Curriculum Kits from Community Learning
Playing with Percussion: Making and Playing Instruments, Grades 3-5
Playing with Percussion is a series of fun, educational activities that takes hands-on learning to a whole new level! This 12 unit course takes students on a journey around the world by introducing them to a wide variety of percussive sounds and their associated instruments. In the process, students learn about the origin countries and cultures of these famous rhythms that many of use are familiar with like the Bossa Nova, Cha Cha Cha and the Samba. Students will spend time making their own versions of instruments and learning how to play basic rhythms, together learning "call and respond" techniques. These techniques and others will ultimately combine in a performance or group ensemble at the conclusion of the course. A great way to involve parents and community members in a rich, culminating event!
The Missing Money Mystery: An Introduction to Forensic Science, Grades 3-5
This course will immerse students into the fascinating world of forensic science by learning about all the steps of the investigation while solving a classroom caper. The scenario takes place in a classroom where a teacher named Mr. Pfister discovers his recycling collection missing and he enlists the skills of his colleague's class to help him solve the mystery. This fun interactive learning program immerses students into scientific discovery as they work to solve the mystery of these stolen funds. Applying real scientific laboratory techniques, students work together in teams to analyze trace evidence, tire tracks and lip prints left at the crime scene. This series consists of 10, 1-hour lessons and includes many lesson extensions and vocabulary.
The Cookie Jar Mystery: A Study in Forensic Science, Grades 5-8
This course will take older students on a more in-depth study of forensic science by enlisting their help in discovering the guilty party that broke the cookie jar in a teacher's classroom. The scenario includes four suspects and is filled with many twists and turns that keep students engaged and intrigued. Students will examine and analyze evidence such as human hair, fibers, finger prints, blood, bite marks and use chromatography to analyze the ink used in a mysterious note left at the crime scene. They will also explore suspect statements, the means, motive and opportunity of each suspect on their way to discovering the guilty party. This exciting topic includes 15, 1-hour lessons.
The Cookie Jar Case: A Role-Play Mock Trail, Grades 5-8
Designed to move experienced students from the crime to the courthouse, The Cookie Jar Case encourages learners to build on the work they accomplished as forensic investigators with the Cookie Jar Mystery. As a suspect is prosecuted for the crime of stealing Mrs. Randall's cookies, this stimulating, new learning program immerses students in the world of criminal court procedure. Role-playing is at the heart of The Cookie Jar Case: As learners examine and cross-examine witnesses, devise trial strategies, and offer evidence to the court, they take on new confidence as they act out a variety of roles, from suspect to judge, from court stenographer to prosecutor. Pivotal discussions of jury duty, civic responsibility, honesty, and fairness support character development and place questions of right and wrong in a lively, real-world context. The course includes 5, 1 hour lessons with additional time needed for trial day.
Being a Screenwriter: Generating Ideas for a Screenplay, Grades 6-8
Being a Screenwriter is designed to inspire kids to "think cinematically" by thrusting them into the role of a screenwriter with the goal of developing an original story idea. On the way to creating their "logline" and "treatment", students will work in teams to explore movie genres, the hero's/heroine's journey, developing characters and the three-act structure. Student will be encouraged to explore their families, local communities and experiences for inspiration and record their "brainstorms" in their personal journals provided. The course includes 10, 1-hour lessons.
Being a Screenwriter2: Writing Your Screenplay, Grades 6-8
Building from the logline and treatment developed in part one "Generating Ideas for a Screenplay," students will now delve deeper into the screenwriting process with practical activities that drive students through the nuts-n-bolts of screenwriting. Scene outlining; coding the script for slug lines, action and dialogue; handling transitions, and other screenwriting elements are covered in exercises that help students conquer the blank page and tap into an "outside the box" stream of creativity. This course will utilize the personal journals used in "Generating Ideas for a Screenplay." The course includes 10, 1-hour lessons.
Screenwriting For Short Video : An Introduction for Teens, Grades 9-12
The powerful engagement of short video fascinates teenagers, who find endless opportunities to laugh, remix, and share their social capital through the Internet, on YouTube, and through many other video-sharing sites. But as many a young person armed with a video camera has discovered, finding the magic of great storytelling isn't nearly as easy as it looks. Screenwriting for Short Video is designed to systematically and creatively immerse high school students in the craft of video storytelling. Learners begin in familiar territory, exploring the concepts of genre and theme in movies they already know. Step-by-step, they master the tricks of the trade, compiling ideas, shaping dialogues, creating fascinating personae, and investigating how conflict drives a story into production territory. This program is comprised of 10 ,1-hour units.
Being an Artist: A Cubism and Collage Experience, Grades 6-8
Being An Artist shows students how to unlock their creative talent and recognize the artist within. This course focuses on the how an artist looks at the world around them and translates that into great pieces of art. Students delve into the background of the collage movement by viewing the famous artist works of Pablo Picasso and Romare Bearden. From there, they create a number of original collages and learn the basics of design along the way. This course has no prerequisites and is open to students of all abilities. Students will participate in studio sessions that promote spontaneity, fun, and inspiration for great art! This course is comprised of 12, 1-hour lessons that culminate with a student art exhibition.