The end of the school year is a perfect time for self-directed learning. Check out these five films, each accompanied by a lesson with a project that you can use as a way to put students in charge.
Healing the Ozone: First Steps Toward Success
Lesson: Cabinet Simulation for Environmental Policy
Students simulate a cabinet-level meeting to discuss a U.N. resolution on addressing plastics in the ocean. They will investigate environmental issues from multiple perspectives and collaborate to create a policy recommendation.
The Case of the Missing Park Posters: An Ex-Ranger Hunts for New Deal-Era Art
Lesson: Poster Design
Students will design National Park-style posters for public amenities to communicate a message about history and importance.
Gerrymandering Tilts Political Power. Here’s How Redistricting Affects Democracy.
Lesson: Drawing Your Own Lines
Is your state engaged in mid-decade redistricting? It’s time for your students to draw their own congressional districts. Use a tool like Dave’s Redistricting, Districtr, or DistrictBuilder in order to put your students’ learning into practice.
E. Coli Outbreaks Changed Food Production, But How Safe Are We?
Lesson: Foodborne Outbreak Syndrome
In this simulation, students assess a multistate foodborne pathogen outbreak and replicate the steps that the Centers for Disease Control would take to investigate and mitigate the problem.
Fighting Drought With an Ancient Practice: Harvesting the Rain
Lesson: Water Sustainability Simulation Game
Students will play a dice-based game to model the effect of drought and rain on population growth.
