Lessons address standards in science, math, ELA and SEL, and can be used as standalone lessons or as a series.  Each was designed to take about one class period.  The grade levels shown are recommendations.  Please use and adapt the materials as you see fit.  

All materials can be downloaded by clicking the links below.

Lesson 1 - Seed Saving / Parts of a Plant (grades K-5)

Through this lesson, students will learn about different seeds from native plants in the Rockaways, alongside some seeds with especially distinguishable qualities (like the potato!). Students will learn the plant parts dance, view different seeds, and work through identifying colors, plant names, or seed size, depending on learning stage. From this lesson, students will be able to increase their awareness of plant parts and native plants.

Lesson 2 - Plant Adaptations (grades 3-5)

Students will learn about different challenges facing native plants growing on the Rockaway peninsula. Through the lesson game, students will learn about how different plants use their adaptations to fight the challenges.

Lesson 3 - Resilient Rockaway (grades 3-5)

In this lesson, students will learn about the unique ecosystem of the Rockaways, as well as the challenges faced by Rockaway that are being exacerbated by climate change. Through this lesson, students will better understand the environment they live in, and the role they play as stewards of this environment.