semester, Year longSuccessful groups will plant and grow food, harvest it and make it into food you can share. They will photograph the stages of production as well as the event where they serve the final dishes..Students will become experts at growing food and turning it into something people will enjoy eating. They will become experts at documenting the process as well.Scientific Method.Pre, Kindergarten, First through Twelfth grade
17
11/7/2008 1:54:21Green Power!We have been hired by the Department of Energy to create books, audio files or videos that teach people how green energy works.Groups and individuals will create books, audio files or videos where they teach people how green energy technologies work. One hour, Five hoursSuccessful groups and individuals will research and write a book, create an audio file or a video that teaches readers, listeners or viewers how a green energy technology like wind, solar or geothermal works. They will share the final product with an audience..Students will become expert on one green technology and share it in book, audio or video form. They will learn how to share what they know with others.LA 4.02.04, 4.02.02, 4.01.01-.07 3.01-3.08 for upper level kiddos (6-8th GR).First through Twelfth grade
18
11/7/2008 8:14:07Shelter for the HomelessDesign a newsworthy homeless shelter.The problem of homelessness continues to plague society and the number of people who understand it is way too small. Design a personal, temporary shelter for homeless people that will keep them warm and dry while making headlines to draw attention to the plight of these people.Ten hours, One monthThe successful team with use Google Sketchup, Autocad or other software to create a design for an individual shelter for a homeless person. The design will be interesting enough to attract headlines and draw attention to the plight of the homeless. The team will seek attention for the project to help accomplish this goal and all team member must be versed in this issue so that they are ready to share more with the media than the project itself..Team members must be adept at designing a small shelter with software as they educate themselves on the issue of homelessness. They must also learn to seek media attention for their project and it's goals...First through Twelfth grade
19
20
11/7/2008 9:15:20Missing Artist ProjectA local artist disappeared. No one is sure what happened to him. You have been hired by the local authorities to go into his home to figure out what happened to this artist. You will research about his/her life. You will study their artworks to discover their style and what makes this unique compared to other artists. You will also create a recreation of this artist work in order to help find them. Students will become investigators and they will discover the life, history, and artworks of a particular artist. It does not matter what artist is chosen for the project. It can tie right along with your curriculum you have planned. Along the way they will discover about this artist's life and they will research all the facets that made this artist well known. They will come up with solutions of what might of happened to this artist who disappeared. They will present their scenario, the compelling facts (history) about the artist, and a recreation of this artists work in order to help find them. Students are encouraged to use technological applications if they can. Ten hoursStudents will have a recreation of an artists original work.
Students will demonstrate their knowledge through the presentation of facts(history) of an artists life.
Students will use technology to present their cases/information.
Students will come up with solutions of what might of happened to the artist and use facts to back up their outcomes.		Students will work in groups. They will divide the tasks to get the problem solved of what happened to the artist. There will be a couple of students working on the recreation. A few students might be working on the research. Other students might be working on the technology piece while other students are working on putting the presentation together. The main thing is to have all the students working on the components to make sure there is no down time.

Teacher will be the Inspector checking out the groups to see what information they have come up with. The students will also be presenting their information to the Inspector(Teacher).		You may want to have a local police detective in to talk to the students about how they solve local crimes to talk to them about the process.

