Hard to believe that we have just finished our last class of the year! The first semester passed very quickly, and I am looking forward to starting our scuba diving unit and continuing our study of caral reefs after the Christmas holidays. Students did an excellent job on their 3-D presentations, and I have included several pictures and videos for your enjoyment.
Videos
Download Abbie Cammie Madeline
Students have been working extremely hard to create their 3-D rainforests and coral reefs. I love all of the amazing creativity and imagination that is evident in the plants and animals and the thought being put into the design process. Here are a few pictures of our "construction" work.
Students did an outstanding job on the Biome Newsletter presentations. I loved all of the unique costumes and creative ideas for sharing the information on climate, plants, and animals of the various biomes. On Thursday, I decided to take some pictures and videos of the presntations, and I though you might enjoy seeing how some of the students shared their information.
Here are the links to some of the videos:
After exploring ecology and Earth’s major biomes, we are now ready to begin our second topic of study within our fall unit- rainforests. Over the next three to four weeks we will be focused on the plants and animals that live in the various strata of the rainforest. We will also learn about indigenous people groups and their way of life, and we will explore some of the threats endangering the survival of rainforests. Some of our lesson essential questions for the next few weeks are as follows:
1) What is a tropical rainforest?
2) What are the different strata of the tropical rainforest?
3) How do the different strata rely on each other?
4) What is biodiversity and how does it relate to the Rainforest biome?
5) Why are plants important to a Rainforest ecosystem?
6) What animals can be found in a tropical rainforest?
7) How do animals protect themselves from predators?
8) Who are the indigenous people and why are they in danger?
9) What can we learn from indigenous people groups?
10) How are rainforests being destroyed and what can we do to help conserve this biome?
As we wrap up our study of ecology and biomes, students have been working extremely hard on their Biome Newsletter projects. I have posted all of the newsletters in the hall, and you are more than welcome to come in and take a look to see what the Target students have accomplished; I think you will be very impressed with the writing style, amount and depth of information presented, and professional look of the newsletters. We are all looking forward to the creative and interactive presentations about each biome next week. Here are a few pictures of the students hard at work!
During the fall semester, fourth and fifth grade Target students will swing into the Rainforest Rescue Unit. As part of their studies students will learn about ecology and delve into the major biomes of the world. Once the intrepid explorers have attained a generalized understanding of biomes, ecosystems, and food webs we will enter a deeper study of tropical rainforests and coral reefs (the tropical rainforests of the sea).
Through this unit, students will understand the integrated factors that make tropical rainforests and coral reefs and will examine how these biomes impact their lives daily. Students will become scientists who study plants, animals, people, and other elements that comprise tropical rainforests and coral reefs. Using physical clues from artifacts, primary sources, and other forms of research, students will draw conclusions about biodiversity, habitats, and the importance of these biomes. By studying the rainforest, coral reefs, and other biomes, students will develop a sense of their place on earth and understand the importance of protecting and conserving these rich and valuable resources.
Objectives
Students will demonstrate an understanding of ecology including life cycles, food webs and food chains, populations, habitats, etc.... Students will be able to explain how the world's biomes are alike and different
Students will be able to recognize the levels of the rainforest.
Students will be able to explain how coral reefs form and the different types of reefs that can be found.
Students will construct a model of the levels of the rainforest or of a coral reef and demonstrate how each element of the ecosystem interacts .
Students will develop methods of public awareness education concerning threats that affec tropical rainforests and coral reef areas. Students will develop an awareness of the indigenous tribes of the tropicalrainforest and the understanding of their culture.
Students will develop a knowledge of the geography, climate, and biodiversity of both coral reef and tropical rainforest ecosystems.
Students will develop an understanding of the economic and social issues surrounding the natural resources of the rain forest and coral reefs.
