Grade 1 Science, Reading

In the process of being transported to the San Antonio Zoo, two animals escaped in the Lubbock area. One animal is a penguin and the other is a wolf. You are in charge of coordinating the rescue of these two animals. Focus your attention on the animal that you think is in greater danger in our area. Consider the animal's food, natural habitat, and enemies. For example, could a penguin find acceptable food in our area? Would a wolf be in greater danger because of natural enemies? Would farmers and ranchers try to protect their cattle, sheep, and other livestock from the wolf? In the Lubbock area, which animal would be in an environment similar to his natural habitat? Where would the animals find food and protection? Consider these questions as you study the penguin and wolf. You must be able to support your decision of which animal is in greater danger in the Lubbock area. Prepare a presentation to inform the public of the urgency of getting help for your animal.

Grade 5 Science

The younger students in your school are confused about how regions of the earth are different from each other. How can you help your younger friends get over their confusion? Prepare a "hands on" museum display that Kindergarten through Third Grade students can visit of which you will be the curator.

Grade 6 Social Studies

By the end of the year 2020, the world should be able to provide enough food for 8 billion people; however, more people will be hungry in many countries. We know that Africa has more poor countries than any other continent. With the production of more food, why should there still be such extensive hunger in Africa? What can be done to help eliminate the hunger in Africa? You have been chosen to serve on a kids committee for Hunger in the World with your focus on a selected country in Africa. You are to research this country and determine why you think this country is in such poverty. (Analyze the country's resources, its economic, political, and its environmental conditions to determine which area seems to pose the greatest threat to the hunger problem in your chosen country). After you establish a list of reasons for the hunger problem, rank your reasons. Locate and access at least 6 different ideas or points of view on how the hunger problem is trying to be solved in Africa. Design a rubric to evaluate these ideas. Use this information to draw your own conclusion as to why these ideas are working or not working. Create a solution to hunger in Africa that would involve kids your age. Explain why you think your solution would work. Design your slide presentation for the Hunger in the World Committee. Evaluate the effectiveness of your work. Could your idea for hunger in Africa work for the hungry in Lubbock?

Grade 6 Social Studies

You are the lord and master of your castle. You have just received word that the King George is coming for a visit in two months, and there is much planning that must take place before that time. It is important that the King is not insulted or bored in any way, because if that happened he could seize the entire fortress and fiefdom.

To be assured that proper etiquette and chivalry are followed, you decide to form committees that will present to King George's council, their plans for a perfect kingly visit. These committees will research various areas, such as food, entertainment, attire, décor, accommodations, customs, and protocol. You will need to justify through a multimedia presentation why the chosen food, article of clothing, etc. should be included in the celebration. The King's Council will have final approval of which proposals will be selected.

Grade 6 Social Studies

Throughout history, there have been many individuals who have influenced our thinking and actions. These influences have since become that individual's legacy to mankind. Not all legacies have been positive, but all have had some significance or impact in the course of history. If we were able to travel through time and influence these individuals' decisions (or had that person not existed), how would these changes influence the course of history? Through research of a prominent figure, each student must conclude how one decision could change the outcome of an event that created the legacy of their figure's actions. We will create and submit this as a script for a new pilot TV series for CBS. This new series is from the creators of First Edition. This will be transformed into a PowerPoint to be transmitted to producers of this new series.

Grade 6 Social Studies

You are an assistant curator in a museum of ancient history. The museum director announces that a cash bonus will be given to the person who develops the best plan for an upcoming Egyptian exhibition called, "The Glories of Ancient Egypt- A Gift from the________Class." The museum has limited space, so it has been decided to exhibit some important Egyptian objects and artifacts, and also to display the dress and culture of the class of Egyptian society most responsible for our knowledge of ancient Egypt today.

Grade 6 Social Studies

"Wolffarth Elementary has received an emergency phone call from the International Olympic Committee asking for your immediate help in an urgent matter. In the next few weeks a decision needs to be made about the location of the Olympics for the year 2004. It seems that the previously selected country is not able to host the Olympics and a substitute country is needed. About ten exemplary elementary schools have been selected to help in the decision- making process, and Wolffarth is one of those schools! It is your job to research the following four countries and decide which one is the best country to host the next Olympics. Based on your research, you will choose one country and be ready to present three valid reasons for choosing that country in a PowerPoint Multimedia presentation. You will be presenting your findings to the International Olympic Committee, so do your very best work and represent Wolffarth to the best of your ability!"

