Explore the ways in which non-human creatures react to the world around them, and then reflect on how humans react (or should react) in similar situations. Find empathy for and understanding of other beings who share our world, and dig deeper into what makes a human being think and act the way they do.

Think critically about what it means to be “human” by investigating what makes us similar to or different from other animals. Roleplay as a cryptozoological creature (a Yeti) to research and ask questions about human physical, social, and behavioural characteristics. Use graphic organizers and a labelled diagram to “teach” an audience of other cryptozoological creatures (Yeti students) about the humans that live in their environment.

Research what life was like for a philosopher who accomplished something that was unexpected in the time and place in which he or she lived. Understand that not all great thinkers lived in a time or place in which their ideas or actions were considered acceptable or important. Learn about how philosophers overcame these obstacles in order to accomplish great things. Make connections between the accomplishments of this philosopher and personal goals for intellectual achievement.

Investigate local habitats, plants, or animals that are endangered or have been singled out for protection by people or organizations in the community. Think critically about whether they should be protected, and research what can and should be done in protection efforts.

Create a web of connections between humans and other creatures/elements in the natural world. Brainstorm, organize, and connect living and non-living things according to the way they interact and depend on each other. Create a visual representation of these connections and reflect on the experience.

Write a letter of advice to future generations on how to treat and interact with the natural world. Think critically about the way that people in the past used the natural world in their daily lives, and how it is used now. Form an opinion about parts of this relationship that need to change, and parts that should stay the same.

Think critically about things that exist in the world in which we live. Create a list of criteria to identify things that are alive, and things that are not. Discuss and debate the importance of living things and express an opinion about the importance of humans in relation to other living things.

Create a “living” list of questions about the environment, to be answered throughout the course of study. Assess questions for depth and complexity, and sort them accordingly on a Question Tree. Use the Question Tree to brainstorm, gather, and document questions as they are raised and addressed.

Explore how knowledge and information are acquired, both with and without the five senses. Play with various “mystery” objects and substances and discuss how we turn initial impressions into observations.

This bundle includes a card game, a word jumble, a word search, a matching activity, and a colouring page!

Using a variety of materials, create collages with images of robots and non-robots. Compare and discuss images to create a definition of what makes a robot different from another device.

Learn about the many different types of work robots can do, by finding examples in one’s classroom, home, and community. Begin to form a general definition of robots. Consider how robots of the future may be used in one’s community.

Identify important components of a robot by comparing them to human anatomy. Create a labelled diagram of a robot with explanations of its parts and their functions.

Distinguish between robots' abilities, and their uses. Think critically about the value of work done by robots, as well as the positive and negative impact this work has on daily life. Compile a list of guidelines for the creators of robots.

Explore the components that make up a robot, as well as the process by which they are built and programmed. Using visual aids and narrative passages, tell the “life story” of a robot.

Investigate different ways that humans have used and manipulated resources from the natural world to meet their community’s needs. Develop a definition of what it means for something to be “natural” or “made by humans.” Create a mobile that illustrates some of the ways that humans affect and use a particular natural resource (plant or animal) within a specific habitat and/or community.

Make connections between hypothetical scenarios and real-life experiences by role playing as a fictional character, meeting new and unfamiliar people from a different world. Create an imagined avatar that is like oneself, but also adapted to a different environment and society. Think critically about the challenges that might be faced by people from two different worlds meeting for the first time. Draw from real world technology and ideas to design tools or devices that would support harmonious interaction between these characters. Think about how these imagined tools, if invented, could help future generations.

Create an illustrated scroll to tell the story of a brave act of heroism. Develop personally meaningful criteria to define bravery by evaluating traits and actions of individuals in everyday scenarios. Identify an individual perceived to demonstrate bravery in some way. Explore the risks taken and choices made by the individual that support the opinion that they should be showcased for their bravery.

Make personal connections to beauty and the concept of style in our everyday lives. Investigate different kinds of wearable art and think critically about design in terms of personal expression, function, and what our choices communicate to others. Design and create a piece of wearable art that represents a personal understanding of style. Describe what makes their piece beautiful or functional, or what it communicates to others.

Evaluate the scientific truth of a claim made by a company promoting their product. Formulate a question and hypothesis that can be tested and think critically about the results of the testing to determine the “truth” behind the claim. Consider the application of findings and impact of that application on the natural world.