Bee-lieve in a Planet-Saving Adventure!

2nd Grade

Project
8 weeks

Bee-lieve in a Planet-Saving Adventure!

Kelsey Cagatay

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.3

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.4

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.5

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.6

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.2

+ 63 more

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to immerse students in the interconnectedness of ecosystems, emphasizing the critical role of bees in sustaining life on Earth. Through hands-on experiences with community partners, students will explore sustainable practices and the impact of human choices on the environment. By crafting narratives inspired by experts, students will gain skills in storytelling, while also learning to communicate the importance of ecological stewardship to their community.

Learning goals

Students will explore the critical role of bees in ecosystems, understanding their impact on pollination and the food chain. They will analyze how individual and collective choices affect environmental sustainability. Through creative storytelling, students will craft narratives inspired by expert insights, demonstrating their grasp of ecological concepts and narrative techniques. Additionally, students will engage in real-world applications by organizing a market event, where they will evaluate and present eco-friendly products, incorporating economic principles and communication skills.

Standards

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.3 - Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.5 - Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.6 - Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.3 - Write narratives in which they recount a well-elaborated event or short sequence of events, include details to describe actions, thoughts, and feelings, use temporal words to signal event order, and provide a sense of closure.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.3 - Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.5 - Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.6 - Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.3 - Write narratives in which they recount a well-elaborated event or short sequence of events, include details to describe actions, thoughts, and feelings, use temporal words to signal event order, and provide a sense of closure.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.C.8 - Solve word problems involving dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, using $ and ¢ symbols appropriately.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.3 - Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.5 - Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.6 - Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.3 - Write narratives in which they recount a well-elaborated event or short sequence of events, include details to describe actions, thoughts, and feelings, use temporal words to signal event order, and provide a sense of closure.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.C.8 - Solve word problems involving dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, using $ and ¢ symbols appropriately.
LS.1.A - Structure and Function
LS.1.B - Growth and Development of Organisms
LS.1.C - Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
LS.2.A - Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS.2.B - Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
LS.2.C - Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
LS.4.C - Adaptation
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.3 - Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.5 - Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.6 - Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.3 - Write narratives in which they recount a well-elaborated event or short sequence of events, include details to describe actions, thoughts, and feelings, use temporal words to signal event order, and provide a sense of closure.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.C.8 - Solve word problems involving dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, using $ and ¢ symbols appropriately.
LS.1.A - Structure and Function
LS.1.B - Growth and Development of Organisms
LS.1.C - Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
LS.2.A - Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS.2.B - Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
LS.2.C - Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
LS.4.C - Adaptation
D2.Eco.12.K-2 - Describe examples of the goods and services that governments provide.
D2.Eco.3.K-2 - Describe the skills and knowledge required to produce certain goods and services.
D2.Eco.4.K-2 - Describe the goods and services that people in the local community produce and those that are produced in other communities.
D2.Eco.5.K-2 - Identify prices of products in a local market.
D2.Eco.6.K-2 - Explain how people earn income.
D2.Eco.7.K-2 - Describe examples of costs of production.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.3 - Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.5 - Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.6 - Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.3 - Write narratives in which they recount a well-elaborated event or short sequence of events, include details to describe actions, thoughts, and feelings, use temporal words to signal event order, and provide a sense of closure.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.C.8 - Solve word problems involving dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, using $ and ¢ symbols appropriately.
LS.1.A - Structure and Function
LS.1.B - Growth and Development of Organisms
LS.1.C - Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
LS.2.A - Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS.2.B - Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
LS.2.C - Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
LS.4.C - Adaptation
D2.Eco.12.K-2 - Describe examples of the goods and services that governments provide.
D2.Eco.3.K-2 - Describe the skills and knowledge required to produce certain goods and services.
D2.Eco.4.K-2 - Describe the goods and services that people in the local community produce and those that are produced in other communities.
D2.Eco.5.K-2 - Identify prices of products in a local market.
D2.Eco.6.K-2 - Explain how people earn income.
D2.Eco.7.K-2 - Describe examples of costs of production.

Products

Students will create narrative stories inspired by the format of Laura Numeroff's "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" series, featuring the experts they engage with, such as the beekeeper and the artist. They will also design and produce eco-friendly promotional materials for the community market, where they will showcase and sell products like beeswax paper from local eco-friendly companies. Additionally, students will craft visual art pieces related to pollinators, drawing inspiration from The HoneyBee Arts, to be displayed at the market.

