Title: Writing a Letter to Protect Endangered Habitats

Grade Level: 5th Grade Subject: English Language Arts and Natural Science

Objectives: 1. Students will be able to understand the purpose and structure of a letter. 2. Students will be able to identify and describe different types of habitats. 3. Students will be able to write a persuasive letter to protect endangered habitats, integrating knowledge from natural science.

Materials: - Chart paper and markers - Whiteboard and markers - Letter writing templates - Pencils and erasers - Informational texts or resources about different habitats and endangered species - Internet access (optional)

Procedure:

Introduction (10 minutes): 1. Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever written a letter before. Discuss the purpose and structure of a letter, including the heading, greeting, body, closing, and signature. 2. Explain to students that they will be writing a persuasive letter to protect endangered habitats, integrating knowledge from their natural science lessons.

Product-Based Approach (20 minutes): 1. Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a large sheet of chart paper and markers. 2. Assign each group a different habitat (e.g., rainforest, coral reef, desert, etc.) and ask them to brainstorm and write down the characteristics and unique features of their assigned habitat. 3. After 10 minutes, have each group present their findings to the class, discussing the importance of their assigned habitat and any endangered species that inhabit it. 4. As a class, create a list of common features and threats to habitats on the whiteboard.

Text-Based Approach (20 minutes): 1. Provide students with informational texts or resources about different habitats and endangered species. Alternatively, you can guide them to reliable online sources. 2. Instruct students to read the texts individually or in pairs and take notes on the key information about their assigned habitat. 3. After reading, facilitate a class discussion to share and discuss the information they gathered. Encourage students to ask questions and clarify any doubts.

Integration (30 minutes): 1. Distribute letter writing templates to each student. 2. Explain that they will be writing a persuasive letter to a local government official or an environmental organization, urging them to take action to protect their assigned habitat. 3. Instruct students to use the information they gathered from the text-based approach to support their arguments in the letter. 4. Provide guidance and support as students begin drafting their letters. Encourage them to use persuasive language, provide evidence, and suggest specific actions to protect the habitat. 5. Allow time for students to revise and edit their letters, either individually or in pairs. 6. Finally, have students share their letters with the class or in small groups, allowing for constructive feedback and discussion.

Conclusion (10 minutes): 1. Wrap up the lesson by discussing the importance of protecting habitats and the role of persuasive writing in advocating for change. 2. Encourage students to take action in their own lives to protect habitats and endangered species. 3. Collect and assess the students’ letters for their understanding of persuasive writing techniques and integration of natural science knowledge.

Note: This lesson plan can be modified and adapted to suit the specific needs and resources available in your classroom.