History of Earth Lesson Plan

Engage

The Engage session activates students’ prior knowledge of history and passing time. In this session, students use their digital Notebooks to illustrate, on a timeline, a memorable time in their life and then watch an animated story that gets them thinking further about the topic. Students also participate in a teacher-led discussion of the history of Earth. To complete the session, students collaborate with peers offline and continue to unpack their prior knowledge.

Explore

The Explore session promotes interest in and curiosity about fossils as evidence of Earth’s past. In this session, students uncover fossils from different periods of history. Students also participate in a teacher-led discussion that encourages them to wonder about how the Earth has changed. To complete the session, students work collaboratively offline and further explore the plants and animals that once lived on Earth.

Explain

The Explain session mixes animation with real-life video clips to provide a clear and concise description of how the Earth has changed over time and how it is still changing today. Students are also encouraged to express their understanding in their own words as they participate in teacher-led discussions. To complete the session, students participate in an offline activity that allows them to demonstrate mastery of the content.

In the Study

This Elaborate session allows students to practice and apply new terminology related to the module content. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on vocabulary and content understanding. To complete the session, students work independently, or with peers, to complete an offline activity.

Alphabetize

This Elaborate session allows students to practice and apply new terminology pertaining to Earth and the changes that occur over time. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on the content vocabulary addressed throughout the module. To complete the session, students work independently or with peers to complete an offline activity that reinforces literacy skills.

SillyBulls

This Elaborate session allows students to practice and apply new terminology pertaining to Earth and the changes that occur over time. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on the content vocabulary addressed throughout the module. To complete the session, students work independently or with peers to complete an offline activity that reinforces literacy skills.

As Old as Dirt

This Elaborate session promotes the use of formal definitions and explanations in a format not traditionally used in science instruction. In this session, students view an animated literature piece and use digital Notebook to record their ideas. Students also participate in a teacher-led discussion that emphasizes the science content of the literature. To complete the session, students participate in offline activities that reinforce the connection between science, literature, and the arts.

Investigate

This Elaborate session encourages students to extend their understanding of the concept as they apply science process skills. In this session, students participate in a virtual investigation as they make observations and record data in their digital Notebook. Students then participate in a teacher-led discussion that wraps up the online Investigate. To complete the session, students will work collaboratively as they participate in an offline hands-on investigation.

Take a Note

This Elaborate session allows students to apply what they have learned to new situations. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on science process skills and content understanding. To complete the session, students work independently, or with peers, to complete an offline activity that reinforces science process skills.

Memory Match

This Elaborate session allows students to apply what they have learned to new situations. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on science process skills and content understanding. To complete the session, students work independently, or with peers, to complete an offline activity that reinforces science process skills.

Match It

This Elaborate session allows students to practice and apply new terminology pertaining to Earth and the changes that occur over time. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on the content vocabulary addressed throughout the module. To complete the session, students work independently or with peers to complete an offline activity that reinforces literacy skills.

Evaluate

The Evaluate session reviews and assesses students’ knowledge of the content covered in the module. In this session, students participate in a teacher-led review of all concepts covered. Then students complete an online assessment to measure their progress toward learning goals. Offline evaluations are available and can be used as needed.