Launch

Kick off the project with an immersive field trip to the Carlsbad Flower Fields, where students will explore the vibrant ecosystem and learn about the role of pollinators firsthand. During the visit, students will engage in hands-on activities like planting seeds and examining soil composition, setting the stage for their deeper inquiry into earth's habitability. This experience will spark curiosity and provide a real-world context for the project's essential questions, inspiring students to think critically about the interconnectedness of plants, pollinators, and sustainable practices.

Exhibition

Students will host a community market event where they will present their narrative stories inspired by their interactions with the experts. They will also showcase and sell eco-friendly products from the local eco-friendly company and artwork from The HoneyBee Arts. Each student will take on roles such as storytellers, product ambassadors, and financial managers, explaining the importance of bees, pollination, and sustainable choices to visitors. The event will feature interactive stations where guests can learn about the lifecycle of bees, the importance of pollinators, and the process of creating beeswax paper. This exhibition will foster community engagement and provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their learning and entrepreneurial skills.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction to the project and essential questions. Facilitate a class discussion to explore prior knowledge about ecosystems and the role of pollinators, particularly bees. Brainstorm what students know and want to learn.	Activity 2: Field trip to Carlsbad Flower Fields. Students will participate in hands-on learning experiences, such as planting seeds and examining soil composition, to understand the role of pollinators in ecosystems.	Activity 3: Reflection session post-field trip. Students will write a journal entry about their experiences and observations at the Flower Fields, focusing on the role of pollinators and their impact on ecosystems.	Activity 4: Introduction to narrative writing. Discuss the structure of a narrative story using Laura Numeroff's 'If You Give a Mouse a Cookie' as a model. Identify key elements like sequence of events, details, and a sense of closure.	Activity 5: Group brainstorming session. Students will form small groups to discuss potential story ideas inspired by their field trip experience and begin outlining their narrative story frameworks.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A detailed reflection journal entry based on the Carlsbad Flower Fields field trip.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Arrange and confirm details for the field trip to Carlsbad Flower Fields, including transportation and permission slips. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare a presentation and discussion materials on the role of pollinators and the importance of bees in ecosystems. 3. Prep Task 3: Gather examples of narratives, including Laura Numeroff's 'If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,' to introduce narrative writing structure. 4. Prep Task 4: Create a reflection prompt and guidelines for students' journal entries to ensure focused and meaningful reflections. 5. Prep Task 5: Organize students into small groups for brainstorming sessions and provide materials for outlining narrative frameworks.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Expert Session with the Beekeeper. Invite the beekeeper to the class to share insights about bees, their role in ecosystems, and their importance in pollination. Facilitate a Q&A session for students to ask questions and gather information for their narrative stories.	Activity 2: Research and Collaboration Session. Students will work in small groups to conduct additional research on bees and pollinators using online and library resources. They will also collaborate to compile notes from the beekeeper's session.	Activity 3: Story Mapping Workshop. Guide students in creating story maps for their narratives. Focus on structuring the sequence of events, incorporating details from the beekeeper's session, and identifying a central theme related to the essential questions.	Activity 4: Drafting Narrative Stories. Students will begin drafting their narrative stories, using the story maps as guides. Emphasize the use of effective narrative techniques and the integration of ecological insights.	Activity 5: Peer Review and Feedback. Organize a peer review session where students exchange drafts and provide constructive feedback. Encourage them to focus on clarity, coherence, and narrative structure.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Completed story map outlining the sequence and details of the narrative story. 2. Deliverable 2: First draft of the narrative story, incorporating insights from the beekeeper and research conducted.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Coordinate with the beekeeper for the expert session, ensuring the availability of technology for any presentations. 2. Prep Task 2: Provide students with a list of reliable online resources and library materials for their research on bees and pollinators. 3. Prep Task 3: Prepare templates and guidelines for story mapping to support students in organizing their narratives. 4. Prep Task 4: Develop a rubric or checklist for peer review to guide students in providing meaningful feedback. 5. Prep Task 5: Set up a digital platform or shared document for students to submit their drafts and receive peer feedback.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Expert Session with The HoneyBee Arts. Invite the artist to share their process of creating bee-themed art, discussing the inspiration and technique behind their work. Facilitate a discussion on how art can communicate ecological messages.	Activity 2: Art Integration Workshop. Students will brainstorm and sketch their own bee-themed art pieces. Encourage them to reflect on how their art can convey messages about the importance of bees and sustainability.	