The purpose of this learning experience is to teach students about the water cycle and the role water plays shaping the Earth’s surface.
The water cycle is a process which is constant within the world we live in. The water cycle processes consist of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and a runoff. The process is shown visually in a circle motion and is continuous, it never ends. The earth is made of 75percent of water, which is extreme amount.
How does the water cycle impact our lives?
Follow directions given by teacher
Focus and remain on task when working in cooperative groups
Ask for assistance if needed
Use all stages of the writing process
Prior to the learning experience, students were learning the solar system. The solar system provided students with the geography knowledge of being able to look at a map of the world and show the students that 75 percent of earth consisted of water. This helped with the transition and made the connection from the last unit to the present unit of the water cycle. During the learning experience students need to identify that 75 percent of the world is made of water and the processes of the water cycle is endless. After the learning experience, students need to know the water cycle and the processes in which is goes through and full understand that the earth is primarily made of water, the water cycle never stops, and if it was we would not be able to survive. The unit was completed and we were able to begin the next earth science unit provided by Scott Foreman’s Science (diamond edition).
These lessons were implemented across one fifth grade science class totaling of six students. For the purpose of this learning experience, I chose three of the six student’s work and assessment results. I choose only three of the six students because three of the students were having massive behavior problems during my lessons. I felt it only fair to look at those students that kept on track and tried their hardest to complete all tasks at hand.
The fifth grade science class involved in this learning experience:
Miss Penfield’s Classroom Rules
1. Follow directions when they are given.
2. Raise your hand to speak.
3. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
4. Have your materials ready.
Dear Fifth Grade Families, February 2011
I would like to start off by introducing myself. My name is Miss Penfield and I am a student teacher in your son/daughters fifth grade science classroom. This opportunity is the last step I will take before receiving my Bachelors Degree in Childhood/Special Education from Daemen College and I’m very excited to be here at Baker Academy. I am in the classroom working with Miss Kelly from the end of January through the middle of March.
We are beginning a new chapter that focuses on the Earth’s oceans and the water cycle. Your child will be viewing the Earth through computer technology and participating in labs that relate to the content being taught. I encourage you to ask your son/daughter about the material he or she has learned each day. By doing this, you are taking an active role in your child’s education.
I’m looking forward to getting to know your child in the upcoming weeks. We will have many wonderful experiences and opportunities to learn and grow in the days ahead. Please feel free to contact me at anytime with any questions or concerns. You may reach me through Baker Academy’s main phone number: (716) 834-3443
Sincerely,
Miss Penfield