Title: Exploring Landforms

Grade Level: 3rd Grade

Subject: Science

Duration: 3-4 class periods (45 minutes each)

Objectives: 1. Students will be able to identify and describe different landforms. 2. Students will understand the processes that shape landforms. 3. Students will be able to differentiate between various landforms using visual aids and hands-on activities. 4. Students will develop map-reading skills by locating and labeling landforms on a map.

Materials: - Pictures or illustrations of various landforms (mountains, valleys, plains, plateaus, hills, deserts, etc.) - Large world map or map of your local area - Construction paper - Markers or colored pencils - Glue - Scissors - Chart paper - Whiteboard or chalkboard - Dry erase markers or chalk - Landforms worksheet (downloadable from the internet or create your own)

Procedure:

Day 1: Introduction to Landforms

1. Begin the lesson by asking students if they know what landforms are. Write their responses on the board.
2. Show pictures or illustrations of different landforms and discuss each one briefly. Explain that landforms are natural features found on the Earth’s surface.
3. Create a chart on the chart paper with two columns: “Landform” and “Description.” Ask students to help you fill in the chart by describing each landform shown.
4. Discuss the processes that shape landforms, such as erosion, weathering, and tectonic activity.
5. Distribute the landforms worksheet and have students complete it individually or in pairs. Review the answers as a class.

Day 2: Hands-on Exploration

1. Review the landforms discussed in the previous lesson.
2. Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with construction paper, markers or colored pencils, glue, and scissors.
3. Instruct each group to choose a landform and create a 3D model of it using the materials provided. Encourage creativity and accuracy in their representations.
4. Once the models are complete, have each group present their landform to the class, explaining its characteristics and how it is formed.

Day 3: Mapping Landforms

1. Review the landforms learned so far.
2. Display a large world map or a map of your local area on the board.
3. Explain to students that they will be locating and labeling different landforms on the map.
4. Call out the name of a landform and have students come up to the board one by one to locate and label it using a dry erase marker or chalk.
5. Repeat this process for several landforms, allowing different students to participate each time.
6. As a closing activity, have students work individually or in pairs to complete a worksheet where they match landforms to their descriptions.

Assessment:

• Observe students’ participation and engagement during class discussions and activities.
• Review completed worksheets and provide feedback.
• Assess the accuracy and creativity of the 3D landform models.
• Evaluate students’ ability to locate and label landforms on the map.

Extension Activities:

1. Have students research and create a presentation on a specific landform, including its location, characteristics, and significance.
2. Take a field trip to a local park or nature reserve to observe and identify different landforms in person.
3. Encourage students to create a landform-themed board game where players have to identify and describe various landforms to advance.