Distance Learning Resources: Grades 6-8
These resources were developed specifically to support teachers transitioning to distance learning. Lessons are marked as to whether they require access to technology for completion (digital) or are designed for students with limited or no access to technology (pdf).
Limited or no access to technology
Show Us Your Mussels (pdfs)
These lessons were designed to support middle and high school teachers in teaching students about water quality and how to save endangered native freshwater mussels.
In this lesson, students will read and research information about recent work being done to help freshwater mussels, and write persuasive letters to those in their community to persuade them to get involved in specific actions that would continue the work being done. These lessons are designed to meet both Language Arts and Science standards for middle school while introducing students to native freshwater mussel conservation and ways to improve water quality.
For more resources mussel curriculum go to: Classroom Resources.
In this lesson students will be making predictions and inferences, based on prior knowledge as well as information shared from the teacher. They will read a fictional diary using task cards about what changes will occur on the Mississippi River, based on several factors including environmental, human impact, and animal impact. As students read the story, they will use inferencing as well as picture evidence to solidify their predictions. After answering each task card, they will be able to see the answer along with images and a detailed paragraph to give further background information for learning.
For more resources mussel curriculum go to: Classroom Resources.
Access to technology
Videos (digital)
Think like an engineer! The Minnesota Zoo’s ZOOM programs present two different Mini-Design Challenges! These weeklong units of study allow students to practice engineering principles while learning about life science. In the first, draw inspiration from nature to create your own solution to a problem using the principles of biomimicry. We can copy how plants and animals solve problems to solve our own problems. In other words, we can engineer FROM nature using biomimicry. In the second, challenge your students to act like zookeepers! Students identify behaviors they like to achieve in their pets and then develop enrichments to enhance these behaviors.
Engineering FROM Animals: Biomimicry Mini-Design Challenge
- Download the following materials:
Engineering FOR Animals: Pet Enrichment Mini-Design Challenge
- Download the following materials:
Learn about biomes, habitats and ecosystems through video exploring the interconnectedness of the grassland video.
