Cotton's Journey-A Field Trip in a Box Curriculum and Activities

Cotton's Journey-A Field Trip in a Box, Curriculum and Teaching Guide puts into practice the inquiry-based approach while meeting National Education Standards. Although a component of an educational unit, curriculum stands alone to deliver enriching lessons for the core subjects. The rise of ancient civilizations, the American colonies into independent states and the United States as a major world power are intertwined with the cultivation of cotton and lend themselves to a relevant and interesting method of teaching Social Studies. Life Science concepts relating to plant structures, growth and genetics become more relevant to students when they are able to make real-life associations. Using calculating skills of Number Sense; Statistics, Data Analysis and Probability; and Mathematical Reasoning address Math. English/Language Arts may be fully integrated through a multicultural flavor of both real and fictional characters that faced adversity during pivotal eras in US history with strength, courage and determinations. Student's comprehension can be measured through a variety of response activities. Concepts are reinforced through daily observations, journal entries, and research projects. The open-ended discussions, group learning and hands-on activities will create challenging learning. Use with companion video, poster, student booklet, and resources found at www.cottonsjourney.com. The curriculum puts into practice the inquiry-based approach and meets National Education Standards for all core subjects. Lessons are written for grades 1-3, 4-6 and 7-8, list objectives and the standards fulfilled and follow a simple format to allow for quick reference, flexibility and time efficiency. Open-ended discussions, group learning and hands-on activities will challenge students. Also included are a glossary of cotton words and terms, cotton literature resource list and the "story of cotton".Morton, Marianne is the author of 'Cotton's Journey-A Field Trip in a Box Curriculum and Activities', published 2001 under ISBN 9780964148420 and ISBN 0964148420.