2nd Grade
Project
8 weeks
Dive into San Diego: Water's Ripple Effect
1-pager
Purpose
This project invites second-grade students to explore the vital role of water in human lives and ecosystems through hands-on activities and community engagement. By researching water conservation and personal usage, students will create public service announcements to educate their community. They will also construct a natural water filtration system and learn about watersheds, culminating in a presentation at Lake Murray Reservoir and a performance of a Brazilian water dance.
Learning goals
Students will explore the significance of water in their daily lives and local ecosystems, understanding its role in both human and environmental health. They will develop research skills by investigating personal water usage and conservation methods, and apply creative thinking to design persuasive PSA products. Through hands-on activities like building a natural water filtration system, students will gain practical insights into water purification processes. Engaging with community partners, they will learn about traditional and contemporary water conservation practices, fostering a sense of responsibility and cultural appreciation.
Standards
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.7: Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., read a number of books on a single topic to produce a report; record science observations).
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.4: Tell a story or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking audibly in coherent sentences.
- NGSS - 2-ESS2-3: Obtain information to identify where water is found on Earth and that it can be solid or liquid.
Products
Students will design and produce Public Service Announcement (PSA) posters and videos that highlight water conservation strategies and their significance. They will construct a simple, functional water filtration system using natural materials. Additionally, students will collaboratively create a model of a watershed to demonstrate their understanding of water flow and its impact on ecosystems. For the exhibition, they will present their PSAs and perform a Brazilian water dance to engage and educate the community at Lake Murray Reservoir.
Launch
Begin the project with a field trip to Lake Murray, where students can observe the reservoir and meet with a water conservation specialist. Engage students in a hands-on activity where they collect water samples and learn about the local ecosystem. Conclude the visit with a storytelling session from a local indigenous group, sharing traditional water conservation practices.
Exhibition
Students will showcase their learning by presenting their PSA products at Lake Murray Reservoir, engaging the community with informative displays and interactive activities. They will demonstrate their natural water filtration systems, explaining the science behind them and their significance in water conservation. The exhibition will culminate in a performance of a Brazilian water dance, celebrating cultural connections to water and its importance. Community partners, including water conservation specialists and local indigenous groups, will be invited to provide feedback and share additional insights, enriching the students' experience.
Plan
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
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| Activities |
Organize an engaging visit to Lake Murray for students to explore the reservoir and participate in a storytelling session with a local indigenous group, learning about traditional water conservation practices.
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Facilitate an interactive demonstration from a water conservation specialist who will explain the role of water in human lives and ecosystems.
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Conduct a classroom reflection session where students share their experiences and insights from the field trip, discussing the importance of water conservation.
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Introduce the concept of watersheds through an interactive demonstration using a simple model to show how water flows and collects in a watershed.
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Guide students in a creative brainstorming session to develop their own water superhero, focusing on the superhero's powers to conserve water and protect local ecosystems.
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| Deliverables |
1. A reflection journal entry detailing students' experiences at Lake Murray, including key learnings from the indigenous storytelling and water conservation specialist.
2. Initial sketches of the water superhero design with a brief description of its water conservation powers. |
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| Preparation |
1. Arrange transportation and permissions for the field trip to Lake Murray.
2. Coordinate with a local indigenous group for the storytelling session and with a water conservation specialist for the demonstration. 3. Prepare materials for the watershed demonstration, such as a simple watershed model kit and water-safe markers. 4. Gather art supplies for the superhero sketching session, including drawing paper, pencils, and colored pencils. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
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| Activities |
Introduce students to the concept of personal water usage by guiding them in tracking their water use over a 24-hour period. Discuss findings as a class and explore ways to reduce water usage.
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Facilitate a hands-on activity where students create a simple map of their local watershed, identifying key water sources and their connection to their community.
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Guide students in brainstorming ideas for their PSA products (magnets, posters, keychains), focusing on effective messages about water conservation.
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Begin the design process for the PSAs, encouraging students to draft initial designs and slogans.
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| Deliverables |
1. Personal water usage log with observations and reflections on how to conserve water.
2. Drafted map of the local watershed, highlighting key water sources. 3. Initial designs and slogans for PSA products focused on water conservation. |
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| Preparation |
1. Create a simple template for students to track their personal water usage over a 24-hour period.
2. Prepare materials for the watershed mapping activity, including large paper, markers, and reference maps of the local area. 3. Gather examples of effective PSAs to inspire students, focusing on clear messaging and visual impact. 4. Provide art supplies for students to draft their initial PSA designs, such as paper, markers, and colored pencils. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Introduce students to the concept of natural water filtration by discussing the process and its importance in ecosystems and human life.
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Engage students in a hands-on experiment to create a simple natural water filtration system using materials such as sand, gravel, and activated charcoal.
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Facilitate a peer review session where students present their water filtration systems to small groups, discuss their designs, and provide feedback.
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Guide students in revising their water filtration designs based on peer feedback, encouraging them to think critically about improvements.
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| Deliverables |
1. A completed natural water filtration system, including a labeled diagram that explains how it works.
2. A written reflection on the peer review process, including what feedback was received and how it was used to improve the design. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for the water filtration experiment, including sand, gravel, activated charcoal, plastic bottles, and water.
