Unit Title: Observing Nature: How Do We Observe and Respond to Nature?

Grade Level: 4th Grade

Duration: 4 weeks

Essential Question: How do we observe and respond to nature?

Unit Overview:

In this unit, students will learn about the importance of observing nature and how to respond to it. They will explore different types of nature, such as plants, animals, and weather, and learn how to observe and record their observations. Students will also learn about the impact of human activity on nature and how to take action to protect it.

Week 1: Introduction to Observing Nature

Objective: Students will understand the importance of observing nature and how to use their senses to observe it.

Activities:

• Brainstorming session: What is nature? What are some examples of nature?
• Nature walk: Take a walk around the school or local park and observe nature using their senses.
• Nature journal: Students will create a nature journal to record their observations.

Week 2: Observing Plants

Objective: Students will learn how to observe and identify different types of plants.

Activities:

• Plant scavenger hunt: Students will search for different types of plants and identify them.
• Plant observation: Students will observe a plant over a period of time and record their observations.
• Plant life cycle: Students will learn about the life cycle of a plant and create a diagram to show the different stages.

Week 3: Observing Animals

Objective: Students will learn how to observe and identify different types of animals.

Activities:

• Animal scavenger hunt: Students will search for different types of animals and identify them.
• Animal observation: Students will observe an animal over a period of time and record their observations.
• Animal adaptations: Students will learn about how animals adapt to their environment and create a poster to show their understanding.

Week 4: Observing Weather and Taking Action

Objective: Students will learn how to observe and record different types of weather and take action to protect nature.

Activities:

• Weather observation: Students will observe and record different types of weather over a period of time.
• Weather report: Students will create a weather report using their observations.
• Taking action: Students will learn about the impact of human activity on nature and brainstorm ways to take action to protect it.

Assessment:

• Nature journal: Students will be assessed on their nature journal entries.
• Plant and animal identification: Students will be assessed on their ability to identify different types of plants and animals.
• Weather report: Students will be assessed on their weather report.
• Taking action: Students will be assessed on their ability to brainstorm ways to take action to protect nature.