Unit Plan.
Unit plan
In this unit, grade 3/4 students will explore how natural systems and human activities interact to shape Earths surface. Through discovering both long-term and short-term changes to the Earth (such as the effects of natural events, glaciers, erosion, and human activities), students will grasp a deeper understanding of how the Earths surface develops and evolves. Additionally, the class will examine how indigenous knowledge has been passed down through generations and largely contributed to how we understand the land. This unit integrates scientific knowledge with traditional knowledge and encourages students to think through a critical lens. This unit will hopefully foster an understanding of stewardship and responsibility for the environment. This unit was structured with an emphasis on hands on, active learning rather than using pencils and paper. I believe that the most productive growth is fostered through discovery, which is why many of the outcomes are addressed through activities.
As part of our Earth Systems unit, we completed a hands-on activity where students created their own fossils using dough and imprinted various figures to mimic how fossils are formed over time. This activity helped students better understand the fossilization process by allowing them to physically explore how impressions are made and preserved. By engaging with the concept in a tactile way, students were able to make stronger connections to the science content. The activity also supported skill development in areas beyond science, including teamwork as groups worked together to create their dough, and listening skills, as they followed step-by-step directions to complete the task successfully. Overall, the hands-on experience made learning more meaningful, memorable, and fun!
_____________________________
To help students understand the process of erosion, we used jawbreakers as a hands-on visual and sensory learning tool. As students observed and slowly ate their jawbreaker, they were able to see the gradual wearing away of each colorful layer, just like how natural forces slowly break down rocks and landforms over time. This simple but powerful visual made the abstract concept of erosion more concrete and easier to grasp. The activity was highly engaging, as students were excited to participate and curious to see how the jawbreaker changed. It sparked meaningful discussion and questions, and helped deepen their understanding. Learning is always more fun with candy!
