Students: 9, 10,11,12

Program Description: The focus of this unit revolves around the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War. Students select either The Things They Carried, by Tim O'Brien, or The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd, to enhance their understanding of the time period. Students meek weekly to discuss/share their selected novels, and to further investigate the time period/novel through weekly assignments: research, music, presentations, in=class essay writing….. The unit is an intense, student-directed study of the 1960's.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing: 1,2,3,4,5,6

For More Information Contact:
Jennifer Snowden-Frobose
Chatfield Senior High
7227 S South Simms St.
Littleton CO , 80127
303-982-3560
jsnowden@jeffco.k12.co.us

Students: Fifth through Ninth Grades

Program Description: 6 TRAITS AND 36 LABS combines good writing and accurate reporting practices with scientific investigations. The six traits of writing are stressed in order to equip students with the skills needed to report their experiences and encounters when they complete 36 home science labs. Through the series of science labs, students deepen their understanding of the ecological, geological and physical world processes.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,2,3,4,5,6 Language Arts 1,2,3,4,5,6

For More Information Contact:
Gary Bloemker
Beaver Valley Elementary School
420 Glacier Ave., P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970-842-4794 Ext. 113

Students: 6th through 12th Grade

Program Description: The simulation, Aids in a Test Tube, is a fun and successful way to teach students the impact of their decisions and behaviors. When students learn about the danges and consequences o their decisions in this "experimental" setting, the impact is stronger. Through worksheets, guest speakers and discusions, sutdents understand how AIDS is contracted and how to make safe decisions.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Health standards - 1

For More Information Contact:
Audrey Rosenbrock
Brush Middle School
P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
arosenbrock@brushschools.org

Students: Kindergarten through Sixth Grades

Program Description: ALL ABOUT ME – A PARTNERSHIP puts a simple twist on the traditional show and tell, and autobiographical writing activities. Students take turns throughout the first part of the year telling about themselves, sharing photos of their family and talking about their favorite things. By encouraging parental involvement, the project allows the child and their parent(s) to work together to give a full picture of their interests, likes and dislikes. Students prepare a timeline, and participate in writing and speaking activities, which are about them. It's a wonderful way to kickoff the year.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2,3 History 1

For More Information Contact:
Courtney Howard
Mountain View Elementary
12401 North Perry Street
Broomfield CO , 80220
720-972-5520
courtney.howard@adams12.org

Cabrini Soto
Mountain View Elementary
12401 North Perry Street
Broomfield CO , 80220
720-972-5520
cabrini.soto@adams12.org

Students: Fifth and Sixth Grades

Program Description: In AN AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL QUILT, students begin by studying the African-American artist, Faith Ringgold, tracing her success in overcoming the obstacles she faced growing up in Harlem in the 1940s. Then they research an immigration experience in their own family. Using their research, students write vignettes or poetry that are handwritten on quilts they assemble and sew.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Art 1, 2, 3 Reading & Writing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

For More Information Contact:
Betsy Kirschbaum
Challenge School
9659 East Mississippi Avenue
Denver CO , 80231
303-340-5150
bmargolius@mail.ccsd.k12.co.us

Connie Block
Challenge School
9659 East Mississippi Avenue
Denver CO , 80231
303-340-5150
cblock@mail.ccsd.k12.co.us

Students: Ninth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: BALANCING ONE'S FINANCIAL LIFE blends a hands-on checkbook program with a computerized program (Quicken). Students first complete by hand "Your Checking Account," a packet provided by a local bank. Then, students enter the same information in the computer program. They evaluate the positive components for using a computer, communicating financial data through graphs and reports.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Math 1, 2, 6

For More Information Contact:
Margo Mesch
Brush H.S.
P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970-842-5171
mmesch@ria.net

Students: First through Third Grades

Program Description: BIENVENUE A LA FRANCE takes students on an extraordinary journey through France. Students not only investigate the famous natural and manmade landmarks of France, but they also participate in activities that introduce them to the culture. Content areas are integrated in an exciting and non-traditional format. Students perform plays of common Fairy Tales, enjoy cooking crepes, making sachets, learning games, and listening to guest speakers who talk about various aspects of France. The unit culminates with two days of presentations, performances and activities that immerse the students into the French culture.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Foreign Language 1,2 Language Arts 1,3 Math 3

For More Information Contact:
Shannon McCarthy-Logan
Foothills Elementary School
13165 West Ohio Avenue
Lakewood CO , 80228
303.982.9324
smccarth@jeffco.k12.co.us

Annette Martinez
Foothills Elementary School
13165 West Ohio Avenue
Lakewood CO , 80228
303.982.9324
amaceved@jeffco.k12.co.us

Students: First through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: BRINGING RESEARCH TO THE HOMEPAGE allows students to use the conventions of non-fiction research, create a homepage with the data gathered and share their information over the school's intranet with other classes studying the same topics. The project creates a natural environment for peer editing and idea sharing.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Geography - 2, 4, 5, 6

For More Information Contact:
Barbara Rogers
Cherry Creek Challenge School
9659 East Mississippi Avenue
Denver CO , 80231
(303) 340-5150
brogers3@ccsd.k12.co.us

Rosemary Blakeslee
Cherry Creek Challenge School
9659 East Mississippi Avenue
Denver CO , 80231
(303) 340-5150
rmab5@aol.com

Students: Grade: 9,10,11,12

Program Description: CATERING: IT'S OUR BUSINESS takes your students from the classroom to the community. This interdisciplinary program addresses a wide range of state standards. Students will solidify classroom learning when they apply their new skills to catering and cooking at home for their family and themselves.

Students develop essential skills : budgeting, shopping, tool use, organization, inter/intrapersonal skills, communication, problem-solving, food preparation and proper handling in a series of individual lessons that culminate in a direct application at a catering event.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Communication and Essential Learning

For More Information Contact:
Toni Curtis
I.D.E.A.L.S. Community Campus Program
1025 9th Ave
Greeley CO , 80631
970-348-6210
tcurtis1@greeleyschools.org

Students: 6th through 12th Grade

Program Description: Welcome to THE CITY OF TOMORROW! Take a look around! It looks different here, doesn't it? That's not an accident, either! It's the result of a lot of planning and hard work on the part of its planners and designers. But how exactly did this city get to look this way? Certainly it didn't start out all built up and populated. Someone had to plan it. But how does someone plan a city? How does it grow and change and, more importantly, why. THE CITY OF TOMORROW is an interdisciplinary unit focusing on solving the real-world challenges cities face. In this unit, students explore how cities develop, what it takes to make them grow, and then how to manage and guide a city to a successful future - all the while using skills from science math, social studies and technology classrooms! The unit concludes with a presentation by the students on the success (or failure) of their city, in which they analyze data compiled during the program.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 5 Social Studies - 4 Math - 1 Technology - 5

For More Information Contact:
Tony Raymond
Flood Middle School
3695 S. Lincoln
Englewood CO , 80138
(303) 761-1226
tony_raymond@englewood.k12.co.us

Students: Grades 6,7,8

Program Description: COMPARING ENERGY: A GEOGRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE is a program where students use inquiry based learning to research the development of energy initiatives in 5 world countries, and the impact of the use of energy on those countries as well as bordering regions and countries struggling to compete.

Additionally, students use Google Earth to map out locations of hydroelectric, wind, and electrical power facilities in the United States, and work to develop a case statement defending the placement of these energy facilities because of geographical features and landforms.

