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Did you know that Red Knots, a species of sandpipers, is on their way to the Arctic Circle, currently flying all the way from the southern tip of Argentina and Chile? Did you also know that they fly for thousands and thousands of miles without stopping, in the dark of night, for a feast at Delaware Bay in perfect synchronicity with the spawning of horseshoe crabs? Such beautiful and perfect timing could only be handled by nature, a subject area our children have innate knowledge of, an uncanny connection to, and curiosity that ignites them from within.
My son has always had an affinity for horseshoe crabs (pictured below when he was younger), which inspired my first project-based learning unit, and launch of the idea of Teachers Inspiring Students. I wanted to create a membership community for dedicated teachers and homeschool educators that want full access to project-based learning lesson plans while creating a forum community of like-minded educators where we can discuss, brainstorm and support each other. It is my passion that kids feel inspired when they learn, want to dig deeper and find answers to questions they have, and develop critical thinking skills along the way. I want to help teachers who strive to give this type of education to their students by offering you this free membership opportunity. I know firsthand the dedication and hours that go into this type of teaching, and I want to give you a well-deserved break. Click on any of the photos below to access your free 30-day membership to see what we're about.
Did you know that horseshoe crabs bleed blue blood, and that this blood is used to test every vaccine that is put on the market? Did you know that some pharmaceutical companies illegally and inhumanely capture horseshoe crabs and keep them in secretive man-made ponds? These are all questions that will be explored in-depth. My first unit is based on the umbrella topic of Connections, with the first focus on horseshoe crabs and their connection to red knots, humans and other plants and animals in their ecosystem. It's a fascinating unit that I created to develop an appreciation for this ancient species, the hardships that it is currently experiencing due to many factors including pollution and harvesting their blood for the pharmaceutical industry, the relationship between red knots and horseshoe crabs, and so much more, including what can be done to help them.
Delaware Bay, specifically Pickering Beach and Slaughterhouse Beach have had the most significant numbers of horseshoe crabs-thousands on shore precisely for what is known as Horseshoe Crab Moon, the full moons and new moons in May and June. It's a spectacular sight to see--thousands of horseshoe crabs clacking together, burying eggs into the sand, as shorebirds like red knots feast upon the protein and fat rich eggs!
With spring quickly approaching, birds migrating, and nature coming back to life, it is the perfect time to start this unit with my FREE MONTH TRIAL so your kids can learn how amazing horseshoe crabs are and how they impact everyone's lives daily, without us even realizing it!
I teach this through building background knowledge, games, research, scavenger hunt, mock trial in defense of the horseshoe crabs as well as opposing views of the pharmaceutical industry, corresponding vocabulary with root words, and a student-centered solution study where they find answers to real problems relating to the topic. Additionally, I weave in art and make literature recommendations for a well-rounded unit, sure to make your life easier, while challenging your students to think far beyond what a traditional classroom setting offers.
My intention is to help homeschooling families who want a valuable education for their children without all the work, teaching incredibly rich and inspiring materials and topics, and to help progressive teachers who either may just be starting, or want a fresh new look on some amazing topics for their classroom.
I hope you will take up my offer and treat yourself to an easier month of teaching. Kids love to learn about and connect with nature, so don't wait! This month worth of free material is waiting for you!
Take advantage of the free month trial or join our Founding Members group of the first 20 people only. These members will lock in a half price fee for the lifetime of this product. In return, I am asking for patience as I work out the kinks of this membership to create the most valuable possible product for members. I am so excited for this opportunity to serve you and to inspire your students!!
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