$5 - $10 Higher Education Critical Thinking Resources

Need a new, creative, and fun way to teach landforms? This lesson, which includes a Faces of Earth Landforms Speed Game and will allow your students to grasp the concept of each landform, both contextually and visually

Includes:

Introduction Activity

Speed Time Contract

Faces of Earth Portrait activity

Grading rubric and in-depth teacher instructions

Answer sheets

All game pieces are included. May require minimal amount of teacher prep.

Your kids will have fun while learning!

Note: This lesson is written for individual student instruction, but can be easily modified for group collaboration. Suggestions are included in teacher instructions.

Teachers know it is important to allow students to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses so they can grow and improve. I created these reflection sheets to make it easy! I simply print these reflections out at the end of each Marking Period and have students reflect on their grade as well as the quality of work they turned in. They then describe how they can improve as we begin the next Marking Period. Reflection sheets are also included in case your school uses Quarters or Trimesters.

The Forensic Files: Unraveling the Mysteries of Crime

Bundle:

Embark on a thrilling exploration of the fascinating world of forensic science with this comprehensive collection of 12 reading comprehension worksheets! Each worksheet delves into a unique forensic discipline, unveiling the intriguing methods used to solve crimes and uncover the truth.

Uncover the secrets hidden in:

• Toxicology: Learn how scientists analyze poisons and drugs to determine cause of death and identify culprits. (e.g., The Alexander Litvinenko case)
• Forensic Psychology: Explore the criminal mind as psychologists assess behavior, evaluate mental states, and aid in legal proceedings. (e.g., The BTK Killer case)
• Footprint Forensics: Discover how podiatrists analyze footprints to link suspects to crime scenes and reconstruct events. (e.g., The Lindbergh baby kidnapping case)
• Brain Clues: Delve into the brain with forensic pathologists to understand cause of death, analyze injuries, and investigate potential crimes. (e.g., The JonBenét Ramsey case)
• Bite Marks: Explore the controversial science of bite mark analysis used for suspect identification. (e.g., The Louise Kennedy case)
• Rocks and Dirt Talk: Witness the power of geology as forensic scientists analyze soil, rocks, and minerals to link suspects and reconstruct crime scenes. (e.g., The Andrea Gail case)
• Insect Detectives: Learn how entomologists use insects to estimate time of death, reconstruct events, and identify locations. (e.g., The Jeffrey Dahmer case)
• Blood Ties: Dive into the world of DNA analysis and its role in identifying suspects, establishing familial relationships, and exonerating the wrongly convicted. (e.g., The Amanda Knox case)
• Plant Power: Explore how botanists analyze plant materials to link suspects to crime scenes, identify geographic origins, and reconstruct events. (e.g., The Polly Klaas case)
• History Unearthed: Travel back in time with forensic archaeologists who analyze burial sites, artifacts, and skeletal remains to solve historical crimes and mysteries. (e.g., The Richard III case)
• Digital Footprints: Unmask cybercriminals as you learn how experts analyze electronic devices and online data to investigate crimes. (e.g., The Silk Road darknet marketplace takedown)
• Ballistics Breakdown: Unravel the secrets of firearms with ballistics experts who analyze bullets, casings, and trajectory patterns to identify weapons and reconstruct shooting scenes. (e.g., The John F. Kennedy assassination)

Engage your students with:

• Informative texts packed with captivating content and real-world case studies.
• Multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions to assess comprehension and critical thinking.
• Answer keys for easy grading and self-assessment.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of various forensic science disciplines.
• Students will analyze the techniques and applications used in each forensic field.
• Students will evaluate the limitations and ethical considerations surrounding forensic evidence.
• Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Recommended Common Core Standards:

• RI.5.1: Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says or does.
• RI.5.2: Determine the central ideas or author's purpose in a text.
• RI.5.3: Explain the relationship between a series of historical events described in a text.
• RI.5.7: Draw on information from multiple texts to support a claim or make an inference.
• WHST.5.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas clearly.
• WHST.5.4: Produce clear and focused writing on a topic or issue.
• WHST.5.8: Recall relevant information from experiences or texts to explain or support a point.

Ready to unlock your students' critical thinking potential? Explore my store for a treasure trove of reading comprehensions that tackle diverse themes and inspire insightful discussions. From historical mysteries to scientific explorations, there's something for every classroom!

Support a fellow educator and get rewarded! Purchase this resource, leave a review, and earn TeachShare credits you can use on any product on the platform. Your feedback helps others and benefits you too!

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Geography | Earth Day Project | Creating a 501c3 | Real-World Activity

The Compassion Project | Facing Needs Around the World

Students learn through play or reenactment — yes even when they are older and in middle school or high school. This lesson has students work in cooperative groups to identify an educational, health, human or environmental need around the globe. As if in real-life circumstances, students come together to create a non-profit 501c3 with a purpose or mission on solving this world issue. It may range from animal cruelty issues to lack of resources like water to deforestation, etc.

