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5th Grade  Project 4 weeks

"Eco-Adventure: Guardians of Our Green Planet!"

Andrea B
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.1
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.2
3-5-ETS1-2
ESS.3.A
+ 4 more
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Purpose

Students will engage in a project-based exploration of conservation, focusing on the importance of preserving natural resources and ecosystems. Through hands-on activities, including interviews with a national park ranger, they will investigate the role of national parks in maintaining biodiversity and analyze human impacts on Earth systems. By developing models and generating solutions, students will gain a deeper understanding of interdependent relationships in ecosystems and learn how to contribute to conservation efforts. This experience aims to foster critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving skills, empowering students to take informed actions to protect the environment.

Learning goals

Students will explore conservation by interviewing a national park ranger and engaging in hands-on activities that highlight the role of national parks in preserving biodiversity. They will develop models to understand matter movement within ecosystems and assess human impacts on Earth systems. Through reading and summarizing complex texts, students will generate and compare solutions to environmental challenges, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This project will actively involve students in discussions and initiatives that support the conservation of natural resources and ecosystems.
Standards
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.1 - Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10 - Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.2 - Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
  • 3-5-ETS1-2 - Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.1 - Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10 - Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.2 - Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
  • ESS.3.A - Natural Resources
  • ESS.3.C - Human Impacts on Earth Systems
  • LS.2.A - Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
  • LS.1.C - Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
  • 5-LS2-1 - Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
  • 3-5-ETS1-2 - Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and present a conservation action plan that focuses on preserving a local ecosystem or national park, including insights gained from interviewing a national park ranger. Throughout the project, they will create informative posters and digital presentations that highlight the importance of conservation, the role of national parks, and practical solutions to protect biodiversity. Additionally, students will develop models demonstrating the movement of matter in ecosystems, showcasing their understanding of interdependent relationships and human impacts on Earth systems.

Launch

Begin the project with a visit to a nearby national park or nature reserve, where students can observe diverse ecosystems and wildlife firsthand. During the visit, students will have the opportunity to interview a national park ranger to gain insights into conservation efforts and the challenges faced in preserving biodiversity. Encourage students to take notes and photographs of different species and habitats, asking questions and making observations about interdependent relationships they see. Back in the classroom, students will create a visual and written presentation of their observations and ranger interview, highlighting the importance of conservation and the role of national parks. This real-world experience will serve as a foundation for exploring conservation strategies and engaging with the essential questions throughout the project.

Exhibition

Students will create a conservation fair where they present their findings and solutions to real-world conservation challenges. They will develop informative displays and interactive models that demonstrate the movement of matter in ecosystems and the impact of human activities on natural resources. Each group will showcase their proposed solutions for preserving biodiversity in national parks, supported by textual evidence and summaries of key ideas learned during the project. The fair will include interviews with a national park ranger, allowing students to gain insights and share their learning with peers, teachers, and community members, fostering a collaborative learning environment.