1st Quarter: Adventures in Our Own Backyard
Science: Maryland Ecology & Weather
Essential Questions:
o What makes a good scientist?
o How does weather affect our own lives and what can we do to help prevent weather related problems?
o How can we help protect the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and why is this important?
Overview:
Students will cover a variety of skills and topics during this unit. Students will begin the year with extensive exposure to the scientific process through a variety of hands-on investigations. Students will practice recording observations and displaying data, with this being an important ongoing skill throughout the school year. With a focus on Maryland, students will explore the unique ecology of their state particularly in regard to the Chesapeake Bay. Students will have the opportunity to make a direct connection between their own watershed and the health of the rivers and the Bay by raising bluegills in the classroom through a new program with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources: Sunfish and Students. Students will also take an in depth look at weather by investigating local weather patterns and researching weather related hazards in order to create their own improvements.
Social Studies: Maryland Geography & Environmental Issues
Essential Questions:
o What is a map and what are maps used for?
o What is the history and significance of Maryland’s state flag and other state symbols and landmarks?
o What does conservation mean and how can I conserve more?
Overview:
Students will begin the unit by practicing important map skills and learning about the different types of maps and their purposes. Map skills will play an important role throughout the school year. Then students will practice using a variety of research skills by creating a book all about Maryland. In addition to researching important state symbols and landmarks, they will also explore the history behind the state flag and the rich history of their state capital and the city where they live. Finally, after learning about the importance of the Chesapeake Bay and some of the dangers it is facing, students will learn about the importance of conservation and will identify realistic ways they can reduce their carbon footprint by reducing, reusing, and recycling.
Science: Maryland Ecology & Weather
Essential Questions:
o What makes a good scientist?
o How does weather affect our own lives and what can we do to help prevent weather related problems?
o How can we help protect the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and why is this important?
Overview:
Students will cover a variety of skills and topics during this unit. Students will begin the year with extensive exposure to the scientific process through a variety of hands-on investigations. Students will practice recording observations and displaying data, with this being an important ongoing skill throughout the school year. With a focus on Maryland, students will explore the unique ecology of their state particularly in regard to the Chesapeake Bay. Students will have the opportunity to make a direct connection between their own watershed and the health of the rivers and the Bay by raising bluegills in the classroom through a new program with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources: Sunfish and Students. Students will also take an in depth look at weather by investigating local weather patterns and researching weather related hazards in order to create their own improvements.
Social Studies: Maryland Geography & Environmental Issues
Essential Questions:
o What is a map and what are maps used for?
o What is the history and significance of Maryland’s state flag and other state symbols and landmarks?
o What does conservation mean and how can I conserve more?
Overview:
Students will begin the unit by practicing important map skills and learning about the different types of maps and their purposes. Map skills will play an important role throughout the school year. Then students will practice using a variety of research skills by creating a book all about Maryland. In addition to researching important state symbols and landmarks, they will also explore the history behind the state flag and the rich history of their state capital and the city where they live. Finally, after learning about the importance of the Chesapeake Bay and some of the dangers it is facing, students will learn about the importance of conservation and will identify realistic ways they can reduce their carbon footprint by reducing, reusing, and recycling.