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What is the framework for Mind Missions social studies lessons?
In each Mind Mission, students read about a real-world challenge from history or geography. Then they solve related challenges in teams. Student teams may design a political campaign, build an oil derrick, or develop a new way to communicate. Our Social Studies lesson plans engage students in critical thinking. Engagement increases the likelihood that students will absorb and retain social studies content. Students also develop strong language arts skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. And Mind Missions are fun! Students love our social studies lessons. They experience history using our hands-on, minds-on framework.
Reading a Mind Missions Story is the first step. The Story connects students to people and places. They learn about challenges of the past and present. Mind Missions stories come in four reading levels. Students can explore social studies text at their most appropriate reading level.
Next, student teams creatively solve a problem from the Story. The Mission requires student teams to create a unique and effective solution to a real problem. Students learn to solve problems that do not have a single, correct answer. In the process, they use PBL and Design Thinking techniques.
Reflection is the last step of Mind Missions. Using Reflection prompts, students gain insight. They process their learning. Students evaluate their Mission solution. They reflect on team skills. Students discover that setbacks are an important part of the problem-solving process.
- 20 lessons including teacher instructions, mission and scoring cards, & extension information
- Introductory lessons in Teamwork & Brainstorming
- Leveled Content for a variety of reading levels
- Digital tools for student devices
- Unlimited printing
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