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Project Based Learning Overview
And Lessons
Title: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics Est. Start Date: Early Spring Duration: 4-5 weeks Teacher: Lana Best, Diana Chavez, Anjanette McCormick, Courtney Boettger Grade Level: 6 Content Focus: Science Other subject areas to be included: Math, Language Arts, Visual Art, Library Project Idea: Summary of the issue, challenge, investigation, scenario, or problem This project allows students to interact with our unique Delta region while learning about ecosystems. The focus is on interactions, energy and dynamics. This unit serves to provide knowledge about various environments and organisms in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Students create model ecosystems with terrariums, aquariums, and worm composting bins to learn about ecosystems that they present to peers. During the unit students create original art of food chains that is then displayed. Students collect, record and analyze data on organisms in the Delta and in their model ecosystems. The students write, costume, and perform short skits on their model ecosystem for their peers and parents on Science Fair Night. Essential Question: How can change in one part of an ecosystem affect change in other parts of the ecosystem? Driving Question Which organisms in the Delta ecosystem might be more important than others?
Content and Skills Standards to be addressed: (California Common Core State Standards, Next Generation State Standards for Calif., History- Social Studies, Visual and Performing Art, Health, Library, Physical Fitness)
List those that apply
Next Generation State Standards for Science MS-LS2-1. Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on cause and effect relationships between resources and growth of individual organisms and the numbers of organisms in ecosystems during periods of abundant and scarce resources.] MS-LS2-2. Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on predicting consistent patterns of interactions in different ecosystems in terms of the relationships among and between organisms and abiotic components of ecosystems. Examples of types of interactions could include competitive, predatory, and mutually beneficial.] MS-LS2-3. Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on describing the conservation of matter and flow of energy into and out of various ecosystems, and on defining the boundaries of the system.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include the use of chemical reactions to describe the processes.] MS-LS2-4. Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on recognizing patterns in data and making warranted inferences about changes in populations, and on evaluating empirical evidence supporting arguments about changes to ecosystems.] MS-LS2-5. Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.* [Clarification Statement: Examples of ecosystem services could include water purification, nutrient recycling, and prevention of soil erosion. Examples of design solution constraints could include scientific, economic, and social considerations.]
California State Visual and Performing Arts Standards Skills, Processes, Materials, and Tools 2.1 Use various observational drawing skills to depict a variety of subject matter. 2.2 Apply the rules of two-point perspective in creating a thematic work of art. 2.3 Create a drawing, using varying tints, shades, and intensities. Communication and Expression Through Original Works of Art 2.4 Create increasingly complex original works of art reflecting personal choices and increased technical skill. 2.5 Select specific media and processes to express moods, feelings, themes, or ideas. 2.6 Use technology to create original works of art. Creation/Invention in Theatre 2.2 Use effective vocal expression, gesture, facial expression, and timing to create character. 2.3 Write and perform scenes or one-act plays that include monologue, dialogue, action, and setting together with a range of character types. 2 Common Core State Standards Connections: ELA/Literacy RST.6-8.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts. (MS-LS2-1),(MS-LS2-2),(MS-LS2-4) RST.6-8.7 Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table). (MS-LS2-1) RST.6-8.8 Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text. (MS-LS2-5) RI.8.8 Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims. (MS-LS-4),(MS-LS2-5) WHST.6-8.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence. (MS-LS2-4) WHST.6-8.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. (MS-LS2-2) WHST.6-8.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. (MS-LS2-2),(MS-LS2-4) SL.8.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others ideas and expressing their own clearly. (MS-LS2-2) SL.8.4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation. (MS-LS2-2) SL.8.5 Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and add interest. (MS-LS2-3)
Mathematics MP.4 Model with mathematics. (MS-LS2-5) 6.RP.A.3 Use ratio and rate reasoning to solve real-world and mathematical problems. (MS-LS2-5) 6.EE.C.9 Use variables to represent two quantities in a real-world problem that change in relationship to one another; write an equation to express one quantity, thought of as the dependent variable, in terms of the other quantity, thought of as the independent variable. Analyze the relationship between the dependent and independent variables using graphs and tables, and relate these to the equation. (MS-LS2-3) 6.SP.B.5 Summarize numerical data sets in relation to their context. (MS-LS2-2)
T+A E MPS T+A E
21 st Century Skills and Math Practice Standards to be explicitly taught and assessed (T+A) or that will be encouraged (E) by Project work but not taught or assessed:
List and Check off Digital Age Literacy-Basic, Scientific and Technological Literacies x Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. x x Inventive Thinking- Adaptability/Managing Complexity and Self- Direction x x Reason abstractly and quantitatively. x Interactive Communication- Teaming and Collaboration x Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
x Quality, State-of-the-Art Results-High Quality Results with Real-World Application
Model with mathematics. x x
Attend to precision. x
Look for and make use of structure. x
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning. x Presentation Audience
Culminating Products and Performances
List and Check off Group:
Food Chain Skits where the students portray organisms with a food chain. Students write, create costumes, sets and perform for other classes and parents on Science Fair Night. Class
x School
x Community x Individual: Food Chain Portraits- Students use artistic creativity while creating a food chain picture for display. Experts
Web
x Other: Buddies x 3 Project Overview
Entry event to launch inquiry, engage students:
Outline or Conceptual Flow Include assessment points:
Journal Writing- Formative Assessments are embedded throughout the entire project.