Finally, students will examine how energy resources are being created, used, and deployed in their own backyard through the investigation of renewable energy statistics using the Xcel energy website.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing (Language Arts): 1,3, 4,5 History: 2 Science: 2, 5

For More Information Contact:
Michelle Pearson
Hullstrom Options School
11551 Wyco Drive
Northglenn CO , 80233
720-972-8996
kpear12@aol.com

Students: Sixth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: COMPUTER ANIMATIONS! is a hands-on unit that teaches students how to successfully create computer animations. After two class periods the students have enough knowledge to create a short animation. As they learn more about the program, they can import clipart pictures and manipulate them into their projects. Students are instructed on the correct way to do technical writing, and they then prepare a set of instructions for the animation they created. This project emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and step-by-step instructions.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2,3,4 Math 4

For More Information Contact:
Glenn Proulx
Cherry Creek West Middle School
5151 South Holly Street
Littleton CO , 80121-2101
720-554-5100
gproulx@cherrycreekschools.org

Students: 5,6,7,8,9,10 grade

Program Description: COMPUTER CREATED JEOPARDY allows students to create an educational computer game based on the popular television game show – Jeopardy. Computer Created Jeopardy took our middle level computer curriculum and utilized the technology to bring the students' knowledge to a higher level. Students spent time researching and planning out their Jeopardy categories, questions and answers after watching and analyzing an episode of Jeopardy. Computer information is just one of the many topics that can be explored to meet several educational standards into a highly motivating project. Computer Created Jeopardy actively involved students in their learning and is an excellent example of the process being as essential as the product. When doing the project, students learned how to research on the Internet, use Power Point, and download pictures, sounds, and video clips from the Internet to import into their question and answer slides. The students learned to change fonts, move graphics, add animation and sounds while making their Computer Created Jeopardy games. Computer Created Jeopardy is an effective, easily adaptable project that will give children a strong technology foundation to build on throughout life.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing:1, 2, 4, NETS 1, 3, 5

For More Information Contact:
Janna Golgart
Aspen Creek K-8
5500 Aspen Creek Dr
Broomfield CO , 80020
720-887-4537
janna.golgart@bvsd.org

Students: Ninth through Twelfth

Program Description: CONNECTIONS is a voluntary program for students who have lost credit in class due to attendance problems who want to make a sincere effort to change their behavior. Using contracts, an individualized program is designed for each student. Credit retrieval is achieved without repeating the class by completing the contract.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Math 6 Science 5 Geography 1, 6 History 3 Reading & Writing 3, 4

For More Information Contact:
Christy Speirn-Smith
Boulder High School
1604 Arapahoe
Boulder CO , 80302
303-442-2244, ext. 2244
speirnsm@bvsd.k12.co.us

Students: Ninth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: CONSTRUCTION OF GEOMETRIC SHAPES provides students a hands-on, minds-on activity. This program requires students to read, to listen, and then to apply knowledge and thinking skills in making their own geometric shapes. Students practice eye-hand coordination and must apply basic math knowledge in the process of designing, cutting and assembling their geometric shapes. Guidelines are designed to be brief. This project provides students the opportunity to visualize math in their everyday life. The geometric shapes are then displayed by hanging the finished projects from the ceiling. Students finish with the same end result but take a different path in their construction of their geometric shape.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Math 2 Language Arts 1,4

For More Information Contact:
Margo Mesch
Brush High School
P. O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970-842-5171
m_mesch@yahoo.com

Students: 7

Program Description: COVER YOUR MOUTH is a program where students are told to pick a disease/condition/disorder/disabilty etc. that they would like to research to present to the class. It might be something they have or have had, or they know someone who has it or has had or just because they want to study a topic because they have an interest in learning about the common cold or the Black Plague. If 3 students want to do the same topic then we hear 3 presentations on the same topic.
They think of their presentation in RAFT form.

R= role who are you? (Doctor, scientist, patient, President, Mad Cow, mosquito, heart, giant inhaler, athlete, teacher, etc.)
A= audience who are we? (Other doctors, media, American people, etc.)
F= format how are you going to present this? Movie, Powerpoint, poster, brochure, skit, puppet show, speech, etc.
T= topic what are you studying?

They must research the following: the cause, signs and symptoms, where the body is infected/affected, prevention and treatment, if it is communicable or noncommunicable, and opinion of the disease.

Following a presentation, the class is allowed to ask questions. We also discuss if it was communicable or non communicable and these are written in their journals. After all the presentations have been completed, they write a paper explaining what they learned and which disease report had the most impact on them.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Health - 5,6,7,8

For More Information Contact:
Joni McCall
Mountain Ridge Middle School
10590 Mountain Vista Ridge
Highlands Ranch CO , 80126
303-387-1800
joni.mccall@dcsdk12.org

Jeff Lemons
Mountain Ridge Middle School
10590 Mountain Vista Ridge
Highlands Ranch CO , 80126
303-387-1800
jeffrey.lemons@dcsdk12.org

Students: Kindergarten through Second Grades

Program Description: CREATIVE MEMORIES PORTFOLIO documents a student's journey through the school year. Creating this project will give you an authentic assessment of each student, and a wonderful end-of-the-year keepsake for your students. Thematic units that reach across the curriculum (Math, Social Studies, etc.) are included in this notebook. Original student writings and drawings are shared with the class and then included in the book. One chapter contains a collection of songs, chants, finger-plays and action verses that invite class participation and language development. This project helps create motivated, self-confident students who love to read and write.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,2,3,5,6 Music 1,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Kathryn Jordan
St. Mary's Academy
4545 South University
Englewood CO , 80113
303.762.8300
cathy_jordan@smanet.org

Students: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 grade

Program Description: DAY OF THE DEAD CELEBRATION combines art, music, cooking, culture and history. We create 2 projects, the first, an "almost" life-size skeleton that is cut out, assembled with brads and decorated with several different collage items. The second project is a sugar skull made and decorated by the students. The culmination of this program is a celebration with dress-up, mariachi music, eating our sugar skulls and talking about our artwork.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Visual Arts: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Music: 4, 5

For More Information Contact:
Amy Epstein
Franktown Elementary
1384 North State ighway 83 PO Box 308
Franktown CO , 80116
303-387-5300
amy.epstein@dcsdk12.org

Students: 2, 3, 4, 5

Program Description: DEAR MR. JEFFERSON is an interdisciplinary unit that presents a realistic look at the founding fathers during a critical time in America's history. It provides hands-on activities that use primary source documents and brings a "behind the scenes look" at these men. This unit encourages students to critically look at these leaders as not only visionaries but as human beings as well.

This unit is unique because it brings the founding fathers into the classroom and presents them with a "human face". Many of the children view these men as figureheads, and not human beings with desires, needs, and a vision of what they felt was important for our future freedoms in this country. A key element of this unit is the use of primary source documents for study of the important decisions made by these men, and their personal lives as they made them. This is a major plus for students as they "hear" directly from those who have worked to establish America.

Dear Mr. Jefferson will allow teachers to bring the "American democracy" and the founding fathers into the classroom through the use of rich primary sources, enlightening and humorous secondary sources, and hands-on activities for the students. It will provide a fun and thoughtful look at those who worked to establish our country, and allow them to express their opinions on their work through a letter to a founding father, one of whom is the man the Virginians call "Mr. Jefferson."