Grade 6 Social Studies

Posters to be hung in the halls will announce a contest for sixth grade students to propose a new coin that honors a famous person from Ancient Greece. The coin should portray a person who has made significant contributions to the civilization. Eight finalists (two from each classroom) will be chosen by the teachers, and these students will be invited to make their presentations to the Commission on Historical Coins (composed of the assistant principal, the art teacher, and two fifth grade students), who will determine the winning coin. The winner will be highlighted on the Parsons web site, and will receive a gold medal in the Honor Club Assembly. The art teacher will assist the winning student in creating a clay model of the coin.

Grade 6 Language Arts

An educational TV station has recently decided to recreate the "Brady Bunch" in Italy in high hopes that this popular television show will help kids in the U.S.A. learn about the culture of Italy. If our show is chosen as one of the top five by the sixth grade at Whiteside Elementary, we will be airing it during the spring 2001 schedule.

Grade 6 Social Studies

You are a reporter for a national broadcasting network. Your editor has assigned you to time travel to ancient Egypt and report how the Pharaoh, farmers, and slaves lived. You will be guest of Pharaoh Ramses II in the year 1200 B.C. You will present him with a gift from our century that will enhance the lives of the lives of the Egyptian people. You will be required to select the gift and justify your choice with three reasons. Your information will be sent back to the future in the form of postcards to your editor

Grade 6 Reading, Writing

My brother, Andy, would like to visit Japan and asked if we could help him decide where to visit since we are learning about Japan. He likes to snow ski, scuba dive, and watch sporting events. His wife likes to shop and visit museums and art galleries. He has already visited Osaka and wants to visit a different location. Select the location that you think he would like to visit. Include the location and at least three things he could do while there. You need to create a multimedia slideshow that can be used to help him

Grade 6 Social Studies

King Tut has been fascinating students and adults alike since the discovery of his tomb in 1922. Why has so much interest been generated about this unremarkable pharaoh? Could it be the fabulous gold, and treasure discovered in his tomb? Or is it the mystery surrounding the boy king's early death? You and your renowned team have been hired by the Egyptian government to determine if King Tut was murdered. make a decision as to which location to visit and at least three things that he could do while vacationing. The best slide show will help him decide on the vacation location and vacation activities.

Grade 7 Language Arts

The term "hate crime" has become a familiar headline in our local and national newscasts and newspapers. The state of Texas has recently received a great deal of coverage over the dragging death of a black man James Byrd. Currently, there is no "hate crime" legislation in Texas. Your job is to research hate crime legislation, choose a position on the adoption of such legislation in Texas, select a presentation mode, create, and present your position.

Grade 7 Social Studies

Students are aware that a new dollar coin has been issued in 2000 in the United States. They will use and carry money all their lives. They asked by either their teacher, or a local/state/federal politician to form a consulting committee to help determine whether or not the American people and/or US mint would be better served by one of the following:

1. retiring the dollar bill and using the coin exclusively;
2. retiring the coin and using the paper dollar exclusively; or
3. maintaining the current status of both formats co-existing.

Grade 8 Social Studies

A new publication, Colonial Life, is planning its first article. As a member of this company's staff, you have been asked to create information on a website available to LISD students that will show the various characteristics of colonial life, including news, sports, fashion, foods, entertainment, famous personalities, government, religion and events that shaped that historical period.

Grade 8 Science

The Colorado River water supply is at risk. The various groups-municipalities, farmers in Mexico, recreational entities, agricultural concerns, and Bureau of Reclamation-all want their share. It is your job to convince the politicians that your group should have as much access to the Colorado River water supply as is needed to support your program.

Grade 7-9 Language Arts

The United States Congress has asked for your help. Members want students such as yourself to speak at an upcoming special Senate hearing about whether viewing television violence creates violent children. Congress recognizes that it desperately needs input from not only adults, but children before passing any legislation on this issue.

You have already been briefed by your state's senator about shocking episodes of youth violence that has unfolded across the United States-Pearl, Miss.; Paducah, Ky.; Littleton, Colo.; and now Conyers, Ga. It is this grief and incomprehension that fuel a demand for answers; an explanation of how young people from seemingly good homes and average backgrounds could commit such astonishingly brutal deeds. Suspicions of direct cause-and-effect are important.