You may want to have an art historian in to share knowledge and facts about the particular artist you are trying to locate. 		Visual Arts Standard #1 & #4Jennifer Miller-Pugsley
Turning Point Learning Center		Fourth grade, Fifth grade, Sixth grade, Seventh grade, Eighth grade
21
11/7/2008 10:24:57Tornado in the classroom!We've been hired my the local science museum to create an installation of a tornado.The class will design and build a large tornado sculpture installation in the classroom that teaches people all about tornados. Five hours, Ten hoursSuccessful students will create an installation that is fun and educational to see. People will learn from it and it will be fun for people to see. .kids will learn all about tornados and how to work together to accomplish a cool big sculpture...Third grade, Fourth grade, Fifth grade, Sixth grade
22
23
11/12/2008 15:55:22Rock On!The Hard Rock Cafe has contracted us to create a display of rocks for the wall of the restaurant.The rocks in your collection must be collected either as a set of real stones or a collection of photos. The rocks in the collection must represent these three classifications; Sedimentary, Igneous and Metamorphic. You must have at least three examples of each kind of rock.Five hours, Ten hours, One monthSuccessful products with look nice on the wall of the Hard Rock Cafe and include the classifications and numbers of rocks requested. Team members creating rock collections of either photos or real rocks must become expert on identifying rocks and putting them into the proper classifications while gathering collections together in an attractive package for display.4.1.1 ▲ identifies properties of the solid earth, the oceans and fresh water,
and the atmosphere.
4.1.2 ▲ models earth’s cycles, constructive and destructive processes, and
weather systems.
2.1.2 compares and contrasts the classes of matter; elements,
compounds, and mixtures.
Charlie Mahoney
TPLC		Fifth grade, Sixth grade, Seventh gradeStudents with critique on another's collects and verify that the rocks are separated into the proper classifications. These critiques will be written and archived on our project website.
24
11/12/2008 16:38:52Rollercoaster Physics Create a rollercoaster that includes one hill (at least 10" tall), one curve, and one loop then describe the forces involved.4-5 HoursSuccessful completion of the coaster with all three design requirements, while keeping your coaster passengers from falling to certain death. Completion consists of a successful explanation of the forces involved and how their design was able to overcome these forces.2.3.1 identifies the forces that act on an object (e.g., gravity and friction)
2.3.2 ▲ describes, measures, and represents data on a graph showing the
motion of an object (position, direction of motion, speed).
2.3.3 ▲ recognizes and describes examples of Newton’s Laws of Motion.
2.4.1 understands the difference between potential and kinetic energy.
2.4.2 ▲ understands that when work is done energy transforms from one form
to another, including mechanical, heat, light, sound, electrical, chemical,
and nuclear energy, yet is conserved.
Charlie Mahoney TPLC5th-7thhttp://www.teachingtools.com/GoFigure/FlyerCarpets.htm

http://www.learner.org/interactives/parkphysics/glossary.html
25
11/16/2008 20:32:13The Science of Our Ancestors: SoapmakingSoap is something we use every day, but rarely do we consider the science behind it. As we think of our ancestors in the 13 Colonies or traveling along the prairie, we rarely, if ever think of their hygiene habits!

Yet people have been making soap out of the same general ingredients for centuries: lye and fat! Curiously, if we were to rub either of them on our clothes or our bodies, we'd certainly not be clean! What exactly is the science that causes these amazing suds to work their magic? Let's find out about the science of our ancestors!		Working in groups, students will research the history of soapmaking and various recipes for making soap. **The blender method is best for smaller batches, which match a classroom time frame and environment.**

Students will choose a method to follow (with the approval of the adult mentor) and will create not only a materials list, but also safety guidelines and materials for the project. These guidelines will be reviewed heavily before entering the kitchen/lab.

Students will then follow the methods described in their research. If the mentor adult has never done this before, here is a BASIC suggested recipe for the blender method:

***Be sure to wear long latex gloves (dishwashing), long sleeves, goggles, have a well-ventilated location, and have vinegar on hand to neutralize any lye/skin contact.***

1. Step One - Dissolve the lye in cold water and wait until it cools and the mixture turns clear. Also, heat hard fat (crisco or lard) to just melting. If using oil (olive, coconut, avocado oils) skip the heating step.

2. Step Two - Carefully pour the oil and then the lye/water solution into the blender. BE CAREFUL not to splash or spill the lye on yourself or others.

