Grade Band: Intermediate, Middle School, High School
Lesson Target: Earth and Space Science
Unit 2
Monthly Tools
Supplemental Science Lessons
The Supplemental Science Lessons coincide with the monthly unit topic by providing supporting lessons in Earth and Space Science,
Life Science and Physical Science areas. The instructional targets for the designated grade bands are listed with each title. However, in some
instances, the lessons may be appropriate for more than one grade band. All reading materials for these lessons are located in the n2y Library.
Scientific inquiry activities are provided in Lesson 28 of the unit materials.
Intermediate
Why Plants Need Soil
Earth and
Space
Science
•
Observe ways that soil can hold
water and support plant life.
What’s for Dinner?
Life
Science
•
Understand food webs and chains
as interactions between producers
and consumers.
Candles: Solid, Liquid or Gas?
Physical
Science
© 2014 n2y
ULS, October 2014
•
Recognize states of matter: liquid,
solid, gas.
Middle School
Natural Disasters (Level E)
•
Identify types of weather
phenomena.
Simon’s Respiratory System
•
Recognize that living things are
made of cells that have a function:
Cells make up tissues and organs.
Mix It Up: Making Lemonade
•
Observe simple examples of
mixtures and compounds.
High School
Save The Trees!
•
Identify and describe ways that
humans have changed the
environment (deforestation, waste
management, etc.).
The Linnaean System and Vertebrates
•
Recognize the diversity of
organisms by sorting plants and
animals according to their
classification.
Aluminum Foil
•
Identify and investigate entries in
the periodic table of elements in
relation to real-world product uses
(gold in jewelry, aluminum in foil
wrap, etc.).
Grade Band: Intermediate
n2y Library: Why Plants Need Soil
Unit 2
Supplemental Earth and Space Science Lesson
Instructional Targets
Standards for Earth and Space Science
• Observe ways that soil can hold water and support plant life.
Which of your state standards are aligned to these instructional targets?
Classroom Activities/Lesson Plan
Related Content: Why Plants Need Soil
When the Pilgrims came to America, they were not ready for the many hardships they would face. One of those hardships was learning how to
farm in a new land. The Native Americans taught the Pilgrims about farming in the new land. Understanding how to farm and use the soil is
important to grow healthy plants. It is important to understand how soil helps plants grow.
•
•
Read the book, Why Plants Need Soil, located in the n2y Library.
Follow up with discussion questions:
• What is soil made of?
• How does soil get minerals?
• What lives or grows in soil?
• What does a plant need in order to grow?
•
Use the comprehension questions to further discuss the properties of soil.
1. What is a mixture of rocks, plants and insects? (Sun, soil, water)
2. What should be planted in soil? (leaf, shoe, seed)
3. What soaks into the soil? (water, Sun, food)
4. What is inside of the soil? (metal, nutrients, milk)
5. What soil is dark and chunky? (sandy soil, rocks, clay soil)
Extending Learning
• Investigate different types of soil. Collect different types of soils from gardens, beaches, parks or nurseries. Have students analyze
which has the most rocks, which is darkest, which keeps its shape the longest, etc. Then add water to the various soils for students to
see how certain soils hold water while others do not.
Level 3
• Students will analyze varieties of soils to
understand how soil affects plant life.
Resources and Materials
Book: Why Plants Need Soil
Comprehension questions
© 2014 n2y
ULS, October 2014
Differentiated Tasks
Level 2
• Students will recognize that soil
encourages plant growth.
Level 1
• Students will identify that soil is important
to support plant growth.
Additional Resources
Grade Band: Middle School
n2y Library: Natural Disasters (Level E)
Unit 2
Supplemental Earth and Space Science Lesson
Instructional Targets
Standards for Earth and Space Science
• Identify types of weather phenomena.
Which of your state standards are aligned to these instructional targets?
Classroom Activities/Lesson Plan
Related Content: Natural Disasters (Level E)
Clara Barton is an American hero who began the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross is a group that helps people after natural
disasters occur. A natural disaster is caused by weather and the environment. There are many different types of natural disasters. It is important
to know about the different types of natural disasters that can happen so you can be prepared and safe.
•
•
Read the book, Natural Disasters, located in the n2y Library.
