2014-2015 Grade 4 Writing Units f Study Unit 5: Earth: Rcks and Minerals Inquiry (6 weeks) Ratinale Why is this unit imprtant and apprpriate fr this grade level and at this time f the year? Thrughut the study f the earth s surface, rcks and minerals, students will deepen basic skills in inquiry, bserving, researching, rganizing infrmatin and writing a frmal pinin letter. Students will build interest, curisity and expertise in this area f science. This unit is based n the Next Generatin Science Standards and the Cmmn Cre Literacy Standards. Enduring Understandings EU is an verarching understanding. EU is written using teacher language. EU is smething the students will remember in five years. Students can use the EU in ther disciplines. Essential Understanding(s): The earth s surface is cnstantly changing. Essential Questins EQ is linked t the enduring understanding. EQ is written in student friendly language. EQ stimulates thught and is penended. EQ can be answered superficially early n and mre deeply as the unit prgresses. Essential Questin(s): Hw d natural prcesses affect the earth s surface? Learning Outcmes What d we expect students t knw and be able t d at the end f the unit? Cntent Learning Outcmes Students will: Identify the fur layers f the earth Identify the prperties f minerals Understand the stages f the rck cycle Identify the three types f rcks Describe the cause and effect relatinship f the earth s natural prcesses: weathering, ersin and gelgical hazards Writing Learning Outcmes Students will: Use relevant unit vcabulary t make accurate bservatins Develp and write questins Write a captin t align with a visual diagram Paraphrase and recrd ntes while researching Link cause and effect relatinships Write a frmal pinin letter Prvide and rganize supprting paragraphs t uphld a claim r thesis Supprt reasns with facts and details Use craft strategies t elabrate and engage the reader Cite surces and images using EasyBib
Reading Learning Outcmes 2014-2015 Grade 4 Writing Units f Study Students will: Determine the mst imprtant infrmatin in a text Synthesize the main idea in nnfictin texts Revise thinking as necessary while reading abut a tpic acrss texts Cmpare and cntrast different perspectives/pints f view fr a given tpic Use district nline databases t research Vcabulary What vcabulary terms will students be expected t knw? Cntent Specific Vcabulary Tier 2 Minerals Earth Layers Frmatin (relative t Earth s frmatin) Texture Luster Rck Cycle Vlcanes Earthquakes Lava Eruptin Prperties Organic Fssil Sediment Pressure Erupt Crystals Streak Gelgist Weathering Clarity Glacier Opaque Frmed Cntent Specific Vcabulary Tier 3 Igneus Sedimentary Metamrphic Ersin Magma Crust Mantle Outer cre Inner cre Vein Mh s Hardness Scale Mineral res Tectnic plates Richter Scale Cleavage Opinin Writing Vcabulary Thesis Stance Opinin Claim Prf Reasns Linking wrds/phrases Fr instance In rder t In additin Therefre Nnetheless Since Fr example Cnsequently Specifically
2014-2015 Grade 4 Writing Units f Study Mini-lessns/Ntes/Tips What mini-lessns will lead t student learning utcmes? Mini-lessns/Learning Activities: Week 1: Immersin Use t-chart t examine the fllwing questins: What I think I knw abut the earth, rcks and minerals? What d I want t knw abut the earth, rcks and minerals? Utilize unit nnfictin texts t define and illustrate cntent specific vcabulary. Partners can share wrd cards with peers and categrize terms fr class wrd wall. Cmpare and cntrast rck and mineral samples using a Venn diagram (Assessment, Level 2) Review the structure f a paragraph Refer t Trees Mdel : T: Tpic Sentence, R: Reasn, E: Evidence, E: Evidence, S: Summary Craft a paragraph abut the similarities and differences bserved frm Venn diagram Dcument new learning and lingering questins using Pst-its, Science Ntebks, graphic rganizers, etc. Use the BrainPp