Green Spaces Lesson: Geography and Design
Lesson Plan
50 minutesGrades3, 4, 5Geography, English Language Arts
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Written by Lindsey Pockl, Amber Medina
About this lesson
In this lesson, students are introduced to the concept and importance of green spaces through the book Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty. Then, students have a chance to start imagining and designing their own ideal green space.
Inquire: Students examine the idea of a green space and read the book Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty.
Investigate: Students explore the definition of green space and explore their neighborhood using Google Maps or Google Earth.
Inspire: Students begin to design their own "perfect” green space.
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Everything you need to teach it
How to edit these materials (video)Teaching tips
Sugestions
- 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 by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts..
- This lesson features excellent vocabulary development.
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
- Students can think-pair-share during the read aloud to make predictions or answer questions.
- You can pause the read aloud 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.
- Teacher takes students on a campus walkthrough while students record the location of green spaces.
- Upon returning to the classroom, students help the teacher color in the green spaces on a blank school map similar to Google Maps.
From the scientist review
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.
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About the teacher writers
Lindsey Pockl
Lindsey worked with SubjectToClimate to develop accompanying materials for lesson plans for grades 3-12.
Amber Medina
Elementary School Teacher
Amber is a third grade elementary school teacher who has taught ELA, Environmental Education, and SEL. With a degree in Environmental Policy and Planning, her passion for environmental justice and action integrated curriculum led her to her commitment to climate education.
