​Introduction:

Day One

1. Ask unit question #1. Discuss.

2. Share Maps of Changes in Earth surfaces listed under Tools and Materials

3. and parts of "The Magic School Bus Blows Its Tops" starting at min 3:45 brief and again at min 7:30

4. Ask students to explain how lava builds underwater and eventually breaks the surface, draw on board as they answer. Use visual aid accompaniment to Birth of an Islandand read parts   

5. Demonstrate rolling clay in long coils to build layers or thumb into middle pinch pot style.

6. Students get desk protection, work shirts and clay.  While they work making their own volcanoes, play real footage of erupting volcanoes.

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Process:​

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Day Two​

1. Ask students to brainstorm with their neighbors to think of all the various environments/habitats in the world.  (be sure they know the meaning of these words)

2. Students names are listed by their ideas on the board. (Unit Q 2-Land)

3. Show students the art and conservation efforts of artist Ansel Adams

Discuss what he loved about about land and why he wanted to save it. Have students share things they think are beautiful about his photographs and the nature. 

4. Show the clip of artist Sebastian Copeland's trip to document the changing Arctic.

5. Discuss why the artist went on this trip, and what he hopes for the future. Discuss some beautiful things in that part of the world.

6. Show work of artist Ella Maillart and have students say what thy can learn from the pictures. Have students point out beautiful features of the environment.

7. Show the work of earth artist and painter Ulrike Arnold and ask students if/how they can tell she is inspired by nature. How are these environments different than some the other artists show? 

8. Discuss how their work can help people learn about the environments of the world.

9. Discuss how art can help the environment and why the Earth is worth helping.

10. Explain to the students that next time a visitor is going to teach them new things about how they can help the Earth.

11. In remaining time students may draw ideas of something that is wonderful about the Earth.

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Day Three  

1. Review some of the art and ideas from the past sessions, students give info, check to see what they are remembering and include some tie backs to ocean information.

2. Guest speaker from Soil and Water Conservation

3. She reads them The Great Kapok Tree and talks about the life cycle and importance of plants

4. Show work of artist Andy Goldsworthy and discuss how he shows his love of nature, explain that he tries to use almost only parts of nature in his works.

5. Guest teaches students to put grass seed in the nylon, then add dirt and knot it closed.  Then decorate the face of the cup.  Water will go in the bottom and wick up the nylon to feed the grass seed that will grow into hair for their creature.  Guest will explain the important elements for plant survival and discuss our responsibilities to plants and why we need them.

6. Students make their own soil creatures.



Move into Animal Lessons​