3. Step Three - Lock the blender in position, secure the cover, place a towel over the top of the blender for safety, and process at the lowest possible speed. Make sure you are wearing your goggles when you process the soap mixture and make sure the towel is in place to avoid any accidental splashing of the lye/oil mixture. You may also use a stick blender for this step, but be sure you use plastic wrap over the bowl to prevent splashes and use the blender on low speed, keeping it submerged.

4. Stop the blender and check the soap often to watch for what is called a thin-trace stage. This is when the soap mixture just begins to thicken. Each time you stop the blender, wait a few seconds before removing the cover. Sometimes the soap "burps" when it stops as trapped air comes to the top. At the thin trace stage, stop the blender and stir the soap to check for tracing and to allow bubbles to escape.

5. Step Four - At this point you can add any essential oils,colorants or fragrances as well as any other ingredients such as oatmeal or herbs. Blend these in for a few seconds and then stop the blender.

6. Step Five - Pour the soap into individual molds. Use glass cake pans or PVC pipe (sprayed with PAM), or smaller, silicon molds. Cover mold/soap with a blanket for insulation. Let the soap set for a day or two and then after popping it out of the molds cut it and let it age for at least three weeks to fully harden.

Other soapmaking tips/recipes/varieties can be found here:

http://www.diigo.com/user/gingertplc/soap

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/Rainero-39608-make-home-soap-Introduction-Good-Reasons-Safely-Working-Lye-NaOH-Ingredients-Equipments-made-Education-ppt-powerpoint		Five hours for making the soap. Three weeks to complete cure.Students will:
1) participate in the project safely, observing laboratory safety guidelines at all times,
2) relate how lye is a strong base (vs acid) on the pH scale,
3) relate how lye and fats interact to create soap,
4) know why people use different types of fats (lard, vegetable, avocado, coconut, etc),
5) know new vocabulary that is related to the topic,
6) apply ratios, proportions, and measurement in real world environment,
7) understand safety issues regarding pouring lye into water and NEVER water into lye,
8) tell the history of soapmaking through the ages.

Any of these can be delivered in a class discussion, individual blog post, essay, test, or other demonstration assessment.		Health Science
Engineering Systems
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources 		While many of the resources a mentor teacher needs can be found online, local experts can be utilized for an extra dimension of authenticity and expertise.

Students/Mentor adult may choose to consult with someone who has done this before, or at least an adult with experience in chemical safety.
Mentor adult may choose to bring in a history expert who knows about the history of how soap has been made in the past. 		History: greek, colonial, pioneer
Math: ratios, proportions, measurement
Science: chemistry, lab safety		Ginger Lewman, Turning Point Learning Center4-12 grades, depending on emphasis of learning and mentorship supervisionLifestyles of ancestors
Chemistry lab safety and procefures		Here are 13 sites for reference that have been reviewed for validity and complete information:
http://www.diigo.com/user/gingertplc/soap
26
11/16/2008 21:35:54Explorers: Then and Now!Students investigate the characteristics and expeditions of European explorers, including the "tools of the trade" STEP 1: Groups are assigned regions of Europe (Vikings, Spain, Portugal, England, France, Italy), and individual students are assigned individual explorers to create a brief biography.

STEP 2: Students share individual bios within the group, and find the commonalities among their regions' explorers. Groups will answer the essential questions regarding their regions:
a) Where were the explorers going and what were they looking for?
b) What was the technology they used?
c) Were they successful?
d) What was the historical impact of their exploration on that region?

STEP 3: Groups share their info with the other groups.

STEP 4: Groups then decide the characteristics that a good explorer needs and creates a list of what our future space explorers must possess.

Additional learning: Students can make their own sextants and use them to
a) find their own latitude (at night), and
b) find the height of an object.
Part a provides the teachable moments of latitude/longitude and North Star/Southern Cross.

Additional learning: Students can learn how to use GPS systems as navigational tools of the right-now.		Ten hours to One month, depending on the additional learning opportunities exploredStudents are able to identify:
regions' reasons and funding sources for exploration (global resources, 1300-1700),
which regions each European country focused on;
use of current technology for explorers of that time period,
early European explorers: life of, and "achievements,"
the historical/cultural impact the explorers left on those regions,
personality traits inherent in "new world" explorers, then and now.

