Earth/Space Science: Landforms
Unifying Concept: Constancy and Change
Change takes place over time. Patterns of interaction and change are
useful in explaining landforms.
Investigation 1: Schoolyard Models
Part 1: Schoolyard Models
Part 2: View from Above
• Reading: “Maps and How They Are Made” (Landforms; FOSS Science Stories, p.1-8 and
Teacher Guide Science Stories, p.2-3)
• Technology: www.fossweb.com Click on: Grades 3-6, Landforms, Websites, Schoolyard
Geology: U.S. Geological Survey
• Activity: Find School-Site Plans (TG Investigation 1, p.27)
• Activity: Read Other Maps (TG Investigation 1, p.27)
Part 3: Mapmaking
• Notebook Writing: Constructed Response A “School Yard Models” (Embedded Assessment
Package, p.14-28)
• Math: Make Proportional Drawings (TG Investigation 1, p.26)
• Math: Problem of the Week (TG Investigation 1, p.26 and Investigation Duplication Masters,
Student Sheet No.29)
Investigation 2: Stream Tables
Part 1: Erosion
• Reading: “Real People in the Grand
Canyon” (Landforms; FOSS Science Stories, p.9-14 and TG Science Stories, p.4-5)
• Reading: Our Changing Earth by Mary Miller (Leveled Book, p.12–14)
Part 2: Deposition
• Notebook Writing: Constructed Response B “Stream Tables” (Embedded Assessment
Package, p.29-41)
• Reading: Our Changing Earth by Mary Miller (Leveled Book, p.15-19)
• Technology: Video “Earth’s Physical Features” Medianet #92494
• Activity: Where Did the Grand Canyon Filler Go? (TG Investigation 2, p.24)
• Activity: Go on a 15-Minute Field Trip (TG Investigation 2, p.24)
Submitted by Carol Olson and Kris Siebers – June, 2007
Investigation 3: Go With the Flow
Part 1: Slope
• Reading: “Rivers and Controlling the Flow” (Landforms; FOSS Science Stories, p.15-21 and TG
Science Stories tab p.6-7)
Part 2: Flood
• Notebook Writing: Constructed Response C “Go with the Flow” (Embedded Assessment
Package, p.42-54)
Part 3: Designing an Investigation
• Notebook Writing: Prepare a Report for a Scientific Conference (TG Investigation 3, p.25)
• Notebook Writing: Home/School Connection (TG Investigation 3, p.28 and Investigation
Duplication Masters, Student Sheet No.36)
• Reading: “Shapes of the Earth” (Landforms; FOSS Science Stories, p.27-34 and TG Science
Stories, p.8-9)
• Math: Problem of the Week (TG Investigation 3, p.26-27 and Investigation Duplication Masters,
Student Sheet No.31)
• Activity: Take Stream-Table Photos (TG Investigation 3, p.27)
• Activity: Plan a Field Trip (TG Investigation 3, p.27)
• Activity: Find a Local Erosion-Control Expert (TG Investigation 3, p.27)
Investigation 4: Build a Mountain
Part 1: Making a Topographic Map
• Reading: “The Story of Mount Shasta” (Landforms; FOSS Science Stories, p.2224 and TG Science Stories, p.10-11)
Part 2: Drawing a Profile
• Reading: “Topographic Maps” (Landforms; FOSS Science Stories, p.25-26 and TG Science
Stories, p.12-13)
Part 3: FOSS Creek Map
• Math: Problem of the Week (TG Investigation 4, p.26-27 and Investigation Duplication Masters,
Student Sheet No.32)
• Activity: Collect Maps from Other Places (TG Investigation 4, p.25)
• Activity: Construct Other Profiles (TG Investigation 4, p.27)
Submitted by Carol Olson and Kris Siebers – June, 2007
Investigation 5: Bird’s-Eye View
Part 1: Mt. Shasta Topographic Map (This lesson is replaced with Constructed Response D)
• Notebook Writing: Constructed Response D “Take a Hike” (Embedded Assessment
Package, p.55-69)
• Reading: “Aerial Photography” (Landforms; FOSS Science Stories, p.35-36 and TG Science
Stories, p.14-15)
• Technology: www.fossweb.com Click on: Grades 3-6, Landforms, Websites, TerraServer
Part 2: Mt. Shasta Aerial Photos
• Notebook Writing: Response Sheet – Bird’s-Eye View (TG Investigation 5, p.16; TG
Assessment, p.14; Investigation Duplication Masters, Student Sheet No.22)
• Reading: “National Parks” (Landforms; FOSS Science Stories, p.37-42 and TG Science
Stories, p.16-17)
• Technology: www.fossweb.com Click on: Grades 3-6, Landforms, Activities, Aerial
Photography
• Technology: www.fossweb.com Click on: Grades 3-6, Landforms, Activities, Jigsaw Puzzle
• Technology: www.fossweb.com Click on: Grades 3-6, Landforms, Activities, Websites,
Ranger Minutes
• Activity: Interpret a Local Topographic Map (TG Investigation 5, p.35)
Part 3: Death Valley and Grand Canyon Maps
• Reading: “The Eye of the Needle” (Landforms; FOSS Science Stories, p.43-44 and TG
Science Stories, p.18-19)
• Technology: www.fossweb.com Click on: Grades 3-6, Landforms, Websites, TerraServer
• Activity: Draw a Local Landforms Map (TG Investigation 5, p.35)
Part 4: Choosing Your Own Investigation
• Activity: Find the Slope (TG Investigation 5, p.35-36)
• Activity: Study Topographic Maps from Other Countries (TG Investigation 5, p.34)
• Activity: Study a U.S. Landforms Orthophoto (TG Investigation 5, p.34)
• Activity: Create Aerial Photographs (TG Investigation 5, p.35)
Submitted by Carol Olson and Kris Siebers – June, 2007