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This professional development article describes approaches to using social media in harnessing the power of Web 2.0 technologies to reinforce the connection between multimedia literacy and powerful content-area learning in grades K-5. The emphasis is on collaboration with the school librarian. The article appears in the free online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle, which is structured around the seven essential principles of the climate sciences.

Students are introduced to the concept of engineering biological organisms and studying their growth to be able to identify periods of fast and slow growth. They learn that bacteria are found everywhere, including on the surfaces of our hands. Student groups study three different conditions under which bacteria are found and compare the growth of the individual bacteria from each source. In addition to monitoring the quantity of bacteria from differ conditions, they record the growth of bacteria over time, which is an excellent tool to study binary fission and the reproduction of unicellular organisms.

This lesson is a classroom activity where students learn to use their balance knowledge to create a beautiful mobile.

This lecture/activity on force will further a students' understanding of forces on an object, as well as the difference between a balanced and unbalanced forces.

Students visualize and interact with concepts already learned, specifically algebraic equations and solving for unknown variables. They construct a balancing seesaw system (LEGO® Balance Scale) made from LEGO MINDSTORMS® parts and digital components to mimic a balancing scale. They are given example algebraic equation problems to analyze, configure onto the balance scale, and evaluate by manipulating LEGO pieces and gram masses that represent terms of an equation such as unknown variables, coefficients and integers. Digital light sensors, built into the LEGO Balance Scale, detect any balance or imbalances displayed on the balancing scale. The LEGO Balance Scale interactively issues a digital indication of balance or imbalance within the system. If unbalanced, students continue using the LEGO Balance Scale until they are confident in their understanding of solving algebraic equations. The goal is for students to become confident in solving algebraic equations by fundamentally understanding the basics of algebra and real-world algebraic applications.

This activity is an extension of the common balloon cars, where students explore if and how different gases used as a fuel source effect the distances traveled by the cars.

This activity is a hands-on investigation that teaches students that air resitance affects how things move and that pressure from compressed air can move things.

Students follow the steps of the engineering design process as they design and construct balloons for aerial surveillance. After their first attempts to create balloons, they are given the associated Estimating Buoyancy lesson to learn about volume, buoyancy and density to help them iterate more successful balloon designs.Applying their newfound knowledge, the young engineers build and test balloons that fly carrying small flip cameras that capture aerial images of their school. Students use the aerial footage to draw maps and estimate areas.

In this lesson students will use the Makecode.microbit.org site to create block coding projects. In addition, they will think critically about what their coding products do. Finally, they will create a combination Light & Temperature Meter.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In Lesson 2, students will complete three tutorials to learn about Random Numbers, Variables, and If/Then Statements using MakeCode code blocks and Micro:bits. Then they will dissect a pre-made program by writing Pseudo-code before using it as the basis for a Board Game which the student designs.

Estimated time required: 2-3 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In this lesson, students will use the same Block Coding techniques from Lesson 2 to make a Platform / Side-scrolling Arcade game in MakeCode Arcade.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In this lesson, students will incorporate Functions, Arrays and Iteration into their arcade game started in previous lesson.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

This online lesson plan is a fun way to wrap up a unit on animals! Student create their own shape book, then fill it with information about an animal they've researched. This site also provides adaptations and resources. (To access this lesson plan, you must register with Crayola.com. Registration is free and takes only a few moments to complete.)

In this lesson, students will come up with their own idea for a superhero and start their comic book by creating a cover. They will be working on their comic book throughout this Unit and will turn it in when it is completed.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In this lesson, students will learn about the Verizon Innovative Learning Smart Solutions course and add a biography to their comic book.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In this lesson, students will learn about the technology being utilized throughout the Smart Solutions course and design a gadget for their superhero.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In this lesson, students will learn about entrepreneurship by watching and reading about young entrepreneurs and their ideas. Then, students will design a superhero logo in order to begin to understand the concept of branding.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In this lesson, students will learn about the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic, and societal, and how they relate to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Then, students will apply this information in order to understand the choices they will have for their projects within this course. At the end of this lesson, students will engage in an activity where they add to their comic books by choosing from three different sustainability villains.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

Interesting article follows the return of "hard" news to the 3 evening newscasts from June to October 2001. Includes infographics and source material.