Community & Public Services Course Plan for Grades K-5

Course Overview: This 4-week multi-age homeschooling course is designed for grades K–5, focusing on the theme "Community & Public Services," using the mentor text Civic Square: The Grand Opening. Throughout the course, students will engage in reading, writing, grammar, and math skills while exploring real-world civic tasks and participating in role-play activities. Each week features a different public service, offering hands-on activities and STEM challenges to reinforce learning.

Course Structure

Week 1: Postal Workers

Objectives:

• Understand the role of postal workers in the community.
• Develop reading comprehension, writing, and basic math skills.

Lesson 1: The Journey of a Letter

• GSE Standards: [RI.K.1], [RI.1.2], [W.K.2]
• Activity: Read a chapter from Civic Square: The Grand Opening. Discuss the journey of a letter, and create a simple letter to a friend or family member.

Lesson 2: Addressing Adventure

• GSE Standards: [W.2.1], [L.1.1], [L.2.2]
• Activity: Learn how to address an envelope. K-2: Practice with templates; 3-5: Write and address a letter to a public official.

Lesson 3: Math in the Mailroom

• GSE Standards: [OA.K.1], [OA.2.5]
• Activity: Explore postal rates. K-2: Count stamps needed for letters; 3-5: Calculate total costs for sending packages.

Lesson 4: Postal Routes Simulation

• GSE Standards: [SL.1.1], [SL.3.4]
• Activity: Role-play as postal workers. K-2: Deliver letters around the classroom; 3-5: Create a map for a postal route.

Lesson 5: STEM Challenge - Design a Post Office

• GSE Standards: [ETS1.A], [ETS1.C]
• Activity: Use Minecraft to build a post office. Focus on essential features, including mail slots and delivery areas.

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Week 2: Fire Careers

Objectives:

• Recognize the importance of fire safety and firefighting careers.
• Enhance skills in reading, writing, and teamwork.

Lesson 1: Fire Safety Facts

• GSE Standards: [RI.2.3], [W.1.2]
• Activity: Read materials about fire safety. K-2: Create a safety poster; 3-5: Write a short report on fire safety tips.

Lesson 2: The Role of a Firefighter

• GSE Standards: [RI.1.4], [L.2.3]
• Activity: Discuss the responsibilities of firefighters. K-2: Draw a firefighter; 3-5: Write a day-in-the-life narrative.

Lesson 3: Math in Emergencies

• GSE Standards: [MD.K.1], [MD.2.6]
• Activity: Explore counting fire hydrants and calculating distances to safety zones. K-2: Simple counting; 3-5: Create a data chart.

Lesson 4: Fire Drill Simulation

• GSE Standards: [SL.2.1], [SL.3.5]
• Activity: Conduct a fire drill and role-play as firefighters. Discuss safety protocols.

Lesson 5: STEM Challenge - Build a Fire Station

• GSE Standards: [ETS1.B], [ETS1.C]
• Activity: Use Minecraft to create a fire station, including features such as a pole and garage for fire trucks.

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Week 3: Law Enforcement

Objectives:

• Understand the role of law enforcement in maintaining community safety.
• Develop critical thinking and communication skills.

Lesson 1: Law and Order

• GSE Standards: [RI.2.4], [W.1.1]
• Activity: Read about local law enforcement duties. K-2: Group discussion; 3-5: Write an opinion piece on the importance of law enforcement.

Lesson 2: Community Helpers

• GSE Standards: [SL.K.1], [SL.4.1]
• Activity: Discuss various roles within law enforcement. K-2: Role-play community helpers; 3-5: Create a role chart.

Lesson 3: Crime and Consequences

• GSE Standards: [W.3.2], [L.3.2]
• Activity: Learn about rules and laws. K-2: Identify rules at home/school; 3-5: Write about the consequences of breaking rules.

Lesson 4: Math in Law Enforcement

• GSE Standards: [MD.1.3], [MP.2]
• Activity: Explore statistics related to law enforcement (e.g., crime rates). K-2: Simple graphing; 3-5: Analyze data to find trends.

Lesson 5: STEM Challenge - Create a Police Station

• GSE Standards: [ETS1.A], [ETS1.C]
• Activity: Use Minecraft to build a police station, incorporating elements like holding cells and offices.

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Week 4: Forensic Science

Objectives:

• Explore the basics of forensic science and its role in public safety.
• Integrate critical thinking, collaboration, and science skills.

Lesson 1: What is Forensic Science?

• GSE Standards: [RI.3.1], [W.2.2]
• Activity: Read about forensic science careers. K-2: Draw a forensic scene; 3-5: Write an article explaining forensic science.

Lesson 2: Analyzing Evidence

• GSE Standards: [SL.K.2], [SL.4.4]
• Activity: Discuss different types of evidence. K-2: Match items to a picture; 3-5: Analyze a mock crime scene and draw conclusions.

Lesson 3: Investigating Crime

• GSE Standards: [W.2.3], [L.3.3]
• Activity: Learn about investigation techniques. K-2: Interview each other about a “missing” item; 3-5: Write a report on findings.

Lesson 4: Forensic Math

• GSE Standards: [NF.1.3], [MP.7]
• Activity: Investigate numerical data in forensic science (e.g., blood spatter analysis). K-2: Simple counting and measurements; 3-5: Solve problems using ratios.

Lesson 5: STEM Challenge - Construct a Forensic Science Lab

• GSE Standards: [ETS1.B], [ETS1.C]
• Activity: Use Minecraft to build a forensic science lab, featuring evidence analysis areas and sample storage.

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Monthly Conclusion Wrap-Up

At the end of the month, students will reflect on their learning through various activities and presentations. Evidence of learning will be documented in:

• Weekly writing journals
• Completed task checklists
• Learning guides

Final Presentation:

• Organize a community safety expo where students display their projects and reflect on their understanding of community functions, the importance of civic services, and the skills they've learned.

Through this course, students will have gained insights into their community's workings, enhanced their academic abilities in real-world contexts, and developed skills in problem-solving, responsibility, and teamwork.