My unit is designed to engage third grade students in obtaining useful information about the science of natural disasters, particularly volcanoes and their effects on our planet, Earth. In this unit, students will not only study types of volcanoes, how they erupt, but they will also build a volcano, publish a book about volcanoes and demonstrate a clear understanding of how the Earth’s surface works. All of the activities will coincide with the Davis Street Arts and Academics Interdistrict Magnet School curriculum and New Haven Public School standards. Hands-on learning and a multi-curriculum approach will provide the students with an exciting unit.
This unit coincides with the New Haven Science Strands. It also meets many of the New Haven Language Arts curriculum standards, by including a writing element and many reading activities. Studying Earth Science and Physical Science are part of the curriculum; the primary focus being on the changing Earth. This unit will address the changing Earth by discussing volcanic eruptions and their effect on our environment. Students will also develop skills in Scientific Inquiry such as forming an inference from observation and observing events such as a Natural Disasters. Students will also develop information on motion and design as outlined in the Physical Science standards. The motion of the Earth will provide my students with an understanding that our Earth’s plates are constantly in motion and when they collide, anything can happen!
This unit will be an inquiry based learning activity that follows our districts LEARNING CYCLE of engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation. This lesson also addresses the third grade standard 3.3: “Earth materials have different physical and chemical properties”, 3.1: “Materials have properties that can be identified and described through the use of simple tests”and 3.4: “Earth materials provide resources for all living things, but resources are limited and should be conserved”.
There are many physical phenomenons which change the Earth’s environment everyday. Children and adults are curious about the natural environment and are eager to have these natural disasters explained. My student often ask WHY, HOW, WHEN? Their curiosity is the driving theme of this unit.
Because Davis Street Arts and Academics Interdistrict Magnet School really embraces the Arts, via music, band and artistry, a section of my unit will also incorporate these activities. It is a section that does not correlate to any scientific lesson, just utilizing our facts learned and applying them to some fun and leisure!