Opportunities to orally explain model ecosystems and food chain art are imbedded throughout this project. Entry Event While accompanying the kindergarten class on a walking field trip to the Delta leave down the street from the school. Students take pictures of the Delta Ecosystem. They assist the kindergarteners while they tally organisms. They use maps to locate where in the Delta they are.
MS-LS2-2 Ecosystem patterns 1. Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms
Entry Event Given plants, worms, crickets and fish create mini-environments (terrariums and aquariums) to support life and model an ecosystem. These will help students observe and analyze the role of an ecosystem for further study.
MS-LS2-3 Ecosystem Cycles 1. Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter among living things. 2. Develop a model to describe the flow of energy of matter among living things. 3. Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter among non-living things. 4. Develop a model to describe the flow of energy of matter among non-living things.
Formative Assessment- Roles of Some Organisms in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Delta Studies Curriculum Unit 6 Page 43 http://imeet.sjcoe.net/deltastudiesunits/Delta%20Studies%20Units/Delta%20Studies%20Units_files/Unit6- DeltaEcosystems.pdf
Entry Event Field Trip to Bay Model Visitor Center, a working hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento - San Joaquin River Delta System. The Model provides scientists, educators and citizens interested in San Francisco Bay and the Bay - Delta Model a unique opportunity to view the complete bay-delta system at a glance. http://www.spn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/BayModelVisitorCenter.aspx
MS-LS2-5 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services 1. Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity. 2. Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining ecosystem services.
MS-LS2-1 Ecosystem Data 1. Analyze data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an organism. 2. Interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an organism.
Formative assessment Math 6.SP.B.5 Summarize numerical data sets in relation to their context 4 Entry Event Students arrive to class today to find sticky notes on the model ecosystems of situations that would cause the populations in those models to change. (Leave break, oil spill, pesticides, new farmland, invasive species, etc.). They discuss the possible changes. How will this affect the organisms in the model? And in the Delta at large?
MS-LS2-4 Ecosystem populations 1. Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to components of an ecosystem affect populations.
Summative Assessment - Performance Task Ecosystem Assessment- Although it is written for Delaware 5 th grade, it is appropriate during the NGSS transition period here in CA. A similar one should be written in the future for our Delta. http://www.doe.k12.de.us/infosuites/staff/sci_assess/elemk5/sum_k5/ecology.shtml
Culminating Activity- During Science Fair Night- Students display model ecosystems, display original poster art of food chains is and perform their food chain skits in costume.
