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Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Activities
Seeds of Change Concert - Begin the project with an engaging concert where students collaborate with local musicians and artists to create and perform songs and skits about environmental advocacy. This sets the stage for integrating music and art into conservation efforts. (45 min)
Introduction to Project & Essential Questions - Discuss the purpose of the 'Seeds of Change' project and introduce essential questions like 'How do we care for living things in our local environment?' and 'What actions can we take as second graders to help improve our local environment?' (15 min)
Storytime: Global Perspectives - Read a story about environmental conservation from another culture, such as Japan's recycling efforts, and discuss what students learned and how it applies to their lives. (30 min)
Change Makers Workshop: Seed Starter Kits - Collaborate with local master gardeners to design and create a family seed starter kit. Students will learn about plant needs and the role of plants in the ecosystem. (30 min)
Reflection Journal - Students write and draw their thoughts and feelings about the workshop, noting what they learned about plant care and its importance. (15 min)
Introduction to Biographies: Environmentalists - Dive into the TCI biographies unit by learning about influential environmentalists. Discuss their contributions and how students can make an impact. (25 min)
Math in Nature: Measuring Plant Growth - Introduce 'Math in Nature' by measuring plant growth in their seed starter kits and discussing how math helps us understand and care for living things. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Students participate in the 'Seeds of Change Concert,' performing songs or skits about environmental advocacy.
2. Creation of initial sketches and ideas for environmental comics in the 'Change Makers' workshop.
3. Draft outlines for the family seed starter kits, including care instructions and initial designs.
4. Completion of a class reflection activity where students journal their thoughts on the concert and workshop, focusing on what they learned about environmental conservation.
5. Collaborative class mural begun, representing the project theme and incorporating students' initial reflections and ideas.
Preparation 1. Coordinate with local musicians and artists to plan the 'Seeds of Change Concert' performance.
2. Gather materials for the 'Change Makers' workshop, including art supplies for illustrating comics and materials for seed starter kits.
3. Set up a virtual meeting with master gardeners to discuss their role in the upcoming workshop series.
4. Prepare a list of environmental songs or skits that students can adapt or perform with local musicians.
5. Organize a classroom space for the concert and workshop series, ensuring ample room for activities and performances.
6. Develop an introductory presentation on environmental conservation and its cultural significance to kick off the project.
7. Collect stories and information on global environmental efforts, focusing on Japan and other relevant cultures.
Week 2
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Activities
Global Conservation Stories - Read and discuss stories from around the world about environmental conservation, focusing on water conservation in desert climates and recycling efforts. (20 min)
Creative Response to Global Stories - Students create a comic strip illustrating a key environmental practice learned from the global stories, integrating their interest in comics. (25 min)
Master Gardener Workshop: Plant Care - Engage in an interactive session with a local master gardener to learn advanced plant care techniques and their importance in the ecosystem. (30 min)
Reflection Circle - Students share their thoughts on the workshop and discuss how they can apply what they've learned to their seed starter kits. (15 min)
Farm Lab Virtual Tour - Participate in a virtual tour of Farm Lab, exploring sustainable farming practices and how they contribute to environmental conservation. (25 min)
Math in Nature: Plant Growth Calculations - Calculate the growth of plants in seed starter kits using real data, enhancing math skills through practical application. (20 min)
Cultural Exchange: Environmental Practices - Connect with educators from Japan via a virtual call to share and discuss recycling practices and water conservation techniques. (25 min)
Multimedia Presentation Planning - Begin outlining a multimedia presentation that integrates music, comics, and games to creatively communicate environmental conservation messages. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Documented group discussions and insights on global environmental practices.
2. Initial data recorded from family seed starter kits, including plant measurements and growth observations.
3. Illustrated drafts of book chapters that integrate comics and music elements.
4. Participation in the virtual exchange with reflections shared on global environmental efforts.
5. Completed 'Math in Nature' activity with recorded calculations and peer feedback.
Preparation 1. Gather articles and short stories about Japan's recycling efforts and water conservation in desert climates.
2. Coordinate with a local master gardener to plan and facilitate the workshop on plant biology and seed planting.
3. Prepare materials for the family seed starter kits, including seeds, soil, and plant measuring tools.
4. Arrange a virtual exchange session with educators from Japan, ensuring technology setup and communication platforms are ready.
