This illustrated book explains how Earth's many systems are interconnected and important for life on Earth by telling a story about students in a school play.
Students will enjoy the illustrations, singing the song at the end, and the fun story.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This illlustrated book is a sweet and informational introduction to Earth's interconnected systems.
The story is enjoyable and relatable for young students, who will also enjoy the illustrations and the song at the end.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should have prior knowledge of the Earth, water, soil, plants, and the Sun.
Differentiation
This book would make an excellent read aloud for elementary-aged students. Use the illustrations to help younger students understand the text.
After reading, have a discussion about the students, their roles, and the systems represented. What did students learn from this book? Do they have any other examples of how Earth's systems are all important and interconnected?
Teach students the song on page 27 and create hand signals to show the different aspects described in the song.
As an extension, put on a small class play like the one in the book.
Scientist Notes
This is a PDF of a print book titled All About Earth Our World on Stage. The book covers a play about the Earth systems, and each student takes turns discussing the importance of their system: water, air, soil, plants, animals, and the sun. They also try and determine which of them has the lead in the play. An Earth System Song is included. This would be a great addition to a younger classroom discussing Earth's systems in a fun and memorable way.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS2: Earth's Systems
4-ESS2-1 Make observations and/or measurements to provide evidence of the effects of weathering or the rate of erosion by water, ice, wind, or vegetation.
5-ESS2-1 Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Reading: Literature (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.3 Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.7 Make connections between the text of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the text, identifying where each version reflects specific descriptions and directions in the text.