Students may collect the above information in a wiki.

Students are able to demonstrate the use of:
trigonometry, astronomy, physical geography concepts in using a sextant,
a GPS unit.		Human Resources and Services;
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics;
Information Technology;
A/V Technology and Communications		higher level math (trigonometry) mentor
Global Positioning Sensor mentor
American History,
Math,
World Geography,
Science,
Technology		Ginger Lewman, Turning Point Learning CenterFifth grade, Sixth grade, Seventh grade, Eighth gradeThat there is a different view of explorers other than just heroes. They had quite an impact on the globe both positive and negative.
http://www.diigo.com/search?adSScope=all&what=Explorers&page_num=1

27
11/16/2008 21:43:12War and Conflict: Humanity's Scourge or Essential for Humanity's Growth?Is war essential for change? Are there Universal causes of war/conflict? Are there Universal results? If so, can war be prevented? Should war be prevented or is it good for the advancement of the human race?Students will examine conflict (in this case with American wars) by studying the causes/results of various wars/conflict. STEP 1: Students pick historical events based on interest, creating a bulletted list of c/r, accompanied by an explanation of each bullet. The students need to be sure to give the ROOT of the causes, and not simply events. Discussion with the each other and with teacher will help to bring out the ROOT of the causes.

STEP 2: Students will then share their info to the group, who will decide, based on evidence, if there are universal causes to starting wars.

STEP 3: The group decides if there are universal + or - to the results of war.

STEP 4: Based on that evidence, students will discuss / blog their own opinions to the question: Is War is Essential to Change?

STEP 4 ALTERNATIVE: Students collaborate with another school who has also been investigating the topic and ask one another questions about the topics, then interview (as a group) an expert in war and conflicts.		Five hours, Ten hoursStudents are engaged in the final discussions and are able to not only tell the causes/results of American or World events. Students are also writing thoughtful posts on their blogs.

Human Resources and Services:
Law, Public Safety, and Security;
Human Services;
Education and Training;
Government and Public Administration		Students or teacher can pick teams or they can work singly.

Also, other students in other schools could create an extra dimension of connection and point of view if you have a monoculture in your school environment.

