Tag Archives: community

2022 Vol 7: Moving to Learn

Science and Relationships: Bridging the Gap 

Antiona Green, 4th Grade, Oakhurst STEAM Academy

Curriculum Unit (PDF)

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Synopsis: In this unit students will apply concepts of movement and the body to understand the interactions among organisms within an environment. This unit focuses on the essential question, “ On an ever-changing planet, what things need to be in place to enable living organisms to survive?” Using project-based learning through the 5E Instructional Model, concepts of Tableaux and dance, students will be able to explain how different organisms satisfy their needs in the environment in which they are typically found. Each component builds on the previous one to ensure students truly grasp the significance of animals and their role within their community. The elements of body, action, and relationship will serve as the pillars of this unit. Hands on activities and group dialogue enables teachers to cultivate a positive classroom environment where students work to exist within shared spaces. Giving students the opportunity to influence how and what they learn can greatly affect their effort, performance, and the degree of how much information is retained. At the end of the unit, students apply what they have learned to create a Tableaux incorporating concepts learned throughout the unit. 

2022 Vol 6: Carolina Cuisine: History and Science of Food

The Food Dilemma in The Carolinas

Wyounda Horton, 8th Grade English Language Arts, Druid Hills Academy

Curriculum Unit (PDF)

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Synopsis: Students will explore food justice and availability as it relates to their communities. They will research different topics that impact access to healthy food, write expository essays that lead them to write an argumentative essay, and conduct debates in front of an audience, about the food choices they think would benefit their community the best. Using the anchor text “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Michael Pollan, watching video clips on the related topics, listening to podcasts, and their own independent research findings, students evaluate the authors’ motives, purposes and points of view, before choosing their stance for their claim. Examining food choices, availability and where our food comes from, will help students make informed decisions to present their argument effectively. This unit aligns with the North Carolina English Language Arts standards to delineate and evaluate the argument and claims in a text, and support claims with relevant evidence and clear reasoning. The summative assessment requires students to conduct short research projects to answer the question “What does food justice and availability mean to them and their communities,” and defend their stance during a debate. Writing essays, and participating in a debate, while drawing from several sources, and generating additional related focused questions, students will have multiple avenues of inquiry for extended learning beyond what we do in the classroom.

2021 Curriculum Units Vol 5: Climate Refugee Stories

“Bee” a Climate Conscious Citizen – Taking Care of our Climate, Classroom and Community

Amy Mateer, Kindergarten, Selwyn Elementary School

Curriculum Unit (PDF)

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2021 Curriculum Units Vol 4: Embodied Teaching and Learning

Moving Towards Mindfulness: Social Emotional Regulation through Movement

Taylor Woods, 6th Grade, Whitewater Middle School

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2021 Curriculum Units Vol 2: Using Digital Mapping to Study History, Race, and Gentrification

Let’s Take a Walk through the Community

Monique Hall, 4th Grade, Devonshire Elementary School

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2021 Curriculum Units Vol 1: Southern Children's Literature

My Community: Exploring Communities Around Me

Andrea Calderon, 3rd Grade, Starmount Academy of Excellence

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2019 Curriculum Units Vol 8: Time Travel: Using Music to Explore Past, Present, and Future Messages

Anthems of Expression

Jacci Peterson, 2nd Grade, David Cox Road Elementary

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2019 Curriculum Units Vol 5: Climate Science and Solution Strategies

Our School’s Backyard as a Lab for Studying Climate Change

Keira Freeman, Science, Carmel Middle

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2019 Curriculum Units Vol 3: Childhood and the City Space in Literature

Art and Identity: Communities, Neighborhoods and Self

Natalie Jones, Visual Art, West Charlotte High

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2019 Curriculum Units Vol 3: Childhood and the City Space in Literature

Celebrating and Exploring Diversity and Community through Multicultural Literature with integrated Arts: Our “Maybe Something Beautiful”

Julie Soto-Pendleton, 2nd Grade, University Park Creative Arts

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2019 Curriculum Units Vol 3: Childhood and the City Space in Literature

Our Communities and Its Impact on Our Learning

Juanita Razor, Language Arts, Wilson Middle

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2018 Curriculum Units Vol 7: Insights into Latino Communities

Making a Mural: Reaching Higher with Goals, Grit, and Growth Mindset

Melissa Jones, ELA, Windsor Park Elementary

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2018 Curriculum Units Vol 5: Exploring American Sacred Values

American Revolution: Recognizing The Wilson Way Values in the American Revolution

Pia N. Townes, Social Studies, Wilson STEM Academy

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2017 Curriculum Units Vol 8: From Self to Students: Canvassing Art to Explore Identity

Art & Identity: Mapping a School Community

Carla Aaron-Lopez, Visual Art, Whitewater MS

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2015 Vol 6: Integrating Concepts in Life Sciences

Understanding Ecosystems: Learning and Living in the Carolinas

Kimberly Luter Terrell, Fifth Grade, Steele Creek Elementary School

Final Unit(pdf)   Implementing Teaching Standards(pdf)

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