"Planet Pals: Caring for Earth Together"

1st Grade Project 4 weeks

"Planet Pals: Caring for Earth Together"

Jessica S

ESS.3.C

D4.7.K-2

ESS.1.C

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

+ 1 more

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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage first-grade students in hands-on activities that foster understanding and appreciation for the planet and its ecosystems. Through creating a garden that supports local wildlife, students will explore human impacts on Earth systems and learn ways to make their community cleaner and greener. By collaborating with community partners, reflecting on their contributions, and presenting their findings, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while building a sense of belonging and identity within their community.

Learning goals

Students will explore human impacts on Earth systems and identify actionable steps to care for the planet by creating a garden that supports local wildlife. They will engage in critical thinking and problem-solving to address environmental challenges in their community, fostering self-directed learning through reflection and feedback. By collaborating with the school librarian and utilizing the greenhouse, students will develop a sense of place and belonging, enhancing their academic mindset and self-efficacy. Through arts-based assessments and presentations, students will analyze their contributions to a cleaner and greener community.

Standards

[Next Generation Science Standards] ESS.3.C - Human Impacts on Earth Systems
[National Council for the Social Studies] D4.7.K-2 - Identify ways to take action to help address local, regional, and global problems.
[Next Generation Science Standards] ESS.1.C - The History of Planet Earth

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 design and create a small garden to support local wildlife, documenting their process through art and written reflections. They will craft presentations showcasing their garden's impact on the environment, incorporating feedback from peers and the MS librarian. Each student will contribute to a collective mural depicting diverse ways of life, highlighting the interconnectedness of plants, animals, and humans. The project will culminate in an exhibition where students present their garden and mural, explaining how their actions contribute to a cleaner and greener community.

Launch

Begin the project by inviting the MS librarian to introduce students to the school greenhouse and discuss the importance of local wildlife. Engage students in a hands-on activity where they plant seeds that will grow into a garden designed to support local animal and plant life. Encourage students to brainstorm and share ideas on how their garden can contribute to a cleaner and greener community, setting the stage for the project's essential questions.

Exhibition

Students will present their garden designs and share their experiences in creating habitats that support local wildlife. They will showcase art pieces inspired by the plants and animals they studied, highlighting their understanding of different ways of life. The exhibition will include interactive stations where visitors can learn about the students' efforts to make the community cleaner and greener, encouraging dialogue and reflection on human impacts on Earth systems. The MS librarian will be invited to discuss the role of the school greenhouse in supporting these initiatives, fostering community engagement and collaboration.

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