Your congressman has told you about a possible connection between scenes of a student shooting his classmates in the movie "Basketball Diaries". Would that prompt a child to walk into school and start shooting?

You are to prepare for your hearing by investigating links between television violence and teen violence. You will then present your case in front of a mock Senate hearing in the classroom.

Grade 8\9 English I

A group has developed a serum, which will prolong life indefinitely, but possibly has the effects of inability to heal. The FDA has not approved it to be marketed in the U.S., however. You must research the effects of indefinite life span on social, economic, and physical environment issues. Then present your findings to the FDA to influence their decision whether this drug may be marketed in this country. Literature - Tuck, Everlasting or The Giver

Grade 7-9 Health

Health issues concerning teenagers have long been a concern in this country. Many teens will suffer major health problems in the future because of their poor health practices. To focus teenagers on this problem, MTV has scheduled a community meeting in Lubbock to confront the Teen Health Crisis. Your team has been chosen by your school to represent Lubbock teenagers.

Your job, in the opening fifteen minutes of the meeting, is to present your findings about the top five teenage health issues. You need to include your criteria for selection. Also, you will select and introduce five experts on these issues to speak at the meeting.

Grade 8 Career Investigations

Doctor? Lawyer? Fireman? Is that what you want to be when you "grow up"? We often have dreams and aspirations about our futures without realizing what it takes to make those dreams come true. You may want to be a doctor, but what kind? Some people find themselves "all grown up" with no place to go, because they did not plan. The Texas Employment Commission is sponsoring a challenge to identify careers of interest for the new millennium. The winners will receive a $1000 technology grant for their school. Your group, should you accept the challenge, needs to focus on one career field, delineate three top jobs within the field and present your findings to the Texas Employment Commission Contest. You may select your method of presentation.

Grades 7-9 Math and Science

The earth has become overcrowded. The United States government along with NASA is exploring the possibility of human colonization in outer space. As part of the research, the government is randomly selecting a group of citizens to aid in their study. You have been selected to be part of a team that will research Mars, Venus, and Saturn to determine which planet is more feasible for human colonization. You and your group are responsible for choosing the best planet for human colonization and preparing and presenting factual information that supports your group's chosen planet.

Grade 7 Language Arts, Science, Technology Applications

Many people in the world suffer from arachnophobia. Therefore, each nation has decided to eliminate all spiders from their country. Your job is to create a pamphlet convincing your community and country that spiders are beneficial and necessary for the balance of nature. You will give your presentation to either keep or eliminate all spiders.

Grade 7 Language Arts and Social Studies

You are Juan de Madrid, an officer in Francisco Vasquez de Coronado's expedition to find the Seven Cities of Cibola. Captain Coronado has assigned you the job of coordinating all aspects of the expedition. The captain needs to know about the topography including the rivers and mountains, possible indigenous peoples in route, and what seasonal problems may be encountered. You will make a proposal to Captain Coronado as to when and where the expedition takes place.

Grade 8 Social Studies

The Smithsonian Institute is nearing the end of its available display space. A consulting firm has been selected to identify the last items to be placed in each of the 16 museums. The eligible personnel will be divided into four teams. Each team will select four areas into which items will be placed.

Grade 8 English Language Arts

Students at your school are drawing swastikas on their book covers and bodies. After some students were reprimanded, other students wanted to know why this was a disciplinary matter since it was not included as an offense in the Student Code of Conduct. You, as a Student Council Officer, have been asked to participate in a panel that will prepare a presentation for the student body addressing the symbolism of the swastika and its implications in the Holocaust. Based on your findings, students will decide whether a recommendation should be made to regulate this behavior in the Student Code of Conduct.

Grade 9 English

You are part of independent counsel appointed by Congress to investigate the regulations, if any, placed on researchers and scientists in regards to cloning. You will report your findings and submit to Congress an updated list of regulations you deem necessary to efficiently and safely manage the cloning project.