vide: Earth s Structure t intrduce the layers f the earth and create a diagram depicting these layers Label a diagram f the earth (Assessment, Level 1) Utilize read alud time t learn abut the layers f the earth Earth s Crust (Early Science Bk Pack Series) Prvide mentr wrd lists (luster wrds, etc.) and exemplar bservatins prir t students making their wn bservatins Use hmewrk writing respnse as an pprtunity fr students t practice writing paragraphs. Chice abut tpic/text fr paragraphs is given t students. Week 2: Minerals Observe different mineral samples t generate effective descriptins, detailed sketches and lingering questins Test mineral samples fr hardness after learning that appearance is nt enugh t classify a mineral Test mineral samples using the streak test Generate vcabulary t identify the luster f mineral samples Name mineral identificatin strategies and describe why each is imprtant (Assessment, Level 1) Use a randm mineral sample t write a paragraph that describes the prperties f the mineral (Assessment, Level 3) Prvide mentr wrd lists (luster wrds, etc.) and exemplar bservatins prir t students making their wn bservatins Dcument new learning and lingering questins using Pst-its, Science Ntebks, graphic rganizers, etc. Utilize read alud time t learn abut minerals. *Align with Reading Unit: Nnfictin: Sptlight n Determining Imprtance and Synthesis Use a variety f strategies t preview texts n minerals Use Mining fr Minerals article and nte taking template included with the unit resurces Use Mining fr Minerals hmewrk recmmendatin included with the unit resurces Access prir knwledge abut minerals t get ready t read a nnfictin text Use hmewrk writing respnse as an pprtunity fr students t practice persuasive letter writing. Chice abut tpic/purpse/audience fr letters is given t students.
2014-2015 Grade 4 Writing Units f Study Week 3: Rcks Learn abut the stages f the rck cycle Read The Rck Factry: A Stry abut the Rck Cycle by Jacqui Bailey and Matthew Lilly, and A Rck is Lively by Dianna Hutts Astn and Sylvia Lng Use multimedia t demnstrate cycle Create an riginal strybard that depicts the stages f the rck cycle. This strybard shuld include bth written (using Tier 2 & 3 vcabulary) and visual representatins t demnstrate understanding. (Assessment, Level 2) Create detailed captins using transitin wrds t align with each stage f the rck cycle (Assessment, Level 1) Discuss the rle f vlcanes in the creatin f igneus rcks Observe tw different igneus rcks (ne intrusive and ne extrusive) t nte visual differences and then independently identify tw additinal igneus rck samples as either intrusive r extrusive (Assessment, Level 2) Observe fur different sedimentary rcks t hypthesize the cmpsitin f each rck (Assessment, Level 2) Prvide the effects weathering and ersin have n the earth s surface (Assessment, Level 3) Cmpare and cntrast images f metamrphic rcks (riginal rck frm versus current metamrphic state) Prvide mentr wrd lists (luster wrds, etc.) and exemplar bservatins prir t students making their wn bservatins Identify the types f rcks and their specific prperties (Assessment, Level 1) Use a mystery rck sample t hypthesize the cmpsitin f the rck (Assessment, Level 2) Use classrm rck cllectin (in additin t FOSS Kit) fr further analysis Cmpare and cntrast rck samples frm different lcatins and nte the crrelatin between gegraphical lcatin and the rck physical prperties Utilize read alud time fr learning abut rcks and ersin The Rck Factry: A Stry Abut the Rck Cycle by Jacqui Bailey and Matthew Lilly Cracking Up A Stry Abut Ersin by Jacqui Bailey and Matthew Lilly A Rck Is Lively by Dianna Hutts Astn and Sylvia Lng *Align with Reading Unit: Nnfictin: Sptlight n Determining Imprtance and Synthesis Use a variety f strategies t preview texts n rcks Access prir knwledge abut rcks t get ready t read a nnfictin text Week 