Teacher Information
Programs Offered
Our goal is to use hands on teaching methods with the students. In addition to bringing active and engaging courses, we often provide informative handouts and take home projects to the class. Our lesson plans are modified according to age groups or grade level of the students. For examples of full lesson plans please see the links on several of the topics below. The following topics are just a few of the courses we teach.
"The material they are teaching always relates to what is important to them in some way. The activities are designed to include all types of learning styles with lots of hands on activities.I am so happy to have given my children the opportunity to interact with these interns and hope to continue next year and to encourage others at Douglass to do the same…it really is a great opportunity for all involved." Lynn Twietmeyer Douglass Elementary
This student learns about the roots of a tree.
Alternative Transportation
Developed by two CU undergraduate students, Jesi Vandeputte and Eric Cellucci, the alternative transportation curriculum teaches school children and their parents about alternatives to single-occupancy cars, the benefits of reducing car use, and transportation safety. The curriculum, designed for ages k-2nd and 3rd-5th grades, will be available through Earth Education volunteers as well as Feet First programs. 3-5 Curriculum. K-2 Curriculum. 3-5 Workbook. K-2 workbook.
Bio-Diesel: Project Yellow Bus
This curriculum focuses on alternative approaches to petroleum. Debates and discussions on alternative sources of energy, the mechanics and physics behind wind and solar power and enlightens students on the overarching issues of climate change. Lesson Plan on Biodiesel #1. Lesson Plan on Biodiesel #2.
Biomes
- Alpine Ecosystems - what makes up an apline ecosystem, who lives in an alpine zone and why these areas are special in Colorado. Lesson Plan on Alpine Ecosystems.
- Deserts - Characteristics of deserts; location of deserts. Diversity of Desert life; adaptations by plants and animals to deserts.
- Rainforests - Characteristics of tropical rain forests; location of rain forests; diversity of rain forest life; adaptations by plants and animals to rain forests. Destruction of rain forests and solutions.
- Grasslands and Prairies - Characteristics of grasslands; location of grasslands; diversity of grassland life; adaptations by plants and animals to grasslands. Lesson Plan on Prairie Ecosystems.
- Deciduous Forests - Characteristics of deciduous forests; location of deciduous forests; diversity of deciduous forest life; adaptations by plants and animals to deciduous forests.
Birds
This course is all about defining characteristics of birds. Students learn descriptions of bird adaptations—for example, a pelican has a large beak, similar to a fishing or butterfly net, so that it can scoop up fish and hold them in its beak, whereas a finch has a short sharp pointed beak so that it can crack the nuts that it eats. The focus of this course will broaden student’s knowledge of birds and their incredible life patterns. Lesson Plan on Birds.
Boulder Backyards
This engaging curriculum covers everything from squirrels to macro- invertebrates. It is a wonderful course focused on helping students learn about Boulder’s biodiversity and different ecosystems that make Boulder special. Students will learn a sense of place and gain knowledge of local plant and animal species. Lesson Plan on Boulder Ecosystem.
Colorado Ecosystems
What makes Colorado ecosystems unique? How many ecosystems are in Colorado? Who lives in Colorado? This unique lesson looks at similarities between how we treat ourselves and how we treat ecosystems. Link to lesson on Colorado Ecosystems. Lesson Plan on Web of Life.
Colorado Wildlife
This topic is popular for students to learn more about a sense of place in their Boulder backyard. We focus on varying wildlife in Colorado from Elk to the jumping mouse and your students will learn about habitats, survival skills and animal tracks and signs. Lesson Plan on Food Web.
Earth Day Lessons
There is not a better way to celebrate Earth Day than to have a volunteer come to your class with a lot of knowledge about the Earth! This course focuses on history of Earth Day, how we can become better stewards of the Earth and why it is important to celebrate Earth.
Ecology
These lesson focus on the definition of Ecology. Students will learn more about global habitats and then narrow in on individuals and populations in the local area. Relationships in communities such as food chains, ecosystems, and biodiversity will all be points of discussion. Curriculum on Winter Ecology.
Endangered Species
Definition of endangered species; definition of extinction; reasons for protecting endangered species; a variety of teachings on specific endangered species (sea turtles, wolves, bald eagles, etc.). Lesson Plan on Habitat Destruction.
Energy
Definition of energy. Importance of saving energy; ways to save energy. Alternative energy such as wind, solar and biomass can be discussed during these lessons.
Geology
What is Geology? Students learn the structure of the earth, Different theories of plate tectonics; earthquakes; volcanoes. They will be introduced to the rock cycle and rock types. They will be given description of rocks and minerals; description of fossils. Includes discussion of people and geology.
Mammals
Defining characteristics of a mammal; habitats and food. Specific lessons on: primates, carnivores, mammals with hooves, bats, rodents, insect eaters, and mammals of the sea. Lesson Plan on Animal Tracks and Signs.
Pollution
What is pollution? How can it be controlled? How to we contribute to the problem. Discussion topics include: trash and toxic waste; air and water pollution; solutions. Lesson Plan on Water Pollution.
Population/Development
Colorado has many issues of development and population growth. This topic encompasses learning what development is – what sustainable development is and how it works. Students will create and use maps to understand population growth.
Recycling
Description of recycling; facts on recycling. Producing less packaging; reduction in waste.
Trees/Plants
Students learn characteristics of trees and plants; basic needs for trees and plants; benefits from trees and plants. Carbon cycle. Native trees and plants to Colorado. Lesson Plan on Plants. Lesson Plan on Trees.
Water
Water is an important issue to understand in a semi-arid environment. This curriculum focuses on Boulder Creek Watershed and the Water cycle. A discussion of where our water comes from and water conservation will help students learn more about the water resources issues in the state of Colorado. Lesson Plan on Water Cycle.
Weather
Kids love weather! This engaging topic includes information on what makes weather; information on clouds/thunder and lightning, creating a weather station and predicting weather patters.
If you have a specific subject you would like us to teach on that is not listed here, let us know and we will find information on it and put together lesson plans.