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
History:1, 4, 5 Reading and Writing (Language Arts):1, 2, 3, 4, 5

For More Information Contact:
Michelle Pearson
Hulstrom Options School
10604 Grant Dr.
Denver CO , 80223
720-972-2251
michelle.l.pearson@adams12.org

Students: Sixth through Eighth Grades

Program Description: DESKTOP PUBLISHING was developed as a self-paced unit introducing students to the elements of desktop publishing, including typography, clipart, printing processes, basics of design and also explains the history of printing. Initially written for middle school students, the text and illustrations make the basic concepts easy to understand. This program can be used as a stand-alone unit for a small group of students or in the technical arts/technology education classroom. In addition, the module can be used for classes, such as yearbook or journalism, where desktop publishing concepts are critical.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
ITEA 8,11,12,17

For More Information Contact:
Tony Raymond
Flood Middle School
3695 South Lincoln Street
Englewood CO , 80110
303-761-1226
tony_raymond@englewood.k12.co.us

Students: Seventh through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: DOLLY AND GEORGE: MYTH OR HISTORY? uses primary source documents to show students that a common historical tale is a myth rather than the truth. Few stories such as the one of Dolly saving the portrait of George Washington are so widely taught--and few are so wrong. This unit shows students how to use historical inquiry to decide for themselves whether the story is fact or fiction. The answer always surprises them, and shows them that what they believe to be history is sometimes incorrect. This unit also examines important events that have occurred at the White House and how they have played a role in shaping history. Students apply common research techniques and critical thinking activities to come to their decisions. As a class, they discuss, debate and reflect on what they have learned.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Social Studies 1 Language Arts 1,2,3,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Michelle Pearson
Hulstrom Options School
10604 Grant Dr.
Denver CO , 80223
720-972-2251
michelle.l.pearson@adams12.org

Students: Ninth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: FENCE 101 gives students a hands-on, real-life project to be completed over a week. Students are responsible for an extensive new fence project. Students need to research the job specifications, demonstrate awareness of the costs of completing the project, understand the need for bid/contract work, and speak with local businesses to secure bids. There are activities to assist varied learning levels and abilities.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Math 1,5,6 Language Arts 1,5 Social Studies 4,6

For More Information Contact:
Margo Mesch
Brush High School
P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970-842-5171
meschl@twol.com

Students: 6,7,8

Program Description: FLAT STANLEY ALL GROWN UP illustrates the creativity that is found in middle school students and provides them with an innovative outlet to create themselves as "flat people". It offers the students an opportunity to follow their adventures as "they" travel to various parts of the state, nation, and world. It teaches geography in a new and fun way and students become excited to learn about new places, regions, and cultures. It also allows middle school students to legally "be a kid again" and live vicariously through a "paper doll"! They are able to use their imagination and see themselves doing things and going places they may otherwise never get to do.

The final product of this endeavor is shown on a class web site with pictures and a write-up about the travels of the Flat People which will surely make even the most reluctant middle school student eager to participate in the daily activities required to continue the Adventures of the Flat People!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Geography - 1.2, Reading & Writing - 5

For More Information Contact:
Julie Frink
2123 Hibbard lane
Fountain CO , 80817
719-382-1968
juliefrink@q.com

Students: 6,7,8

Program Description: FORE! It's in the confetti rough! It'll be a tough shot around the plastic alligator! Can they still make par? Only if they can get across the popsicle stick bridge! Did they make a birdie? No, it's just a plastic one from the vending machine!

Students won't double-boey this highly-engaging, interactive unit that allows them to explore the design cycle as they investigate, plan, design, create and evaluate their very own golf course!

Every student can be a pro in this exercise in research and development, experimentation, problem-solving and design. Watch them go from novices exploring how golf courses, both real and miniature, are designed and built, to being pros using simulation software to build a prototype course. Then follow along as they turn their fictional golf course into reality on their desktops when they create models of individual course holes! In the end, they'll evaluate their work with their peers as they go head to head in their own mini golf tournament!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 1 ITEA - 8, 10, 11

For More Information Contact:
Tony Raymond
CO
720-851-0857

Students: Second through Sixth Grades

Program Description: GEOGRAPHY: A BIG BOOK CONNECTION is a high-interest interdisciplinary bookmaking project that combines students' research skills about foreign countries with their writing and artistic abilities. Working as a team, students select and create a book about a country already studied. Each student will have certain pages assigned to them but must learn to work as a team in order to have uniformity in the completed book. Books are shared with students of various ages.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Social Studies 1,2,4 Language Arts 2,3,4

For More Information Contact:
Nancy Boscheinen
Monarch K-8 School
263 Campus Dr.
Louisville CO , 80027
303-665-6424 Ext. 4049
nancy.boscheinen@bvsd.org

Students: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 garde

Program Description: HEAD ON: CRASH TEST!
The Eggmobile Motors Vehicle Research and Test facility is dedicated to providing the finest in automotive technology to its customers. Although some of its clients may seem a bit hard-boiled, they really are fragile and although they may be considered to be eggceptional drivers, they really aren't what they are cracked up to be. That's why you're here. From this moment on, you and your partner(s) are members of the critical Vehicle Research Team. Together you will work to research, design, and build a prototype automobile that incorporates the latest and greatest technological innovations designed to keep its occupants safe. And finally, you're going to evaluate your prototype and make suggestions for redesigning it in the future.

This unit, which emphasizes the use of the design cycle to design, develop, create and evaluate an automobile prototype, is appropriate for students in grades 6-12, and can be adapted to a wide range of learning styles and needs in a variety of classrooms ranging from science to math to technology. The unit is a great motivator for students as the promise of destruction in the name of science fuels the creative fire within every one of your students!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
ITEA (Int'l Technology Education Association: 8, 9, 10, 11 Science: 1,5

For More Information Contact:
Tony Raymond
Flood Middle School
3695 S. Lincoln
Englewood CO , 80113
303-761-1226
tony_raymond@englewood.k12.co.us

Students: Sixth through Eighth Grades

Program Description: HONORING AMERICA'S 20TH CENTURY HEROES encourages and reinforces the use of primary sources while recognizing our veterans. Students are challenged to learn about their families and history. The discovery that each person has a personal connection to history revitalizes the celebration of Veterans' Day.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Geography - 6 History - 1, 2 Reading and Writing - 3

For More Information Contact:
Karen Levin
West Middle School
5151 South Holly Street
Littleton CO , 80121
(303) 771-3112

Students: 4th through 12th Grade

Program Description: Hovering in School With Newton Students will allow students to see how easy it is to design and build a fully functional hovercraft. It takes about two hours to build the hovercraft from start to finish. They will also discover Newton's Laws of Motion number three that states "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." and number one "Every object in a state of uniform motion tends to remain in that state of motion unless an external force is applied to it." Gravity pulls the hovercraft down and the air flowing out of the bottom of the hovercraft also pushed down. When the air pressure builds up enough inside the bladder (the tarp) the hovercraft floats. You are actually floating on a very thin cushion of air and when all the friction is gone, you float on the surface of the air cushion. Student use the internet to search for hovercrafts and see how they are used in the military, they can float over landmines with out setting them off thus they save lives. They are used in search and rescue in areas of thin ice. Should the ice crack while they are saving someone this is not a problem because they can float on the water. They are even used on the raging waters of the Amazon River. One of my best days teaching was when we had Ryan, who was in an electric wheel chair, drive his chair on the hovercraft. When we turned it on and it lifted all 400 pounds of him! For those few seconds he was free at last and could move all around the room. That is how I know this program is successful.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science - 1,2,5,6 Reading and Writing - 1,2,3,4,5 Math - 4,5,6 History - 1,2,4