Each team will work to combat an issue in one of the following categories:

° Animal Cruelty & Endangered Species Issues.

° Plant & Environmental Issues

° Human & Social Issues

° Other

OBJECTIVES:

• The learner will understand the difference between pity, sympathy, empathy, and compassion.
• The learner will research human, educational, health, environmental, and social issues throughout the world.
• The learner will work to plan and create a non-profit compassion organization to help the cause and issue.
• The learner will work with his/her team to create promotional material for their non-profit 501c3 organization.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

1. Compassion Goes Beyond Sympathy and Empathy (Compassion Wheel)
2. Technology to display various Compassion Wheel, Compassion Organizations Websites, and introductory video.
3. Whiteboard/Blackboard on which to write.
4. Wall Signs: Animal Cruelty & Endangered Species Issues, Plant & Environmental Issues, Human & Social Issues, and Other.
5. Compassion Organization Planning Guide.
6. Computers, environmental magazines such as National Geographics.
7. Paper, posters, markers, pencils, erasers, rulers, glue, scissors, etc.

INCLUDES:

• Guiding questions
• Suggested YouTube videos
• Compassion Wheel
• Detailed teacher instructions with intro, procedure & closure
• Wall signs for intro activity

Student Packet

• Student instructions: How are You Going to Make a Difference?
• Examples of mission statement & logos
• How to Create Your Non-Profit planning graphic organizer
• Compassion Activity Choice Board
• Guardian permission slip (if needed for YouTube, Instagram, FB)
• Mockup of a 501c3 application
• Grading Rubric
• Mockup letter of tax exemption approval letter.

And More!

Disclaimer:

One purchase is for the use of one teacher. If additional teachers would like to use this product, please purchase additional licenses.

Unveiling the Invisible: A Comprehensive Guide to Forensic Science

Unleash the inner detective in your students! This captivating bundle of 10 reading comprehension worksheets delves deep into the fascinating world of forensic science. Explore the techniques used to analyze evidence, solve crimes, and deliver justice.
Cultivate Curiosity & Ignite Scientific Inquiry:

• Intriguing Topics: Explore a wide range of forensic science disciplines, from fingerprint analysis and hair examination to bloodstain pattern analysis and document examination.
• Interactive Activities: Multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, short answer questions, and case studies promote critical thinking and analysis.
• Real-World Applications: Showcase the practical applications of forensic science in criminal investigations and legal proceedings.
• Ethical Considerations: Discuss the importance of responsible practices and ethical dilemmas surrounding forensic evidence.
• Future Focus: Explore emerging technologies and innovations revolutionizing the field of forensic science.

Uncover the Secrets Hidden Within Forensic Science: This 10-part exploration dives into the captivating world of forensic science, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the field.

• Fingerprint Analysis: Learn how fingerprints are unique and how they can be used for identification.
• Hair Analysis (Forensic Trichology): Discover how hair examination can provide valuable clues in criminal investigations.
• Forensic Accounting: Uncover the world of forensic accounting and its role in exposing financial crimes.
• Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: Explore how to analyze bloodstain patterns to reconstruct crime scenes and identify the cause of death.
• Impression Evidence: See how shoe prints, tire tracks, and other impression evidence can link suspects to crimes.
• Forensic Document Examination: Discover how document examiners analyze documents to detect forgeries and identify authorship.
• The Forensic Scientist in Court: Understand the crucial role of forensic scientists in presenting evidence in court.
• Emerging Technologies in Forensics: Explore the exciting advancements transforming forensic science, like DNA sequencing and artificial intelligence.
• The Ethics of Forensic Science: Engage in critical discussions about the ethical considerations surrounding forensic science.
• Forensic Linguistics: Discover how language analysis can be used to identify speakers, detect deception, and aid in criminal profiling.

Learning Objectives:

• Students will explain the fundamental principles and techniques used in various forensic science disciplines.
• Students will analyze the role of forensic evidence in crime scene investigation, reconstruction, and identification of suspects.
• Students will evaluate the strengths and limitations of different forensic methods and the importance of accurate interpretation of evidence.
• Students will identify the ethical considerations surrounding forensic science, including bias, contamination, and potential for wrongful convictions.
• Students will explore the impact of emerging technologies like DNA analysis, digital forensics, and artificial intelligence on the future of forensic science.

Common Core Standards:

• RI.8.1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of complex ideas.
• RI.8.2: Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development.
• RI.8.3: Analyze how a particular point of view is developed or supported.
• RST.8.4: Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and specific terminology.
• WHST.8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas.

Ready to unlock your students' critical thinking potential? Explore my store for a treasure trove of reading comprehensions that tackle diverse themes and inspire insightful discussions. From historical mysteries to scientific explorations, there's something for every classroom!

Support a fellow educator and get rewarded! Purchase this resource, leave a review, and earn TeachShare credits you can use on any product on the platform. Your feedback helps others and benefits you too!

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