Quarter 4
READING
EL Module 4, Water Around the World, Units 1-3 Overview:
This module focuses on the importance of clean freshwater around the world. In Unit 1, students read the text One Well: The Story of Water on Earth to build background knowledge about freshwater around the world and the three issues they will read more about in Unit 2: access to water, demands on water, and water pollution. In Unit 2, students continue their study of the three issues related to water, this time reading different texts about each issue and comparing the point of view of the authors to their own point of view. In the second half of the unit, they add to the research begun in Unit 1 by rereading the module texts for solutions for each issue. Students then use the Painted Essay® structure to write an opinion essay about the importance of water conservation. In Unit 3, students plan and create a video public service announcement to educate people about their chosen water issue and to encourage them to take action with specific recommendations to solve the problem. They write invitational letters to guests for the live launch of their video PSA. For the performance task, students present a live “launch” of the PSA (public service announcement) they created about a water issue. The presentation includes a personal reflection on why this issue is important and a brief description of the process of creating a public service announcement. This task centers on CCSS ELA RI.3.1, SL.3.4, SL.3.6, and L.3.3b.
Math
The students will work on:
Using Tools to Measure Length, Weight, and Capacity
Understanding Time
- Solve problems involving measurement and estimation of intervals of time, liquid volumes, and masses of objects.
- Solve problems involving the four operations, and identify and explain patterns in arithmetic.
The students will begin working on their Understaning the Human Body Unit in Science.
During this unit the students will:
*The human body contains specific systems such as the skeletal, nervous, and muscular systems designed to work together to sustain life.
Soil & Plants: Understand how plants survive in their environments.
Remember the function of the following plant structures as it relates to the survival of plants in their environment
Roots-absorb nutrients Stems-provide support Leaves-synthesize food Flowers - attract pollinators and produce seed for reproduction
Explain how environmental conditions determine how well plants survive and grow.
Summarize the distinct stages of the life cycle of seed plants.
Explain how the basic properties (texture and capacity to hold water) and components (sand, clay and humus) of soil determine
the ability of soil to support growth and survival of many plants.
Social Studies
The students will begin working on their History Unit in Social Studies. The overall intent of this unit is that students through the study of the history of our state and county, will gain not only an understanding of how our country began, but also an appreciation of the challenges met by colonists, additionally, students will gain an admiration for the Native American culture that was present when the colonists arrived. Students will come to the knowledge how the Native Americas contributed to the success of the colonists. These goals will be met by providing students with a variety of activities with which they can make personal connections.
During this unit the students will:
Understand how events, individuals and ideas have influenced the history of local and regional communities.
Explain key historical events that occurred in the local community and regions over time.
Analyze the impact of contributions made by diverse historical figures in local communities and regions over time.
Exemplify the ideas that were significant in the development of local communities and regions.
Use historical thinking skills to understand the context of events, people and places.
Explain change over time through historical narratives. (events, people and places)
Explain how multiple perspectives are portrayed through historical narratives.