For More Information Contact:
Glenn Proulx
Cherry Creek West Middle School
5151 S. Holly St.
Greenwood Village, CO , 80121
720-554-5180
gproulx@cherrycreekschools.org

Students: Third and Fourth Grades

Program Description: HOW TO CATCH A SKOG uses the book Island of the Skog, which opens with the celebration of National Rodent's Day. After reading this, students create a new National holiday. They name their holiday, write about what the celebration of the day involves, design a poster to advertise their holiday and give a presentation as to its value. Other Skog-based activities follow.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing 1, 2, 4 Geography 1, 4

For More Information Contact:
Laree Villers
Custer County Consolidated School
709 Main Street
Westcliffe CO , 81252
719-783-2291
lvillers@bobcats.ccs.k12.co.us

Students: 1,2,3

Program Description: HOWARD'S HEROES incorporates superheroes into the classroom in order to teach writing, art, math, and social studies. The motivational factor of the superheroes is very powerful and provides many opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching on one topic.
By starting off the year inviting the students to become their own Superhero, your classroom community and behavior expectations are clearly understood and established right away (Superheroes have a very defined code of conduct). The students then get the opportunity to write in several different genres about themselves as a superhero. When the students get to design, create, and sew their superhero capes, you have an introduction to art and the medium of fabric that motivates even the most reluctant worker. Not to mention, you now have a metaphor for the writing process (plan, draft, revise, edit, publish) that you can refer to all year long. The math learning is simple, but real world, in that the students earn superhero tickets for good behavior and spend them in the classroom "store". Linking superheroes to real heroes in our communities and everyday life provides for a tangible Social Studies unit. Getting to cover social studies concepts in such a fun and hands-on way is quite memorable. The community that is created in your classroom exudes respect for each other and property and FUN!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Math - 1,6 Social Studies - 3 Reading & Writing - 2,3

For More Information Contact:
Courtney Howard
Mountain View Elementary
12401 N. Perry Street
Broomfield CO , 80020
720-972-5520
courtney.howard@adams12.org

Students: Sixth through Eighth Grades

Program Description: HUMANITIES OUT OF THE BOX is a unique way to bring student creativity into the Social Studies or Language Arts classroom. Providing students with materials and resources in a shoebox, students are asked to use all the contents of their "Humanities Box" to present to the classroom information on an early American historic topic they have studied. Students work in groups with their materials, such as a list of important facts, a book on the subject, craft supplies and an artifact. This unit brings history alive in the classroom through the creativity and ingenuity of students.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Social Studies 1 Language Arts 1,2,3,4

For More Information Contact:
Michelle Pearson
Hulstrom Options School
10604 Grant Dr.
Denver CO , 80223
720-972-2251
michelle.l.pearson@adams12.org

Students: 7

Program Description: I AM WHAT I EAT gives students the opportunity to analyze their eating habits and activities for one day. Students are given a handout with step-by-step instructions to follow. Students are to select one day to keep track of the serving size and the number of servings of everything that they eat and drink. Then, following the step-by-step instructions, they input their food and drink into mypyramid.gov and print 9 pages of nutrition and activity data. Students analyze this data to find out which nutritional and activity categories that they did well or poorly in. From this information, they are to make a "healthier" diet hopefully improving some of their poorer nutritional categories. Students then write a paper reflecting on what they learned; focusing on what was good, not good, and how they changed some of their food choices to make them more nutritionally balanced.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Health Education - 5

For More Information Contact:
Jeff Lemons
Mountain Ridge Middle School
10590 Mountain Vista Ridge
Highlands Ranch CO , 80126
303-387-1800
jeffrey.lemons@dcsdk12.org

Joni McCall
Mountain Ridge Middle School
10590 Mountain Vista Ridge
Highlands Ranch CO , 80126
303-387-1800
joni.mccall@dcsdk12.org

Students: Ninth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: IDENTITY BOXES is a program that utilizes elements and principles of art, self-analysis, woodworking skills and mixed media techniques in order for students to create their boxes. The inside of the box represents the more protected and less-known side of the student's personality, self, life, etc., and the exterior of the box represents the student's external, public perceived, and/or displayed self. The unit ends with students writing essays to explain their artwork.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Math 5 Lanuage Arts 2,3,4 Art 1,2,3,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Karen Wolf
Arapahoe Ridge High School
6600 Arapahoe Rd.
Boulder CO , 80303
303-447-5284
wolfk@bvsd.k12.co.us

Students: Kindergarten through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: INNOVATIVE CLASSROOM DESIGN is a program about creating dynamic places of learning. Classrooms should be vibrant places of learning that are designed and zoned for the whole class, small groups, and individualized educational experiences. They should be creative environments that motivate and promote learning on all levels via multiple media and resources. These classroom designs provide avenues for students to explore, investigate, research, and enjoy the awesome wonders of themselves and the world around them. They reflect and enhance children's learning styles, the curriculum needs, and the teaching methods and beliefs of the teacher. The designs promote efficient and effective teaching by allowing the teacher and students to flow easily through various subjects, concepts and ideas.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:

For More Information Contact:
Gary Bloemker
Beaver Valley Elementary
420 Glacier Avenue
P.O. Box 585
Brush CO , 80723
970-842-4794
glbloemker@hotmail.com

Students: Sixth through Eighth Grades

Program Description: INTO THE FINAL FRONTIER focuses primarily on rocketry, and how rockets function and fly. Through the use of two-liter pop bottles, students experiment with taking an "egg to space" and returning it safely to Earth. In the process of designing their rockets, students use simulation software to formulate the best design. Along the way, students explore the history of space exploration, create a mission team, design a mission patch, and eventually express their creativity by writing a "cover story" to describe the "strange things in the sky" neighbors of the school have seen. This unit is particularly significant now that China, one of the world's superpowers, has joined the Soviet Union and the United States in achieving manned space flight.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 5 ITEA Standards 8,9,10

For More Information Contact:
Tony Raymond
Flood Middle School
3695 South Lincoln
Englewood CO , 80110
303-761-1226
tony_raymond@englewood.k12.co.us

Students: Sixth through Eighth Grades

Program Description: INTO THE WILD BLUE YONDER introduces the basic principles of flight to students, as well as provides the opportunity to study the history of aviation and its effects on societies around the world. Influential figures in aviation are studied, as are projected future developments. Occupations available within the aviation industry are discussed. Students must complete a research project of their choice in a field of aviation.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 5 Social Studies 4 Lanuage Arts 4,5

For More Information Contact:
Tony Raymond
Flood Middle School
3965 South Lincoln
Englewood CO , 80110
303-761-1226
tony_raymond@englewood.k12.co.us

Students: Second through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: IT'S MAGIC! NO, IT'S PAPER MACHE allows students to experience the magic of turning newspaper and cardboard into creative sculptures. Paper mache is a fun and viable learning tool for Math, Science, Geography, History, Reading and Writing. Children emerge with a solid sense of satisfaction and a pride of achievement, as well as with a wonderful sculpture that lasts for years!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Visual Arts - 2, 3, 4, 5

For More Information Contact:
Marybeth Anderson
CO
lmbanderson@msn.com

Students: Sixth through Eighth Grades

Program Description: KILROY WAS HERE allows students to immerse themselves in the life of the World War II generation. Students experience a mock draft, boot camp and a base camp. Students send V-mail between homerooms and ration coupons during lunch. A living history presentation by Gail Beaton (Rosie the Riveter), and veterans and guest speakers are brought into the classroom as research. Students see propaganda posters in Art Class, listen to radio shows in Performing Arts, and swing dance and hear songs of the War era in Music. Additionally, students help World War II veterans record their stories and submit them to the World War II National Memorial as a community service piece.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Dance 1,4 Social Studies 1 Music 4,5 Art 4 Theater 6