4: Gelgical Hazards Identify gelgical hazards (vlcanes, trnades, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis) Create a visual and written presentatin t depict the cause and effect relatinship f hw each gelgical hazard influences the frmatin f varius rcks (Assessment, Level 3) Present infrmatin t include dmain Tier 3 specific vcabulary Identify and rganize cause and effect relatinships f gelgical hazards Refer t Cause and Effect Web fund n page 196 in The Cmmn Cre Lessn Bk K-5 by Gretchen Owcki View vide clips t learn abut varius gegraphical hazards. Recmmended Brain Pp vides include Tsunami, Hurricanes, Natural Disasters, Vlcanes, Plate Tectnics, Earthquakes Utilize read alud, shared reading and guided reading t learn abut varius gelgical hazards as well as DIP. Cmprehensin Tlkit articles: On Deadly Grund Strm Surge and Trnad! Time Fr Kids articles: What Makes a Quake?, Undersea Vlcanes and Hw a Hurricane Wrks *Align with Reading Unit: Nnfictin: Sptlight n Determining Imprtance and Synthesis Synthesize infrmatin presented in gelgical hazard texts and articles Determine the imprtance f ideas in gelgical hazard texts and articles t supprt the main idea
2014-2015 Grade 4 Writing Units f Study Week 5 & 6: Summative Assessment (Assessment, Level 4) Perfrmance Based Task Take n the rle f a gelgist traveling t an untuched by mankind gegraphic regin Describe the surface f the earth in his/her gegraphic regin using a teacher-prvided graphic rganizer (What rcks are fund there? What des the earth s surface lk like? What des the earth s surface feel like?) Describe the types f rcks and minerals he/she has fund and what these findings tell abut the natural prcesses that have ccurred in his/her specific gegraphic regin Craft a letter t his/her supervisr describing his/her bservatins and what these findings tell abut the develpment f the gegraphic regin ver time Offer evidence t supprt his/her claims Use persuasive language t cnvince supervisr f the writer s findings (e.g., rck types, earths surface) Link pinin and reasns using wrds and phrases (e.g., fr instance, in rder t, in additin) Develp visual supprt t reinfrce written wrk (cllabrate with the art teacher) Give an ral presentatin Perfrmance Based Task Stages Infrmatin Gathering Utilize research and nte taking strategies t gather infrmatin Generate line f questining Differentiate between thick and thin questins Research using print and digital surces. Utilize district nline databases including Grlier Encyclpedia, Searchasaurus, Wrld Bk Online, TrueFlix and apprpriate websites such as www.sciencefrkids.rg/) Paraphrasing while taking ntes Organize/categrize ntes Intrductin t Frmal Letter Writing Study mentr examples f persuasive letters t mdel features, language and structure Drafting Stage Develp a claim Supply reasns t supprt the claim Integrate facts and details t supprt reasns *Refer t pg. 19-26, 32 The Cmmn Cre Writing Bk, K-5 by Gretchen Owcki *Refer t pg. 11-12 The Cmmn Cre Writing Bk, K-5 by Gretchen Owcki Link pinins and reasns using wrds and phrases (e.g., because, therefre, since, fr example, fr instance, in rder t, in additin) Prvide a cncluding statement r sectin related t the claim Preparing fr Publicatin Use EasyBib t cite surces and images Review peer editing practices and use checklist t peer assess letter Self-assess/peer assess ral presentatin using class develped rubric/checklist that reflects n a grwth mindset (yes, n, nt yet) Ntes/Tips: Unit Preparatin: Create and pst a banner f the essential questin t hang in classrm Create wrd wall with dmain specific vcabulary which includes terms, definitins and visuals Gather and explre resurces/materials frm FOSS Kit and ther artifacts t prmte hands n experiences Invite guest speakers, take field trips, use multimedia (audi, vide, images) t study scientific cncepts thrughut the unit f study.
