This project-based case study of the water crisis in Toledo, Ohio, allows 8th grade students to use a scientific approach to research and writing. Students work in groups after an introduction that includes a flipped classroom study for students (and families) willing to participate. Students will have a better understanding of crisis management/mismanagement and the importance of planning, anticipating problems, and taking proactive measures when there are potential threats.

Standards-based unit focusing on how observing nature has influenced technology development and solve a problem related to natural phenomena. Students are encouraged to create projects to solve a problem in nature or design technology based on their observations of natural phenomena. A number of technologies are used, students are taught how to locate and use online information in inquiry project and/of problem based activities, and embedded performance-based formative assessments, as well as summative assessments of prior and acquired knowledge are included.

Students are asked to study nature after synthesizing information and making inferences comparing and contrasting, completing a study of a website on biomimcry, and choosing a journal with direction in which to record their study of a natural phenomena. Students are assessed with a test on biomimcry and given performance assessments based on their nature journals and a video or audio presentation of their study. The unit ends with students completing an extended KWL chart for guided inqury, reflecting on what they've learned and how to use this information after watching a video of a student-produced reflective tool, and scoring the class, teacher, and peers on participatory and collabrative behavior. Part 1 and Part 2 can be taught separately, but should be taught in succession if taught together. NOTE: I created this unit for a graduate school course and got an A grade. This unit was 20% of my final grade.

Goal: To create interest in/understanding of geography through exploration and mapping Objective: 1. Students will work in pairs to locate pokemon go figures on or within walking distance of school in search of hidden treasure ("gold coins"), following longitudinal/latitudinal clues using compasses to help locate each "gold coin." (for prek-second year students, use alphabetical mathematical problems, riddles, or simple code.) Note: more than one coin tin be placed at each stop according to the "value" of each pokemon character. multiple coins should be placed in individual plastic bags - enough for each pair. perhaps any not claimed tin be awarded to pairs that a. finish first; b. collect the most coins; c. collect the most Pokemon; d. have the highest scores, etc.) 2. Students will retrace their steps and take note (draw, videotape, vocally record, write, etc.) information individually, and as a class create a "thought map" of the area explored as a collaborative enquiry discussion of following: a. area covered from point a (school ) to point b b. (farthest parameter) c. number of steps, feet, yards, fractions of mile, miles, etc. covered 3. Students will also identify visual markers: a. street signs b. other markers (alleys, parks, houses, etc.) 4. Students will measure area after consensus of how it is to be measured, then create map scale - how many feet, yards, miles - and map equivalent: one inch = one mile. 5. Students will individually create treasure map games on Scratch or as Board Match , etc.

Goal Students will be able to research facts about rabbits and compare fact with fiction, then use their creativity to create their own bunny stories or plays. Objectives 1. Students will learn that rabbits do not lay eggs, but give birth to living children 2. Students will learn how rabbits became part of Easter traditions. 3. Students will use information gathered to decide if they want to have a rabbit in the classroom. 4. Students will work together in groups to research the following information about caring for rabbits a. What is the best place to house a rabbit? b. What rabbits eat and how much? c. How to breed a bunny and care it's babies. 5. Students will use their creativity to act out or write stories about rabbits 6. Students will use cover illustrations of rabbit stories to create their own. 7. Students will browse the library for stories and/or books for more rabbit stories. The following video can be used to demonstrate how rabbits are born, but it may not be appropriate for some children. Use discretion. Watch "Rabbit giving birth-baby bunnies" on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/9ohMZF5C-i8

Students will trace history of papier mâché after being introduced to the subject with a video of an art installation of 1,600 papier mâché pandas. Students will develop an understanding and respect for the art form resulting in them creating their own Papier Mâché exhibit. This is a technology-based instructional strategy using cooperative learning and inquiry to engage students in research, analysis, and discussion.

STEAMLASS/Super Moon Study The study of this year's second and third super moons can start 11/16 or later and end 12/14. In it students will learn about the closest super moon since 1948. STEAMLASS (STEM plus Art, Language Art, and social studies) by reading information about super moons and answering open-ended questions, participating in activities such as creating a Super Moon Anticipation Calendar to mark off the days to the last super moon and locating places where super moons were photographed using U.S. and world maps. Students will also have a flipped classroom assignment that will require them to create their own simple language using various types of graphics that they display on their own Rosetta Stone and bring to school for other students to try to decipher. Goal: Working together in pairs, groups, and individually, students will learn about Super Moons investigating STEAMLASS concepts. Objective: Students will use mathematical, science, engineering, language arts, history, technology, and observation/photography to study and engage in activities to learn what super moons are, their history, and why they appear in the sky. This unit is for Upper Elementary and Middle School students, but can be adapted for lower and higher grades.

This unit for children in grades 5-7 helps students understand how important it is to support other children whose safety is at risk. Goal: To help students become empathic and able to express empathy by supporting students who are being bullied or feel unsafe by developing strategies to create safe school climates. Objective: Students will increase and/or develop empathy toward peers who are bullied and/or feel unsafe at school through discussion to assess their understanding, awareness, and empathy; interactive role-playing activities; reading and using critical thinking skills to debate whether or not the "safety pin" campaigns are effective in making people that are harassed feel more supported or just another trend that will soon pass; and creating products and activities that go beyond wearing a safety pin that potentially will change the school climate by forming a support network that helps students who are victims of bullies feel safe and empowered. All Graphics Are From Google Images

A.C.T.S. (Assessing Content in Theatrical Scenes) for Zombie Apocalypse Brainiac Smorgasbord Goal Students use theatre to identify scientific concepts Objectives: 1. Students divide into groups of five to read-through and perform scene as readers' theatre. 2. Students complete assessment following their performances, then check answers with script. 3. Students will research science to find the one premise mentioned in the script that is not valid. 4. Student group that identifies the invalid premise first will learn lines and perform the scene as a roving drama group performing in other classes/schools. 5. Student group with the highest scores on the assessment given to each group will understudy the actors while the remaining groups will also go to other classes with to set up the set and props. 6. Students in other classes will complete assessment individually or in groups. 7. Students in other classes will rate performance and scene using a survey. SCRIPT PROPS LIST Pizza box Plastic flower pots Bag of Sand Tealight containers (used) Cheesecloth or thin white or brige scarf Generator Small plastic bottle with yellow water Simulated trap

Language, Science, Math, and Art Plus Any Other Subjects That Can Be Added to This Fun Unit to Start the School Year Introducing Specific Skills, Collaborating with Peers, Investigating and Researching Online, and Including Family in Creating an Artifact for Display Students will learn how to investigate a topic that involves multiple subject areas and gain understanding about the topic and how the various subjects covered relate to each other.