The Story of Stuff

This morning I am spending a few minutes researching American trade habits for my social studies class, and I stumbled again into the Story of Stuff. I love this video, and discovered that they have a plethora of teacher resources, lesson plans, and activity ideas all linked to standards and objectives. The lessons challenge kids to ask questions about the stuff we buy examining origin and impact in meaningful lessons and activities The more I get into this geography thing, the more I realize that I have a wonderful forum for directing the lessons in such a worthwhile, meaningful way for my kids. But honestly, since I've never done it before, I feel scattered and rushed with the threat of TCAP leaning over my head. What if I teach them to be critical thinkers and educated little consumers, but I leave out things that are on the test
BECAUSE I'VE NEVER SEEN OR TAKEN THE TEST??