Educational Framework of "You Must Be Choking"

"You Must Be Choking" introduces students to important ideas about air pollution including valuable concepts about our atmosphere and how carbon and fossil fuels are affecting our planet. More importantly, they are shown ways that people are taking responsibility for air quality. It is essential to regard pollution issues in broader terms than just problems and therefore we present students with role models who are doing their part to ensure the health of our air. In short, from our children, we are begging the question, "what can be done to solve these problems?"

Included are many interactive activities ranging from practice with math estimating skills to discovering sources of carbon. The many innovative activities in Maggie's carbon sensor and other devices are sure to teach your students important concepts in a fun and meaningful way.

In "A Breath of Fresh Air" your students will examine what companies and people are doing to help solve air pollution problems. The eighteen printable articles recognize those who are utilizing renewable energy sources to replace conventional ways of getting power to homes and businesses. We explore new inventions and innovative ideas that help us breathe fresher, cleaner air. Your students will also study about those who are taking action right in their own backyard to ensure the health of their communities. As students read these articles, they will recognize their own critical role in preserving and protecting our planet. We know these new ideas and new ways of looking at old problems will inspire our students to think creatively and some day discover their own pollution solutions!

Specific skill development in content area reading is developed. Your students will receive important practice in nonfiction reading strategies such as turning headings into questions and making predictions. Vocabulary is developed and an entire section on Word Study is integrated into the unit's content. The development of higher order thinking skills is encouraged in the suggested activities that follow each article. Included in this unit are many ideas for math journaling. Students read problems and either work individually or cooperatively to arrive at solutions. They develop problem solving abilities, show students how math is used in making real life decisions, and require that students use a base of knowledge to arrive at a conclusion. Students need to take into account not only the "math answer" but also the scientific, societal, and environmental outcomes of their decisions.

Hands on science ideas are provided so that students will develop an appreciation for how science works in the real world. We also offer cultural arts ideas to show students that a variety of medium can be used to illustrate scientific ideas. This is an important concept in our technological world as the future holds exciting possibilities for communicating ideas. The lesson ideas included in this unit will broaden your students' understanding of the ways information can be exchanged.