Erosion Adventure: Nature's Shaping Force

2nd Grade Project 4 weeks

Erosion Avengers: Nature's Barrier Builders!

Devon S

2.1.5.N

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Content Expertise

+ 1 more

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Purpose

This project immerses second-grade students in understanding erosion while highlighting the benefits of drinking water for health. Through designing and testing erosion barriers, students apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to real-world environmental challenges. The experience cultivates self-directed learning and reflection, allowing students to build a sense of identity and community as they actively contribute to local solutions.

Learning goals

Students will explore the benefits of drinking water through hands-on activities, connecting hydration to overall health. They will engage in designing and testing erosion barriers, fostering collaboration and critical thinking. By using feedback to refine their designs, students will enhance their understanding of erosion and its impact on the community. Engaging with community partners and participating in exhibitions will allow students to practice effective communication and deepen their academic mindset by connecting their work to real-world applications.

Standards

[California] 2.1.5.N - Describe the benefits of drinking water in amounts consistent with current research-based health guidelines.

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.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.

Products

Students will create small-scale erosion barriers using natural materials, testing their effectiveness and refining their designs. They will also construct a detailed scale model of a local area affected by erosion, integrating their barriers to demonstrate potential real-world applications. These products will be showcased at an exhibition, allowing students to present their work and discuss the benefits of drinking water consistent with health guidelines as part of their learning process with visitors. Additionally, students will create informational posters highlighting the importance of water consumption and its role in preventing erosion, connecting their project to health standards.

Launch

Begin the project with an 'Erosion Adventure Day' where students explore a nearby park or natural area to observe examples of erosion firsthand. During the exploration, students will learn about the importance of water in maintaining healthy ecosystems and discuss how drinking water benefits their health according to current guidelines. They will collect samples, take photos, and document their findings, sparking curiosity and setting the stage for their inquiry into erosion prevention. This immersive experience will provide a tangible context for their upcoming design and experimentation activities.

Exhibition

During the exhibition with buddy classes, students will present their scale models of local areas affected by erosion, highlighting their designed erosion barriers and emphasizing the importance of maintaining natural water sources. Interactive stations will allow students to explain their models and share insights from their project journey, fostering discussions about erosion prevention and the benefits of drinking water in line with health guidelines. This event will enable students to practice effective communication, receive feedback, and reflect on the real-world applications of their solutions.

Learning Journey

Project Activities

Days 1 - 12

Milestone Activities

No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Introduction to Erosion Activity 15m Erosion Adventure Day Activity 45m Erosion Adventure Day Preparation Activity 15m Photo Documentation Activity 15m	Erosion Adventure Day Activity 45m Water and Erosion Connection Activity 20m	Reflection and Sharing Activity 20m Barrier Design Challenge Activity 25m Introduction to Feedback and Reflection Activity 20m Introduction to Erosion Barriers Activity 15m Group Brainstorming Activity 10m
Preparation

Week 2	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Erosion Barrier Design Brainstorm Activity 20m Welcome the Geologist Activity 20m Understanding Water's Role Activity 25m Interactive Erosion Experiment Activity 25m	Prototype Building Session Activity 25m Design Challenge Introduction Activity 15m Materials Exploration Activity 15m Feedback and Reflection Activity 20m Initial Barrier Sketches Activity 15m	Barrier Construction Activity 25m Testing Erosion Barriers Activity 30m Testing and Observation Activity 20m Critique and Iteration Activity 15m
Preparation

Week 3	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Erosion Barrier Construction Activity 30m Refining Barrier Prototypes Activity 25m Water Benefits Exploration Activity 15m Exploring Local Erosion Sites Activity 20m	Advanced Testing Phase Activity 30m Testing Erosion Barriers Activity 25m Self-Reflection Journaling Activity 15m Buddy Class Critique Session Activity 20m	Data Analysis and Iteration Activity 25m Preparing for Gallery Walk Activity 25m Geologist Guest Visit Activity 20m Practice Presentations Activity 20m
Preparation

Week 4	Day 10	Day 11	Day 12
Phase	Project Activities
Activities	Final Erosion Barrier Testing Activity 30m Final Barrier Refinement Activity 20m Exhibition Preparation Activity 25m Reflection Discussion Activity 15m	Exhibition Set-Up Activity 20m Preparing Scale Models Activity 30m Rehearsal and Role Assignment Activity 25m Creating Informational Posters Activity 15m	Exhibition Setup Activity 20m Exhibition Day Activity 45m Exhibition Presentation Activity 25m
Preparation