2. Prepare a demonstration model of a natural water filtration system to show students as an example. 3. Create a peer review worksheet that guides students in providing constructive feedback on each other's filtration systems. 4. Set up a station for each group with the necessary materials and ensure safety guidelines are in place for handling materials. |
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| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
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| Activities |
Introduce students to the concept of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) by discussing their purpose and impact on public awareness, focusing specifically on water conservation.
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Conduct a workshop where students create their own PSA scripts and storyboards, using clear and persuasive language to communicate the importance of water conservation.
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Engage students in a collaborative session to design and produce their PSA products (magnets, posters, keychains), incorporating feedback from peers and teachers.
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Facilitate a session where students practice presenting their PSAs to the class, focusing on articulation and confidence.
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed PSA script and storyboard outlining the message and visuals for their water conservation PSA.
2. A draft of the PSA product (magnet, poster, or keychain) that incorporates feedback and revisions. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare a collection of sample PSAs related to environmental conservation to show students as examples.
2. Gather materials for the PSA product creation, including poster boards, magnets, keychain blanks, markers, and other craft supplies. 3. Develop a simple rubric to guide students in writing effective PSA scripts and storyboards. 4. Set up stations with all necessary materials for students to create their PSA products, ensuring that there is ample space for group work and collaboration. |
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| Week 5 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
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| Activities |
Introduce students to the concept of poetry by discussing different types of poems and how they can express ideas and emotions about water and its importance.
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Facilitate a poetry writing workshop where students brainstorm and draft their own poems focused on water conservation and its impact on their lives and the ecosystem.
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Guide students in peer review sessions where they share their poems with classmates, providing and receiving constructive feedback on clarity, emotion, and message.
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Support students in revising their poems based on peer feedback, encouraging creativity and descriptive language.
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| Deliverables |
1. A completed and revised poem about water conservation, showcasing students' understanding and creative expression.
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare examples of different types of poems that focus on nature and conservation to inspire students.
2. Create a simple worksheet to guide students in brainstorming ideas and structuring their poems. 3. Set up a comfortable and inviting space for the poetry writing workshop, ensuring access to writing materials such as paper, pencils, and crayons for illustrations. 4. Develop guidelines for peer review, including prompts and questions to help students provide meaningful feedback. |
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| Week 6 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Introduce students to the concept of a watershed and its role in the ecosystem through a hands-on interactive model demonstration.
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Guide students in creating a detailed 3D model of a watershed using materials such as clay, cardboard, and paint to represent different landforms and water bodies.
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Facilitate a class discussion where students share their watershed models and explain the flow of water and its impact on the environment.
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Engage students in a role-playing activity where they act as different elements within a watershed (e.g., river, plant, animal) to explore interactions and dependencies.
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| Deliverables |
1. A completed 3D watershed model that accurately depicts the flow of water and key features.
2. A short verbal presentation explaining the model and the role of each part within the watershed. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for the watershed model, including clay, cardboard, paint, brushes, and reference images of local watersheds.
2. Prepare a simple interactive watershed model demonstration to introduce the concept to students. 3. Create role cards and props for the role-playing activity to help students understand their part within the watershed. 4. Set up workstations with necessary materials for students to construct their watershed models. |
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| Week 7 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
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| Activities |
Engage students in a rehearsal for their Brazilian water dance performance, focusing on coordination and timing, ensuring all students are comfortable with their roles.
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Facilitate a workshop where students finalize their PSA products (magnets, posters, keychains), adding finishing touches and ensuring the message is clear and impactful.
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Guide students in creating a display board that showcases their learning journey, including photos, reflections, and key insights about water conservation.
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Conduct a peer presentation session where students present their final PSA products and display boards to each other, practicing their presentation skills and receiving feedback.
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| Deliverables |
1. A completed set of PSA products ready for exhibition, demonstrating their understanding of water conservation.
2. A display board that visually represents their learning journey and insights on water conservation. 3. A rehearsal video of the Brazilian water dance performance to be shared with community partners. |
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| Preparation |
1. Coordinate with a Brazilian dance instructor to assist in the rehearsal and provide feedback.
2. Prepare materials for finalizing PSA products, including laminating sheets, magnets, and keychain rings. 3. Gather supplies for creating display boards, such as poster boards, markers, and printed photos from the project. 4. Set up a space for the peer presentation session, ensuring a supportive environment for students to share their work. |
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| Week 8 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
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| Activities |
Host a final rehearsal for the Brazilian water dance, ensuring students are confident and ready for the public performance.
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Guide students in preparing their exhibition stations, arranging their PSA products, poems, water filtration systems, and watershed models for display.
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Conduct a dress rehearsal where students practice presenting their work to an audience, refining their speaking skills and presentation flow.
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Facilitate a reflection session where students discuss their learning journey, sharing their favorite moments and what they have learned about water conservation.
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| Deliverables |
1. A polished presentation of all completed projects, including PSA products, poems, natural water filtration systems, and watershed models.
2. Final performance of the Brazilian water dance at the exhibition event. 3. A reflection journal entry capturing students' personal growth and learning outcomes from the project. |
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| Preparation |
1. Coordinate logistics for the exhibition at Lake Murray Reservoir, including setup and coordination with community partners.
2. Ensure all materials and equipment needed for the exhibition are organized and transported to the venue. 3. Prepare a schedule for the exhibition day, outlining presentation times and activities. 4. Set up a feedback station with comment cards for community members to share their thoughts on the students' work. |
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