ESS.4.3.3
Obtain, evaluate and communicate information to compare solutions to environmental problems impacting plants and animals.
Embedded Files
District Recommended Resources for 4th Grade Science
Animal Studies
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Science Phenomena Resources
Next Generation Science Standards YouTube Channel
Step 1: Lesson Standards & Learning Goals
Dimension 1:
SEP: Obtain, Evaluate and Communicate Information:
Communicate scientific and/or technical information orally and/or in written formats, including various forms of media and may include tables, diagrams, and charts (NSTA SEP Matrix).
Dimension 2:
CCC: Cause and Effect
Dimension 3:
Disciplinary Core Ideas:
ETS1.C Different solutions need to be tested in order to determine which of them best solves the problem, given the criteria and constraints (A Framework for K-12 Science Education).
Sample Essential Questions
Sample Essential Questions
What are positive effects humans have on the environment?
What are negative effects humans have on the environment?
What effect does pollution have on humans, plants, and animals?
How are humans addressing the negative effects on the environment?
How can you share/communicate those solutions?
What are the major environmental problems affecting plants and animals in our area?
Compare different solutions to a problem.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
compare
environmental problems
solutions
Students will be able to...
Students will be able to...
Compare - Finding similarities and differences between two or more objects, events, ideas, problems, or situations
Students recognize human behavior has negative and positive effects on the environment (e.g., negative effects of air and water pollution; positive effects of reducing air and water pollution).
Students provide general descriptions and examples of the effects of pollution on humans, plants, and animals.
Students compare solutions to human made issues in the environment (e.g., recycling plastic versus biodegradable packaging materials.)
Obtain, Evaluate and Communicate Information- Obtain and combine information from books and/or other reliable media to explain phenomena.
Students will know...
Students will know...
Examples of environmental problems include littering, pollution, excessive use of plastic, deforestation, etc.
Human behavior has negative and positive effects on the environment.
Positive impact means an action or plan is beneficial while negative impact means an action or plan is harmful.
Step 2: Assessment
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessments
Writing Prompts
Describe a specific environmental problem that affects plants or animals in your local area. Explain why this problem is significant and how it impacts the ecosystem.
Using the Brainstorming web, choose one of the problems and write a summary of how you would solve the problem.
Mini Projects and Investigations
Compare Solutions:
Choose an environmental issue that has been discussed throughout the unit.
Research two different solutions that have been proposed or implemented to address the environmental problem you described. Write a summary of each solution, including its approach, methods, and goals.
Compare the two solutions you researched. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each solution. Which solution do you think is more effective, and why?
Mastery Connect
Mastery Connect
ESS.4.3.3-Biamby-WCS
ESS.4.3 Summative-Biamby-WCS
NCDPI Formative Assessment Samples
Culminating Activity
Public Awareness Campaign:
Plan a public awareness campaign to educate your community about the environmental problem and the solutions you support. Write a speech, create a poster, record a podcast, or design a social media post series (3 - 4) to share your message. Use Canva, Book Creator, or another multimedia resource.
Step 3: Lesson Instructions
Possible Activating Strategies
Possible Activating Strategies
Brainstorming Web:
(Revisit and add new information)
Create a brainstorming web on an anchor chart with the central topic: "Environmental Problems."
Ask students to brainstorm different problems affecting plants and animals and write them around the central topic.
Add additional problems throughout the unit.
Think-Write-Pair-Share
Give students one of the following scenarios to consider.
Some cities and states no longer allow plastic bags. How might this affect the environment?
Throwing your gum on the ground is considered littering. How might this type of litter affect animals and other humans?
No more plastic straws! Several states including NC have banned or called for a reduction in the use of plastic straws. Why do you think this ban happened?
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