5. Collect art supplies for students to begin illustrating their chapters, including paper, pencils, markers, and reference materials.
6. Compile math worksheets and tools for students to measure and record plant growth, such as rulers and growth charts.
Week 3
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Activities
Plant Growth Observation - Students observe their seed starter kits and document plant growth, discussing changes and factors affecting growth. (20 min)
Story Creation Workshop - Begin drafting individual stories for the published book, focusing on local environmental heroes and their contributions. (25 min)
Illustration Session - Students create illustrations for their stories, integrating techniques learned from comic strip creation. (30 min)
Peer Review Circle - Share story drafts with peers for feedback, focusing on clarity and impact of environmental messages. (15 min)
Music Integration Workshop - Collaborate with local musicians to develop a song that complements students' environmental stories. (25 min)
Math Application in Stories - Calculate and incorporate plant growth data into stories, demonstrating mathematical understanding of environmental impact. (20 min)
Story Refinement and Compilation - Finalize story drafts and compile chapters for the published book, ensuring narrative coherence and visual appeal. (30 min)
Reflection Mural Update - Add new elements to the collaborative reflection mural, representing learning and emotional growth over the week. (15 min)
Deliverables
1. Research notes and findings from global conservation practices, including Japan's recycling efforts.
2. Completed family seed starter kits with documented math calculations related to plant care.
3. Draft of book chapter, with illustrations, focusing on the integration of global conservation practices and local plant care experiences.
4. Multimedia projects, including comics and music pieces, that creatively express environmental advocacy.
Preparation 1. Gather books, videos, and resources on global environmental practices for student research.
2. Coordinate with local master gardeners for the workshop and ensure materials like soil, seeds, and pots are ready for the seed starter kits.
3. Provide art supplies for illustrating book chapters and comic creation, such as paper, pencils, markers, and watercolors.
4. Arrange virtual exchanges with international educators from Japan and other countries to share conservation stories.
5. Set up music instruments and recording equipment for students to create songs with local artists.
Week 4
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Day 16
Activities
Story Sharing Circle - Students present their drafted stories to the class, focusing on local environmental heroes and their contributions. (20 min)
Illustration Refinement - Students enhance their illustrations based on peer feedback, integrating techniques to visually communicate environmental messages. (25 min)
Music and Story Integration - Work with local musicians to refine the accompanying song, ensuring it complements the environmental narratives effectively. (30 min)
Math in Nature Recap - Review plant growth data and discuss how mathematical calculations enhance understanding of environmental impact. (15 min)
Multimedia Presentation Development - Continue planning and creating multimedia presentations that incorporate music, comics, and games to convey environmental conservation messages. (30 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Share multimedia presentation drafts with peers for constructive feedback and suggestions. (15 min)
Community Event Planning - Begin organizing logistics for the community event where students will showcase their work and present environmental improvement plans. (25 min)
Reflection Journal Update - Reflect on the week's activities and learning experiences, focusing on how collaborative efforts have enhanced understanding and advocacy skills. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Students create and design family seed starter kits with guidance from master gardeners.
2. Illustrate and draft a chapter for the published book, incorporating global conservation stories.
3. Develop a multimedia presentation combining music, comics, and games to showcase understanding of environmental conservation.
4. Conduct virtual exchange with educators from Japan, documenting insights and cultural practices learned.
5. Complete reflection journal entries detailing experiences and thoughts on plant care and global conservation approaches.
6. Participate in Farm Lab field trip, engaging in planting and harvesting activities.
Preparation 1. Coordinate with local master gardeners to schedule interactive workshops for seed starter kit creation.
2. Gather materials for seed starter kits, including pots, soil, seeds, and instructional guides.
3. Prepare multimedia resources showcasing global environmental conservation stories, focusing on Japan's recycling and water conservation in desert climates.
4. Set up virtual exchange calls with educators from Japan to discuss environmental practices.
5. Collect art supplies and multimedia tools for students to illustrate their book chapters and create comics.
6. Arrange for local artists and musicians to mentor students in integrating music and comics into their environmental advocacy projects.
