Taking Action
Grades4, 5, 6, 7, 8Biology, Civics, English Language Arts
What it is
In this lesson, students will look at sample datasets of environmental conditions at a beach (such as the amount of litter, presence of bacteria, weather conditions, and number of beach-goers), use them to identify an issue, and then craft an action plan to address it.
Students will take on the role of city officials and present their problem and solutions using the data to support their decision.
Teaching tips
Prerequisites:
The lesson materials note the Garbage Investigation and Beach Mysteries as prerequisites to this lesson but students should be able to do this lesson without difficulty on its own.
Consider defining the terms in the vocabulary section ahead of time. English language learners may also need to know the definition of waste as it is used in this lesson.
Review the rubric included in the full K-8 booklet on page 311.
Extensions:
Students who live near a beach (or park) collect their own data and come up with solutions to real problems in their area. They can also present it to city officials to give their writing/speaking an authentic purpose.
This is part of a larger curriculum that has many great resources available.
Interdisciplinary Connections
Math:
Use the data to make line graphs that show trends between two data groups (for example, number of beach-goers in relation to the amount of litter).
Language Arts:
Students use persuasive writing/speaking techniques to improve their initial presentations.
Science:
Discuss the effect that animal waste or overflowing sewers can have on the health of beach-goers, aquatic ecosystems, rivers, and lakes.
Differentiation:
Use strategic grouping to ensure that each group has a strong public speaker and a strong data interpreter.
From the scientist review
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