Earth on the Earth Part 2

This is the second of a two-part lesson which results in a large outline drawing of the Western Hemisphere on the ground.

A lesson plan for grade 4 Mathematics

By Donna Huskins

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Learning outcomes

The students will learn how to plot points on a graph and transfer those coordinates onto a large scale model. The student will identify the major geographical landforms of the Western Hemisphere.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

4 hours

Materials/resources

Computer generated graph of the Western Hemisphere (attached); one yard of sand; grid labels (We used small blocks of wood to label each square of the grid; paper will blow away.); globe.

Technology resources

Computer

Pre-activities

Discussion of the process of graphing data and plotting points. Students must know how to determine co-ordinates on a graph.

Students need to be familiar with the outline features of the Western Hemisphere.

Activities

1. Students will work in groups of 2 or 3.
2. Each student will be given a computer graph of the Western Hemisphere.
3. Each group of students will be assigned a row of squares on the grid. (Example- Group 1 will be responsible for everything in row A of the grid, etc.)
4. Once all students have been assigned a row on the grid, they will then locate and plot the co-ordinates of each square that has part of the picture in it.
5. When this is complete, each group is given a sheet of white paper and must make a sketch of each square in their assigned row that contains a part of the picture.
6. When each group has completed the drawings, they proceed to the playground where the large grid has been placed. They go to their assigned row and begin putting down sand to reflect exactly what is in the corresponding square on paper.
7. When all sand is down, remove the grid lines and nails.
8. The result is the outline of the Western Hemisphere on display on your school grounds.

Assessment

Observe the completed picture of the Western Hemisphere.

Supplemental information

Handout of the computer grid and outline of the Western Hemisphere is attached.

Related websites

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Comments

This lesson is a lot of fun and allows the community to see easily a great project at your school. We always make a video of the students. They enjoy watching it later.