Assessments
List and Check off
Formative Assessments (During Project) Quizzes/Tests x
Journaling/Learning Log x
Preliminary Plans/Outlines
Rough Drafts
Online Tests/Exams
Summative Assessments (End of Project) Written Product(s), with rubric x Other Products
Oral Presentation, with rubric x Peer Evaluation x Multiple Choice/Short Answer Test Self-Evaluation x Essay Test Other- Performance Task x
Resources Needed On-site people, facilities 6 th grade Teachers, Principal, ELD staff, Librarian, Title One staff, RSP teacher/aide, Library, Computer Lab and the multiuse room. Equipment Computers, Library books, at least Digital Cameras (1:1 or 1:2 preferred) Materials Various art materials, pencils and paper. Materials for terrariums, aquariums and worm composter. Copies of text and materials for lessons. Community resources
Web Links and References
1. Delta Ecosystems, Unit 6 Sixth Grade (2014). San Joaquin County Office of Education, Office of Science and Special Projects. Stockton, CA. imeet.sjcoe.net/deltastudiesunits/Delta%20Studies%20Units/Delta %20
5 More Web Links and References 2. Grade 5 Ecosystems Unit Template (2008). Delaware Department of Education, Delaware. www.doe.k12.de.us/.../ci/.../5%20Ecosystems%20Unit%20template .pdf
3. Make a terrarium mini-garden (2014). National Aeronautics and Space Administration. http://climatekids.nasa.gov/mini-garden/
4.Bay Model Visitor Center, a working hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento - San Joaquin River Delta System. The Model provides scientists, educators and citizens interested in San Francisco Bay and the Bay - Delta Model a unique opportunity to view the complete bay-delta system at a glance. http://www.spn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/BayModelVisi torCenter.aspx
5.Worm Composting Teacher fact sheet (2004). Sfenvironment, City and County of San Francisco, CA http://sfenvironmentkids.org/teacher/activities/Worm_Ed_Packet.p df
6. Fish in the Classroom http://stjohns.ifas.ufl.edu/sea/documents/Freshwateraquariums.pdf
Reflection Methods
(Individual, Group, and/or Whole Class) Journal/Learning Log x Focus Group
Whole-class Discussion x Fishbowl Discussion
Survey Other- Self and Peer Evaluations x Project Teaching and Learning Guide
Knowledge and Skills Needed by Students (to successfully complete culminating projects and to do well on summative assessments)
Student needs to be able to:
Students will understand the interdependency of organisms in an ecosystem relies on the living and non- living factors to survive together.
Student needs to be able to:
Students will understand that environmental factors affect growth and reproduction of organisms.
Student needs to be able to:
Students will understand how to model and summarize a given numerical data set.
Student needs to be able to: Students will understand that food chains are essential to the survival of all organisms in an ecosystem. Students will understand the source of energy for living organisms comes directly form the Sun.
Student needs to be able to:
Matter needed to sustain life is continually recycled among and between organisms and the environment.
Student needs to be able to:
Students will understand that scientific inquiry involves asking questions, collecting evidence, and forming explanations. 6
Questions to be Provided by the Project Teacher (to successfully complete culminating products and to do well on summative assessments)
(A Level) Teacher asks questions to recall facts, make observations, or demonstrate understanding:
What is an ecosystem? What did you observe at the Delta? What did you observe in the terrarium? What kids of organisms live in the Delta ecosystem? What role does each organism serve in an ecosystem? What data is represented in the table? What data is represented in the graph?
(C Level) Teacher asks questions to summarize, analyze, organize, or evaluate:
How can you use the knowledge about the Delta in your life? What do you think are some reasons/causes of declines in populations? How do you know? What changes would you recommend to the construction of the terrariums? How can you use the data in the graphs and tables? (B Level) Teacher asks questions to apply or relate:
How are organisms interdependent? Where would you locate information on the Delta and its organisms? How would you illustrate the food chain? How would you interpret the data in the table? How would you interpret the data in the graph? Can you identify a pattern to the data?
(D Level) Teacher asks questions to predict, design, or create:
What might we do to reduce or minimize the damage done to the delta region? How would you compose a song to add to your skit? How would you build a habitat for classroom pets? Can you see a possible solution to the negative effect of human behavior on the Delta? How would you teach others how to make a graph from a table?
Teacher Reflection: How did the unit flow? What worked well? What needs to be changed for next time? What did the students learn? What evidence do you have to support students learning?
Project Lessons Entry Event- (1day) Walking field trip to the Delta (leave just down the street from our school) with kindergarten buddies to help them tally for their project entry event. Students take digital pictures of the Delta Ecosystem to be used later in the project. Students will also use waterway maps of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. (Can be done fall, winter and spring for a year extension of unit.) Lesson # 1 (1 day ) Make a Terrarium http://climatekids.nasa.gov/mini-garden/
Students create a group ecosystem model. Using the layers of rocks, charcoal, soil and plants each table group will create a terrarium for future observations and data collection. Students monitor daily and make observational drawings (VAPA Art 6-2.1).
