New Beginnings

The Greek philosopher Plato wrote, "The beginning is the most important part of the work." This month, MarcoPolo presents online lessons to help you and your students celebrate the new year by studying new beginnings - the ways that life, places and ideas get started. Use the warm-up activities below to generate an interest in concepts and ideas relating to new beginnings; then scroll down for links to more lessons and resources. Happy New Year!

Warm-up Activities:
 

1. Many different types of materials get a new beginning through recycling. Does your town have a recycling program? What kinds of household items can you recycle? Create a graphic organizer with at least five items that you can purchase that are made from recycled materials. Learn how recycling helps the environment in "Mathematics and Environmental Concerns" (Grades K-8), Illuminations, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

 

Image of Jamestown, Va., courtesy of the Frances Loeb Library, Graduate School of Design, Harvard University

2. Imagine you are part of a committee that has to plan a new city. What buildings are necessary within a town? Which should be built first? How will your city generate revenue? How will you keep the level of crime down? Design an advertising brochure for your city that highlights the benefits of tourism, business, utilities, private homes, shopping and recreation. Study the first successful American town in "Jamestown Change" (Grades 3-5), EDSITEment, National Endowment for the Humanities. Become a city planner in "Town Along the Chesapeake Bay" (Grade 4), ARTSEDGE, Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, and in "Planning a New Town" (Grades 6-8) and "Planning for a City's Future" (Grades 9-12), Xpeditions, National Geographic Society.

 

3. What stages does a caterpillar go through to become a butterfly? How long do you think it takes? Draw a picture of one stage and write a caption or sentence that explains what is happening.   Find the answers in "Observing the Life Cycle of a Butterfly" (Grades K-2), Science NetLinks, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

 

4. Discuss the pros and cons of renting an apartment. When is it wise to purchase a new home? Would you recommend buying or renting in today's economy? Write an article for your local or school newspaper's real estate section and give reasons and support for your recommendation. Consider the costs involved in becoming a new homebuyer in "Buying vs. Renting" (Grades 9-12), EconEdLink, National Council on Economic Education.

 

5. Have you ever been the "new kid in town"? Do you have any new classmates this year? What can you do to welcome a new person to your school or neighborhood? Develop a "new kid handbook" that your teacher or school can provide to new students. Include school maps, schedules and other helpful advice. Pretend you're the "New Kid" (Grades 5-8), ARTSEDGE, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

"Mathematics and Environmental Concerns" (Grades K-8)
(Illuminations, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics)
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/partner/20ill_recycle.cfm
Everything old is new again. Students learn how recycling can help the environment.

"Picturing First Families" (Grades K-2)
(EDSITEment, National Endowment for the Humanities)
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/partner/20ed_families.cfm
Students take a virtual trip to Washington, D.C., to gain an understanding of the significant role the First Family plays in representing the nation.

"Observing the Life Cycle of a Butterfly" (Grades K-2)
(Science NetLinks, American Association for the Advancement of Science)
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/partner/20sci_cycle.cfm
Students observe and identify the characteristics of the life cycle of a butterfly.

"Jamestown Change" (Grades 3-5)
(EDSITEment, National Endowment for the Humanities)
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/partner/20ed_jtown.cfm
Students use primary materials to learn what life was like in the first permanent English settlement in America.

"Town Along the Chesapeake Bay" (Grade 4)
(ARTSEDGE, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts)
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/partner/20ae_bay.cfm
Students draw plans for a new town situated along the Chesapeake Bay.

"New Kid" (Grades 5-8)
(ARTSEDGE, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts)
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/partner/20ae_kid.cfm
Using this Cuesheet, students discuss what it is like to be the new kid in town.

"Mitosis" (Grades 6-8)
(Science NetLinks, American Association for the Advancement of Science)
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/partner/20sci_mitosis.cfm
Students explore the biology of cells and how they replicate to produce new life.

"Planning a New Town" (Grades 6-8)
(Xpeditions, National Geographic Society)
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/partner/20xp_town.cfm
Students consider the requirements for developing a new town, including traffic flow, job development and building construction.

"Buying vs. Renting" (Grades 9-12)
(EconEdLink, National Council on Economic Education)
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/partner/20econ_buy.cfm
Students consider the pros and cons of becoming a new homebuyer.

"Planning for a City's Future" (Grades 9-12)
(Xpeditions, National Geographic Society)
http://www.marcopolo-education.org/partner/20xp_city.cfm
Students research their town or city's past to help determine how they should prepare for the future.

Warm-up activities and lesson plan links brought to you by MarcoPolo: Internet Content for the Classroom

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