In this unit, students conduct research to learn about a famous American hero, while developing their own stance on what it takes to be considered a hero.  Students’ primary source of information is from the book series, Who Was …?, which students read in small, homogeneous book clubs. Students also meet in small, heterogeneous research/discussion groups, where they answer research questions about their hero, and discuss the positive impact individuals, including the students themselves, can have on a community and on society.

In this unit, students read the play, respond in writing, and dramatize scenes all in collaborative groups to understand the play itself, learn about it's author, and apply its themes to their lives and experiences. 

In this unit, students conduct research and practice evidence based writing to produce arguments that support a claim, leading to a formally structured classroom debate. Students meet in small, heterogeneous research/discussion groups, where they collaboratively conduct research about a relevant topic of their choice in preparation for their formal debate. Teachers are encouraged to invite other teachers, admin and school staff to act as judges.

In this unit, students "read" a wordless book, using interpretive and analytical skills to gain understanding of Shaun Tan's gorgeous graphic novel.  Along the way, this unit explores a wide range of immigration themes including the reasons people leave their countries behind, the dangers of their journey, family, friendship and the value of kindness and altruism. This unit is intended to affirm the life experiences of newcomers, and to help young people build empathy, develop understanding, delve into the visual narrative, and form creative and imaginative responses to the story.