7. Prepare reflection journals for students to document their thoughts and learning experiences.
8. Coordinate with Farm Lab staff for field trip logistics and hands-on activities.
Week 5
Day 17
Day 18
Day 19
Day 20
Activities
Plant Growth Analysis - Students assess the growth of their plants from the seed starter kits, comparing results and discussing factors that influenced growth. (20 min)
Book Chapter Peer Review - Students exchange their drafted book chapters with peers for constructive feedback, focusing on clarity of environmental messages and integration of math data. (25 min)
Illustration Enhancement Workshop - Students refine their illustrations for the book, incorporating peer feedback to improve visual storytelling. (30 min)
Music and Story Coordination - Work with local musicians to synchronize the environmental-themed song with narrative elements from students' stories. (15 min)
Multimedia Presentation Assembly - Begin assembling multimedia presentations, integrating music, comics, and games to creatively communicate conservation messages. (30 min)
Reflection Circle - Students participate in a reflection circle to discuss their learning journey and how their creative efforts contribute to environmental advocacy. (15 min)
Community Event Rehearsal - Practice presenting multimedia projects and book chapters for the upcoming community event, focusing on clear communication and engagement. (25 min)
Collaborative Mural Update - Add new insights and reflections to the collaborative mural, symbolizing personal growth and understanding of environmental stewardship. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Written and illustrated drafts of individual book chapters focusing on cultural approaches to environmental conservation.
2. Multimedia presentation drafts that integrate comics and music to creatively convey global environmental messages.
3. Journal entries reflecting on the virtual exchange with educators from Japan, detailing insights gained and connections made to local conservation efforts.
4. Completed math calculations and data sheets documenting plant growth rates in the seed starter kits.
5. Collaborative reflection mural updates, visually representing the students' learning journey and cultural connections made during the week.
Preparation 1. Coordinate with educators in Japan to organize a virtual exchange session, ensuring all necessary technology and communication tools are set up.
2. Gather and prepare reading materials and stories about global environmental conservation efforts, focusing on Japan and other countries.
3. Arrange a workshop with local artists and musicians to guide students in incorporating comics and music into their environmental storytelling.
4. Prepare materials for the math activity, including measuring tools and data sheets for tracking plant growth in the seed starter kits.
5. Ensure students have access to writing and art supplies for creating their book chapters, including paper, pencils, markers, and other creative tools.
Week 6
Day 21
Day 22
Day 23
Day 24
Activities
Final Book Chapter Compilation - Students compile their finalized book chapters, ensuring each story is coherent and visually appealing. (25 min)
Music Synchronization Session - Collaborate with local musicians to ensure the environmental-themed song perfectly complements the narratives in the book. (20 min)
Multimedia Presentation Finalization - Students finalize their multimedia presentations, integrating feedback received and ensuring all elements are cohesive. (30 min)
Community Event Planning Update - Review and refine plans for the upcoming community event, focusing on logistics and presentation flow. (15 min)
Rehearsal for Community Event - Practice presenting multimedia projects and book chapters, ensuring clear and engaging communication. (25 min)
Reflection Journal: Personal Growth - Students reflect on their learning journey, discussing how their efforts contribute to environmental advocacy. (20 min)
Collaborative Mural Completion - Finalize the collaborative reflection mural, incorporating visual symbols of personal growth and environmental understanding. (30 min)
Event Engagement Strategies - Discuss strategies for engaging community members during the event, focusing on interactive elements and storytelling. (15 min)
Deliverables
1. Completed and illustrated book chapters ready for inclusion in the published book.
2. Calculations and graphs from the 'Math in Nature' activity demonstrating plant growth data.
3. Notes and reflections from the virtual exchange session with insights on global environmental practices.
4. Drafts of storyboards and scripts for multimedia presentations, showcasing initial ideas for combining music, comics, and games.
5. Journal entries and contributions to the reflection mural, capturing students' personal growth and learning journey.
Preparation 1. Gather materials for illustrating book chapters, including colored pencils, markers, and drawing paper.
2. Ensure measuring tools and graph paper are available for the 'Math in Nature' activity.
3. Coordinate with educators in Japan for the virtual exchange session, confirming technology setup and scheduling.
4. Prepare multimedia tools and resources, such as tablets or computers with presentation software, for creating group presentations.
