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6th Grade  Lesson 85 minutes

Earth Quest: Layers, Cycles, Spheres & Seasons!

Mrs. M
6.9A
6.9B
6.10A
6.10B
6.10C
+ 2 more
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Purpose

The learning experience aims to deepen students' understanding of Earth's systems and their interactions through hands-on, project-based activities. By engaging with real-world data and collaborating with community partners, students will explore how Earth's layers, spheres, and cycles impact ecosystems and human activities. The purpose is to foster critical thinking, self-directed learning, and collaborative problem-solving skills, while emphasizing the importance of resource management in addressing global challenges.

Learning goals

Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of Earth's systems, including its layers, spheres, and the rock cycle, by constructing interactive models and engaging in virtual reality explorations. They will analyze the effects of Earth's revolution and tilt on seasons and tides through real-time data tracking and digital storytelling. Additionally, students will research and articulate the significance of resource management in addressing global challenges such as pollution and energy poverty, culminating in collaborative art installations and presentations.
Standards
  • [Texas] 6.9A - model and illustrate how the tilted Earth revolves around the Sun, causing changes in seasons
  • [Texas] 6.9B - describe and predict how the positions of the Earth, Sun, and Moon cause daily, spring, and neap cycles of ocean tides due to gravitational forces.
  • [Texas] 6.10A - differentiate between the biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere and identify components of each system
  • [Texas] 6.10B - model and describe the layers of Earth, including the inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust
  • [Texas] 6.10C - describe how metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks form and change through geologic processes in the rock cycle.
  • [Texas] 6.11A - research and describe why resource management is important in reducing global energy, poverty, malnutrition, and air and water pollution
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.

Products

Students will collaboratively create a mural or art installation illustrating the significance of resource management, accompanied by discussions during the exhibition. They'll develop a digital storytelling project using virtual reality to simulate ocean tides, culminating in a narrated video for the exhibition. Additionally, students will design and construct a 3D interactive model of Earth's layers and rock cycle, featuring moving parts to demonstrate geological processes, and present it during the Science in Action Day.

Launch

Begin the project with an immersive "Earth's Systems Exploration Day," where students rotate through interactive stations. Each station represents a different aspect of Earth's systems, such as Earth's layers, rock cycle, and spheres, using hands-on models and virtual reality simulations. Invite local experts to share insights on resource management and its impact on ecosystems, sparking curiosity and setting the stage for deeper investigations.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Science in Action Day' where they guide younger students through interactive exhibits showcasing their projects. Each exhibit will feature hands-on models, digital storytelling videos, and art installations that illustrate Earth's systems and the importance of resource management. Students will facilitate discussions, answer questions, and demonstrate experiments, creating a dynamic learning environment that fosters mentorship and community engagement.