EL Strategies: Model, Group work Intervention Lesson Focus: Model and Group work to complete task together.
Lesson # 2 (1 day) Make a worm compost bin http://sfenvironmentkids.org/teacher/activities/Worm_Ed_Packet.pdf
Students experiment with soil and earthworms. Then create a classroom-composting bin. It will be used for future observations and data collection. The attached document has data collection sheets, worm information and other activities that could be used for extension. Students monitor daily and make observational drawings (VAPA Art 6-2.1).
EL Strategies: Model, Group work Intervention Lesson Focus: Model and Group work to complete task together.
Lesson # 3 (1 day) Aquarium- Fish in the Classroom http://stjohns.ifas.ufl.edu/sea/documents/Freshwateraquariums.pdf
Students set up freshwater aquariums with fish and plants. Could be done as a classroom aquarium tank or smaller group fish bowls. They monitor the environmental factors daily and make observational drawings (VAPA Art 6-2.1).
EL Strategies: Model, Group work Intervention Lesson Focus: Model and Group work to complete task together. 7
Additional lessons creating miniature ecosystems like crickets, meal worms and butterflies could also be added here. Lesson # 4 (days 1-4 ) Make Mural of Environments- Delta Studies Curriculum Unit 6 Lesson 1 http://imeet.sjcoe.net/deltastudiesunits/Delta%20Studies%20Units/Delta%20Studies%20Units_files/Unit6-DeltaEcosystems.pdf
Can be done whole class as a huge mural or group work smaller murals. Students identify organisms that live in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. They use proper scientific terminology. Lists are provided. Library time with resources or bring resources from the library to the classroom. Computer lab time is appropriate. Students will need to down load and print a few appropriate pictures from the walking field trip. (CA-VAPA Art 6-2.4,2.5 and 2.6) They can use in the activity or recreate.
EL Strategies: Model, Partner work, Picture and computer Dictionaries, Variety of Leveled books Intervention Lesson Focus: Capitalization of proper terms and reference material usage to identify organisms. Vocabulary heavy so will require teacher monitoring and assistance throughout.
Lesson # 5 (days 1-4) Food Chains, Webs and Ecosystems Delta Studies Curriculum Unit 6 Lesson 2 Delta Studies Curriculum Unit 6 Lesson 2 http://imeet.sjcoe.net/deltastudiesunits/Delta%20Studies%20Units/Delta%20Studies%20Units_files/Unit6-DeltaEcosystems.pdf
Students are given expository text regarding a specific ecosystem within the Delta. They learn about the various food chains and design an original artistic poster of that food chain in that ecosystem. They learn about the exchange of energy and nutrients in the environment.
Simple Self Assessment Art Rubric can be used to assess 6 th VAPA standards: Two-point perspective, tints, shades and intensities.
EL Strategies: Partner read, Visuals, Charts, Graphic organizers Intervention Lesson Focus: Teacher read or small group/partner read to gain access to the text. Vocabulary heavy so will require teacher monitoring and assistance to start.
Lesson # 6 (days 1-3 ) Producers, Consumers, Scavengers, and Decomposers Delta Studies Curriculum Unit 6 Lesson 3 http://imeet.sjcoe.net/deltastudiesunits/Delta%20Studies%20Units/Delta%20Studies%20Units_files/Unit6-DeltaEcosystems.pdf
Students categorize organisms into four major groups ( Producers, Consumers, Scavengers, and Decomposers). Students learn about populations, energy exchange, and nutrient exchange within an ecosystem.
EL Strategies: Partner/Group work, Visuals, Charts, Graphic organizers Intervention Lesson Focus: Teacher read or small group/partner read to gain access to the text. Vocabulary heavy so will require teacher monitoring and assistance to start.
Formative Assessment- Roles of Some Organisms in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Delta Studies Curriculum Unit 6 Page 43 http://imeet.sjcoe.net/deltastudiesunits/Delta%20Studies%20Units/Delta%20Studies%20Units_files/Unit6-DeltaEcosystems.pdf
Students create and perform information about populations, energy exchange, and nutrient exchange within an ecosystem starting with the Sun. Students should show matter transfer from one organism to others in the food web. Students design costumes of organisms and perform their skits demonstrating a food chain. (VAPA Theatre 6-2.2 and 2.3 Creation/Invention in Theatre)
Simple Self Assessment Art Rubric can be used to assess 6 th VAPA standards: Vocal expression, gesture, facial expression, and timing to create a character. Write and perform scenes or one-act plays that include monologue, dialogue, and action.