Grade 9 Integrated Physics and Chemistry

Your plane broke apart in the air. You survived since shrubs (or snow bank) broke your fall. You have used branches and your jacket to splint your broken leg. You have to remember principles of heat transfer to survive until someone finds you. Students will choose the place they land which can be a very cold or very hot climate. They may not choose the equator. Students will be required to use knowledge of insulators and conductors as well as the heat calculation formula to complete the project. Students have to know something about the geographical area to hypothesize how to construct the box.

Grade 9 World History, English, Art

Your group will form an advertising company whose perspective new client is William Shakespeare. Your task is to create an advertising campaign for his new play. You must try to attract the largest audience possible given the constraints of the appropriate century. A contract will be awarded to the best campaign.

Grade 9 Science

You have decided to adopt an element from an element adoption agency. You have two weeks to become familiar with your element and its history. Since you are adopting an element from another culture, it is imperative that you do little research to learn about elements from the same culture as the element you wish to adopt. At the end of the two weeks you will make a PowerPoint presentation to the adoption agency. This presentation will provide proof that you are familiar with your element, its history, and specific facts that you will teach your element when it grows up about elements from its culture. If you provide adequate proof to the adoption agency that you would be a fit parent for the element, you will be granted the adoption. If you are not convincing, the board must find another suitable parent.

Grade 9-12 Language Arts

There has been a growing problem in Lubbock concerning the increasing population of squirrels. In a recent survey conducted by the Lubbock Homeowners' Association, many residents expressed a need to control the proliferation of squirrels in our city. Many cited considerable damage to their homes, property, and the spread of disease and parasitic pests to their family pets and possibly to their children. As a concerned citizen, you will present to the Lubbock City Council a request for help in the humane control of this growing menace.

Grade 10-12 English, Government, and Science

You are a medical research coordinator for Texas Tech. You and a committee will be responsible for implementing the procedures necessary for procuring the grant, which requires animal testing for new products. You are to determine the FDA guidelines for testing the prospective pharmaceuticals on animals. Remember be sensitive to animal rights groups.

Grade 11 U.S. History

The United States government has decided to create a World War II memorial in Washington D.C. This will join the other outstanding memorials, which are already visited by people from around the world. The American Battle Monuments Commission is assembling teams across the nation to design the different parts of the memorial. These teams will be given a specific area of research. Because of the enormous amount of information each area contains, the teams must learn about their assigned area and decide what information is most important, and should therefore be included in the memorial.

Grade 11 Mathematics

One of the new popular rides at Six Flags is called Mr. Freeze, based on the Batman movies. This ride is one of the new generation of roller coasters that is not gravity propelled. The propulsion is based on linear induction motors that shoot the car out of a tunnel at 70 miles per hour then twisting 180 degrees during a "vertical hairpin" turn forcing it straight back down. Later the car rises vertically 218 feet barely stopping at the end of the track repeating this process in a breathtaking free fall. For many roller coaster enthusiasts this ride has surpassed the Shock Wave Double Loop Roller Coaster. As the Math and Science team head to their annual contest in Dallas and their side trip to Six Flags, our task is to convince our parents that these rides are safe; that the stories of safety hazards are exaggerated; and that we understand the force vectors of motion and gravity well enough to not only feel secure, but also do math while we ride Mr. Freeze.

Grade 9-12 Biology

We in West Texas are faced with a water shortage. Already our population is far beyond the carrying capacity of the area. We are importing water from all human uses. Between 40 and 60% of our water supply is used for landscape and garden watering in urban areas. This is to maintain high water-demanding landscape or simply applied inefficiently. Our task will be to prepare a presentation for the Lubbock City Council concerning recommendations for xeriscaping and managing public areas in our city.

Grade 11-12 Advanced Placement Biology

Your Great Uncle is a widely noted author and expert in the very technical and demanding field of civil engineering. His job requires not only an exceptionally sharp mind, but that he be able to move about the various jobs sites (buildings, bridges, dams, etc.) on which he is consulting. Unfortunately, climbing one flight of stairs leaves him gasping for air and with extreme chest pain. He has visited a cardiologist and an angiogram shows that he has 70% blockage on three arteries, all of which are on the side of the heart near the chest wall. The doctor says that this blockage (artherosclerosis) must be cleared or a heart attack will surely occur. The cardiologist has given your great uncle some options and has told him that a decision needs to be made within the next four weeks. Your great uncle knows you to be to be a very bright AP Biology student and has asked for your help in researching the following options to assess the benefits and risks associated with each.