Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning

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Kelsey Willems's Profile

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Kelsey Willems

LEARN Author

K20 Center

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Recent Publications

THRIVE on Campus

Grade Level Grade Level

  • Undergraduate - Secondary

This collection of five facilitator‑ready resources is designed to support college freshmen as they transition into campus life. Each activity can be completed in one hour or less and is flexible enough to be facilitated as a guided, seated experience or as a brief, self‑directed “grab‑and‑go” interaction.... Read more »

Lesson Collection

In this activity, students design and build robotic systems to complete a task (e.g., sorting, moving, sensing). They will apply the engineering design process to brainstorm, to create a prototype, to test, and to refine their designs, emphasizing iteration, problem-solving, and teamwork. Read more »

Educator Resource

Tag Target Audience

  • Students, Teachers

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Any time of year

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Critical Thinking
More
Time Frame 250 minutes

In this activity, students design systems that use renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro).They will apply the engineering design process to brainstorm, to create a prototype, to test, and to refine their designs, emphasizing iteration, problem-solving, and teamwork. Read more »

Educator Resource

Tag Target Audience

  • Students

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Any time of year

User Group Group Size

  • Large Group (at least 30), Medium Group (at least 10)

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Summarize, Synthesize
More
Time Frame 250 minutes

In this activity, students model biological processes such as digestion, photosynthesis, or cell transport using physical or digital prototypes. They will apply the engineering design process to brainstorm, to create a prototype, to test, and to refine their designs, emphasizing iteration, problem-solving,... Read more »

Educator Resource

Tag Target Audience

  • Students

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Any time of year

User Group Group Size

  • Large Group (at least 30), Medium Group (at least 10), Small Group

Tag Related

  • Games
More
Time Frame 250 minutes
ShareIt

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 1st - 12th

Students use common social media conventions to illustrate the main idea of a lesson, concept, or text that summarizes their understanding. Read more »

Strategy Instructional Strategy

User Group Group Size

  • Individual, Large Group (at least 30), Medium Group (at least 10), Small Group, Small Group (at least 4), Whole Class

Copied To Clipboard Placement In Lesson

  • Engage/Opening, Evaluate/Assessment

Time Frame Time To Complete

  • 10 - 20 Minutes

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Activate Prior Knowledge, Conversation Starter, Critical Thinking, Infer, Reason, Reflection, Review, Student Choice, Summarize, Synthesize, Writing

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 1st - 12th

Are you worried your students will use ChatGPT to write their college-entrance essay? At the same time, do you worry that if they don’t learn to embrace emerging AI technologies that they will not be prepared for the future? As AI becomes increasingly prevalent, it is essential to prepare ourselves... Read more »

Professional Learning

Tag Target Audience

  • Teachers

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Activate Prior Knowledge, Writing

Tag Related

  • AI
More
Time Frame 90

In this activity, students are introduced to the foundational concepts of the engineering design process through collaborative, hands-on problem-solving. They will learn to think critically, plan strategically, and revise thoughtfully as they tackle real-world design challenges. The goal is to help... Read more »

Educator Resource

Tag Target Audience

  • Students, Teachers

Tag Calendar Placement

  • Any time of year

User Group Group Size

  • Small Group

Tag Intention Or Purpose

  • Action Plans, Problem Solving, Requires Multiple Meetings to Complete, Student Choice

Tag ICAP (Individual Career Academic Planning)

  • College & Career Interest, Rigorous Curriculum
More
Time Frame 2-3 hours
Burn It or Build It

Laser Cutters vs. 3D Printers

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - 9th

In this technology lesson, students design and build a model home using their choice of either a 3D printer or laser cutter. To prepare, they brainstorm natural disasters, research architectural defenses, and explore the history of housing. Applying these concepts, they create and test homes designed... Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Burn It or Build It

Laser Cutters vs. 3D Printers

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - 9th

Subject Subject

  • Science

Course Course

  • Physical Science

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • MS-PS1-6, MS-ESS3-2, 7.LS1, 7.PS1.6.3, 7.ESS3.1.3, EN.ESS3.4 , EN.ESS3.4.1, EN.ESS3.4.2, SIN202, SIN401, SIN701, SIN702
More 3~4 class periods
Time Frame 180 minutes

This curated collection provides educators and school leaders with foundational and advanced resources to build their understanding and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The collection aims to support continuous professional growth, foster critical discussions about AI’s role in education,... Read more »

Everything Grammar

Grade Level Grade Level

  • Preschool - 12th

Welcome to "Everything Grammar Collection," your one-stop resource for mastering every aspect of grammar. This diverse compilation includes specialized collections designed to meet a wide range of educational needs: 1) ACT English Prep: Sharpen your test-taking skills with targeted lessons and practice... Read more »

Lesson Collection