History experts can/should also be consulted as an additional resource.
American History
American Government
Ginger Lewman, Turning Point Learning CenterSeventh grade, Eighth grade, Ninth grade, Tenth grade, Eleventh grade, Twelfth gradeStudents need to be able to discuss controversial or personal topics in a mature manner. To get students to that point, consider running a few exercises of a Scored Discussion. Many different pieces of software can be used to house the collective notes: wikis and/or google docs are probably the best locale.http://trackthisnow.com/
28
GOAL: The student will be able to (SWBAT) convert previously learned material along with newly acquired knowledge regarding our civic duties and governmental operations into a short skit format such as a circus theme. Students will be evaluated based on classroom participation of culminating activity and content discussed during presentation. 5th, 7th &8th GR Civics-Government Standard: The student uses a working knowledge and understanding of governmental systems of Kansas and the United States and other nations with an emphasis on the United States Constitution, the necessity for the rule of law, the civic values of the American people, and the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of becoming active participants in our representative democracy.
15 hoursHold a mock trial covering crimes found in current news reports or auto theft differences between minor and adults. Would like to hold mock trials several times during the year for reinforcement. Invite the DA, Police Officer, Review School Policy Manual, Revisit primary sources by looking up –Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, Articles of Confederation, Amendments, Preamble, each student taking a document and interpreting the information and impact on history and present culture in the US. Creating a PSA (Public Service Announcement 5 m in . time limit to explain)
How are federal rights different or similar to state rights and amendments?
Rights that affect students - Title IX (Sports in schools), and other rights that are commonly discussed in news – do a current event search cnn.com/newsweek/time discuss where this might be found in your world today.
Shopping receipts, income tax reports property taxes & tag breakdown of vehicle – public obligations & talk to city council clerk about what our dollars go towards when paying these taxes. Also, about state and federal funding that helps citizens through city improvements.
Division Connection (numbers are separated in math problems w/a symbol) OK so we separate the duties w/in our government system and they are separated by branches. Schools are separated into grade levels and buildings – connect these three in the form of a 3 ring circus act (role play – but with a relationship to who may juggle, maintain order, etc.)
We’re in the Midwest, why should we be concerned about international relations? Consider past and present actions.
5.01 / 7.01/ 8.01
5.02/7.02/8.02
5.03/7.03/8.03
5.04/ 7.04/ 8.04
5.05/ 7.05/ 8.05
Teresa Morgan, Thomas County Academy5th, 6th, 7th
29
2/16/2009 12:09:34Twelfth grade
30
2/16/2009 12:09:49Ninth grade
31
3/19/2009 12:50:21
32
7/27/2009 1:46:38Weather in ArkansasCompile information for your meteorology report, including a visual of the weather conditions, and broadcast it to your classmates.Use the information you have learned to create a weather condition to report on. Be sure and match your conditions to the data you compile. Create a posterboard to show the conditions in your report. Include safety procedures for related weather conditions. Present your report to your classmates. You will be assessed on the typed report, visual, and presentation.Ten hoursWe will learn about the conditions and instruments used BEFORE you begin your report. The actual project will take 10 class periods to complete.MeteorologyExpertise areas: weather conditions, instruments, safety, water cycle, and meteorologists.PS 7.4.1, ESS 8.4.7, ESS 8.4.8, ESS 8.4.9, ESS 8.4.11TeacherFourth gradeScienceMeteorology for Kids
Leveled books in the classroom
Scott Foresman textbook
Science Labs
33
10/1/2009 13:10:54
34
10/10/2009 11:24:29TIME MACHINE
STOP CAESAR

The Challenge:
In this challenge, you are tasked with choosing the right ten minute time drop to change the history we know. You must stop Caesar from coming to power and write a brief on the ramifications of this action on events following.
What success looks like:
Your team will deliver a presentation detailing your mission and the way it was designed to meet the objective. You will also present your brief sharing your team’s assessment of the effects of this mission on world events afterwards.

In your presentation, compare and contrast the Julius Caesar in history as evidenced by your research with the Julius Caesar in Shakespeare’s play.

Your team is to include a current event that is parallel to this event in history.

From your research, show what you have learned about dictators coming to power and how this can be prevented.

Technology must be used in the preparation and presentation of your project.
Presentations may include but are not limited to the following:
PowerPoint presentation
PhotoStory3 presentation
Web Page
Brochure
Newsletter
Create a media presentation in Movie Maker using the Flip Videos

Each team is required to write and submit an “ABC” summary with the presentation no matter what presentation format is chosen.

One monthTimeframe:
While studying The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, some classroom time will be given for planning and preparing the final project; however, groups will be asked to collaborate outside of class to plan tasks, divide responsibilities, share ideas, prepare, and finalize the project. A soft deadline, where your plan is evaluated while you still have time to adjust, will occur sometime during your project.
Expertise:
In this challenge, you will have to become an expert at all things related to the life and times of Julius Caesar as well as the political realities of the time and of today. You’ll do deep research to assess the possible implications of preventing this man from coming to power. Your work will be uploaded to a classroom webpage for the world to see.
Reading
R10.10.11 Read a variety of dramatic selections, including a classical tragedy.
Writing
W4.10.14 Use available technology for all aspects of the writing process.
W.5.10.9 Write across the curriculum.
W.4.10.9 Revise sentence formation in writing for completeness, coordination, subordination, standard word order, and absence of fused sentences.
W5.10.3 Write research reports that: Make distinctions between the relative value and significance of data, facts, and ideas.

