What Is a Green Space? (Green Spaces #1)

This lesson introduces the idea of green spaces to students. 

Step 1 - Inquire: Students examine the idea of a green space and listen to the book Sofia Valdez, Future Prez. 

Step 2 - Investigate: Students learn the definition of green space and explore their neighborhood using Google Maps or Google Earth. 

Step 3 - Inspire: Students design their own "perfect green space."

Positives

• This lesson creates a collaborative learning environment for students as an introduction to green spaces and how to create more green spaces.
• This lesson features kinesthetic learning if teachers walk with their students around their school.
• Students will develop a strong connection to self and community through the read aloud of Sofia Valdez, Future Prez.
• This lesson features excellent vocabulary development.

Additional Prerequisites

• This is lesson 1 of 6 in our 3rd-5th grade Green Spaces unit.
• It is necessary to procure a copy of Sofia Valdez, Future Prez for this lesson.
• Identify the green spaces on your campus on your own before introducing this lesson to your class to make sure that you have accounted for all the green spaces.

Differentiation

• Think-pair-share during read aloud where students can make predictions or answer questions.
• You can pause the read aloud before the text is read for students to make observations and predictions about the story.
• Groups of students with mixed abilities can collaborate on their green spaces map.
• Possible extension: Do a campus tour and have students take notes on green spaces they observe.

This lesson introduces students to green spaces and how they can be identified and mapped. The read aloud, vocabulary, and external links are thoroughly sourced and written. This lesson has passed our science review.

Primary Standards

• College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
  • Dimension 2: Geography
    • D2.Geo.1.3-5 Construct maps and other graphic representations of both familiar and unfamiliar places.
• Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
  • Speaking & Listening (K-12)
    • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.