3rd Grade
Project
8 weeks
Sea Stories & Ocean Mysteries Adventure
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.7
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.1
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager
Purpose
Students will embark on a multidisciplinary journey to explore the sea through literature, art, and scientific inquiry, uncovering the various reasons behind ocean exploration. Partnering with the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Oregon Science Museum, students will engage in hands-on research and projects that bridge classroom learning with real-world experiences. This initiative fosters critical thinking, self-directed learning, and a strong academic mindset, as students create digital presentations or artistic displays to share their findings. Peer feedback sessions and collaborative critique opportunities will enhance their learning and strengthen their sense of place and identity.
Learning goals
Students will explore the essential question, "Why do we explore the sea?" by engaging with literature, art, and film. They will conduct short research projects to deepen their understanding, using information from texts and illustrations. Collaborating with community partners like the Oregon Coast Aquarium and OMSI, students will apply critical thinking to real-world questions. Throughout the module, students will reflect on their learning process, building self-knowledge and a sense of belonging. Students will present their findings through a creative project of their choice, such as a digital presentation, art piece, or written essay, and participate in peer feedback sessions to refine their work.
Standards
- [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.7 - Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where, when, why, and how key events occur).
- [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.7 - Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.
- [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.1 - Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
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 collaboratively create an illustrated ocean exploration journal, documenting their findings and reflections on why people explore the sea. They will design and present a multimedia project, such as a short video or digital presentation, showcasing their research on a chosen sea creature or exploration technology. To enhance feedback and critique, students will participate in peer review sessions, offering constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement. These projects will be showcased in an exhibition at the school, where students will share their work with peers, teachers, and family members, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.
Launch
Begin the learning experience with an interactive virtual tour of the Oregon Coast Aquarium, highlighting the diverse marine life and ecosystems. Following the tour, engage students in a collaborative discussion to brainstorm questions about sea exploration, connecting these to their own experiences and curiosity. Introduce the essential question, "Why do we explore the sea?" and encourage students to share their initial thoughts. Students can then create a visual mind map of their ideas, which will guide their inquiry-driven projects and culminate in a peer-reviewed exhibition at the school.
Exhibition
Students will host a "Sea Exploration Showcase" at their school, where they will present their research projects, artwork, and creative writing inspired by their studies. They will create interactive displays and presentations, inviting families and community members to engage with their findings and insights. Collaborating with experts from the Oregon Coast Aquarium and OMSI, students will lead guided tours and discussions, demonstrating their understanding of why people explore the sea and sharing their personal reflections on the experience. Students will also have the opportunity to provide and receive constructive feedback through peer-led critique sessions, enhancing their learning and presentation skills.
Plan
| Week 1 |
Day 1
|
Day 2
|
Day 3
|
Day 4
|
Day 5
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
|
||||
| Activities |
Virtual Aquarium Tour
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Brainstorming Session
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Introduction to Jacques Cousteau
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Illustration Analysis
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
Exploring Sea Monsters
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Creative Writing Prompt
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
Art and the Sea
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Art Activity
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Introduction to Sea Poetry
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Poetry Writing
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
| Preparation | |||||
| Week 2 |
Day 6
|
Day 7
|
Day 8
|
Day 9
|
Day 10
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
|
||||
| Activities |
Virtual Aquarium Tour Reflection
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
Literature Exploration: Jacques Cousteau
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
|
Art and Literature Connection
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Poetry Analysis: 'The Sea Wind'
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Exploring Sea Monsters
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Research and Note-taking
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
Interactive Film Viewing: 'Quest for the Giant Squid'
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Group Discussion and Q&A
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
|
Storytelling and Fables
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Creative Writing: Sea Adventure
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
| Preparation | |||||
| Week 3 |
Day 11
|
Day 12
|
Day 13
|
Day 14
|
Day 15
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
|
||||
| Activities |
Exploring Sea Creatures
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Creature Research
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
Creative Creature Presentations
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Reflection and Feedback
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
|
Art and Exploration
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Art Creation
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Literary Exploration
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Literature Response
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
Film Exploration
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Class Discussion
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
|
| Preparation | |||||
| Week 4 |
Day 16
|
Day 17
|
Day 18
|
Day 19
|
Day 20
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
|
||||
| Activities |
Introduction to Ocean Exploration Technology
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Technology and Innovation Brainstorm
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
Design a Sea Exploration Tool
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Presentation and Feedback
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
|
Exploring Sea Art
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Collaborative Art Project
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Interactive Film Viewing: 'Sperm Whale Encounter'
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Research Reflection
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
|
Multimedia Project Planning
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Project Work Time
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
| Preparation | |||||
| Week 5 |
Day 21
|
Day 22
|
Day 23
|
Day 24
|
Day 25
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
|
||||
| Activities |
Interactive Film Viewing: ‘Sperm Whale Encounter’
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Group Discussion: Whale Exploration
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
Poetry and Sea Exploration
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Creative Poetic Expression
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
Exploration Technology Showcase
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Design Challenge: Future Exploration Tools
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Literature Connection: ‘Amos & Boris’ Reflection
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Literature Response Activity
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Art Exploration: ‘The Gulf Stream’ by Winslow Homer
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Art Creation: Narrative Art
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
| Preparation | |||||
| Week 6 |
Day 26
|
Day 27
|
Day 28
|
Day 29
|
Day 30
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
|
||||
| Activities |
Peer Review and Feedback Session
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Feedback Reflection and Revisions
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
Storyboard Development
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Narrative and Visual Enhancement
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Expert Q&A Preparation
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Project Work Time
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Virtual Q&A with Experts
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Reflection and Integration
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
|
Final Revisions and Polishing
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Project Sharing and Gallery Walk
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
| Preparation | |||||
| Week 7 |
Day 31
|
Day 32
|
Day 33
|
Day 34
|
Day 35
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
|
||||
| Activities |
Exploration Journal Review
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Final Research Project Collaboration
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Community Partner Preparation
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Project Refinement
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Virtual Q&A Session
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Reflection and Integration
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
|
Final Project Work Session
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Presentation Skills Workshop
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
|
Dress Rehearsal
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Reflection and Celebration
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
| Preparation | |||||
| Week 8 |
Day 36
|
Day 37
|
Day 38
|
Day 39
|
Day 40
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase |
Project Activities
|
||||
| Activities |
Final Project Rehearsal
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
Reflection and Refinement
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
|
Exhibition Setup
Activity (Deprecated)
30m
Final Touches
Activity (Deprecated)
15m
|
Sea Exploration Showcase
Activity (Deprecated)
45m
|
Post-Exhibition Reflection
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Thank You Notes
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
Learning Celebration
Activity (Deprecated)
20m
Project Journals Review
Activity (Deprecated)
25m
|
| Preparation | |||||