A phenomenal online curriculum available for downloading through the Junior Citizen Planner program at the Michigan State University Extension. Created in conjunction with Michigan 4-H Youth Development, This Land Is Your Land is a well-designed series of lesson plans for students in 3rd through 5th grades that can easily be adapted to any grade level. The goal is civic literacy in wise land use.

Lessons can be used thematically or as individual stand alone resources in social studies and science to supplement existing class work. Four thematic units cover Community, Civics, Environmental Science, and Geography.

The framework for these lessons move students through a natural learning process from awareness through knowledge, inquiry, investigation, analysis and decision-making, action and participation, and to a sense of personal responsibility and citizenship. The lesson plans meet the Michigan Curriculum Framework Content Standards and Benchmarks.

Sudents learn about land planning, zoning, community mapping, sprawl, community service/facility planning, aerial photographs, decision-making models, character education, and much more.

Designed by a team of planners, designers, farmers, agricultural and environmental organizations, public officials, and educators, the curriculum is well-tested and very easy to use. Certificate programs are available for students who want to go the extra mile.

Additional online resources, glossary, resources for teaching, service learning and action projects are part of the support information to bolster teachers ability to use these materials in the classroom.

The curriculum is available for free downloading at the Junior Citizen Planner website.