Activity 3: Collaborative Story Development. Students will work in pairs to integrate their narrative stories with their art ideas, ensuring coherence between the visual and written components. Focus on refining story themes related to ecological stewardship.	Activity 4: Drafting Visual and Narrative Elements. Students will begin creating their bee-themed art pieces and revising their narrative stories, using peer feedback and expert insights to enhance both elements.	Activity 5: Reflection and Goal Setting. Facilitate a session for students to reflect on their progress, challenges faced, and set goals for the next phase of the project. Encourage sharing insights gained from the expert session and peer collaborations.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Completed sketches and initial concepts for bee-themed art pieces. 2. Deliverable 2: Revised draft of narrative stories, incorporating feedback and new ideas from the art integration process.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Coordinate with The HoneyBee Arts for the expert session, including any necessary technology or materials for the presentation. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare art supplies and materials for students to create their bee-themed art pieces. 3. Prep Task 3: Develop guidelines for integrating art and narrative storytelling, providing examples of effective combinations. 4. Prep Task 4: Set up a feedback system for students to share and receive constructive criticism on their art and narratives. 5. Prep Task 5: Create a reflection prompt and goal-setting framework to guide students in evaluating their progress and planning next steps.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Expert Session with the Local Eco-Friendly Company. Invite representatives from the company to discuss their sustainable practices and the creation of beeswax paper as an alternative to single-use plastics. Facilitate a Q&A for students to gather insights.	Activity 2: Sustainable Product Research. Students will research the environmental impact of traditional plastics versus eco-friendly alternatives like beeswax paper. They will gather data on production costs, environmental benefits, and consumer usage.	Activity 3: Economic Analysis Workshop. Guide students in analyzing the economic principles behind producing and marketing eco-friendly products. Focus on understanding costs, pricing strategies, and the concept of consumer demand.	Activity 4: Marketing Plan Development. Students will work in groups to create a marketing plan for promoting eco-friendly products at the upcoming community market. They will focus on messaging, target audience, and promotional strategies.	Activity 5: Presentation Preparation. Facilitate a session where students prepare presentations based on their marketing plans. Encourage them to include both narrative elements and factual data supporting the benefits of eco-friendly products.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Research report comparing traditional plastics and eco-friendly alternatives, highlighting environmental and economic impacts. 2. Deliverable 2: Group marketing plan for promoting eco-friendly products, including strategies for messaging and audience engagement.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Coordinate with the local eco-friendly company for the expert session, ensuring any necessary technology or materials for demonstrations. 2. Prep Task 2: Compile a list of resources for students to research the environmental and economic aspects of plastics and beeswax paper. 3. Prep Task 3: Develop guidelines for conducting economic analyses, including concepts like cost, pricing, and consumer demand. 4. Prep Task 4: Create templates and examples for marketing plans to guide student groups in developing their strategies. 5. Prep Task 5: Set up a schedule for presentation preparation, ensuring students have access to necessary technology and support for creating visual aids.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Expert Session with the Author. Invite the author who writes about bees to discuss their process of creating engaging narratives. Facilitate an interactive discussion on storytelling techniques and how stories can convey important ecological lessons.	Activity 2: Narrative Enhancement Workshop. Students will refine their narrative stories by incorporating storytelling techniques learned from the author. Focus on enhancing character development, plot structure, and thematic depth.	Activity 3: Peer Editing Session. Organize a peer editing workshop where students exchange narratives and provide feedback focused on narrative coherence, use of storytelling techniques, and integration of ecological insights.	Activity 4: Digital Storytelling Integration. Guide students in creating digital versions of their narratives using multimedia tools. Emphasize the use of visuals, audio, and text to enhance storytelling and engage audiences.	Activity 5: Public Speaking Practice. Facilitate a session where students practice presenting their digital narratives to peers, focusing on clarity, expression, and engagement. Encourage constructive feedback to improve public speaking skills.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Refined narrative story incorporating storytelling techniques and ecological lessons. 2. Deliverable 2: Digital version of the narrative story, integrating multimedia elements.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Coordinate with the author for the expert session, ensuring any necessary technology for virtual or in-person presentations. 2. Prep Task 2: Develop a list of storytelling techniques and examples to support the narrative enhancement workshop. 3. Prep Task 3: Set up a peer editing framework and guidelines to guide students in providing constructive feedback. 4. Prep Task 4: Prepare resources and tutorials for digital storytelling tools, ensuring students have access to necessary technology. 5. Prep Task 5: Create a rubric for public speaking practice, focusing on key presentation skills and audience engagement.

