Tree-mendous Hide and Seek
Title: Tree-mendous Hide and Seek
Subject: Science
Grade Level: 3 - 4
Overview:
This is an onsite lesson which will be conducted at the Black Bayou Lake refuge in the newly constructed Conservation Learning Center. This lesson is part of a class study of plant life and resources of Louisiana.
Approximate Duration: Field Trip-Approximately 4 hrs
Content Standards:
Science as Inquiry
The students will do science by engaging in partial and full inquiries that are within their developmental capabilities.
Science and the Environment
In learning environmental science, students will develop an appreciation of the natural environment, learn the importance of environmental quality, and acquire a sense of stewardship. As consumers and citizens, they will be able to recognize how our personal, professional, and political actions affect the natural world.
Benchmarks:
SI-E-A3
communicating that observations are made with one's senses;
SI-E-A4
employing equipment and tools to gather data and extend the sensory observations;
SI-E-A5
using data, including numbers and graphs, to explain observations and experiments;
SI-E-A6
communicating observations and experiments in oral and written formats;
SI-E-B4
developing explanations by using observations and experiments;
SI-E-B5
presenting the results of experiments;
SI-E-B6
reviewing and asking questions about the results of investigations.
Grade-Level Expectations (GLEs):
The Abilities To Do Scientific Inquiry
Grade 3
6. Use the five senses to describe observations (SI-E-A3)
7. Measure and record length, temperature, mass, volume, and area in both metric system and U.S. system units (SI-E-A4)
9. Express data in a variety of ways by constructing illustrations, graphs, charts, tables, concept maps, and oral and written explanations as appropriate (SI-E-A5) (SI-E-B4)
11. Use a variety of appropriate formats to describe procedures and to express ideas about demonstrations or experiments (e.g., drawings, journals, reports, presentations, exhibitions, portfolios)(SI-E-A6)
Understanding Scientific Inquiry
16. Describe procedures and communicate data in a manner that allows others to understand and repeat an investigation or experiment(SI-E-B5)
Interdisciplinary Connections:
Mathematics : Measurement
In problem-solving investigations, students demonstrate an understanding of the concepts, processes, and real-life applications of measurement.
English/Language Arts : Standard 2
Students write competently for a variety of purposes and audiences.
English/Language Arts : Standard 7
Students apply reasoning and problem solving skills to reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and visually representing.
Educational Technology Standards:
Use a variety of developmentally appropriate resources and productivity tools (e.g., logical thinking programs, writing and graphic tools, digital cameras, graphing software) for communication, presentation, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories.
Use technology resources to assist in problem-solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities.
Objectives:
1. TLW identify trees by their characteristics, such as leaf type, size, location and appearance.
2. TLW make a bark rubbing, leaf rubbing and measure circumference of a tree.
3. TLW write a description of a tree to be entered in a class tree book.
Lesson Materials and Resources:
Prior to the lesson the teacher should make clue sheets for the various tree types existing in the Black Bayou Lake refuge.
Pictures of leaves may be obtained from the websites listed or from the refuge facilitator.
Students will need drawing paper, colored pencils, paper tape measures, and clip boards.
Technology Tools and Materials:
Hardware:
Computer
Internet connection
Digital cameras
Software:
KidPixWebsites:
Project Learning Tree
http://www.plt.org/
EEK!-Dichotomous Tree Key
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/veg/treekey/index.htm
Autumn Leaf Scrapbook
http://mbgnet.mobot.org/sets/temp/leaves/index.htm
Black Bayou Lake Conservation Learning Center
http://www.mcschools.net/mcs/black_bayou_files/conservation_wetland_lab.htmlBackground Information:
Students are working on a unit about plant life in the wetlands of Louisiana.
Lesson Procedures:
1. Arrive at Black Bayou Lake refuge. Students will be divided into small groups of 3 or 4 and given a "clue sheet" for their specific tree type. (The clue sheets are located at the refuge.)
2. Groups will search on site for their tree type. An adult chaperone will work with each group
3. Upon finding their tree, they will take a digital picture, sketch the tree, measure the circumference, collect a leaf sample, make a bark rubbing, and write a description of the location.
4. Groups will return to original starting point and the teacher will check the results for content
and accuracy.
Part 2
1. Students will work in groups to compile their findings for a class book on trees.
2. Using KidPix they will develop an information page about their tree including facts found at the site and through research. The students will use the computers on site to conduct research. Go to EEK!-Dichotomous Tree Key
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/veg/treekey/index.htm and Autumn Leaf Scrapbook http://mbgnet.mobot.org/sets/temp/leaves/index.htm for help with the project.
3. Sketches and rubbings will be scanned for inclusion in the book.
4. Students will publish the class tree book and share these with other students.
Assessment Procedures:
The teacher will monitor students as they work on site and in the classroom.
A rubric will be used to assess the final product.
Accommodations/Modifications:
Consult each student's IEP or IAP for specific modifications.
Group assignments will be made with students' needs in mind.
Peer tutoring and small group work.
----- written by Lisa Cole
Reproducible Materials:
Tree-mendous Hide and Seek Teamwork Rubric
Explorations and Extensions:
Within the unit, students will learn more about the various types of wetland plants. They will also study endangered species and learn more about conservation plans for the wetland area of Louisiana.
Lesson Development Resources:
Trees
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000835.shtml
Project Learning Tree
http://www.plt.org/
External Affairs Office-Publications
http://www.fws.gov/southeast/publications/pubref.html
Black Bayou Lake Project
http://www.mcschools.net/mcs/black_bayou_files/index.html
Contact Information:
Lisa Cole
lisa.cole@mcschools.net
J. S. Clark Elementary School
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