SubjectToClimate is headed to Climate Week NYC! See where we'll be: September 22–25 → Learn More!

Joan Newkirk

Joan Newkirk (she/her) is a retired elementary educator with 32 years of teaching experience. She holds a Master of Literacy from the University of Southern Maine and spent her career inspiring young learners through engaging, hands-on instruction across all elementary subjects. 

Lesson Plans

3-5 Thumbnails
Lesson Plan

The Importance of Insects: A Writing Lesson
In this language arts lesson, students learn about threats to insects and actions to support their survival.

Inquire: Students read and analyze “Hurt No Living Thing” by Christina Rossetti to learn about insects and people’s perceptions of them.

Investigate: Students research why insects are important and why they are threatened.

Inspire: Students write and draw about what they have learned in a class book to be shared with younger students.
Grade
Subject English Language Arts
Resource Type Lesson Plan
3-5 Thumbnails (1)
Lesson Plan

Biking for Good: Math Lesson
Students consider the impacts of biking on their community and how to encourage people to bike more through a school survey. 

Inquire: Students view a short video of students biking to school and discuss their experiences with biking.

Investigate: Students create and analyze graphs and survey results about biking.

Inspire: Based on their findings, students generate suggestions to encourage biking in their school community.
Grade
Subject Mathematics
Resource Type Lesson Plan
SubjectToClimate
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.
Teaching Materials
Lessons, Units, and Activities Teaching Resources News for Students
Educator Support
Professional Development Teacher Guides Climate Change Explainers Guidance for School Administrators
About Us
Our Team Press and Media Our Partners Privacy Policy AI Policy
Get Involved
Donate Volunteer Partner with Us Careers Contact Us
Your Account
Register My Profile My Library Sign up for our newsletter
State Hubs
Connecticut Illinois Maine Michigan New Jersey New York Oregon Wisconsin
Candid Platinum Transparency 2025 3 Star Rating Badge Add 1% For the Planet logo to our site