For More Information Contact:
Karen Gilchrist
Flood Middle School
3695 South Lincoln
Englewood CO , 80113
303.761.1226
karen_gilchrist@englewood.k12.co.us

Students: First through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: LEARNING FOR SERVICE is a yearlong project, which matches real-life problem-solving skills with academic learning. Students discuss a community concern and its implications (sometimes derived from a newspaper clipping) and ask themselves, "How can this problem be solved?" Through brainstorming, students generate ideas and solutions that utilize their skills and talents. Past projects include: picking up litter, creating safety posters, making a fire safety video, holding a read-a-thon to purchase books, etc. Students are enabled and challenged to use their skills and talents to regularly perform community service.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Math 1,2,3 Language Arts 5 Science 5

For More Information Contact:
Mary Ann Garcia-Pettit
Newlon Elementary School
361 Vrain Street
Denver CO , 80219
303-934-2441
Mary_Garcia-Pettit@dpsk12.org

Jennifer Wilson
Grant Ranch
5400 S Jay Circle
Denver CO , 80123
Jennifer_Wilson@dpsk12.org

Students: Second through Fifth Grades

Program Description: LITERACY TRAVELS are thematic canvas bags filled with books, a three-ring binder with parent/child activities, puppets, puzzles and other materials. Teachers choose a science theme. The interdisciplinary unit revolves around a fiction and nonfiction book that enhances the chosen theme. Students acquire more knowledge about a science concept than they could otherwise and have a great opportunity to work with their families.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing 1, 2, 4, 6 Science 1

For More Information Contact:
Theresa Nedbalski
Annunciation School
3536 Lafayette Street
Denver CO , 80205
303-295-2515
j.nedbalski@worldnet.att.net

Students: Third through Eighth Grades

Program Description: Students read about and write a research report on an influential inventor, scientist or mathematician of their choice. Upon completion, they prepare a short speech, dress up in costume and adopt the personal of that person on "Major Thinkers" Day.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Geography 6 - History 1 - Reading and Writing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

For More Information Contact:
Elaine Eichel
Crest View Elementary School
1897 Sumac Avenue
Boulder CO , 80304
(303) 443-6363
eeichel@bvsd.k12.co.us

Students: Grade: 6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Program Description: NEW ENGLAND AUTHORS: A JOURNEY is a collection of implementation ideas and a step by step guide for connecting your novels to real locations using Google Earth This creative set of ideas extends learning in the classroom and beyond in a hands-on interactive manner using national technology standards tying great works of literature by authors of the northeast region of the US to the western reaches of California. Based off of a National Endowment for the Humanities summer institute and tour of the northeast region of the US, this lesson set works to combine the places we visited in association with Thoreau, Emerson, Steinbeck, Hawthorne, Whitman, and other authors with excerpts of text, and actual locations place marked on Google Earth.

Using GPS, Google Earth, and classic literature these files and lesson assessments and projects to take students on a tour of the particular regions, locations, and cities described in a variety of books students are required to read in the classroom. With the advent of enhanced Google Earth, these locations in novels can be seen in a "live" state, and students can analyze what they see and compare and contrast it to the works of literature that they are reading. This brings literature "alive" to kids, and engages them in the learning process. This also allows students to "travel with a book," and better yet classic literature.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing: 1,2,4,5 History: 2

For More Information Contact:
Michelle Pearson
Hulstrom Options School
3536 Lafayette Street
Northglenn CO , 80233
720-972-8996
michelle.l.pearson@adams12.org

Vicki Murphy
CO
vbmurphy@aol.com

Students: Eleventh and Twelfth Grades

Program Description: The Police Teen Academy is a collaborative effort between the Northglenn Police Department and the school's Counseling Department to provide students with an opportunity to learn about law enforcement and become better community citizens. Students receive both classroom instruction and hands-on training and learn what police do and why they do it.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Civics 1, 2, 4 - Reading and Writing 1, 2, 5

For More Information Contact:
Dwaine Schmidt
Northglenn High School
601 West 100th Place
Northglenn CO , 80260
(720) 872-4600
dwaine_schmidt@ceo.cudenver.edu

Students: 1 grade

Program Description: NOTABLE PEOPLE WAS MUSEUM COMES ALIVE! introduces how to research in a non-threaten fashion. In addition to a written report, students are required to "become" the Notable Person, in costume, as they give an oral presentation. The opportunity to complete an additional project for a higher grade is also an option.

After spending time discussing what a "Notable Person" is, students are presented with a selection of books that cover Notable People from different backgrounds and interests. Once students choose their person, they are then given an explanation of "Tarzan Talk," to begin taking notes in short phrases. The topics of Birth/Death, Family, Childhood, Fame, and Interesting Facts are provided to each partnership before reading the material provided.

Together with their Intermediate partner and parents, students then re-write their information from the "Tarzan Talk" into "Jane Talk" sentences for the written report. Next, students transfer the information from their report to note-cards. They then practice reading the note-cards again and again until they have most of it memorized.

Now the celebration begins! In the true sense of a Wax Museum, students dressed in costume, are arranged in the hallway, approximately four feet apart where they remain "frozen" until a spectator steps on the designated pad (construction paper) placed before the student. When a spectator steps on the pad, the student or wax figure begins to speak and present their oral report. Upon completion of their report, the student returns to a frozen state and awaits the next spectator. The student presentations are repeated over and over again until most or all of the spectators have had an opportunity to hear each of the students' presentations (approximately 30-45 minutes).

Hence, "Notable People-Wax Museum Comes Alive!"

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing: 2,3,5 History: 5

For More Information Contact:
Cher England-Czyzewski
Foothills Elementary
13165 W. Ohio Avenue
Lakewood CO , 80228
303-982-9324
cengland@jeffco.k12.co.us

Annette Acevedo-Martinez
Foothills Elementary
13165 W. Ohio Avenue
80228
Lakewood CO , 80228
303-982-9324
amaceved@jeffco.k12.co.us

Students: Sixth through Eighth Grades

Program Description: OH, THE PLACES WE'LL GO is a theme-based program designed to teach a variety of subjects through virtual field trips to national parks. Using PowerPoint slideshows of selected parks, students are transported outside the classroom to where they can witness the beauty and relevance of science in the world around them. In order to understand where the park fits into their world, students are shown an overhead of the state where the park is located and locate the park within that state. Students complete a worksheet about its history, and math problems, which focus on travel situations, are given to students to solve. Lastly, students learn the science content associated with each park.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 1,2,3,4,5,6 Geography 1,2,3,5 History 1 Math 1,2,5 Language Arts 2,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Marilyn Frade
Mead Middle School
620 Welker Ave.
Mead CO , 80542
970.535.4446
frade_marilyn@stvrain.k12.co.us

