This science unit is designed to engage students in hands-on learning that builds their understanding of environmental changes and how they affect organisms. It includes an easy-to-implement lesson slide deck that uses scientific inquiry and direct instruction to introduce the topic. During the lesson, students take notes to reinforce their learning. The engineering challenge students to apply what they have learned by constructing a solution to an environmental change. The reading passage provides students with additional information about the topic and allows students to practice ELA skills. The formative assessment includes a variety of question types that allow students to demonstrate their mastery of the unit.

Included in the downloadable files:

1. Unit Guide
2. Lesson Slide Deck & Notes
3. Vocabulary Posters & Graphic Organizer
4. Reading Passage
5. Engineering Challenge
6. Assessment

Included for Google Drive:

• Google Slides Slide Deck
• Engineering Challenge
• Vocabulary Organizer
• Reading Passage with Audio Read Aloud
• Self-Grading Assessment

Standards:

• 3-LS4-4: Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused when the environment changes and the types of plants and animals that live there may change.* [Clarification Statement: Examples of environmental changes could include changes in land characteristics, water distribution, temperature, food, and other organisms.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment is limited to a single environmental change. Assessment does not include the greenhouse effect or climate change.]