LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Pond life

http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/Lessons.cfm?DocID=77

A lesson plan for Grade 5 Information Skills, Science, and English Language Arts

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science

About this resource

Appropriate grades
5
Subjects
science (biology and life science)
Provider
American Association for the Advancement of Science

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The purpose of this lesson is to investigate familiar and unfamiliar ecosystems using Internet resources; to explore how various organisms satisfy their needs within their environments; to study the kinds of relationships that exist between organisms within an environment. In order to learn about the living environment, students should begin by engaging in direct observation of local ecosystems. This investigation is designed to build on the knowledge that students are acquiring as they observe and record their findings. In this investigation, Internet resources allow students to investigate the diverse organisms and environments that can be found in other parts of the world.

Because students will be conducting internet research in this plan, you may wish to scaffold their reading by:

  • reading as a class
  • jigsawing as a class
  • partnering up to explore assigned sections

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Information Skills (2000)

Grade 5

  • Goal 2: The learner will IDENTIFY and USE criteria for excellence to evaluate information and formats.
  • Goal 4: The learner will EXPLORE and USE research processes to meet information needs.

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 5

  • Goal 2: The learner will apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
    • Objective 2.07: Evaluate the usefulness and quality of information and ideas based on purpose, experiences, text(s), and graphics.
  • Goal 3: The learner will make connections through the use of oral language, written language, and media and technology.
    • Objective 3.06: Conduct research (with assistance) from a variety of sources for assigned or self-selected projects (e.g., print and non-print texts, artifacts, people, libraries, databases, computer networks).

Science (2005)

Grade 5

  • Goal 1: The learner will conduct investigations to build an understanding of the interdependence of plants and animals.
    • Objective 1.01: Describe and compare several common ecosystems (communities of organisms and their interaction with the environment).
    • Objective 1.05: Determine the interaction of organisms within an ecosystem.