Durango's Dynamic Duo: Wind & Water!

2nd Grade

Project
4 weeks

Durango's Dynamic Duo: Wind & Water!

Laurie Rossback

ESS3.2.2

ESS3.2.1

ESS3.2.2

ESS3.2.1

2.2.2

+ 2 more

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage 2nd-grade students in a hands-on exploration of how natural forces like wind and water shape the land, specifically within their own community of Durango, Colorado. By collaborating with the San Juan Mountain Association and utilizing local geological features, students will conduct research, build models, and create storybooks to illustrate these processes. This project aims to deepen students' understanding of earth science concepts while enhancing their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills through real-world applications.

Learning goals

Students will develop an understanding of how wind and water shape the land over time, specifically within the context of Durango, Colorado. They will enhance their research skills by gathering information from various resources, including local experts, to create accurate models of geological changes. Through writing and illustrating storybooks, students will practice organizing information around main ideas, supported by relevant details, facts, and definitions. Additionally, students will refine their ability to present and revise their work based on feedback, fostering a deeper comprehension of the impact of natural forces on their local environment.

Standards

ESS3.2.2 - Wind and water can change the shape of the land; models can show the shape and these changes to the land.
ESS3.2.1 - Some events on Earth occur quickly; others can occur very slowly.
ESS3.2.2 - Wind and water can change the shape of the land; models can show the shape and these changes to the land.
ESS3.2.1 - Some events on Earth occur quickly; others can occur very slowly.
2.2.2 - Apply specific skills to comprehend and fluently read informational texts.
2.3.2 - Write informative/explanatory texts organized around main ideas which are supported by relevant details, facts, and definitions.
2.4.1 - Participate in shared research and inquiry, gathering information from a variety of resources to answer questions.

Products

Students will create detailed models demonstrating the effects of wind and water on Durango's landscape, using materials like sand, clay, and water to simulate erosion processes. They will also produce a collaborative research report, incorporating findings from local explorations and expert interviews, to document geological changes in the area. The final product will be a storybook, illustrated and written by students, depicting the historical transformation of Durango's landforms, supported by their research and model observations.

Launch

Begin the project with a field trip to a local site in Durango where students can observe the effects of wind and water on the landscape firsthand. Encourage students to take notes and sketch the landforms they see, focusing on features like erosion patterns and rock formations. Follow this exploration with a classroom discussion where students share their observations and brainstorm ideas for their models, setting the stage for the research and model-building activities.

