New Resources for a New School Year!
9/5/2012
The Story
Three new teaching and learning resources have been brought to E3 Washington’s attention in the past week and we are sharing them with you just in time to kick off the new school year.
Each of the projects described below is an example of the rich array of project-based, interdisciplinary, hands and minds on, real-world environmental and sustainability learning resources available to prepare preK-20 students for 21st century life and work.
We encourage all providers to share the exciting and innovative work you are doing by submitting stories online and joining the E3 Washington network and posting your resources in the searchable directory. Our network is a dynamic tool used by many to search for information, programs, and to make connections in the E3 Washington community.
And now…the resources…
New STEM Curriculum Launches; Promotes 'Trash-Talk' in Schools
Submitted by Mark Schreiber, Design Case
"When a kid gets a flat bike tire, let's teach them how to turn it into wallet instead of throwing it away," says Mark Schreiber, educator and creator of Design Case, "We want to teach students to create funding streams, not waste streams." The Design Case Curriculum does just that, by getting students to ask the question, "What can this become?"
During this creative process students get a heavy dose of what 21st Century standards call "The 4 C's": Critical thinking and problem solving, Creativity and innovation, Communication, & Collaboration. “It's more than repurposing," said Design Case contributor and teacher, Dan Joiner. "It's about getting kids to think and design with limited materials. It's about making something better, and then selling it. That's what upcycling is all about."
To help get students "out of their desks and into the trash, by design" visit www.designcase.co
Discovering Drought! By Project Wet
Submitted by The Project Wet Team
Fielding questions about the worst U.S. drought in 50 years?
Wondering how to incorporate current events in your classroom lessons?
Looking for a springboard to talk about water conservation and other actions kids can take?
If you answered "yes" to any of the above, you will want to download this FREE lesson plan.
Specifically designed for grades three through six, the Project WET Discovering Drought Lesson Plan contains ideas that can be adapted for other levels as well. With detailed instructions and suggestions for extensions, evaluations and more, this free resource will allow you to talk and teach confidently about the complex issue of drought.
Click here to download your FREE lesson plan.
Click here to purchase the Discovering Drought children's activity booklet.
Inside, Outside Nature Blog for Teachers
Submitted by Sandy Philpott, Dawn Publications
With the beginning of the school year long-time teacher Carol Malnor is again writing her weekly blog, “Inside Outside Nature.” It’s especially designed for busy classroom teachers and educators – offering TWO quick and easy nature activities, an indoor activity and an outdoor activity.
PLUS, there is a simple weekly “Mystery Contest” for your students. When your class enters a correct answer, you are automatically entered into a drawing for an entire classroom set of FREE books from Dawn Publications.
It’s easy! It’s fun for your class! And Carol’s activities are a wonderful resource for you. Go to: www.insideoutsidenature.com