This project aims to connect 2nd-grade students with their local aquatic environments by exploring the impact of land activities on water systems and marine life. Students will engage with community partners to learn firsthand about ecological balance and responsible resource consumption. Through experiential learning, students will recognize the interconnectedness of ecosystems and develop a sense of stewardship through creative projects like performances and scientific journals. This interdisciplinary approach fosters self-directed learning and empowers students to be proactive in preserving San Diego's natural habitats. "How do our actions on land affect the water and the aquatic life in San Diego? How can we become stewards of our bodies of water ?"
Learning goals
Students will investigate the impact of human actions on aquatic ecosystems and understand the interconnectedness of land and water systems. They will explore various local sites to observe and document the role of water in Earth's processes and practice responsible decision-making and resource management. Through self-directed learning, students will create scientific journals, conduct experiments, and collaborate on a water-themed performance. They will engage in reflection to understand real-world cause and effect, drawing connections between their learning experiences and personal and community responsibility.
Standards
[Next Generation Science Standards] ESS.2.C - The Roles of Water in Earth’s Surface Processes
[California] 1.2.1 - Locate on maps and globes their local community, California, the United States, the seven continents, and the four oceans.
[California] 2.4.3 - Understand how limits on resources affect production and consumption (what to produce and what to consume).
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
Throughout the project, students will create scientific journals documenting their observations and reflections from site visits, including local tide pools and the Tijuana river estuary. They will also craft informational writing pieces detailing the effects of human actions on local water bodies, which will be used in classroom displays. To culminate, students will design and perform a water-themed play that weaves together their learnings and insights, conveying the interconnectedness of land and aquatic life through the voices and perspectives of all living beings.
Launch
Students will kick off the project with an exciting Beach Clean Up Day, where they engage in hands-on environmental stewardship. They will witness first-hand the impact of pollution on aquatic life and learn from local environmental specialists who will explain the importance of keeping our beaches and oceans clean. This immersive experience will set the stage for their exploration of the essential question and inspire their creativity for the subsequent water-themed performance and informational writing tasks.
Exhibition
Students will present a dynamic water-themed performance, showcasing the interconnectedness of all living beings through creative expression. The exhibition will also include a classroom display of scientific journals and informational writing, spotlighting each student's exploration and understanding of aquatic ecosystems. Community members and partners are invited to engage with the exhibits and performances, celebrating students' growth as stewards of local water resources.
