Mighty Eco-Quest: Freaky Adventures Await!

5th, 6th Grades

Project
5 weeks

Mighty Eco-Quest: Freaky Adventures Await!

Michelle Mikulanis-Brown

MS-ESS3-1

MS-ESS3-2

MS-ESS3-3

MS-ESS3-4

MS-ESS3-5

+ 10 more

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in understanding the human impact on Earth's systems through hands-on experiences and community involvement. By integrating literature, scientific research, and environmental action, students will explore how their choices affect the planet and learn to make more sustainable decisions. Through collaboration with local organizations and experts, students will develop practical solutions to environmental challenges, fostering a sense of responsibility and empowerment to protect their world.

Learning goals

Students will investigate the human impact on Earth's systems, focusing on resource distribution, natural hazards, and climate change. They will develop skills in scientific explanation, data analysis, and argument construction, applying these to design solutions for environmental challenges. Through collaboration with community partners and participation in real-world activities, students will enhance their understanding of sustainable practices and the importance of making environmentally conscious decisions. Additionally, students will refine their communication skills by presenting their findings and creative projects in various formats, fostering a deeper connection to the subject matter.

Standards

MS-ESS3-1 - Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the uneven distributions of Earth's mineral, energy, and groundwater resources are the result of past and current geoscience processes.
MS-ESS3-2 - Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects.
MS-ESS3-3 - Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
MS-ESS3-4 - Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems.
MS-ESS3-5 - Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.6 - With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of two pages in a single sitting.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.7 - Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.3 - Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.4 - Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.5 - Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.2 - Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
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.6 - Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.8 - Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism.

Products

Throughout the project, students will create a multimedia presentation on global temperature rise, a sustainable city model, and a collaborative mural using recycled materials. These products will be showcased at the Eco-Fair, where students will explain their designs and findings. Additionally, students will develop interactive demonstrations and posters for the community exhibition, allowing them to articulate their learning and engage with visitors.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Planet Protector Workshop,' where students engage in creative activities such as making recycled art, writing eco-poems, and designing posters that promote environmental awareness and action. This hands-on experience will set the stage for deeper exploration of human impact on the environment. Encourage students to share their creations with peers, sparking curiosity and excitement for the project ahead.

