Grade Level: Elementary: Fourth Grade

Learning Standard:     

Science Standards

S3: “The student produces evidence that demonstrates an understanding of changes in Earth and sky, such as changes caused by weathering, volcanism, and earthquakes.”

Science Standards

S5:   “The student asks questions about natural phenomena; objects and organisms; and events and discoveries.”

Science Standards

S6:    “The student acquires information from multiple sources, such as experimentation and print and nonprint sources.”

 

Time Requirements:   Preparation Time: Two hours

                                                      Class Time: Ten hours

Topics Covered by This Lesson: Planet Earth: Climate, Volcanism, Earthquakes, Geology

 

PreVisit:

                  Purpose:  Preparation of students for their visit.

Objective: Have the students acquire three pieces of information on five questions through research on the above topics before going on trip.

                  Materials Required: books, magazines, computerinternet, chart

Students Learning Prerequisites: Students share their findings. Students will write their own questions to be investigated at the museum.

 

Visit:  At the museum the class will first gather at the amphitheater at The Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth and observe the globe. After about four minutes separate the class into their predetermined five groups. Distribute student field journals.  Restate instructions. The students will then tour the hall to complete their assignment. Once students complete their assignments the students will then look for the answers to their own questions. (Questions which resulted from the previsit activities.)

Post Visit:  

Assessment: Have students share their experiences in the Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth. Review with the class the information they recorded in their Field Journals. Go over the five questions addressed in the hall.

Extension:  Have small groups of students prepare presentations on volcanoes for other classes in the school. The students will draw diagrams and make models to illustrate their presentation. In addition, the students will complete written reports. Some work will be done as homework assignments.

Possible Questions:

How do scientists “read” rocks?

What is Earth’s history?

Why are there volcanoes and earthquakes?

How is a mountain formed?