Our Environment

On Monday we learned what Mother Nature is. We learned that Mother Nature isn't a person, but it is a personification of nature, weather and the earth as a mother. The term "Mother Nature" came from ancient civilizations thousands of years ago who saw nature as a motherly figure because their lives depended on crops, and their crops depended on good weather and rain. They believed nature took care of them and helped them grow just as a mother takes care of her child. After we reviewed what the 3 R's mean (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) then we wrote a promise we would make to Mother Nature. 

After, we read the mini booklet, "Litter Monster," then we made a mini booklet about the 3 R's. If you are interested in these booklets you can purchase them from TPT. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Earth-Day-230221

On Tuesday, we read The Lorax. Then, Elements Elephant from our Critter Cafe, helped us figure out the elements of a story. The students worked in groups to figure out what characters were in the story, the setting, the problem/solution and what happened at the beginning/middle/end of the story. 

Wednesday was Earth Day! We celebrated Earth Day in the morning by turning off the lights for Daily 5 and using flashlights to save energy! 

For snack we enjoyed worms in dirt!

In the afternoon learned an Earth Day song, made an Earth Day mini book, and sorted facts/opinions about Earth Day. 

On Friday, the students wrote ways we can help the earth! 

We finished up our Environment unit by watching The Lorax and we also enjoyed some Lorax themed treats! 

*Note*

If you are interested in using any of these handouts you can purchase them on TPT.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Air-and-Water-in-the-Environment-A-Primary-Science-Unit-in-a-Paper-Bag-685782
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Earth-Day-230221
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lorax-Craftivity-Writing-Activities-600921
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Earth-Day-Reading-Writing-Activities-227601

Our Environment

Last week, we continued our learning about the environment. On Thursday, we learned that people depend on the environment. We need shelter, food, water--and fresh air to breath. Many things we need come from nature. For example we get lumber from trees to build houses, and food from plants/animals. It is important that we understand the difference between needs and wants so we can reduce the amount of materials we are using from the environment. 

On Friday, we learned that there are many things we can do to make our earth a better place. We talked about the 3 R's (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle). First we watched a brain pop video, then we made a mini booklet.

*Note*

If you are interested in using any of these handouts you can purchase them on TPT.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Air-and-Water-in-the-Environment-A-Primary-Science-Unit-in-a-Paper-Bag-685782
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Earth-Day-230221

Our Environment

On Monday we reviewed everything we have learned about air, water and soil. We also reviewed what erosion means. Before the break, we learned about erosion from water, on Monday we learned about erosion from wind. The students were given sand, clay, rocks and dirt. They used straws to act as "wind," and blew the different soils. We learned that wind can change the shape of earth and blow away particles. 

On Tuesday, we learned about different water sources. After, we reviewed why water and air is important to all living things. 

Then, we discussed the importance of being responsible with water as only 3% of earth's water can be used. In groups the students discussed how they can save water so it doesn't go to waste. 

On Wednesday, we learned how people have affected the environment over time. Before buildings and roads were constructed...what did the environment look like? We brainstormed a list of ideas...

1. More trees and grass.

2. More wildlife.

3. Less garbage.

4. No buildings, or cities. 

5. More lakes and streams.

Then we discussed the reasons why people had to make changes in the environment in order to live. Although we have made changes to the environment it is important that we protect it. We need clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and we want parks to stay clean and safe. Some of the students suggested that we can plant new trees if we cut an old one down. Next, we went on a nature scavenger hunt! 

After the scavenger hunt we did an experiment to see if we can undo water pollution. We used a bucket of clean water, household trash, vegetable oil, tongs and a strainer. We put all the trash into the clean water and then we tried to remove all of the pollution. We attempted to remove all of the pollutants, but the water was still dirty. We learned that it is impossible to remove all of the pollutants from the water. Therefore it is important that we recycle, and raise awareness about oil spills and how it damages our environment. 

*Note*

If you are interested in using any of these handouts you can purchase them on TPT.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Air-and-Water-in-the-Environment-A-Primary-Science-Unit-in-a-Paper-Bag-685782
http://gironlife.blogspot.ca/2010/04/experiment-can-you-undo-water-pollution.html