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Hatching Chickens
Young scholars observe chickens hatching in a classroom incubation environment In this egg-hatching lesson plan, students make observations of the hatching process and later care for the hatched chickens.
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Costco and Zoning
Students research zoning laws in their own communities through literature, Web and interviews, identify retailers attempting to build in your community, find out what kind of outlets have been built in nearby areas, explore ways citizens...
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Some see art, some see vandalism
Students find out what the laws are concerning graffiti in the community. Is it a misdemeanor, does being caught result in a fine? Jail? Community service to remove it? The information is found by interviewing key people in the community.
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Preparing for the Possibility of Terrorists
Students research the terrorist threat to the United States. They examine types of possible attacks and the best way to be prepared for each. Students disseminate information to the community. They publicize the school disaster plan.
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Help the Elderly With Meals on Wheels
Young scholars research the history of the Meals on Wheels program. Using the internet, they discover their community's connection with the program and other programs similar to them. They discuss options in which to help more...
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Getting Involved at School
Young scholars discuss ways to get involved in activities at school. In groups, they brainstorm a list of qualities of a person who is engaged in civics and how they can become involved in activities at school related to government. They...
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Citizens Hold Their Breath in Smoke-free Cities
Students investigate the laws covering smoking in public places in their community and find out if city council or other governing bodies have considered changing these laws. Students conduct interviews and write an article explaining...
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Arsenic and Lead Scavenger Hunt
Health wizards read and discuss an article about lead contamination then come up with a plan to help solve the problem. They get into groups to develop a community solution within the parameters of a budget, feasibility, and the source...
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So where CAN I dump the snow?
High schoolers research the ordinances about dumping snow in your community. Check with city officials and even a city Web site. They find out what other cities like yours have. Is yours typical?
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Behind the Camera
Scholars, in groups, gather information relating to community health care. Using video and digital cameras, they interview members of a health center staff. They then compile digital images, select music, and narrate a story about their...
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Preserving Our Barns
Students examine the different points of view when it comes to preserving barns. Using the internet, they work together to identify the risk involved in renovations and a barn in their local town that needs to be renovated. They create...
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Stories of the American Experience
High schoolers identify a veteran to interview. This could be a family member of one of students or someone contacted through an organization in the community. They use a storyboard to plan their movie about their subject.
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Levies to Decide School Funding
Young scholars interview the district treasurer or other financial officer to see if their school district is planning a levy and conduct other interviews to gather opinions from the community. Students then write an analysis about the...
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Harvesting the Crop
What is philanthropy? To find out learners explore the concept through class discussion. They survey, make decisions, implement, and reflect on a service project intended to benefit their community.
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Garden Variety Geometry
A home improvement plan can help adult learners preparation for the GED exam. They review vocabulary, prepare diagrams, complete a worksheet, calculate perimeters and analyze how to approach a story problem. They identify many geometry...
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Targeting Young Speeders
Students research the police ticketing of teens in their city or county. They determine if the police are targeting teens and why. Students explore other ways the community tries to ensure safer teen drivers. They survey teens in school....
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Costco and Zoning
Students research zoning laws in the community. They interview city planners to find out necessary steps for approval. Students collect information about facilities being proposed. They write an article on their findings.
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The Candy Thief
Students research crimes and corresponding punishments of students. They interview local judges to see if they try to match the punishment with the crime. Students write an analysis article about crimes and their punishments in your...
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Yellow Ribbons Show Support
Young scholars research ribbon campaigns in the community. They interview students and community members who wear ribbons representing various campaigns. Young scholars write a feature about these people and the campaigns.
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Towing Cars -- Legally and Not So Legally
Students discuss the issue of having cars towed in a small community when they should not be. After watching a local news story on the issue, they work together to conduct three full days of research. They write an article to be...
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Slip-Sliding Away... On the Way to School
Students research snow removal in their community. They survey students to find out if they are having problems with the walks on their way to school and how bad the problem is. Next, they organize the findings to present in class....
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To Go Solar or Not to Go Solar!
Middle schoolers imagine that they are on a panel to consider if a solar energy system would be advantageous to a new school as it is being built. They read the included handout and then each play a role as a participant in a community...
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Recycling Survey
How many people really recycle recyclables and how do they feel about it? High schoolers create a survey to find out. Once they agree on what questions to include, they each interview four people outside of the classroom. They combine...
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Akron: This City Reads
Students write their thoughts about the value of reading and of Akron launching a city wide reading campaign. Students also research literacy in their own community, finding out how it compares to Akron's statistics where it has been...