2014-2015 Grade 4 Writing Units f Study Week 1: Review the structure f a paragraph Refer t Trees Mdel : T: Tpic Sentence, R: Reasn, E: Evidence, E: Evidence, S: Summary Utilize read alud time t learn abut the layers f the earth Earth s Crust (Early Science Bk Pack Series) Prvide mentr wrd lists (luster wrds, etc.) and exemplar bservatins prir t students making their wn bservatins Week 2: Prvide mentr wrd lists (luster wrds, etc.) and exemplar bservatins prir t students making their wn bservatins Utilize read alud time t learn abut minerals *Align with Reading Unit: Nnfictin: Sptlight n Determining Imprtance and Synthesis Use a variety f strategies t preview texts n minerals Access prir knwledge abut minerals t get ready t read a nnfictin text Week 3: Prvide mentr wrd lists (luster wrds, etc.) and exemplar bservatins prir t students making their wn bservatins Utilize read alud time fr learning abut rcks and ersin The Rck Factry- A Stry Abut the Rck Cycle by Jacqui Bailey and Matthew Lilly Cracking Up A Stry Abut Ersin by Jacqui Bailey and Matthew Lilly A Rck Is Lively by Dianna Hutts Astn and Sylvia Lng *Align with Reading Unit: Nnfictin: Sptlight n Determining Imprtance and Synthesis Use a variety f strategies t preview texts n rcks Access prir knwledge abut rcks t get ready t read a nnfictin text Week 4: Help students rganize cause and effect relatinships f gelgical hazards Refer t Cause and Effect Web fund n pg. 196 in The Cmmn Cre Lessn Bk K-5 by Gretchen Owcki Utilize read alud time fr learning abut varius gelgical hazards Tlkit Text articles: On Deadly Grund Strm Surge and Trnad Time Fr Kids articles: What Makes a Quake?, Undersea Vlcanes and Hw a Hurricane Wrks *Align with Reading Unit: Nnfictin: Sptlight n Determining Imprtance and Synthesis Synthesize infrmatin presented in gelgical hazard texts and articles Determine the imprtance f ideas in gelgical hazard texts and articles t supprt the main idea Weeks 1-4: Additinal website resurces t supprt further learning n rcks and minerals http://www.learner.rg/interactives/rckcycle/ http://www.fi.edu/fellws/fellw1/ct98/index2.html Fr additinal vide cntent and infrmatin, refer t United Streaming website Week 5 & 6: Refer t pg. 19-26, 32 The Cmmn Cre Writing Bk, K-5 by Gretchen Owcki Refer t pg. 11-12 The Cmmn Cre Writing Bk, K-5 by Gretchen Owcki
2014-2015 Grade 4 Writing Units f Study Assessment Hw will student learning be assessed? Frmative Assessments: *See Webb s Depth f Knwledge Assessment Attachment Level 1: Recall & Reprductin Label a diagram f the earth (reinfrce knwledge f Earth s layers) Name mineral identificatin strategies and describe why each is imprtant Identify the types f rcks and their specific prperties Create detailed captins using transitin wrds t align with each stage f the rck cycle Level 2: Basic Applicatin f Skills and Cncepts Cmpare and cntrast rck and mineral samples using a Venn diagram Create an riginal strybard that depicts the stages f the rck cycle. This strybard shuld include bth written (using Tier 2 & 3 vcabulary) and visual representatins t demnstrate understanding. Use a mystery rck sample t hypthesize the cmpsitin f the rck Observe tw different igneus rcks (ne intrusive and ne extrusive) t nte visual differences and then independently identify tw additinal igneus rck samples as either intrusive r extrusive Observe fur different sedimentary rcks t hypthesize the cmpsitin f each rck Level 3: Shrt-term Strategic Thinking Create a visual and written presentatin t depict the cause and effect relatinship f hw each gelgical hazard influences the frmatin f varius rcks Prvide the effects weathering and