Introduction
Students, an important decision is in YOUR hands! How will you solve a problem created by changes happening in our environment? Please watch this video to get introduced to your task! Before you watch, think, "What problem am I most interested in solving?"
Task
You've now watched a video and your gears should be turning. We've learned from this Science Module the impacts of Climate Change and the causes. You will choose one problem that's impacting Climate Change to solve. THINK! "Why is it a problem? What happens if it's not solved? How can we solve this problem? Why is it important that we take a stance to solve this problem NOW?"
Task:
| 1. Pick a problem | Research: How do I solve this problem in a creative way? | 3. Explain: Why must this problem be solved and why is this the best solution? |
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Process
Process
Students, you will create a Prezi, Google Slides, or a Canva presentation to convey your work.
Your process will include the following:
1. Planning document with your research and the presentation platform you're choosing
2. The Link to your presentation that answers these questions:
- What is your environmental problem
- How is it impacting climate change
- How would you solve this problem
- How can you make this change in your daily life?
Research
Articles/Websites that may be helpful:
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https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/climate-change
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https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/key-word/climate-change/
Videos that may be helpful:
Evaluation
Rubric:
| 5-Satisfactory | 3-Acceptable | 1-Unsatisfactory | |
| Platform Usage |
Student creates a creative presentation and illustrates an understanding of the questions being ask of them |
Student creates a presentation and shows some understanding of the questions being asked of them | Student is lacking a piece of their presentation and didn't answer the questions asked of them |
| Research | Student shows a great understanding of their problem/solution. Their research is shown on their planning page and in their project | Student does some research and shows this on their planning page | Student doesn't include academic research in their project or in their planning page |
| Problem Stated | Student chooses a problem caused by climate change and describes it effectively in their planning and project | Student chooses a problem but doesn't describe it effectively in their planning/project | Student doesn't pick a problem to solve in their planning/project |
| Creative Solution | Students illustrates an understanding of their problem by creating a creative solution to it in their project | Student chooses a solution but doesn't effectively convey it in their project | Student doesn't create a solution to their chosen problem |
| Explanation on how this applies in your real life | Student shows an understanding of their problem/solution by stating how they could apply it to their life/community | Student explains how it could be used in real life, but not in their own | Student doesn't describe how this solution could be extended to their real life at all |
Example Work:
Conclusion
Hello, Experts!! I am so proud of all the hard work you have committed to making this world a better place. Where do we go from here??
Looking Forward:
Next week we will collaborate with our peers to figure out how to make OUR world a better place. We will work in groups to discuss the problem you chose and the creative solution you came up with. Each group will come up with an elaborate way to incorporate all of these ideas into one huge community project. You've come with ways on how to apply this to your life, now how can we make it applicable to whole communities? Start thinking on this! I can't wait to see what you come up with next!
Credits
Sources:
A guide to climate change for kids. (n.d.). NASA Climate Kids. https://climatekids.nasa.gov/kids-guide-to-climate-change/
Indiana Academic Standards for Science. (2016). Third grade science standards. In Indiana Academic Standards for Science 2016. https://www.in.gov/doe/files/indiana-third-grade-standards-2016-41116.p…
Learn Bright. (2021, April 21). Climate Change for Kids | A fun engaging introduction to climate change for kids [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkvPdUtYhX8
Matt Miltonberger. (2017, May 19). Climate Change - We are the PROBLEM & the SOLUTION (Animated Infographic) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-D_Np-3dVBQ
MightyOwl. (2021, July 9). Environmental Changes | MightyOwl Science | 3rd Grade [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94cA_JLDcFk
Science Journal for Kids. (n.d.). Climate change Archives - Science Journal for Kids and Teens. Science Journal for Kids and Teens. https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/key-word/climate-change/
Shaw, A. (2021, February 16). Climate change. Science. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/climate-change
1. students. (2023, October 3). ISTE. https://iste.org/standards/students
TheBig6.org. (2021, March 5). TheBig6.org. https://thebig6.org/
What is Global Warming? (2021, February 11). Time for Kids. https://www.timeforkids.com/g34/global-warming/
Teacher Page
Science Content Connections:
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3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
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3-LS4-4: Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change.
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ETS1.B: Research on a problem should be carried out before beginning to design a solution.
Technology Connections:
ISTE for Educators:
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2.5.c Create Innovative Learning Environments
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2.5.b Design Authentic Learning Activities
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2.6.c Teach Computational and Design Thinking
ISTE for Students:
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1.3.d Explore Real-World Issues
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1.3.c Curate Information
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1.4.d Open-Ended Problems
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1.6.c Models and Visualizations
Extension Opportunities:
In order to extend this project even further, have students get into groups of 3 or 4, and share how their problems/solutions could work together in their local community. They can then create their own poster/digital resource describing the changes they'll be making to their community to help contribute to helping the local climate crisis.