Protecting Our Oceans

OverView:

Students in the fourth grade  at Monument Elementary are writing reports on our endangered oceans. Each student selects one of the topics to research with a partner. Topics permitted include, ghost nets, pollution, endangered wild life, the garbage patch, plastics in our ocean, marine debris and overfishing. After completing the research with their partner, each student will prepare their own report explaining the problem and  the cause and  effect it has on our oceans.

 The classroom teacher and LMS will collaborate on the unit. The classroom teacher will introduce the unit,explain what is expected and assess the final reports  The LMS will provide the students with a Pathfinder for printed and online resources, support students with the research process and help student create bibliographies. Students will use library and technology class time for a two week period to research their topic. While in the library researching their topics, students will be supported by the librarian and the paraprofessional assigned to the class. Students will be given checklists to help them remain on task throughout the unit.

After the research process is complete, the students will have three week writer’s workshop in their classroom. The students will complete a draft and then a final copy of the reports after editing and revisions during conferences with the classroom teacher.

Goal Elaborations:

Reports:  Vt. Standard 1.6 Student's independent writing demonstrates command of appropriate English conventions, including grammar, usage and mechanics.

              Vt.Standard 1.8 In written reports, students organize and convey information and idea accurately and effectively

                     Science  Vt. Standard 7.15 Students demonstrate understanding of the earth and its environment…

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 To Be Successful Students Will Need to:

•  Use the Pathfinder and research a topic.
• Organize and convey information and ideas accurately and effectively in a report.

Fourth Grade students will:

• Pick a topic for a report on our endangered oceans. 

• Students will brainstorm and research their topic with a partner.

• Reports will state the problem and it's cause and effect on the planet’s oceans. 

• Students will include a bibliography.

• Students will draft, revise and complete their report.

Pathfinder 

 Lesson #1

Sylvia Earle Video

Plastic in Ocean Video

 Technology Lesson

More Lesson Ideas

 Culminating assessment