This resource contains multiple lesson plans for students in upper elementary school, middle school, and high school. Using a bicycle as a metaphor to help students think about systems, the lessons cover an introduction to systems to deeper analysis.
Recommended grades: Adjustable for grades 3+
Time: Varies
Participants learn and use the C.R.I.T.I.C. technique to enable them to bring critical thinking skills to any information they receive, whether from industry, non-profits, government or media.
Recommended grades: Recommended for grades 6 and up.
Time: 30-45 minutes
A lesson on the true cost of goods The true price activity helps students explore the positive and negative impacts of our product choices on themselves, other people, animals, and the earth.
Grades: Recommended for grades 4 and up
Time:(2) 45-minute class sessions
Students assess examples of media (catalogs, magazines, books, etc.) to consider who is (and isn’t) represented, explore the impact of lack of diversity in media, and realize their own rich experiences with diversity.
Recommended for grades: 4 and up
Time: 45-60 minutes
In this icebreaker, participants learn just how important words and actions are when they explore their impact on two apples.
Grades: PreK – 8
Time: 5-10 minutes
he Wonder Box is used to hold a collection of various natural, found objects (shells, leaves, feathers, rocks, twigs, deceased insects, etc.). Students can interact with the objects, inspecting them, using their five senses, drawing/sketching, painting, a picture of the object(s), writing a poem, listing describing words, creating a story, etc.
Recommended grades: PreK-5
Time: 20 minutes and then ongoing
This activity helps students think about how we are all connected and how our actions impact others and the environment.
Recommended grades: 6 and up
Time: Three to four 45-60 minute class sessions
Lesson for teaching about racism: students explore examples of racism, consider perspectives, and discuss ways to eradicate racism in our society.
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This activity encourages students to discover and think about the perspectives of other people and of nonhuman animals using a brief video featuring a mouse and a zucchini on a kitchen counter.
Recommended grades: K-5
Time: 30 minutes
This activity helps young students hone their basic math skills while learning about pet overpopulation.
Recommended grades: K-5
Time: 60 minutes
