This unit is designed to incorporate the Common Core State Standards and 21st century skills which will prepare our students for their future.
SCIENCE (NGSS)
3-ESS2-2 Obtain and combine information to describe climates in different regions of the world.
Students will observe climate and weather in their home towns, at school and in different regions of the world. They will take the data they find to determined what weather corelates with a specific climate zone.
3-ESS2-1 Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season. Examples of data could include average temperature, precipitation, and wind direction. Assessment of graphical displays is limited to pictographs and bar graphs.
Students will report weather data by looking at the weather report in their area, going outside to experience how the weather feels and jot their observations down in their weather journals. As a class, students will keep track of the weather by collecting data and comparing weather patterns.
LITERACY
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.1 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
Students will be able to ask and answer questions daily throughout this unit in regards to weather and how it impacts a particular area or climate zone. They will take part in several field trips and experiments to get hands on experiences while exploring these topics.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
Students will be able to use their prior knowledge and new information they learned about to create informational writing on a particular climate zone. They will be able to use information found from texts, websites, books and online videos to support their ideas clearly.
SPEAKING & LISTENING
CCSS. ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
This will be implemented in every lesson so students have the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas with different classmates to learn from one another.
CCSS. ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1.C Ask questions to check understanding of information presented, stay on topic, and link their comments to the remarks of others.
Students will pose and respond to specific questions to clarify or follow up on information, and make comments that contribute to the discussion and link to the remarks of others. Setting up a question spot or a “parking lot” poster where students can write their questions on sticky notes and post on a poster is a great way to collect data on what the students are having trouble understanding. This will make it easier for the teacher to provide additional lessons or resources to students to clarify any questions they might have.