Exhibition

Students will host a community showcase where they present their storybooks and models to parents, peers, and local experts from the San Juan Mountain Association. The event will include interactive stations where students demonstrate the effects of wind and water on landforms using their models. Attendees can engage in discussions with students about their findings and explore the geological history of Durango through the students' research and creative storytelling.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Local Geology Exploration - Take a field trip to a nearby site in Durango, Colorado to observe natural landforms affected by wind and water; sketch and take notes on erosion patterns and rock formations. (45 min)	Sharing Observations - In small groups, students share their field trip notes and sketches, discussing the features they observed and hypothesize how wind and water have shaped them. (20 min) Brainstorm Modeling Ideas - Students brainstorm ideas for creating models that demonstrate wind and water effects on land using materials like sand, clay, and water. (25 min)	Introduction to Research - Guide students through using books and online resources to begin gathering information on Durango's geological history, focusing on how wind and water have impacted the landscape. (25 min) Initial Model Planning - Students sketch initial designs for their models based on research findings and brainstormed ideas, considering materials and steps needed for construction. (20 min)
Deliverables	1. A set of student sketches and notes documenting observations from the field trip, capturing key features of local landscapes affected by wind and water. 2. A research journal entry for each student or research team, summarizing initial findings about Durango's geological changes and relevant processes.
Preparation	1. Coordinate with the San Juan Mountain Association to arrange the field trip location and ensure expert availability for interviews or video resources. 2. Gather and organize informational books, online resources, and materials related to Durango's geological history. 3. Prepare sketchbooks, pencils, and clipboards for the field trip to facilitate student observations. 4. Set up a classroom space with research stations equipped with printed materials and digital devices for accessing online resources.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Research Skills Workshop - Teach students how to effectively gather information from books and online resources, focusing on identifying key facts about Durango's geological changes due to wind and water. (25 min) Group Research Session - In small groups, students begin their research on different aspects of Durango's landscape changes, taking notes and gathering relevant details. (20 min)	Expert Interview Preparation - Guide students in preparing questions for their upcoming expert interviews with the San Juan Mountain Association, focusing on specific geological changes in the area. (20 min) Storybook Planning - Students outline their storybook concepts, organizing their research into main ideas and supporting details, and planning illustrations that depict landform changes. (25 min)	Model Construction Session - Students begin constructing their models using sand, clay, and water to replicate erosion processes observed in Durango, integrating their research findings. (30 min) Peer Feedback Exchange - Students present their preliminary models to peers for feedback, discussing improvements and additional details to enhance their demonstrations. (15 min)
Deliverables	1. A science journal entry documenting observations from the erosion simulation. 2. A draft of an informative text about a geological feature of Durango.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for erosion simulation: trays, sand, straws, spray bottles. 2. Provide a collection of age-appropriate books and access to online resources about the geology of Durango. 3. Prepare science journals for each student to record their observations and research findings.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Expert Interview Session - Conduct interviews with local experts from the San Juan Mountain Association to gather insights on Durango's geological changes, focusing on wind and water effects. (30 min) Model Enhancement Workshop - Integrate expert feedback to refine and enhance students' models, ensuring accuracy and detail in representing erosion processes. (15 min)	Teacher-Student Conference - Conduct personalized feedback sessions where students present their research and receive guidance on improving their storybook drafts and models. (25 min) Illustration Development - Students begin creating detailed illustrations for their storybooks, depicting the geological changes discussed in their interviews and research. (20 min)	Collaborative Storybook Writing - Facilitate a session where students organize their research into informative text, writing main ideas supported by facts and definitions. (25 min) Model Presentation Practice - Students rehearse presenting their models, explaining the processes of erosion and landform changes, preparing for the community showcase. (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Completion of refined landscape models that incorporate feedback from the previous week. 2. Draft of storybook narrative with accompanying illustrations, detailing the impact of natural forces on Durango's landscape.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for model building, including sand, clay, water, and any additional tools needed for refinement. 2. Prepare a list of resources, such as books and online articles, related to Durango's geological history for the research session. 3. Coordinate with the San Juan Mountain Association to arrange expert interviews or provide additional content for students. 4. Organize peer review groups and develop guidelines to ensure constructive feedback on storybook drafts.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Final Model Adjustments - Students refine their models based on feedback from experts and peers, ensuring accuracy in demonstrating wind and water effects. (25 min) Peer Review Session - Students pair up to review each other's storybooks, providing constructive feedback on content and illustrations. (20 min)	Storybook Finalization - Students incorporate peer feedback to complete and polish their storybooks, ensuring clear organization and detailed illustrations. (30 min) Rehearsal for Showcase - Students practice presenting their storybooks and models, focusing on clear communication of their findings and processes. (15 min)	Community Showcase Preparation - Set up the classroom for the community showcase, arranging models and storybooks for display. (15 min) Community Showcase Event - Host the event where students present their storybooks and models to parents, peers, and experts, explaining the geological changes in Durango. (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed storybook illustrating and explaining the impact of wind and water on Durango's landscape. 2. Presentation and interactive model demonstration at the community showcase event.
Preparation	1. Ensure all art supplies and materials for finalizing storybooks (colored pencils, markers, paper) are available. 2. Arrange the classroom or venue setup for the community showcase, including display tables and presentation areas. 3. Coordinate with the San Juan Mountain Association representatives to confirm their participation and feedback during the showcase. 4. Prepare feedback forms for peers to use during the peer review session, focusing on constructive and supportive comments.