5. Set up an area for the collaborative reflection mural where students can add new elements throughout the week.
Week 7
Day 25
Day 26
Day 27
Day 28
Activities
Final Multimedia Presentation Preparations - Students review their multimedia presentations, ensuring all elements such as music, comics, and games are seamlessly integrated. (25 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Exchange presentations with peers for final feedback and suggestions on improvement, focusing on clarity and impact. (20 min)
Collaborative Book Proofreading - Students work in pairs to proofread and finalize their book chapters, ensuring grammar, coherence, and visual appeal. (25 min)
Music and Story Rehearsal - Practice performing the environmental-themed song, coordinating it with narrative elements to ensure a smooth presentation. (20 min)
Community Event Planning and Logistics - Finalize logistics for the community event, assigning roles and reviewing presentation flow. (30 min)
Reflection Journal: Project Impact - Reflect on how the project has contributed to their understanding of environmental conservation and personal growth. (15 min)
Final Rehearsal for Community Event - Conduct a full rehearsal of presentations and performances, focusing on engagement and storytelling techniques. (25 min)
Event Interaction Strategies - Discuss and practice strategies to interact with community members during the event, emphasizing engagement and advocacy. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Completed family seed starter kits with documented growth predictions and environmental impact discussions.
2. Journal entries reflecting on global stories and practices learned from Japan's recycling efforts and water conservation.
3. Draft and revised versions of their chapter for the published book, incorporating feedback from peers and teachers.
4. Illustrated visuals for their book chapter that integrate math calculations related to plant growth and environmental impact.
Preparation 1. Gather multimedia resources on Japan's recycling efforts and desert water conservation for research activities.
2. Coordinate with master gardeners for the plant care workshop and ensure availability of materials for seed starter kits.
3. Set up virtual exchange with educators from Japan, ensuring technology and communication platforms are ready.
4. Provide students with writing materials and art supplies to illustrate their book chapters.
5. Prepare feedback guidelines for students to use during peer review sessions.
Week 8
Day 29
Day 30
Day 31
Day 32
Activities
Final Multimedia Presentation Review - Conduct a detailed review of the multimedia presentations, ensuring all music, comics, and games are polished and effectively communicate environmental messages. (25 min)
Peer Feedback and Final Adjustments - Exchange presentations with peers for constructive feedback and make final adjustments to enhance clarity and impact. (20 min)
Published Book Introduction - Introduce the completed book to the class, highlighting the collaborative effort and key environmental themes. (20 min)
Final Song and Story Coordination - Practice performing the environmental-themed song, ensuring it aligns seamlessly with the narrative elements for a coherent presentation. (25 min)
Community Event Dry Run - Conduct a full run-through of presentations and performances, focusing on engagement and storytelling techniques to prepare for the community event. (30 min)
Reflection on Project Journey - Reflect on the entire project journey, discussing individual contributions to environmental advocacy and personal growth. (15 min)
Seeds of Change Festival - Host the community event where students showcase their multimedia presentations, perform the environmental-themed song, and display illustrated book chapters, engaging with community members and local stakeholders. (45 min)
Deliverables
1. Completion of illustrated book chapters for the published book, demonstrating understanding of environmental conservation.
2. Finalized multimedia presentations combining music, comics, and games to communicate advocacy for Earth care.
3. Performance of environmental-themed songs or skits created in collaboration with local artists.
4. Display of seed starter kits, showcasing students' math calculations and understanding of plant growth.
5. Community presentation of students' environmental improvement plans, using visual aids and storytelling.
6. Creation of a collaborative reflection mural representing students' learning journey throughout the project.
Preparation 1. Coordinate with local stakeholders and community members for the Seeds of Change Festival.
2. Prepare multimedia presentation equipment (projectors, screens, speakers) for students to showcase their work.
3. Set up exhibition tables for displaying students' illustrated book chapters and seed starter kits.
4. Organize interactive stations for festival guests to engage with students' projects.
5. Arrange logistics for student performances, ensuring sound and stage setup for songs and skits.
6. Gather materials for final reflection activity, including art supplies for the collaborative mural.
7. Ensure all students have completed their book chapters and multimedia presentations.