Integrating Science and Language Arts: NGSS Performance Expectation K-ESS2-1

Expanding on the post from October 7, here are some books and activities that focus specifically on one aspect of K-ESS2-1—the role humans can play in altering an environment, either accidentally or on purpose, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.

Here are some books that I recommend:

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

The Mangrove Tree: Planting Trees to Feed Families by Susan L. Roth and Cindy Trumbore

On Meadowview Street by Henry Cole

Wangari’s Trees of Peace by Jeanette Winters

Activity 1

Work with your class to make a helpful change to the environment around your school by planting a wildlife garden. Encourage the students to watch the garden closely to see if it attracts insects, birds, and other animals.

Activity 2

This activity builds on Activity 2 for the PE’s sister lesson. (See my Oct. 7 post.) Ask students to observe a tree in the schoolyard, around their neighborhood, or at a local park at least three times over a few days. Then ask them to draw two pictures. The first drawing should show at least one way the tree makes life better for one or more animals that live in the same environment. The second drawing should show how the animal(s) would be affected if people cut down the tree.

When students have finish their drawings, ask them what they think would happen if another person planted a new tree. How long do they think it would take for those changes to happen?