Exhibition

Host an 'Eco-Fair' where students set up interactive booths to showcase their projects on human impact and environmental solutions, inviting families, community partners, and local schools to participate and learn. Plan an 'Environmental Art Walk' where students display their eco-themed art installations and models around the school or local community center, offering guided tours to explain their work and its significance. These exhibitions provide students with the opportunity to articulate their learning and engage with the community for feedback and discussion.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Kickoff Workshop - Launch the project with a 'Planet Protector Workshop' where students create recycled art, write eco-poems, and design posters promoting environmental awareness (45 min)	Introduction to Freak the Mighty - Begin reading the novel Freak the Mighty aloud, discussing themes related to overcoming challenges and community impact (20 min) Essential Question Exploration - Introduce the essential question: 'In what ways do our daily choices and actions contribute to the changes in Earth's systems?' and start brainstorming initial thoughts (25 min)	Resource Distribution Mapping - Guide students in mapping the uneven distributions of Earth's mineral, energy, and groundwater resources using interactive digital tools (45 min)	Community Partner Presentation - Host a virtual meeting with a climate change expert to discuss human impact on the environment and answer student questions (30 min) Reflection and Discussion - Facilitate a class discussion reflecting on the expert's insights and how they relate to the essential question (15 min)
Deliverables	1. A completed draft of an eco-poem or environmental awareness poster from the Planet Protector Workshop. 2. Initial notes and ideas for a narrative writing project inspired by 'Freak the Mighty'. 3. Research notes on the distribution of Earth's resources, identifying causes and effects.
Preparation	1. Gather recycled materials for the Planet Protector Workshop, such as paper, plastic bottles, and cardboard. 2. Prepare copies of selected passages from 'Freak the Mighty' for read-aloud sessions. 3. Set up interactive stations with materials and resources that simulate resource distribution scenarios. 4. Provide access to research materials, both digital and print, for students to use during their short research project.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Beach Cleanup Planning - Collaborate with Surfrider Foundation to organize a weekend beach cleanup, discussing logistics and setting goals for environmental impact (25 min) Freak the Mighty Analysis - Continue reading Freak the Mighty aloud, focusing on character development and environmental themes related to community (20 min)	Research Skills Workshop - Teach students to conduct research using multiple sources to investigate human impact on Earth's systems, focusing on data credibility (45 min)	Sustainable City Design Brainstorm - Begin brainstorming ideas for the sustainable city model, with emphasis on renewable energy and green spaces, drawing connections to resource distribution (25 min) Climate Change Expert Session - Organize a virtual Q&A with a climate change expert to deepen understanding and answer student questions on global warming (20 min)	Reflection Journal - Have students reflect on the beach cleanup experience and insights gained from the expert session, focusing on personal learning and environmental responsibility (15 min) Peer Coaching - Conduct a peer coaching session where students share their city model ideas and receive feedback to enhance their designs (30 min)
Deliverables	1. A narrative piece from the perspective of a 'Freak the Mighty' character, discussing environmental impact. 2. Collaboratively created design plans for a sustainable city model. 3. A report highlighting the data collected during the beach cleanup and proposed waste management solutions.
Preparation	1. Coordinate a virtual meeting with a climate change expert and prepare a list of student-generated questions. 2. Gather materials for the sustainable city model workshop, including recycled materials, building tools, and reference resources. 3. Organize transportation and permissions for the beach cleanup in collaboration with Surfrider Foundation. 4. Prepare data collection sheets and tools for analyzing waste during the beach cleanup.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Freak the Mighty Reflection - Discuss the impacts of characters' choices on their community and connect these themes to environmental decision-making (20 min) Natural Hazards Analysis - Analyze data on natural hazards to predict future events and brainstorm ways technology can mitigate impacts (25 min)	Sustainable City Design Workshop - Develop detailed blueprints for the sustainable city model, focusing on integration of renewable energy and green spaces (45 min)	Peer Review Session - Conduct a peer review of city model designs using a rubric to provide constructive feedback and identify areas for improvement (30 min) Introduction to Eco-Fair Planning - Begin planning the Eco-Fair presentation, outlining key elements and roles for each student (15 min)	Surfrider Beach Cleanup Reflection - Share insights gained from the beach cleanup experience, emphasizing personal contributions to environmental solutions (20 min) Digital Media Presentation Skills - Teach students to strategically use digital media and visual displays to enhance their Eco-Fair presentations (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Research project report outlining local environmental challenges and proposed solutions. 2. Digital presentation showcasing research findings and proposed solutions.
Preparation	1. Coordinate the virtual meeting with a climate change expert and ensure technology setup for the session. 2. Prepare guidelines for research project and provide access to digital tools and resources for data gathering. 3. Organize logistics for 'Critique Day,' including inviting community experts and setting up presentation space. 4. Develop a rubric for peer coaching sessions to guide constructive feedback and improvement strategies. 5. Provide examples and templates for digital presentations to assist students in integrating visual data effectively.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Eco-Fair Booth Design - Students design interactive booths for the Eco-Fair, focusing on engaging ways to present their sustainable city models and research findings (25 min) Narrative Writing Workshop - Guide students in crafting narratives that describe their learning journey and the impact of their projects, using effective techniques and descriptive details (20 min)	Community Exhibition Planning - Organize roles and logistics for the community exhibition, ensuring students understand how to articulate their learning and engage with visitors (25 min) Critique Day Preparation - Prepare students for the mid-project 'Critique Day' by practicing presentations and refining their explanations of project work (20 min)	Critique Day - Students present their work-in-progress to a panel of community experts, receiving insights and guidance for improvement (30 min) Peer Feedback Session - Facilitate a session where students provide constructive feedback to peers using a rubric, identifying strengths and areas for enhancement (15 min)	Reflection Journal - Students reflect on feedback received during Critique Day, focusing on how it informs their final project revisions and personal growth (20 min) Digital Media Workshop - Teach students to integrate digital media elements effectively into their Eco-Fair presentations, enhancing understanding and engagement (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed multimedia presentation on global temperature rise, incorporating data analysis and scientific explanations.
Preparation	1. Schedule and coordinate with community experts for Critique Day, ensuring they understand their role in providing constructive feedback. 2. Prepare digital devices and internet access for students to conduct research and develop presentations. 3. Create a rubric for peer coaching sessions to guide students in providing meaningful feedback. 4. Ensure access to presentation software and tools for students to create multimedia presentations.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Final Project Assembly - Guide students in assembling their sustainable city models and collaborative murals using recycled materials, ensuring all components are complete and ready for exhibition (30 min) Exhibition Prep - Organize students into teams to finalize their Eco-Fair booths, focusing on rehearsing presentations and interactive demonstrations (15 min)	Community Exhibition Setup - Assist students in setting up the community exhibition space, arranging models, posters, and interactive displays for optimal engagement (25 min) Practice Presentations - Facilitate practice presentations where students articulate their learning, incorporating feedback from peers to enhance clarity and impact (20 min)	Eco-Fair Presentation - Host the Eco-Fair where students present their projects to community members, demonstrating their understanding of human impact and environmental solutions (45 min)	Reflection Day - Facilitate a creative reflection session where students share their learning journey through skits, poems, or digital presentations, highlighting personal growth and project outcomes (30 min) Feedback and Celebration - Conduct a feedback session where students gather insights from community members and celebrate their achievements and contributions (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Final multimedia presentations on global temperature rise. 2. Completed sustainable city models, showcasing renewable energy sources and green spaces. 3. Collaborative murals using recycled materials, depicting the effects of climate change on ecosystems. 4. Interactive demonstrations and guided tours for the Eco-Fair and Environmental Art Walk.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for setting up interactive booths at the Eco-Fair, including tables, presentation boards, and any necessary technology (e.g., projectors, laptops). 2. Coordinate with community partners and invite local schools and families to the Eco-Fair and Art Walk. 3. Prepare feedback forms for visitors to provide students with constructive comments on their presentations. 4. Ensure all digital media and visual displays are ready for use during presentations, including checking for any technical issues. 5. Organize a space for the reflection day where students can perform skits, poems, and digital presentations.