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

This lesson introduces the idea of green spaces to students. 

Step 1 - Inquire: Students generate ideas in response to the question "What is a green space?" Students then watch a read aloud video of 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." 

Accompanying Teaching Materials

• Teacher Slideshow [Google Slides]
• Green Spaces Vocabulary Cards [Google Slides]

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.
• 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.

• Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
  • ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
    • 5-ESS3-1 Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
• 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.