by Jennifer Marks Carol McMillan Karen Saltzman

Introduction Unit Title: Ecological Quest Subject/Topic Areas: Science, English, Mathematics and Technology Grade Level: 6th Time Frame: 4-6 weeks School District: Boston School: James P. Timilty Middle School

What role do changing patterns play in our lives? Science Unit Design Concept Map By Carol McMillan, Jennifer Marks, and Karen Saltzman Investigate local ecosystems Research and develop lists of possible pollutants in soil and water Take an Internet field trip Summative Essay answering Essential Question “What role do changing patterns play in our lives?” Technology Research on various web sites Virtual field trips to ecological sites Letters to local representatives Prepare Power Point presentations Visit a virtual pond and virtual ecosystem Mathematics ELA Analyze and compare pH content of varied local sources of pond water Analyze and create tables and graphs Look for patterns of change Identify key events, influential interrelationships (patterns) and supporting evidence from the text. Word study new vocabulary Write a persuasive letter to local representative

Brief Summary of Unit Students will look at patterns of growth, development, and change with an emphasis on the environment across the disciplines of Science, English, Math and Technology As concerned citizens students will investigate local ecosystems, gather data, analyze it, research local pollutants, and write to local representatives

Key Vocabulary Pollution Ecosystems Conservation Watershed

Content Standards Give examples of ways in which organisms interact and have different functions within an ecosystem that enable the ecosystem to survive. (Strand 2-Life Science, Learning Standard 13) Identify ways in which ecosystems have changed throughout geologic time in response to the actions of humans. (Strand 2-Life Science, Learning Standard 17) Use search engines effectively to find relevant, unbiased, and current information on a subject. (Instructional Technology Standard 3) Select and use appropriate statistical methods to analyze data (strand 5- Mathematics, Standard 1) Identify the basic facts and main ideas in a text and use them as the basis for interpretation (Reading and Literature, Strand Standard 8) Write with a clear focus coherent organization, and sufficient details (Composition strand, English, standard 19) Write for different audiences and purposes (Composition Strand, Standard 20)

Essential Questions What role do changing patterns play in our lives? Can we use knowledge of patterns of change to predict future outcomes? How can we impact our environment in positive ways? How is graphing useful in organizing information? Explain how patterns of change affect and impact your life and community.

Essential Understandings How patterns can change over time Patterns of change can help predict future events How the government, industry, and/or individuals have contributed to pollution How patterns of change affect and impact your life and community.

Key Knowledge Students will know: Key Terms: Ecosystems, Pollution, Conservation, and Watershed About the local ecosystem, patterns, and man’s impact on the environment How toxins are transported into ecosystems How to analyze data How to research local ecosystems

Key Skills Students will be able to: Investigate local ecosystems Distinguish between the living and non-living elements of an ecosystem Collect and analyze data Make tables and graphs Work in teams as concerned citizens Use the Internet and computer software to make an informational presentation Read Who Really Killed Cock Robin? and be able to make a text-to-world connection with regards to the environment

What Evidence will Show that Students Understand? Performance Tasks: Students will draw maps of the local area and identify major landmarks and sites of pollution Students will take an Internet field trip investigating areas of pollution Students will conduct a lab investigation comparing plants in clean and in polluted water, and graph and interpret those results

Evidence (continued) Students will write persuasive letters to local representatives Students will answer the Essential question “How do patterns of change affect and impact their lives”? Students will prepare Power Point presentations to share with State Environment Board and other local agencies

Assessment Informal Listening to student teams interacting during activities Questioning and discussion Related homework assignments Lab worksheet Peer and self evaluation

Assessment Formal All criteria for table and graph is met according to rubric Map is accurate and complete All criteria for letter is met according to rubric Power Point presentation criteria met according to rubric

WHERETO Through an interactive activity, students will identify interconnections in their everyday life routines Read the novel “Who Really Killed Cock Robin” Introduce essential question Research local area Draw maps of local area to identify major roads, rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and factories Investigate polluted area via internet

WHERETO (continued) Analyze and compare pH content of varied local pond water Graph results of analysis of local pond water Internet field trip of a virtual pond and virtual ecosystem Students complete lab assessments Write letters to local representatives Share PowerPoint presentation with State Environment Board and other local agencies