Students: Sixth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: ORGANIZE YOUR LIFE THRU CREATIVE CALENDARS is a technology-based program that encourages students to organize and be accountable for their activities. Calendars are created with a theme, graphics and include important dates involving all aspects of the student's life. In the development of their calendars, students use word-processing or a calendar program, and pictures from a variety of sources. They enter all dates of importance – school, family and community -- into their calendars. The calendar is printed and bound. Students use them at school and at home to keep track of assignments and upcoming tasks, birthdays and holidays, etc. The students integrate computer, technology, organization and planning skills to create their calendar.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,4,5 Technology 1,2,3,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Alyson Katz
Louisville Middle School
1341 Main Street
Louisville CO , 80027
303-666-6503
alyson.katz@bvsd.k12.co.us

Students: First through Seventh Grades

Program Description: PATRIOTISM FOR BEGINNERS is a complete "patriotic primer" for the young student. Born out of a need to educate first generation Americans about this country and its values, ideals, history and monuments, this unit was developed. The unit encourages students to embrace America, while still celebrating the differences of their cultures that make each child unique. The lessons focus on the ideas that created this nation, the men and women that built the U.S. through their actions and struggles, and the symbols that make this country unique. The unit is truly interdisciplinary and has been used at multiple levels. Suggestions for integrating the lessons into the different subject areas are included. In addition, annotated primary source readings that can be used for all levels are provided.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 2,3,4 Social Studies 1,2

For More Information Contact:
Kathy Anderson
Annunciation
3536 Lafayette Street
Denver CO , 80205
303-295-2515
kanderson9189@msn.com

Michelle Pearson
Hulstrom Options School
10604 Grant Dr.
Denver CO , 80223
720-972-2251
michelle.l.pearson

Students: Kindergarten through Sixth Grades

Program Description: Students identify and photograph various patterns, i.e., spirals, explosions. They photograph various stages of scientific experimentation to observe natural changes such as plant growth, the birth of gerbils and stages of eggs hatching. They create a slide show presentation to demonstrate the steps needed to carve a pumpkin.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Math 2 - Reading and Writing 2 - Science 2

For More Information Contact:
Adrean Pepper
Foothills Elementary School
1829 Denver West Drive
Golden CO , 80401
(303) 982-9324
apepper@jeffco.k12.co.us

Annette M. Acevedo-Martinez
Foothills Elementary School
1829 Denver West Drive
Golden CO , 80401
(303) 982-9324
amaceved@jeffco.k12.co.us

Students: Kindergarten through Fifth Grades

Program Description: PIONEERS! CREATING A THEME-BASED INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENT incorporates interdisciplinary units and a lively hands-on classroom physical environment. It is a total immersion into the pioneer experience culminating in Pioneer Day, when students and teachers dress is period clothing and participate in crafts, games, chores, songs, dances, cooking and storytelling.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Math - 4, 5 Geography - 1, 2, 6 History - 1, 2, 3, 4

For More Information Contact:
Ann L. Ryan
St. Mary's Academy
4545 South University Boulevard
Englewood CO , 80110
(303) 762-8300
Ann_Ryan@smanet.org

Barbara Peister
St. Mary's Academy
4545 South University Boulevard
Englewood CO , 80110
(303) 762-8300
Barbara_Peister@smanet.org

Students: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12

Program Description: PODCASTING 123 is a collection of implementation ideas and a step by step guide for beginning podcasters in the classroom. This creative set of ideas extends learning in the classroom and beyond in a hands-on interactive manner using national technology standards.

Using a small iPod and pod recorder, teachers can actively have kids record book conversations, simple read aloud stories, and more complex interviews and discussions. This device, and the 25 ideas we have for implementing its use in the classroom make learning fun, interactive, and creative, and brings learning to a higher level for students in the classroom.

Initially designed to use as a oral history program, the podcasting has now become simple enough for even a first grader to use! This lesson set will show you how!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,2,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Michelle Pearson
Hulstrom Options School
12640 Wolff Street
Broomfield CO , 80020
303-465-3959
kpear12@aol.com

Students: 3rd through 8th Grade

Program Description: Primarily Speaking About Colorado History allows students to study notable names in Denver's history, sites they can visit with the assistance of a new guide, as a large group, or on their own, and gives them the interesting tidbits of information about Colorado you can only gain through hours and hours of research in the archives of the Western History Collection in the Denver library. These elements pique their interest, and keeps student attention in the classroom while illuminating the events and people that made Denver and the surrounding area famous during the Silver boom and beyond. The lessons are fun and interactive and ask open ended questions that encourage students to infer, think, reflect, and evaluate what they are seeing. Each day of lessons brings a new challenge, and a new answer to the question, "What really happened in Denver?" Students dive into the sources independently and in small groups, and really get a close look at the people and places that give Denver a "human face."

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
History - 1,4,5 Reading & Writing - 1,2,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Michelle Pearson
Hulstrom Options School
10604 Grant Drive
Northglenn CO , 80223
720-972-2251
kpear12@aol.com

Students: Third through Eighth Grades

Program Description: QUOTE ME, PLEASE! is an interdisciplinary research program that actively engages students in all aspects of the curriculum unit. Students explore biographies, contributions and thought-provoking quotations of famous people. Through research, report writing and performance, students hear and read a quotation that personalizes and enhances their study of Social Studies, Language Arts and Science.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 History - 1

For More Information Contact:
Elaine Eichel
Crest View Elementary School
1897 Sumac Avenue
Boulder CO , 80304
(303) 443-6363
eeichel@bvsd.k12.co.us

Students: Ninth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: RE-LIVE A DAY IN HISTORY is a school-wide project involving staff, students and community members to graphically demonstrate how every aspect of human activity changes is as few as 25 years. Students get a sense of what life was like in the sixties; they get hands-on experience with the culture, climate, dress, academics, social issues, political views, historical events, entertainment, even cars. The varied activities combined with meaningful lessons fascinate and challenge everyone.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Math - 5 Science - 5 History - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

For More Information Contact:
Janet Call
Greeley West High School
2401 - 35th Avenue
Greeley CO , 80634
(970) 330-5303
jcall@alpha.psd.k12.co.us

Students: 3rd Grade

Program Description: "Show Your Character Traits" starts out by introducing each of the 14 Character trait cards over a period of time. The traits are Respect, Responsibility, Cooperation, Self Control, Perseverance, Humanity, Honesty, Caring, Service, Self Esteem, Goal Setting, Patience, Courage and Integrity. A character trait is introduced each week during the school announcements then each class has discussions about the new trait. Students are asked to be on the look out for examples of students practicing that trait. Next, students write down or draw pictures of examples they have observed. Then students work in groups to role play the example in front of the class while the class trys to guess which traits they are practicing. Drawn and written examples are displayed in the classroom and throughout the school. Another part of the program is when staff members are able to hand out "I caught you______" slips to any students caught practicing any of the traits. The slips are put into a basket in the office for the weekly incentive drawing. Students want to earn as many slips as they can so they have a better chance of winning a prize. This program has given our school a common language to use when dealing with discipline. Communication and having the same expectations between the teachers is essential. Having the same expectation school-wide has even more impact.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,2,4,6

For More Information Contact:
Mary Ann Garcia-Pettit
Newlon Elementary
361 Vrain St.
Denver CO , 80219
303-934-2441
Mary_Garcia-Pettit@dpsk12.org

Jennifer Wilson
Grant Ranch Elementary
5400 South Jay Circle
Denver CO , 80123
303-703-3879
Jennifer_Wilson@dpsk12.org

