Instructional Resources

NC Instructor-Developed Materials

About the Series:
The following instructional lessons were developed by faculty as part of the NC-NET Academy’s Curriculum Development for Integrated Instruction series of online professional development courses. Interdisciplinary teams collaborated to develop classroom-ready materials that:

integrate career and technical content and academic concepts—reinforcing both,
use real-world scenarios to engage students and make content relevant,
foster critical thinking, collaboration, and other skills valued by employers, and
encourage instructors to use active, authentic assessment techniques.

Access the lessons below:

A Blast from the Past: Using Computer Analysis to Find a Deadly Microbe

Created by: Patricia Williams and Shaun Williams, Cleveland Community College

Project Description:

Through the scenario of an archeological dig team who falls mysteriously ill after working at a dig site, students play the role of scientists and agents from the Center for Disease Control who come to investigate what caused the illnesses. Students will develop data collection and information processing skills in the context of DNA analysis and bioinformatics.

Estimated Duration:

Approximately two 50 minute class periods or one 2-3 hour laboratory class.

Appropriate Course(s) for Implementation:

BIO-111 (General Biology 1)
BIO-275 (Microbiology)
BIO-280 (Biotechnology)
BIO-250 (Genetics)
BTC-270 (Recombinant DNA Techniques)
CIS-110 (Introduction to Computers)
DBA-110 (Database Concepts)

Files for Instructors:

The materials to implement this project are self-contained within a single Microsoft Word file. Download "A Blast from the Past: Using Computer Analysis to Find a Deadly Microbe"

Electromagnetism and the Toilet Paper Roll DC Electric Motor

Created by: Russ Jones and Mike Daub, Surry Community College

Project Description:

This project is developed around an industry scenario to engage students in the roles of a team of electronics engineer technicians tasked with repairing or replacing a failing motor. Students will apply the physical principles of electromagnetism toward building a working DC electric motor.

Estimated Duration:

Six hours of lab divided into two sessions.

Appropriate Course(s) for Implementation:

ELC 131
Circuit Analysis I
PHY 152
College Physics II

Files for Instructors:

Begin by downloading the Integrated Project Template (first file below). It provides the project overview and references the use of all the other required files, provided below.

A Chest X-Ray is Equal to 10 Days of Natural Radiation: Is Radiation Bad?

Created by: Rebecca Berger, Cape Fear Community College

Project Description:

In this project, students will make connections between biological responses, radiosensitivity among different organs, and implementation of safe exposure practices to minimize radiation dose to the patient.

Estimated Duration:

Approximately three class periods.

Appropriate Course(s) for Implementation:

RAD 111/112 (Procedures 1 and 2)
RAD 241 (Radiobiology)
Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 163, 168, 169)

Files for Instructors:

Begin by downloading the Project Template (first file below). It provides the project overview and references the use of all the other required files, provided below.

To Eat or Not to Eat

Created by: Lynnsey Chandler, Stanly Community College

Project Description:

In this project students will research a topic, build educational information delivery systems, and learn about how to properly educate a patient on a condition and management.

Estimated Duration:

Three weeks (1.5 hours x 1 day per week)

Appropriate Course(s) for Implementation:

Science (Biology, Anatomy and Physiology)
Math
English
Computers
Medical Terminology
Pharmacology

Files for Instructors:

The materials to implement this project are self-contained within a single Microsoft Word file.

>> Download "To Eat or Not to Eat"

Gambling … Eating Disorders … Shopping … OH MY!!!

Created by: Amanda Faulk, Richmond Community College

Project Description:

This project explores the interconnectedness of addictions (e.g., gambling, food, shopping, Internet, and sex addictions) and facts concerning the uniqueness of each one. Students will specifically address two questions: Are addictions to video games, gambling, or shopping really like drug or alcohol addiction? Why is there no DSM-5 diagnosis for addictions such as sex and the Internet?

Estimated Duration:

Two class periods

Appropriate Course(s) for Implementation:

Substance Abuse
Human Services
English
Biology
Sociology
Psychology
Criminal Justice

Files for Instructors:

The materials to implement this project are self-contained within a single Microsoft Word file.

