Lessons & Resources for Educators
Download This Lesson: Spinach
Brief Description: Students will be able to explain the history of spinach and locate where it is grown on a Maine map. They will be able to explain what part of the plant spinach is, the growing season and its nutritional benefits. Students will be able to plan a healthy lunch menu and write a persuasive letter that includes spinach. Students will also be able to participate in composting activities.
Download This Lesson: Dairy
Brief Description: Students will be able to look at the origin of dairy cows and the differences between cow breeds. They also will be able to explain the difference between organic and traditional dairy farming. Students will be able to write directions and construct bar graphs while learning about nutrition and composting activities.
Download This Lesson: Apples
Brief Description: Students will be able to explain the history of apples growing in the United States and locate orchards on a Maine map. They will increase their awareness of the environment and nutrition by writing a public service announcement for elementary students about the health benefits of apples. Students also will participate in math strategies and composting activities involving apples.
Download This Lesson: Strawberry
Brief Description: Students will be able to explain the history of strawberries and how they are grown. They will be able to identify parts of the strawberry plant and explain the health benefits and nutrients found in strawberries. Students will also be able to cook and design a healthy meal using strawberries.
Download This Lesson: Wild Blueberry
Brief Description: Students will be able to identify where blueberries are grown in Maine and describe their growing season. They will be able to list the nutrients in blueberries and enter information into tables. Students will also learn about foods and how foods affect health.
Download This Lesson: Cranberries
Brief Description: Students will be able to explain the history of cranberries and locate where they are grown in the United States and on a Maine map. They will be able to explain how cranberries are grown from planting through harvesting. Students will also be able to practice letter writing along with table and graph construction.
Download This Lesson: Composting
Brief Description: Students will learn basic facts about composting with worms, called vermicomposting. They will be able to give examples of “brown” and “green” ingredients while constructing a worm composting bin. Students will be able to observe, record and graph composting changes over time and describe the importance of aeration. Students also will be able to use problem solving and persuasive writing techniques in connection with their compost bin.
Download This Lesson: Producing Wild Blueberries
Brief Description: Students will explore the production of wild blueberries as it relates to their yearly life cycle, technology, and the food system. Students will then utilize methods employing language and visual arts to develop written and oral accounts of the production of Maine’s wild blueberries.
Download This Lesson: Wild Blueberry Poetry
Brief Description: The students will explore poetry and art using the wild blueberry as the object of their efforts. They will write and illustrate a poem using descriptive language and read their poems to the class.
Download This Lesson: Wild Blueberry History & Geography
Brief Description: The students will explore the impact of wild blueberries on the history and culture of several human populations as well as map the geography. An example of civics in action will be addressed in the story of Megan Frank.