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All grades  Project 7 weeks

"Earth's Story, Our Story"

Daniel S
Updated
MS-LS4-1
MS-LS4-2
MS-LS4-3
MS-LS4-4
MS-LS4-5
+ 7 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in exploring the dynamic history of Earth and its profound influence on human identity and culture. Through hands-on activities and critical reflection, students will connect geological and evolutionary processes to their own lives, fostering a deeper understanding of their place in the world. By integrating scientific inquiry with personal narratives, students will develop critical thinking skills and a sense of belonging, as they uncover the interconnectedness of Earth's story and their own.

Learning goals

Students will explore the dynamic nature of Earth's geology and the interconnectedness of life through hands-on projects that emphasize critical thinking and personal reflection. They will develop explanatory models to demonstrate their understanding of plate tectonics and evolutionary processes, integrating scientific evidence with personal and cultural narratives. Through peer review and self-reflection, students will refine their models and articulate how Earth's history shapes human identity and belonging. By engaging in collaborative storytelling and visual exhibitions, students will synthesize their learning, connecting geological and evolutionary milestones with their own life experiences and community heritage.

Standards
  • [] MS-LS4-1 - Analyze and interpret data for patterns in the fossil record that document the existence, diversity, extinction, and change of life forms throughout the history of life on Earth under the assumption that natural laws operate today as in the past.
  • [] MS-LS4-2 - Apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for the anatomical similarities and differences among modern organisms and between modern and fossil organisms to infer evolutionary relationships.
  • [] MS-LS4-3 - Analyze displays of pictorial data to compare patterns of similarities in the embryological development across multiple species to identify relationships not evident in the fully formed anatomy.
  • [] MS-LS4-4 - Construct an explanation based on evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals' probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment.
  • [] MS-LS4-5 - Gather and synthesize information about the technologies that have changed the way humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms.
  • [] MS-LS4-6 - Use mathematical representations to support explanations of how natural selection may lead to increases and decreases of specific traits in populations over time.
  • [] MS-ESS2-2 - Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth's surface at varying time and spatial scales.
  • [] MS-ESS2-3 - Analyze and interpret data on the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to provide evidence of the past plate motions.
  • [] 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.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will develop explanatory models showcasing the evolution of Earth's tectonic plates and human ancestry, incorporating interviews with family and community members to connect personal and cultural narratives. They will create personal timeline projects that intertwine geological and evolutionary events with their own life milestones, fostering reflection on identity and interconnectedness. The culmination will be a 'Journey Through Time' gallery walk, where students exhibit their projects alongside geological and evolutionary timelines, highlighting the shared story of Earth and humanity.

Launch

Begin the project with an immersive "Earth's Story Expedition" where students explore a virtual simulation of Earth's geological and evolutionary history. Set up stations representing different eras, such as the formation of continents, the rise of life, and human evolution, using augmented reality or interactive models. Encourage students to document their observations and questions, sparking curiosity and setting the stage for deeper investigation into Earth's dynamic story and their own connections to it.

Exhibition

Organize a 'Journey Through Time' gallery walk where students showcase their personal timeline projects alongside geological and evolutionary timelines. Invite family and community members to attend, encouraging students to share insights from their interviews about ancestral connections to Earth's history. Incorporate interactive stations where visitors can engage with students' explanatory models on plate tectonics and human evolution, fostering dialogue and deeper understanding of our shared story.