>> Download "Gambling … Eating Disorders ... Shopping … OH MY!!!"

Breathe Easy! A Lesson in Respiratory Function

Created by: Michele Alexndre, Durham Technical Community College

Project Description:

This project helps students gain knowledge of the respiratory system. Students will use a variety of active learning strategies to explore anatomical structures and to understand the process of breathing. Students will work in groups to analyze variation in respiratory functions caused by obstructive lung disorders.

Estimated Duration:

This project will be conducted over a two-week period. It includes one lecture time of one hour to be conducted as an interactive REACT lesson after students have completed their lab assignments. Lab activities will be conducted during two lab periods (2 hours each).

Appropriate Course(s) for Implementation:

Anatomy & Physiology II
Pathophysiology
Intro to Respiratory Care
Practical Nursing
Medical Assistant

Files for Instructors:

The materials to implement this project are self-contained within a single Microsoft Word file.

>> Download "Breathe Easy! A Lesson in Respiratory Function"

Efficiency of an Engine

Project Description:

This project helps students learn to apply lessons in thermodynamics (thermochemical equations, stoichiometry, work, and internal energy) to engineering design and assess impacts on pollution, fuel economy, cost, and safety.

Estimated Duration:

1 Lecture (2 hr 40 min)
1 lab period (2 hr 40 min)
Take Home Assignment (3 hours to complete; allow students one week to complete assignment)

Appropriate Course(s) for Implementation:

General Chemistry I
Physics I
Engineering

Files for Instructors:

The materials to implement this project are self-contained two files.

>> Download "Efficiency of an Engine" (MS Word)

>> Download "Efficiency of an Engine (Calculations)" (MS Excel)

Design an Organ

Created by: Jessica Goninan, Roanoke Chowan Community College

Project Description:

In this project students will learn the hierarchical structure of organization in the human body; learn the basic anatomy of specialized cells, tissues, and organs; understand how cells and tissues communicate to perform essential functions; utilize the arts and engineering to create a depiction of a fictious organ; and improve on collaboration, video recording skills, and presentation skills.

Estimated Duration:

Lecture: 3 hours
Lab: 3 hours

Appropriate Course(s) for Implementation:

BIO-168: A&P 1
BIO-112: Gen Bio 2

Files for Instructors:

The materials to implement this project are self-contained within a single Microsoft Word file.

>> Download "Design an Organ"

Global Health

Created by: Maria Saleeva, Central Piedmont Community College

Project Description:

This project will help students become respectful of the diverse cultures and people that they’ll interact with once they exit the educational setting.

Estimated Duration:

One or two class periods (1.5–2.5 hours)

Appropriate Course(s) for Implementation:

Sociology
Geography
Nursing

Files for Instructors:

The materials to implement this project are self-contained within a single Microsoft Word file.

>> Download "Global Health"

Little Man: Ethics and Advocacy

Created by: Meredyth Corey and Peter Pellegrin, Roanoke-Chowan Community College

Project Description:

This activity will enhance the ethical decision-making abilities of students in NUR 212. In NUR 111, students are introduced to basic ethical concepts. This module will build on these concepts in NUR 212, which requires that students spend time in a clinical setting, consequently bringing them face to face with real-world scenarios calling for difficult ethical decisions. Students must also remember their role as patient advocate in the midst of these difficult situations. The nature of the activities is to help students understand the various ethical decision-making models people use, and of course, that the students themselves use. Understanding the benefits and limitations of each model will help them understand their own ethical decisions and better understand the decisions of others.

Estimated Duration:

Approximately two class periods (class periods in NUR courses are 3 hour blocks)

Appropriate Course(s) for Implementation:

NUR 212 (Activity builds on prior knowledge acquired in NUR 111 and NUR 211)
PHI 240 (Introduction to Ethics)
MED 118 (Medical Law and Ethics)
HCI 230 (Professional Issues)

Files for Instructors:

Begin by downloading the Project Template (first file below). It provides the project overview and references the use of all the other required files, provided below.