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Climate Change Lesson Plan
Climate Change: Understanding and Action 🌍
Subject
Science
Grade
5
Methodology
Direct Instruction
Duration (minutes)
55
Overview
Introduction (5 min)
Present New Material (10 min)
Guided Practice (10 min)
Individual Practice (10 min)
Assessment and Reflection (10 min)
Review and Closure (10 min)
Standards
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Grade 5 Science (NGSS 5-ESS3-1, CA CCSS ELA/Literacy RI.5.1, SL.5.1)
Background Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of weather, seasons, and the concept of temperature. Familiarity with simple scientific experiments and data analysis will be beneficial.
Skills
Growth mindset , Problem solving , Critical thinking
Objectives
Students will understand the greenhouse effect and its role in climate change.
Students will analyze data from an experiment to draw conclusions about climate change.
Students will reflect on their learning and propose actions to combat climate change.
Materials
Video Clip: "Climate Change Explained for Kids" (YouTube)
Visual Aids: Diagrams of the greenhouse effect, animated video on climate change
Experiment Materials: Plastic bottles, thermometers, lamps, soil, water
Worksheets: Data analysis and reflection questions
Poster Supplies: Paper, markers, colored pencils
Lesson Activities
Introduction (5 min)
Begin with a provocative question
"What would happen if the Earth's temperature increased by 2 degrees Celsius?"
Show a short, captivating video clip on climate change impacts to activate prior knowledge and spark curiosity.
Teacher Note
Use an engaging video that is age-appropriate and visually stimulating to capture students' attention.
Present New Material (10 min)
Use a storytelling approach to explain the greenhouse effect, supported by visual aids like diagrams and an animated video. Discuss real-life examples of climate change effects, such as melting ice caps and extreme weather events.
Teacher Note
Connect the story to students' lives by discussing local weather changes or recent natural events they may have experienced.
Core Questions
What is the greenhouse effect?
How does the greenhouse effect contribute to climate change?
Can you think of any real-life examples of climate change?
Guided Practice (10 min)
Conduct a hands-on experiment where students create a simple greenhouse model using plastic bottles, thermometers, and lamps. Guide them through the process, explaining each step and its significance to the greenhouse effect.
Teacher Note
Ensure safety by supervising the use of lamps and thermometers. Encourage teamwork and collaboration.
Individual Practice (10 min)
Assign students to work on a worksheet where they analyze data from the experiment, answer questions, and draw conclusions about the greenhouse effect and its impact on climate change.
Teacher Note
Provide clear instructions and examples on how to analyze the data. Offer assistance as needed.
Assessment and Reflection (10 min)
Facilitate a class discussion where students share their findings and reflect on the experiment. Use open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and self-assessment.
Teacher Note
Encourage all students to participate and share their thoughts. Validate their contributions and provide constructive feedback.
Core Questions
What did you learn from the experiment?
How does the data support the concept of the greenhouse effect?
What are some ways we can help combat climate change?
Review and Closure (10 min)
Summarize key points and connect the lesson to real-world scenarios by discussing ways students can help combat climate change. End with a creative activity where students design posters advocating for climate action.
Teacher Note
Encourage creativity and personal expression in the poster designs. Display the posters in the classroom or school to promote awareness.