Oral/Visual
OV.1.10.1 Create, present, and adjust oral language to audience and appropriately apply the rules of standard English
OV.1.10.2 *Prepare and participate in informal discussions and activities, such as presentations, group discussions/work teams, and debates that:
*Exhibit a logical structure appropriate to the audience, context,
and purpose
*Maintain focus
*Include transitions
*Provide coherent conclusions
*Employ proper eye contact, speaking rate, and gestures
*Emphasize volume, enunciation, and inflection to
communicate ideas
*Build on the ideas of others by contributing relevant information
in group discussions
Inquiry/Research
IR.12.10.2 Establish a focus for research and design a research plan to answer a set of questions.
IR.12.10.3 Utilize a variety of research tools to access multiple sources. choices that convey specific meaning.
IR.12.10.4 Use key words to search a database
IR.12.10.7 Summarize and critique sources to evaluate their usefulness and accuracy in specific information.
Oretha FergusonTenth gradeEnglishNetTrekker
35
2/17/2010 23:09:04Techno-logy Olympics -- Sporting the challenge in 2.0 fashion

Teachers add your content with the challenge of using technology. Provide students with the topic, standards and even links and let their minds go with creativity while learning new tools, skills and eliminate learning drills.		Take a jump into the web2.0 world to learn new tools for presentations and creativity. Just like the Olympics where presentation is key, the jumps, lifts and fast turns throughout the race will earn you the Gold, Silver or Bronze based on performance and skill difficulty level, each has the opportunity to 'Go for the Gold'.Given 15 Olympic Events, connections have been made between curricular standards and Olympic events to encourage learners to learn and share not only content but freeware usage to all.

For example, Alpine skiing is all about skiing the trail up and down mountains students can create a virtual trail showing the ups and downs of content. Such as, creating a time line for a specified event in history.		One month, Nine weeksThere are 15 events in the Winter Olympics which will require time to research and prepare their data for the project. Additionally, the challenge of learning new free Internet web2.0 tools will require time to learn how to manipulate the freeware.Teresa Morgan, Thomas County Academy Colby, KSEighth gradeThis can be adapted for any grade level and a variety of subject areas.
36
2/17/2010 23:09:35Techno-logy Olympics -- Sporting the challenge in 2.0 fashion

Teachers add your content with the challenge of using technology. Provide students with the topic, standards and even links and let their minds go with creativity while learning new tools, skills and eliminate learning drills.		Take a jump into the web2.0 world to learn new tools for presentations and creativity. Just like the Olympics where presentation is key, the jumps, lifts and fast turns throughout the race will earn you the Gold, Silver or Bronze based on performance and skill difficulty level, each has the opportunity to 'Go for the Gold'.Given 15 Olympic Events, connections have been made between curricular standards and Olympic events to encourage learners to learn and share not only content but freeware usage to all.

For example, Alpine skiing is all about skiing the trail up and down mountains students can create a virtual trail showing the ups and downs of content. Such as, creating a time line for a specified event in history.		One month, Nine weeksThere are 15 events in the Winter Olympics which will require time to research and prepare their data for the project. Additionally, the challenge of learning new free Internet web2.0 tools will require time to learn how to manipulate the freeware.Teresa Morgan, Thomas County Academy Colby, KSEighth gradeThis can be adapted for any grade level and a variety of subject areas.
37
4/27/2010 15:03:36
38
9/13/2010 10:34:55Wild WeatherA local news station has had everyone in the weather department quit, leaving them without a weather team. So, they have decided to hire our class to fill in!One monthFourth grade
39
10/5/2010 20:32:37Kindergarten
40
4/2/2011 5:51:54
41
6/1/2012 14:43:33Pre
42
6/25/2012 13:56:18The Rolesville Rams Come to Town!You are the first class of RMS!
The PTA in conjunction with the school board need you to create a multi-media presentation to draw other families from the area to our school.		Five hoursSixth grade, Seventh grade
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98