Week 6	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Market Event Planning. Facilitate a session where students collaborate to finalize logistics for the community market event. Assign roles such as storytellers, product ambassadors, and financial managers, ensuring each student has a clear responsibility.	Activity 2: Product and Art Display Setup. Guide students in designing and creating displays for their narrative stories, bee-themed art pieces, and eco-friendly products. Focus on visual appeal and informative presentation.	Activity 3: Financial Literacy Workshop. Conduct a workshop on basic financial principles, including pricing strategies, handling transactions, and managing a budget. Students will practice creating budgets for their market roles.	Activity 4: Rehearsal for Market Event. Organize a full rehearsal for the community market event, where students practice their roles, presentations, and interactions with visitors. Encourage feedback and refinements.	Activity 5: Community Engagement Strategy. Facilitate a brainstorming session where students develop strategies to engage the community during the market event. Focus on interactive activities, educational stations, and promotional materials.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Detailed plan for individual roles and responsibilities during the community market event. 2. Deliverable 2: Completed displays for narrative stories, art pieces, and eco-friendly products, ready for presentation. 3. Deliverable 3: Individual budget plans for managing roles and transactions during the market event.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Secure a venue and necessary equipment for the community market event, including tables, chairs, and display boards. 2. Prep Task 2: Provide materials for students to create visually appealing displays, such as poster boards, markers, and decorations. 3. Prep Task 3: Develop and distribute resources on financial literacy concepts to support the workshop. 4. Prep Task 4: Arrange a schedule for the market event rehearsal, ensuring access to the venue and necessary technology. 5. Prep Task 5: Compile a list of community engagement strategies and examples to inspire student brainstorming.

Week 7	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Final Revisions and Polishing. Guide students in making final revisions to their narrative stories and art pieces, ensuring coherence and alignment with ecological themes. Encourage peer feedback to enhance quality.	Activity 2: Market Materials Preparation. Students will create promotional materials, including flyers, banners, and digital content, to advertise the community market event. Focus on clear messaging and visual appeal.	Activity 3: Practice Community Engagement. Conduct role-playing activities where students practice interacting with market visitors, answering questions, and explaining their projects. Emphasize clear communication and engagement.	Activity 4: Finalize Financial Plans. Students will finalize their financial plans, ensuring they are ready to manage transactions and budgets during the market event. Provide a session for troubleshooting potential financial scenarios.	Activity 5: Market Event Setup and Dry Run. Facilitate a setup session where students arrange their displays and conduct a dry run of the market event, rehearsing their roles and ensuring everything is in place for the final event.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Final polished versions of narrative stories and art pieces. 2. Deliverable 2: Completed promotional materials for the community market event. 3. Deliverable 3: Finalized financial plans and transaction strategies for the market.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Arrange for printing of student-created promotional materials and ensure digital content is ready for distribution. 2. Prep Task 2: Provide resources and examples for effective community engagement strategies to support role-playing practice. 3. Prep Task 3: Ensure all materials and technology needed for the market event setup and dry run are available and functioning. 4. Prep Task 4: Review and approve finalized financial plans, providing feedback where necessary. 5. Prep Task 5: Coordinate with venue staff to ensure a smooth setup process and address any logistical concerns prior to the market event.

Week 8	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Host the Community Market Event. Students will execute the market event, showcasing their narrative stories, art pieces, and eco-friendly products to visitors. Students will engage with the community, explaining their projects and the importance of bees and sustainable practices.	Activity 2: Market Event Reflection. Facilitate a debrief session where students reflect on their experiences at the market event, discussing successes, challenges, and lessons learned.	Activity 3: Story Sharing Circle. Organize a session where students share their narrative stories with peers, highlighting their inspirations and the ecological messages they aim to convey.	Activity 4: Project Portfolio Compilation. Guide students in compiling a digital portfolio that includes their narrative stories, art pieces, promotional materials, and a reflection on their project journey.	Activity 5: Celebration of Learning. Host a closing ceremony to celebrate students' achievements, inviting community partners, experts, and family members to recognize the students' hard work and contributions.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Successful execution of the community market event. 2. Deliverable 2: Digital portfolio showcasing narrative stories, art, and reflections.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Finalize logistical arrangements for the community market event, ensuring all materials and technology are ready for use. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare reflection prompts to guide students in analyzing their market event experiences. 3. Prep Task 3: Arrange a venue and necessary technology for the story sharing circle and celebration of learning. 4. Prep Task 4: Create a template for students to compile their digital portfolios, providing access to necessary digital tools. 5. Prep Task 5: Organize the closing ceremony, inviting community partners, experts, and family members to attend and participate.