"Liberty and Justice" are the subjects of new lesson plans for middle school students. But they're not for civics or social studies classes. This month, the Alcoa Foundation gave the Bettendorf School District a 15,000 dollar grant to create a curriculum for studying eagles. It's called, "Alcoa Eagle Cam - An Eagle Eye to the World."
John Riches, spokesman for Alcoa's Davenport Works, says a retired teacher came up with the idea as millions of people, including students, were watching the company's eagle cam in Riverdale. Last spring, the parents, Liberty and Justice, raised three eaglets. Bettendorf Middle School teachers and three interns developed and wrote the curriculum over the summer.
Riches says the lessons include art, science, and writing projects. One lesson is called, "An Interview with an Eagle."
Besides the classroom curriculum, a Bettendorf teacher started the web site to share the middle school lesson plans. Students from all over the world will be able to study eagles, collaborate, and share their projects. Teachers can sign up to participate through mid-December.