Information Skills — Grade 8

The case of the disappearing pitcher plants

This lesson addresses the cause and effect relationship between human interaction and a North Carolina endangered plant species. A role-playing scenario allows students to view the situation from a variety of positions and to collectively arrive at a solution to the problem.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Information Skills, English Language Arts, Computer Technology Skills, and Science)

By Eddie Hamblin.

What do YOU see? (post-visit)

In this lesson, students will use observations and reflections made while visiting the Ackland Art Museum to draw conclusions about interpreting artwork (and other works/events), make quality scientific observations, and see how these concepts are related. Students will be reproducing artwork they viewed at the museum, sharing their personal interpretations of various works, and analyzing how the presentation of information (in any situation) can influence our interpretations of a work or event. This lesson is the final lesson in the series of lessons, "What Do YOU See?", which uses the Ackland Art Museum as a resource.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Information Skills, English Language Arts, and Visual Arts Education)

By Reagan West.

What Do YOU See? (Pre-Visit)

This lesson introduces students to the importance of making accurate, detailed scientific observations, and the value of learning about others' views and perspectives regarding a specific topic or event. It also serves as an activity to prepare students for a visit to the Ackland Art Museum in Chapel Hill, NC (or any museum, real or virtual). This lesson is the first of three lessons that build upon each other, using the Ackland Art Museum as the focus.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Information Skills and English Language Arts)

By Reagan West.

Zoo integrated unit

The unit uses the North Carolina Zoological Park as a teaching tool rather than as a nice place to visit. It can be used by a single teacher or multiple teachers of different subjects, and it is aimed at 7th and 8th graders.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Information Skills, English Language Arts, Social Studies, Computer Technology Skills, Mathematics, and Science)

By Craig Smith.

Lesson plans on the web

Would you have helped out?

Students will investigate the dangers faced by escaping slaves and their helpers on the Underground Railroad. Students consider whether they would have helped the escaping slaves. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Information Skills, English Language Arts, Guidance, and Social Studies)

Provider: National Geographic