Lesson 6- We Are Explorers- Day 1 of 2 Day Lesson

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Objectives:
  • Research and examine various ecosystems around the world
  • Study scientists who have explored ecosystems around the world  and elaborate on their findings
  • Integrate Geography by comparing global ecosystems and practicing map skills
Materials: COWS for Science Lesson 6 and Lesson 7
World Map Outline and other Graphic Organizers of your choosing.

Lesson:
  • Students pretend to be Explorers working for National Geographic Magazine.
  • Discuss Explorer Field Guide Questions to be researched.
  • Include websites listed on this page and Lesson 7  in a class folder for students to access during class
  • Pull this website Biomes of the World. to explain the Explorer's Field Guide portion of the assignment-
  • Show interview with Sylvia Earle to introduce the  "Get to Know a Scientist" piece
  • Post Greenhearted Education-website and view List of Scientists
             -Share various books on scientists who have researched ecosystems-
             -Discuss how students might look up books about these scientists in the library.                       
  • Print a world map and distribute along with all worksheets to be used for this project
  • Explain Geography piece and scope of the project 
  • Begin work on project

Assessment:
Students will:
  • Answer questions regarding the ecosystem of their choosing
  • Write an essay describing the contributions made to ecology by a scientist on the list above
  • Practice Map skills.
Teacher will:
  • Make certain students correctly identify and describe key concepts regarding ecosystems, food chains, and food webs, populations, communities, as well as employ the use of good writing and map skills by circulating around the classroom while students complete projects
Websites to Extend:
Additional Websites to help with Biography--Science Kids website and  Famous Marine Biologists
Switch Zoo- This game tests students' knowledge of where in the World a particular animal is located. Allows students to learn a little more about where various habitats are located around the world as well as honing geography skills.

References:
Secured sample World Map Outline from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt- Education Place-http://www.eduplace.com/.