ersin have n the earth s surface Use a randm mineral sample t write a paragraph that describes the prperties f the mineral Perfrmance Based Assessment: Level 4: Extended Higher Order Thinking Students will: Take n the rle f a gelgist traveling t an untuched by mankind gegraphic regin Describe the surface f the earth in his/her gegraphic regin using a teacher-prvided graphic rganizer (What rcks are fund there? What des the earth s surface lk like? What des the earth s surface feel like?) Describe the types f rcks and minerals he/she has fund and what these findings tell abut the natural prcesses that have ccurred in his/her specific gegraphic regin Craft a persuasive letter t his/her supervisr describing his/her bservatins and what these findings tell abut the develpment f the gegraphic regin ver time Offer evidence t supprt his/her claims Link pinin and reasns using wrds and phrases (e.g., fr instance, in rder t, in additin) Develp visual supprt t reinfrce written wrk Give an ral presentatin
2014-2015 Grade 4 Writing Units f Study Standards What standards are addressed during the unit? CCLS in Science Identify evidence frm patterns in rck frmatins and fssils in rck layers t supprt an explanatin fr changes t landfrms ver time. Analyze maps shwing a variety f Earth s features and the ccurrence f gelgic hazards t determine the gegraphic patterns that emerge. CCLS in Writing W.4.1: Write pinin pieces n tpics r texts, supprting a pint f view with reasns and infrmatin a) Intrduce a tpic r text clearly, state an pinin, and create an rganizatinal structure in which related ideas are gruped t supprt the writer s purpse. b) Prvide reasns that are supprted by facts and details. c) Link pinin and reasns using wrds and phrases (e.g., fr instance, in rder t, in additin). d) Prvide a cncluding statement r sectin related t the pinin presented. W.4.4: Prduce clear and cherent writing in which the develpment and rganizatin are apprpriate t task, purpse, and audience. W.4.5: With guidance and supprt frm peers and adults, develp and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, and editing. W.4.6: With sme guidance and supprt frm adults, use technlgy, including the Internet, t prduce and publish writing as well as t interact and cllabrate with thers; demnstrate sufficient cmmand f keybarding skills t type a minimum f ne page in a single sitting. W.4.9: Draw evidence frm literary r infrmatinal texts t supprt analysis, reflectin and research. b) Apply Grade 4 Reading standards t infrmatinal texts. CCLS in Reading RI.4.1: Refer t details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences frm the text. RI.4.3: Explain events, prcedures, ideas, r cncepts in a histrical, scientific r technical text, including what happened and why, based n specific infrmatin in the text. RI.4.4: Determine the meaning f general academic and dmain specific phrases in a text relevant t a Grade 4 tpic r subject area. RI.4.5: Describe the verall structure (e.g. chrnlgy, cmparisn, cause/effect, prblem/slutin) f events, ideas, cncepts r infrmatin in a text r part f a text. RI.4.7: Interpret infrmatin presented visually, rally, r quantitatively (e.g. in charts, graphs, diagrams, timelines, animatins r interactive elements n webpages) and explain hw the infrmatin cntributes t the understanding f the text in which it appears. RI.4.9: Integrate infrmatin frm tw texts n the same tpic in rder t write r speak abut the subject knwledgeably CCLS in Language L.4.2: Demnstrate cmmand f the cnventins f standard English capitalizatin, punctuatin, and spelling when writing. a) Use crrect capitalizatin. b) Use cmmas and qutatin marks t