Y5’s new unit
Sharing the Planet
th
20 February – 31st March
Central Idea:
Everything in the natural environment is connected through balanced
ecosystems.
Lines of Inquiry:
Ecosystems in the natural environment
Needs of ecosystems
Our responsibility towards ecosystems
Key Concepts:
Change, Connection, Responsibility
Examples of learning engagements:
Teacher Questions:
What are the components of an
ecosystem?
How are ecosystems interconnected?
How do ecosystems change?
What happens if there are changes to an
ecosystem?
How does human activity affect the
balance of ecosystems?
What is our responsibility to the world in
which we live?
Identify ecosystems on a world map
Watch a variety of documentaries on ecosystems and take notes about key
information
Discuss how human actions affect ecosystems and suggest appropriate action
Gather statistics from videos about ecosystems to include in their final
presentation
Develop research skills to find out about a particular ecosystem
Use Movie Maker and develop PowerPoint skills
Explore food webs and food chains within ecosystems
Create news paper reports
Learner Profile: Caring,
knowledgeable, thinker
Attitudes: Appreciation,
respect
Summative assessment
Students will present in small group using PowerPoint and Movie Maker. They will share
their understanding about one ecosystem and present to their classmates.
Transdisciplinary Skills:
Thinking skills: Acquisition of knowledge – gaining specific facts about ecosystems;
Comprehension – understanding information they learn about animals, habitats. Analysis –
finding unique characteristics about ecosystems and seeing relationships within and between
ecosystems.
Self-management: organizing their own time and folders independently
Research skills: Interpreting data – reflecting on what we have learnt, answering questions
about presenting research findings – gathering data – from a variety of sources
Communication: Speaking – give reports to small groups; presenting – presenting learning
Unit Vocabulary
ecosystem
biome
environment
interdependence
habitat
biodiversity
responsibility
How you can help your child:
Support your child as they research – discuss their
findings, help them find key information (this can be done
in your own language)
Encourage your child to watch different programmes, for
example National Geographic, Discovery Channel.
Look at an Atlas / Google Earth together and discuss
what you see
Discuss the environment
Gymnastics
Students will learn balances, split jumps, different ways of
travelling for example log rolls and egg rolls. In vaulting we will
focus on different mounts and dismounts. Forward rolls from
the spring boards ,as well as dive rolls.
Useful Websites:
http://www.neok12.com/Ecosystems.htm (videos)
http://kids.nceas.ucsb.edu/
http://www.kidsgeo.com/geography-for-kids/0164-ecosystems.php
http://www.nhptv.org/NatureWorks/nwepecosystems.htm
http://www.fi.edu/tfi/units/life/habitat/habitat.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/11353/ecosystems.htm
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/fooodchains.htm
http://www.greenfacts.org/en/ecosystems/index.htm