EL Strategies: Group work Intervention Lesson Focus: Teacher monitoring
Entry Event- Field Trip to Bay Model Visitor Center, a working hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento - San Joaquin River Delta System. The Model provides scientists, educators and citizens interested in San Francisco Bay and the Bay - Delta Model a unique opportunity to view the complete bay-delta system at a glance. http://www.spn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/BayModelVisitorCenter.aspx
Lesson # 8 (days 2-3 ) Revisiting Model Ecosystems Delta Studies Curriculum Unit 6 Lesson 5
Students design simple group investigation and experimentation with an ecosystem model. Precautions will be taken not to cause actual death to living animal organisms. Focus on increasing populations of organisms. Water tolerance is another good topic to explore. Science Fair Format and display rubrics could be used here. Focus on data collection and display of that data.
EL Strategies: Variety of materials, partner work, teacher monitoring Intervention Lesson Focus: Scientific Process Review with small group project done with teacher assistance. 8
Entry Event- Students arrive to class today to find sticky notes on the model ecosystems of situations that would cause the populations in those models to change. (Leave break, flooding, oil spill, pesticides, new farmland, invasive species, etc.). They discuss the possible changes. How will this affect the organisms in the model? And in the Delta at large?
Lesson # 9 (days 2-3 ) Class Discussion on Consequences of Pesticides, Invasive species, and Human Impact
Students engage in group and class discussions on maintaining ecosystem services and biodiversity of the Delta. Topics would include Consequences of Pesticides, Invasive species, and Human Impact. The entry event should start conversations. Information will be gathered about topics from library and web resources. Trip to the library and the computer lab might be necessary.
EL Strategies: Charts, graphic organizers, visuals, teacher monitoring, variety of leveled texts Intervention Lesson Focus: Accessing reference materials
Lesson # 10 (days 2-3 ) Data analysis of Delta species.
Students will create Tables and Graphs of Striped Bass, Tule Elk, San Joaquin River Flow, Delta Smelt and other Delta organisms. Students will use this data to support arguments about populations in the Delta ecosystem. (MS-LS2-4)
Math 6MP.4 Model with mathematics. (MS-LS2-5) Math 6.RP.A.3 Use ratio and rate reasoning to solve real-world and mathematical problems. (MS-LS2-5) Math 6.EE.C.9 Use variables to represent two quantities in a real-world problem that change in relationship to one another; write an equation to express one quantity, thought of as the dependent variable, in terms of the other quantity, thought of as the independent variable. Analyze the relationship between the dependent and independent variables using graphs and tables, and relate these to the equation. (MS-LS2-3) Math 6.SP.B.5 Summarize numerical data sets in relation to their context. (MS-LS2-2)
Delta Fish Decline Continues,(2007) Singlebarbed | Fly fishing and fly tying for anything that bites ... singlebarbed.com /page/136
Fish v. Farms 11: The National Academy of Sciences weighs in (2009) Delta National Park http://www.deltanationalpark.org/blog/view/fish_v._farms_11_the_national_academy_of_sciences_weighs_in/
San Joaquin River Basin Unimpaired and Measured Flow (2012). Tuolumne Project http://tupro.org/index.php/2012/02/water-rights-the-truly-endangered-species/
State's Tule Elk Herds Running Out of Room / Running Out of Room to Roam / Tule elk population pushing state's limits http://www.sfgate.com/green/article/State-s-Tule-Elk-Herds-Running-Out-of-Room-2941210.php
EL Strategies: modeling, visuals, teacher monitoring, group work Intervention Lesson Focus: Graphing and Tables
Summative Assessment - Performance Task Ecosystem Assessment- Although it is written for Delaware 5 th grade, it is appropriate for 6 th grade during the NGSS transition period here in CA. A similar one should be written in the future for our Delta. This could be helpful with the Smarter Balanced assessments. http://www.doe.k12.de.us/infosuites/staff/sci_assess/elemk5/sum_k5/ecology.shtml
Culminating Event- Art Show, Model Display and Performance of Skits at Science Fair Night Parents are invited to Science Fair Night were students will display their model ecosystems, display original poster art of food chains is and perform their food chain skits in costume.