Follow up with discussion questions:
• Have you ever been in an emergency situation? How did it make you feel?
• Where can emergencies happen?
• What is a natural disaster?
• What natural disasters are common where you live?
• What do you do when a natural disaster strikes?
• How can you prepare for a natural disaster?
•
Use the comprehension questions to further discuss natural disasters.
1. What can shake and crack the ground? (tsunami, earthquake, hurricane)
2. What is snow that falls down a slope? (flood, tornado, avalanche)
3. What causes waves to move across the coastline? (tsunami, wildfire, volcano)
4. What is rain that causes rivers and lakes to overflow? (hurricane, avalanche, flood)
5. What is spinning air that moves across the ground? (tornado, hurricane, earthquake)
Extending Learning
• Have students investigate how a hurricane causes flooding. Items needed: small fan, dishpan, construction paper, water, tape and a
grease pencil. Process: Make a funnel with the construction paper and fit the wide end to the fan. Fill the dishpan with water, leaving
only an inch to the top. Mark the water level with a grease pencil at one end of the pan. Place the fan at the opposite end and turn on.
The wind from the fan will blow the water; mark the new water level. Turn the fan off and measure the difference between the marks.
To view more details of the experiment, click on the following link: http://www.ducksters.com/science/experiment_storm_surge.php
Level 3
• Students will examine and understand
wind force and water displacement
during a hurricane.
Resources and Materials
Book: Natural Disasters (Level E)
Comprehension questions
© 2014 n2y
ULS, October 2014
Differentiated Tasks
Level 2
• Students will recognize that hurricanes
cause flooding.
Level 1
• Students will identify a hurricane as a
natural disaster.
Additional Resources
The following site provides a great resource for creating a preparedness kit and a plan:
http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/bb917e271da92ac61b0e717074f5281e/FEMA_MS_TG_082613_508.pdf
Grade Band: High School
n2y Library: Save The Trees!
Unit 2
Supplemental Earth and Space Science Lesson
Instructional Targets
Standards for Earth and Space Science
• Identify and describe ways that humans have changed the environment (deforestation, waste management, etc.).
Which of your state standards are aligned to these instructional targets?
Classroom Activities/Lesson Plan
Related Content: Save The Trees!
Throughout history, people have made the United States a strong country. Johnny Appleseed traveled the United States and planted apple trees.
We need to make sure we keep our country strong. Trees help our country stay strong by providing us with resources we use every day. Trees
are being cut down for many reasons. We need to recycle what we can, but also plant more trees to replace what we have taken.
•
•
•
Read the book, Save The Trees!, located in the n2y Library.
Follow up with discussion questions:
•
What are trees used for?
•
What are some ways to help save trees?
•
What are some ways to use less paper?
•
How can a tree be harmed?
Use the comprehension questions to further discuss.
1. What do animals use trees for? (homes, sunshine, water)
2. What do trees give us? (shoes, candy, clean air)
3. What keeps the soil solid? (food, tree roots, snow)
4. What is made from trees? (boot, pen, book)
5. What can be recycled to save trees? (paper, food, sand)
Extending Learning
• Grow an oak tree from an acorn. (The oak tree is America’s National Tree.) Gather acorns and soak in water for 24 hours. Discard
any that are floating. Air dry the acorns and place them in a plastic bag with a slightly damp paper towel (be sure there is no excess
water). Place in the refrigerator for 3-4 months, inspecting regularly to discard moldy ones. Wrap acorn in a small piece of chicken wire
to discourage animals, and plant about 2 inches deep in an old nursery pot filled with potting mix. Put the container in a sunny spot and
water sparingly until germination. Then water 2-3 times a week. Plant in a permanent location in the spring.
Level 3
• Students will identify and partake in ways
to combat deforestation.
Resources and Materials
Book: Save The Trees!
Comprehension questions
© 2014 n2y
ULS, October 2014
Differentiated Tasks
Level 2
• Students will recognize deforestation as
an issue which can be fixed by planting
new trees.
Level 1
• Students will identify with the benefits of
planting trees.
Additional Resources
Click on the following link for an interactive map to show current tree
gain and loss in your location:
http://earthenginepartners.appspot.com/science-2013-global-forest