1st Grade
Project
3 weeks
Belize Reef Rally: Dive, Discover, Protect!
1-pager
Purpose
This project aims to immerse first-grade students in the vibrant ecosystem of the Belize coral reef, fostering an understanding of its critical role in supporting marine life and human communities. Through hands-on activities and creative projects, students will explore the biodiversity of the reef and learn about the importance of conservation. By engaging in collaborative art and science projects, students will develop a sense of responsibility and propose actionable steps to protect this vital ecosystem for future generations.
Learning goals
Students will explore the vibrant ecosystem of the Belize coral reef, understanding its significance to marine life and human communities. They will learn about the diverse plants and animals that inhabit the reef and their interactions within this underwater world. Through hands-on activities, students will investigate human impacts on the reef and develop creative solutions for its preservation. The project will culminate in students expressing their knowledge and commitment to reef protection through art and collaborative installations.
Standards
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.7: Participate in shared research and writing projects, such as exploring a number of "how-to" books on a given topic and using them to write a sequence of instructions.
- NGSS - 1-LS1-1: Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their need
Products
Students will create a 3D interactive map of the Belize coral reef, incorporating features like marine life, plants, and human impacts to educate others about the ecosystem. They will also contribute to a collaborative installation piece, crafting handmade coral and marine life sculptures to form a vibrant display that emphasizes the reef's biodiversity and conservation needs. These products will be showcased in a 'Reef Art Gallery,' where students will present their models and artwork, inviting visitors to engage with and commit to reef protection.
Launch
Kick off the project with a 'Coral Adventure Day' where students dive into a vibrant virtual tour of the Belize coral reef. Using interactive videos, students will explore the colorful marine life and plants, immersing themselves in the underwater ecosystem. This experience sets the stage for curiosity and excitement, encouraging students to ask questions and share their initial observations about the reef's importance.
Exhibition
Invite families and community members to the 'Reef Art Gallery,' where students proudly display their coral reef models and collaborative mural. The gallery will feature vibrant artwork and sculptures created by the students, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the Belize coral reef. Visitors can engage with the interactive map and leave messages of commitment to reef protection, fostering a sense of community involvement and awareness.
Plan
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Coral Adventure Day - Begin with a virtual tour of the Belize coral reef using interactive videos to introduce students to the vibrant ecosystem and spark curiosity about its marine life and plants (30 min)
Reflection and Discussion - Engage students in a conversation about their observations from the virtual tour, focusing on what they found interesting and any questions they have about the reef (15 min)
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Coral Reef Introduction - Discuss the concept of a coral reef and its significance to marine life, emphasizing how it provides shelter and food for various species (20 min)
Plant and Animal Matching Game - Introduce students to common plants and animals of the Belize coral reef through a matching game, reinforcing their unique characteristics and roles within the ecosystem (25 min)
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Interactive Reef Construction - Begin creating a 3D interactive map of the Belize coral reef using simple materials, starting with the foundation and discussing the importance of each part (25 min)
Creative Coral Sculpting - Introduce clay or other craft materials for students to begin making coral sculptures, which will be added to the collaborative installation piece (20 min)
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Biodiversity Mural - Start a collaborative mural depicting the Belize coral reef, assigning different elements to students to draw or paint, focusing on the diversity of life found in the reef (25 min)
Reef Role-Play - Engage students in a role-play activity where they act as different reef organisms, demonstrating how they interact and depend on each other within the ecosystem (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A completed sketch of a plant or animal from the Belize coral reef.
2. A 'Reef Pledge' poster created collaboratively by the class. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare interactive videos and virtual tour links for the Coral Adventure Day.
2. Gather picture books and visual aids about the plants and animals of the Belize coral reef. 3. Create role-play materials and discussion prompts to explain the importance of the reef. 4. Provide art supplies such as paper, markers, and crayons for the sketching activity. 5. Prepare materials for creating the 'Reef Pledge' poster, including large paper, markers, and stickers. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Coral Reef Exploration - Students investigate the different types of coral that make up the Belize coral reef, using images and video clips to identify unique features. (20 min)
Marine Life Discovery - Students learn about various fish and marine creatures living in the reef, discussing their roles in the ecosystem. (25 min)
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Plant Life Investigation - Students explore the types of plants found in the Belize coral reef, using digital resources to understand their importance to marine life. (20 min)
Interconnected Ecosystems - Students create a simple chart displaying interactions between plants and animals in the reef ecosystem. (25 min)
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Human Impact Discussion - Students learn about how human activities affect the reef, discussing positive and negative impacts. (20 min)
Reef Guardians Planning - Students brainstorm and design models using recycled materials to demonstrate solutions for reef preservation. (25 min)
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Coral Reef Model Creation - Students work collaboratively to construct their reef models, incorporating elements learned throughout the week. (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Complete the handmade coral and marine life sculptures for the collaborative installation piece. Students will finish their chosen species representation and add it to the collective display, showcasing the biodiversity of the Belize coral reef.
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for the role-playing game, including printed images or masks representing different reef organisms for students to wear.
2. Prepare a water tank and materials necessary to simulate pollution effects, such as safe substances that mimic pollutants without harming students or the environment. 3. Collect recycled materials for students to use in crafting their coral and marine life sculptures, ensuring a variety of colors and textures to represent different species. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Coral Reef Model Completion - Students finalize their reef models, adding finishing touches and ensuring all elements of the ecosystem are represented. (25 min)
Interactive Map Features - Students integrate their knowledge into the 3D interactive map by adding details like marine life and human impacts, preparing for exhibition. (20 min)
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Collaborative Installation Assembly - Students assemble their handmade coral and marine life sculptures into a vibrant installation piece, emphasizing biodiversity and conservation. (25 min)
Exhibition Preparation - Students prepare their models and artwork for the Reef Art Gallery, arranging displays and practicing presentations. (20 min)
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Gallery Setup - Students help set up the Reef Art Gallery, arranging their models and artwork to create an engaging exhibit. (25 min)
Commitment Messages - Students invite visitors to leave messages of commitment to reef protection in the gallery, fostering community involvement. (20 min)
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Exhibition Day - Students host the Reef Art Gallery, showcasing their work and educating visitors about the Belize coral reef and its importance. (30 min)
Reflection and Celebration - Students reflect on what they learned throughout the project, sharing their favorite experiences and celebrating their achievements. (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed 3D interactive map of the Belize coral reef with detailed features
2. Collaborative installation piece featuring handmade coral and marine life sculptures 3. Set up and execution of the 'Reef Art Gallery' exhibition, including student presentations |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for final additions to the 3D map, such as colored paper, markers, and glue
2. Provide additional art supplies for sculpture creation, including clay, paint, and brushes 3. Arrange exhibition space, including tables and display boards for models and artwork 4. Organize a virtual tour setup for the interactive map, ensuring technology is ready for visitor engagement |
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