Students: Kindergarten through Second Grades

Program Description: SING, READ AND BE HAPPY allows children to see the connection between music and literature, and strengthens their understanding of rhyme. The program consists of 59 songs, chants and finger-plays, which focus on skills appropriate to the student's level of development. Seasonal music and multicultural songs are celebrated. Students read words on a chart as they sing the song, and in some cases, the song is introduced with a literary selection. Students locate certain words selected by the teacher or perform certain hands-on motions to accompany the words of the song. Singing is a natural outlet and method of expression for children, and it is a wonderful and infectious means of communication.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Language Arts 1,5,6 Music 1,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Kathy Jordan
St. Mary's Academy
4545 South University Blvd.
Englewood CO , 80113
303-762-8300
Kathy_jordan@smanet.org

Sally Bounds
St. Mary's Academy
4545 South University Blvd.
Englewood CO , 80113
303-762-8300
sally_bounds@smanet.org

Students: 12

Program Description: SKILLS FOR SUCCESS are practical lessons providing high school students in special education vital job interview skills that are important for life! This lesson teaches students how to conduct themselves in job interviews and the importance of being prepared for an interview. Skills For Success starts with first impressions and the importance of being well groomed. Another aspect of Skills For Success is a resume and contact information. We spend several lessons creating a resume and we also spend time talking about a phone number where students can be contacted. Skills For Success are life skills students will utilize throughout their lives!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 2,3,4 Colorado Career & Technical Competencies - 1,2,3,4

For More Information Contact:
Lisa Omori-Jones
Boulder TEC
6600 E. Arapahoe
Boulder CO , 80303
303 447-5226
lisa.omori@bvsd.org

Students: Fourth through Eighth Grades

Program Description: STRUCTURES AND ARCHITECTURE--FROM BUILDINGS TO BONES is a three-phase unit that assists students in understanding basic mathematical connections between form and function. Students study the designs of buildings and bridges, and then extend this knowledge by investigating the skeletal structure of animals and humans. Finally, students complete a research paper or building project that conveys their understanding of the unit.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Math 4,5,6 Science 3 Language Arts 1,2,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Elaine Eichel
Crest View Elementary School
1897 Sumac Ave.
Boulder CO , 80304
303-443-6363
eeichel@bvsd.k12.co.us

Students: 4,5,6,7

Program Description: PRIDE in ALL you DO was developed to help middle school students realize that life has a lot of positivies to it as well as responsibility and room for improvement. Middle school students can have issues with self esteem and figuring out who they are and where they belong. PRIDE stories help them figure out that most things can have a positive side to them, responsibility is important NOW and for the future, there is always room for improvement, there are reasons why you choose the activity and enthusiasm helps keep the attitude positive. This is very appropriate in the classroom because each student gets to think about their own life, write about it and feel safe to share it with others.


This activity is one that students will come back and tell me how they used PRIDE in a situation. Their topics have ranged from football to voice lessons to meeting a new friend to moving. I love the looks on their faces when they are sharing their stories. They certainly have the look of PRIDE!!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Health: 1

For More Information Contact:
Joni McCall
Mountain Ridge Middle School
10590 Mountain Vista Ridge
Highlands Ranch CO , 80126
joni.mccall@dcsdk12.org

Students: 5th through 8th Grade

Program Description: TECHIES TIME TRAVEL offers students the opportunity to ‘visit' ancient Egypt through technology and then in turn use technology to present their findings. Students research on the Internet and in books about ancient Egypt and then present their findings in a Power Point presentation. Each Power Point slide that students create includes a title, three facts and pictures downloaded from the Internet. Students share their slides with the class and each student chooses his/her favorite to be added to the final class Power Point presentation and printed book. The result is an exciting, informative Power Point presentation that takes students, parents and teachers back in time to visit ancient Egypt. When teaching technology to students it is important to integrate other curriculum standards and use the technology as the tool to learn those standards instead of teaching in isolation.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing - 1,2 Social Studies - 2,3 Technology - 1,3,5

For More Information Contact:
Janna Golgart
Aspen Creek K-8
5500 Aspen Creek Drive
Broomfield CO , 80020
720-887-4537
janna.golgart@bvsd.org

Students: 12

Program Description: "THANKS, I'LL TAKE THE JOB" is a program for high school seniors that allows them to develop the necessary skills to interview with confidence for a scholarship or employment, and exhibit the qualities that will increase their chances for being selected. It takes the role-playing out of the classroom situation of mock-interviewing, and creates a real-life experience from a real community member to receive critical feedback. Students acquire knowledge that just can't be gained unless a real life interview is provided. The program allows for students to engage in an interview with an outside community member that has no bias as to their classroom record, their behavior record, and their effort level allowing for more authentic feedback. This leads to a more successful future of interviewing for both work and school.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Civics - 4.4 Economics - 1.1, 1.2 Reading & Writing - 2,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Kristy Reynolds
Valley View K-8
660 W 70th Avenue
Denver CO , 80221
303-853-1560
reynoldsk@mapleton.us

Dwaine Schmidt
CO
schmidtd@mapleton.us

Students: 4,5,6

Program Description: Battle of the Books encourages students of all reading abilities to participate in a fun and organized competition based on their knowledge of selected books.

Battle of the Books exposes students to a variety of literary styles and view points of prominent authors of children's literature. After reading from a selected list of books and discussing these books with the teacher/librarian, students form teams to earn points by answering questions about the selected books.

Through the process, students learn the value of cooperation, good sportsmanship, and teamwork while being exposed to a wide variety of literature and to the joy of reading! The winning team is awarded with engraved trophies and all participants receive a certificate and an invitation to a Battle of the Books ice cream party!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing: 1,2,3,4

For More Information Contact:
Molly Gibney
Mountain View Elementary School
12401 Perry
Broomfield CO , 80020
720-972-5520
Molly.gibney@adams12.org

Students: Grade: 9

Program Description: THE COLOR LINE – CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
Beginning with the early days of segregation and ending with civil rights today, students will discover notable leaders, events and key terms but will also learn about the personal struggles young people faced during the civil rights movement through a variety of children's books. This is a great tool for students to learn about human rights for all.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
History: 1,2,3

For More Information Contact:
Kelly Lamsal
Thornton High School
9351 N. Washington St
Thornton CO , 80299
(720) 972-4800
kelly.lamsal@adams12.org

Students: 2,3,4,5,6

Program Description: Students practice literacy, math, geography, science, history, and critical thinking skills as they follow the world famous Iditarod sled dog grade.

It all begins in mid February with the book Balto -- where students are introduced to the history behind the Iditarod. Vocabulary is introduced, events are discussed, geography is explored. If multiple copies are available, this is a whole class Shared Reading activity, otherwise it is a read aloud activity.

The following week, a class set of The Last Great Race (a book at the late 3rd grade reading level, available to be printed off the Internet) is passed out and explored in detail. Students learn the history of the race, the rules and logistics involved.

Students find the Iditarod website and read "Zuma's paw prints" to get information and feeling of preparations and excitement of race.

The teacher downloads the biographies of the registered mushers – this is a lot of information to sort through. Class discusses strategies for searching for information and summarizing. Students are given a summarizing frame and use the biographies to research (with partners) important information. Once consistent information is summarized, observations and comparisons begin.

Who is the oldest muster? Who is the youngest? Who has won the most? Who has gotten close but not won yet? Who has tried the most times without winning? Which mushers have the goal to simply finish? Which mushers have the goal to improve over last year? Which mushers probably want to finish in the top 10? Which mushers REALLY want to win? How can you tell?

At this point the class chooses 10 mushers to track and states why they are interested in watching each one. One year we followed a blind musher. One year we followed one from our state. The possibilities are endless, chosen by the students. A big poster introducing "our" mushers is put in the hallway along with race updates as they occur.

