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Canyonlands National Park
5th Grade
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NPS Photo by Neal Herbert |
Fifth graders modeling sandstone layers |
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Physical Features of the Earth ()
Students assemble jigsaw puzzles in their classroom which provide them information about the different types of rock and the rock cycle. At a field trip site near the Arches National Park Visitor Center, students examine a limestone layer to find fossils, and make clay models of faulting after putting their hands on the actual surface of an exposed fault plane. They explore and model the formation of arches, and learn the names and depositional histories of the rock layers surrounding them. Back in the classroom, a mapping activity introduces the ultimate source of the rock cycle: plate tectonics.
Physical and Chemical Changes in Matter ()
In the classroom, students explore the difference between physical changes and chemical changes in matter. On the field trip, they go for a hike and observe these changes taking place in the natural world. They learn about particulate matter in the air, discuss what types of changes created these particulates and discover how scientists are measuring them. They act out the chemical changes that are destroying ozone in the upper atmosphere and see how scientists are measuring ozone recovery. Back in the classroom, students mix household items and predict the type of resulting reactions.
Plant Adaptations (download PDF)
Students explore genetics using desert plant adaptations, riparian plant adaptations, and a few desert plants and animals adapted to nighttime activities. Their field activities include: rough observation and data collection, a clue trail, plant keys, story, and a smelling game. In classroom activities, students take on the identity of a desert plant or animal, and later create an imaginary plant with adaptations for survival in its imaginary environment.
[3mb PDF File]
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![Tadpole Shrimp Tadpole Shrimp](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090512153647im_/http://www.nps.gov/imr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/CANY_tadpoleshrimp.jpg) |
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Did You Know?
Naturally occurring sandstone basins called “potholes” collect rain water and wind-blown sediment, forming tiny ecosystems where a fascinating collection of plants and animals live. Tadpole shrimp, fairy shrimp and many insects can be found in potholes.
more...
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Last Updated: March 16, 2009 at 17:27 EST |