Earth Structure: Modeling and Three-Dimensional Thinking
Summary
This is a series of three lessons that focus on two and three dimensional thinking, modeling, and earth structure. The main goal of the lessons is to develop a sense of two- and three-dimensional models of earth's surface, pros/cons and accuracy of those models, and a sense for why accuracy (and understanding inaccuracies) is important. The lessons were developed for upper-level elementary students, and include suggestions and/or links to other related resources for scaling up to middle or high school levels.
Lesson 1: Earth Surface Models in 2- and 3-Dimensions (globes vs maps)
Lesson 2: Visualizing and Modeling Earth Structure in 2- and 3-Dimensions
Lesson 3: Understanding Wave Motion in 2- and 3-Dimensions
Rationale: Three-dimensional thinking is difficult for students from the elementary through the college level. Introducing activities that incorporate spatial models in the elementary levels helps to create a foundation for lessons in spatial awareness and modeling.
These lessons were developed as part of NSF CSEDI grant #1458184, awarded to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 2014-2017, in collaboration with Abigail Christensen and Alexis Miller (UWW education students, 2016-17).
Lesson 1: Earth Surface Models in 2- and 3-Dimensions (globes vs maps)
Lesson 2: Visualizing and Modeling Earth Structure in 2- and 3-Dimensions
Lesson 3: Understanding Wave Motion in 2- and 3-Dimensions
Rationale: Three-dimensional thinking is difficult for students from the elementary through the college level. Introducing activities that incorporate spatial models in the elementary levels helps to create a foundation for lessons in spatial awareness and modeling.
These lessons were developed as part of NSF CSEDI grant #1458184, awarded to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 2014-2017, in collaboration with Abigail Christensen and Alexis Miller (UWW education students, 2016-17).
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Context
Audience
Upper-level elementary, scalable for middle and high school.
Standards addressed:
Developing and Using Models (Science and Engineering Practice)
Scale, Proportion, and Quantity (Cross Cutting Practice)
ESS2.B Plate tectonics and large-scale system interactions (Disciplinary Core Standard)
Standards addressed:
Developing and Using Models (Science and Engineering Practice)
Scale, Proportion, and Quantity (Cross Cutting Practice)
ESS2.B Plate tectonics and large-scale system interactions (Disciplinary Core Standard)
Skills and concepts that students must have mastered
These activities are designed for elementary levels. Students can begin these activities with basic preconceptions about the earth and earth structure.
How the activity is situated in the course
This is a sequence of three lessons. Each lesson could be used individually with some modification, depending on the context of the rest of the science unit in a particular classroom.
Goals
Content/concepts goals for this activity
Two and three dimensional thinking, modeling, and earth structure
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity
Evaluation of models, synthesis of ideas, connections between physical objects and abstract concepts.
Skills goals for this activity
Map reading, collaborative guided inquiry, three-dimensional thinking.
Description and Teaching Materials
The sequence of activities is described in three separate lesson plans.
Lesson 1: Earth Surface Models in 2- and 3-Dimensions (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 2.7MB Aug31 17)
Lesson 2: Earth Structure in 2- and 3-Dimensions (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 23kB Aug31 17)
Lesson 3: Wave Motion in 2- and 3-Dimensions (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 23kB Aug31 17)
Lesson 1: Earth Surface Models in 2- and 3-Dimensions (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 2.7MB Aug31 17)
Lesson 2: Earth Structure in 2- and 3-Dimensions (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 23kB Aug31 17)
Lesson 3: Wave Motion in 2- and 3-Dimensions (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 23kB Aug31 17)
Teaching Notes and Tips
Teaching notes, identification of potential misconceptions, and assessment suggestions are included in the lesson plans.
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Assessment
Teaching notes, identification of potential misconceptions, and assessment suggestions are included in the lesson plans.
References and Resources
As mentioned in the lesson plans, additional related resources are available at http://www.iris.edu/ in the Education section. (These are products of IRIS and were not developed by the authors of the lesson plans submitted here.)