The race begins! Daily printouts show positions and changes for analysis. Daily visits online allow for reading of news (whose dog is injured, why someone dropped out (scratched), etc.). Daily tracking on the map along with analyses of speed helps students infer terrain and weather challenges.

When the Iditarod begins, the I-DID-A-READ begins. While this activity was originally created by another, unknown teacher, it has been adapted in this activity. A HUGE bulletin board in the front of the school displays Anchorage and Nome with a lot of blank space in between. Students are given a team challenge. If 20 minutes of reading equals a mile, can students, at home (authenticated by parents), read the length of the race (1049 miles) before the Iditarod winner crosses the finish line (approximately 10 days)?

Each day, progress in the reading competition is followed with dots (die cut circles) forming a path from Anchorage to Nome. Students are able to see the accomplishment of their teamwork. Here's an example: 26 students, read at home for 2 hours each night for 10 days ( 4 miles per day) gets them pretty close!

Prizes (authentic Iditarod trinkets – available online for $2 -$5 each) for participation, completing the challenge, and the top 5 readers are given after watching the winner of the official Iditarod cross the finish line.

After both races have been completed, results are analyzed. Each student chooses a musher to write to to congratulate him/her on their efforts and ask questions about their experience. About 50% of the students receive letters back from their musher along with souveniers from the race. The excitement of this contact with a "famous" person lasts for monthts, even years to come as students from previous years return to tell you that they still follow the Iditarod each year. Imagine the reading, writing, math and critical thinking skills building each year based on self motivated interest! Lifelong learners? You bet!

Sample materials will be sent by "snail mail" during the week of October 9, 2006. Please consider these to supplement this description and to aid visualization.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading and Writing: 1,2,3,4,5,6 Math: 1,2,3,4,5,6 Geography: 1,5,6 History: 1,2,3,4 Science: 3,4

For More Information Contact:
Jennifer Wilson
Grant Ranch School
5400 S. Jay Circle
Littleton CO , 80123
7204246880
Jennifer_Wilson@dpsk12.org

Mary Ann Garcia-Pettit
Newlon Elementary School
361 Vrain Street
Denver CO , 80219
3039342441
Mary_Garcia-Pettit@dpsk12.org

Students: Grade: 1

Program Description: TO MARKET TO MARKET WE GO is a fun, exciting, non-threatening unit that introduces many of the economic principles in our day-to-day lives to first graders. Students learn about real life lessons that include maintaining a job with a salary, and creating a business plan for a product they will sell at a "First Grade Market."

In addition to learning new vocabulary such as consumers/ producers, supply/demand, needs/wants, exchange/bartering, costs/benefits, market analysis, opportunity costs, the use of resources and scarcity, the students experience an assembly line, learn about advertising, and shop by purchasing crafts from all the businesses with the money they have earned.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Economics, Art, Math

For More Information Contact:
Kathy Chowdhury
Foothills Elementary School
13165 W. Ohio Ave.
Lakewood CO , 80228
303-982-9324
kchowdhu@jeffco.k12.co.us

Annette Acevedo-Martinez
Foothills Elementar School
13165 W Ohio Ave
Lakewood CO , 80228
303-982-9324
amaceved@jeffco.k12.co.us

Students: Sixth through Twelfth Grades

Program Description: VISITING DEMOCRACY IN THE WEST WING is an interdisciplinary unit that presents a realistic look at the West Wing of the White House and the staff that makes it work. It provides hands-on activities that use primary source documents and reflections from West Wing staff to bring this historic "behind the scenes office" to life. This unit encourages students to critically look at decisions that have been made in the West Wing that have ultimately shaped the course of American history.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Social Studies 1,4,5 Language Arts 1,2,3,4,5

For More Information Contact:
Michelle Pearson
Hulstrom Options School
11551 Wyco Dr
Northglenn CO , 80233
720-972-8996
michelle.pearson@adams12.org

Students: 1

Program Description: WHAT'S IN MY FUTURE? HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION!is a program that provides First Graders the opportunity to work with High School students at both the elementary school and the high school facilities. This program successfully introduces the concept of high school graduation for First Graders as well as providing the students with real world writing experiences. First Graders are given a tour of the neighborhood High School, and are introduced to the year their class will graduate. During this program, First Grade students gain a sense of pride and loyalty to their future high school and community.

The program begins with a pre-assessment of the name of their future high school, the year they will graduate and any information they know about high school. Next, the high school students visit and interview the elementary First Graders. Their goal is to collect enough information to create a story or biography about their First Grade Buddy. After several weeks, the students are reunited when the First Graders visit the high school and are presented with their individual manuscripts. In addition, the high school buddies take their very excited First Graders on personal tours of the facility and conclude the visit with a presentation of a T-shirt that indicates that each First Grader will be a future "Green Mountain High School Ram." The large sized T-shirt (that can be worn for a few years,) also states the year that they will graduate and displays a powerful reminder of their future.

When the First Graders return to the elementary school, they write a "Thank you" letter to their respective high school buddy. In addition, they compare and contrast the differences between elementary school and high school by completing a Venn Diagram. Finally, as a post assessment, they write all about their high school visit and are able to express more about their own future high school graduation.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing Geography

For More Information Contact:
Katherine Chowdhury
Foothills Elementary
13165 W. Ohio Ave.
Lakewood CO , 80228
303-982-9324
kchowdhu@jeffco.k12.co.us

Annette Acevedo-Martinez
Foothills Elementary
13165 W Ohio Ave
Lakewood CO , 80228
303-982-9324
amaceved@jeffco.k12.co.us

Students: 1,2,3,4,5,6

Program Description: WRITE ON AND WRITE OFF is a simple teacher resource that goes along with many different ideas and lessons in the classroom. It is the backbone of interactive writing in a classroom focused on meeting CSAP skills.

One of the difficult things about meeting with reading and writing groups at a younger level is that you want to work with them interactively at a reading table and desk and sometimes that can be hard with piles of books, papers, and all of their materials in tow. This resource helps to solve that problem by providing the teacher with a writing surface on top of a standard kidney table for classroom use by placing a dry erase surface on the table to be used by the teacher and students. This surface allows the teacher to spell, write phonetically for a child, use key words during shared discussions and reading, and allows the student to write too--on a table no less. How fun is that! They can share their ideas using a dry erase marker, change grammar, correct spelling, create beautiful sentences, and dream a new ending to a story with the stroke of a pen on the surface of the table. Interactive writing never got better!

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Reading & Writing - 1,2,4

For More Information Contact:
Chassity Morinville
Mountain View Elementary
12401 Perry Street
Broomfield CO , 80020
720-972-3472
Chassity.morinville@adams12.org

Students: Sixth through Eighth Grades

Program Description: YOU'RE ON THE AIR IN 5. . .4. . .3. . . explores the world of radio. Students learn about its inception, its development and explore the career opportunities in the field. Students produce a 30-minute radio program, including news, weather, sports and advertising. Students create scripts, a program log, write commercials and then, by using audio equipment, record a radio program. This module could be adapted to fit in many units. As an example, for our school-wide WWII unit, the radio station becomes a station on the home front during the War, playing big band music and reporting on the latest War news.

Colorado State Standards Addressed:
Science 5 Technology 3,4,6,7,17

For More Information Contact:
Tony Raymond
Flood Middle School
3695 South Lincoln St.
Englewood CO , 80113
303.761.1226
tony_raymond@englewood.k12.co.us