Conservation Inside the Classroom and Beyond
This integrated unit challenges students to think critically about environmental conservation while applying English language arts, science, and social studies standards. Students learn about habitats, community development, and environmental agencies and their roles in influencing conservation efforts and the environment. Additionally, students conduct experiments on plant life to understand and observe various influences on natural habitats. With the help of community members, students conclude the unit with a 24-hour BioBlitz and collect data on and classify all of the animals and plants around the school. Students capture their findings with iPads and other devices and create an eBook for the school.
Conservation Inside the Classroom and Beyond
This integrated unit challenges students to think critically about environmental conservation while applying English language arts, science, and social studies standards. Students learn about habitats, community development, and environmental agencies and their roles in influencing conservation efforts and the environment. Additionally, students conduct experiments on plant life to understand and observe various influences on natural habitats. With the help of community members, students conclude the unit with a 24-hour BioBlitz and collect data on and classify all of the animals and plants around the school. Students capture their findings with iPads and other devices and create an eBook for the school.
English Arts
Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently.
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade specific expectations for writing types are defined in Standards 1–3
above.)
With guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. (Editing for conventions should demonstrate command of Language Standards 1–3 up to and including grade 5.)
Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
Include multimedia components (e.g., graphics, sound) and visual displays in presentations when appropriate to enhance the development of main ideas or themes.
Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
Science
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to group organisms using scientific classification procedures.
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how microorganisms benefit or harm larger organisms.
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to identify surface features on the Earth caused by constructive and/or destructive processes.
Social Studies
Explain how the Great Depression and New Deal affected the lives of millions of Americans.
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About the Teacher
Melanie Hartfield
Unity Grove Elementary
Henry County SchoolsMelanie Hartfield is currently a 5th grade teacher at Unity Grove Elementary in Locust Grove, GA. Ms. Hartfield received her Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Science from University of North Dakota, her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from University of Southern Mississippi, and her Master of Education in Early Child Education from Piedmont College. She currently serves as the Special Education Grade Level Chairperson at her school. Melanie’s best piece of teaching advice is to set your standards high, encourage your students, and let them know you care. Allow students to use their personal strengths and assist them with growing in the areas where they are weakest.