mark direct speech and qutatins frm a text. c) Use a cmma befre a crdinating cnjunctin in a cmpund sentence. d) Spell grade apprpriate wrds apprpriately cnsulting references as needed. L.4.4: Determine r clarify the meaning f unknwn and multiple meaning wrds and phrases based n Grade fur reading and cntent, chsing flexibly frm a range f strategies. a) Use cntext (e.g. definitins, examples, r read statements in a text) as a clue t the meaning f a wrd r phrase. b) Use cmmn, grade apprpriate Greek and Latin affixes and rts as clues t the meanings f a wrd. c) Cnsult reference materials (e.g. dictinaries, glssaries, thesauruses) bth print and digital, t find the prnunciatin and determine r clarify the precise meaning f key wrds and phrases. Speaking & Listening: SL.4.4: Reprt n a tpic r text, tell a stry, recunt an experience in an rganized manner using apprpriate facts and relevant descriptive details t supprt main ideas r themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace
2014-2015 Grade 4 Writing Units f Study Prfessinal & Student Resurces What prfessinal resurces will be helpful in planning the unit? Prfessinal Resurces: The Cmmn Cre Writing Bk K-5 by Gretchen Owcki The Cmmn Cre Lessn Bk K-5 by Gretchen Owcki Cllabratin and Cmprehensin Inquiry Circles in Actin by Harvey Daniels and Stephanie Harvey Engaging Readers and Writers With Inquiry by Jeffrey Wilhelm Inquiry Circles and DVD by Stephanie Harvey and Harvey Daniels Develping Mre Curius Minds by Jhn Barell Creating Classrms fr Authrs and Inquirers by Kathy G. Shrt, Jerme C. Harste with Carlyn Burke Inquiry at the Windw by Phyllis Whitin & David J. Whitin Nnfictin Matters: Reading, Writing and Research in Grades 3-8 by Stephanie Harvey Planning Fr Inquiry: It s Nt an Oxymrn by Diane Parker Explring Infrmatinal Texts: Frm Thery t Practice by Linda Hyt, Margaret Mney, and Brenda Parkes Units f Study fr Teaching Reading Navigating Nnfictin in Expsitry Texts Determining Imprtance and Synthesizing by Lucy Calkins and Kathleen Tlan Units f Study in Opinin, Infrmatin, and Narrative Writing Grade 4 Bxes and Bullets by Lucy Calkins, Kelly Blland Hhne and Cry GIllete Student Resurces: District Online Databases (e.g., Grlier Encyclpedia, Wrld Bk Online, Pebble G, Searchasaurus, Schlastic TrueFlix) A Rck Is Lively by Dianna Hutts Astn and Sylvia Lng (Read Alud) Cracking Up A Stry Abut Ersin by Jacqui Bailey and Matthew Lilly (Read Alud) The Rck Factry: A Stry Abut the Rck Cycle by Jacqui Bailey and Matthew Lilly (Read Alud) Rcks, Hard, Sft, Smth and Rugh by Natalie Rsinsky Hw Des it Happen? Variety Pack (Steps t Literacy) specifically Hw Des a Vlcan becme an Island? and Hw Des an Earthquake becme a Tsunami? (Independent Reading r Research Resurce) Early Bird Science Series Variety Pack (Steps t Literacy) specifically Minerals, Earth s Crust, Fssils and Ersin (Independent Reading r Research Resurce) Rcks and Minerals Theme Set (Benchmark Educatin) specifically Minerals, The Rck Cycle and Rck Types (Independent Reading r Research Resurce) What Changes Our Earth Theme Set (Benchmark Educatin) specifically Earthquakes, Ersin and Glaciers (Independent Reading r Research Resurce) DK Eyewnder Rcks and Minerals DK Eyewnder Vlcanes DK Pcket Genius Rcks and Minerals Crabtree Publishing Series: What Are Igneus Rcks by Mlly Alian, What are Sedimentary Rcks?, What Are Fssils? by Natalie Hyde, What Are Crystals? by Mlly Alian, What Are Metamrphic Rcks? by Mlly Alian, What Are Minerals? by Natalie Hyde, Hw T Be A Rck Cllectr by Natalie Hyde, What Is The Rck Cycle? by Natalie Hyde Hands-On Resurces Everyday Uses Rck and Card Set, Educatinal Insights