Look At That: Pollinators
Lesson Plans
Grades2, 3, 4, 5Science
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Provided by Illinois Math and Science Academy
What it is
- This is a lesson from the Illinois Math and Science Academy designed to teach second-grade students the important role pollinators play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Hands-on exploration will allow students to make observations to determine the components of successful pollination.
- Students will develop a model to show how pollinators work.
Teaching tips
Positives
- Students have multiple opportunities for hands-on learning.
- Multiple NGSS Science and Engineering Practices are incorporated into this lesson.
- Opportunities for collaboration exist throughout this exploration.
Prerequisites
- Previous experience with the Science and Engineering Practice of Developing and Using Models is necessary.
- Student pages, a PowerPoint presentation, and other materials can be found under Additional Files.
Differentiation & Implementation
- This lesson can be used if additional background knowledge is required prior to developing the model or as a culminating writing activity on pollinators.
- Students can work alone or in groups to develop their models.
- A Gallery Walk can be incorporated after the students design their models to receive feedback from classmates.
- Even though this is written as a second-grade lesson, the material can be extended through fifth grade with minimal changes to the lesson.
- This lesson can be connected to climate change by emphasizing the importance of pollinators in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Students can extend their knowledge of pollinators and the connection to climate change by talking about the effects that rainfall, periods of drought, and extreme weather have on local pollinators.
From the scientist review
This three-part resource engages students in understanding the role animals play in pollination and seed dispersal. A list of external resources is provided, and all images have sources cited. These activities could serve as an introduction to sustainability science by showing students how climate impacts on one species may have far-reaching implications. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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