HOW DO WE MAKE WISE DECISIONS IN OUR WORLD?

Maxwell Elementary School

Developed by Reina Trusty, Becky Probst, Maria Thompson, Nancy Byrum

 

Audience:       3rd grade                      

Unit:                How do we make wise decisions in our world?

Organizer:      How do we make wise decisions in order to survive in a foreign country?

How do we make wise economic decisions in our world and for our world?

How do we make wise decisions for survival in our environment?

Standards:

1.1              Use reference tools to find the information needed to meet specific demands, explore interests, or solve specific problems.

1.2              Make sense of the variety of materials read.

1.10     Organize information through development and use of classification rules and systems.

1.16     Use computers and other kinds of technology to collect, organize, and communicate information and ideas.

2.10     Understand measurement concepts and use measurements appropriately and accurately.

2.17     Interact effectively and work cooperatively with the many ethnic and cultural groups of our nation and world.

2.18     Understand economic principles and be able to make economic decisions that have consequences in daily life.

2.28     Understand and communicate in a second language.

2.3       Identify and analyze systems and the ways their components work together or affect each other.

2.8       Understand various mathematical procedures and use them appropriately and accurately.

Supporting Standards:

2.19     Recognize and understand the relationship between people and geography and apply knowledge in real-life situations.

2.4       Use the concept of scale and scientific models to explain the organization and functioning of living and nonliving things and predict other characteristics that might be observed.

2.7       Understand number concepts and use numbers appropriately and accurately.

 

Culminating Performance   

  Subunit I (English):

You will become an expert on surviving in Japan.  At the end of our study, you will be creating a PowerPoint Japan Survival Guide to inform visitors of the cultural differences between the USA and Japan.  This presentation will be published on the Internet.  You will research using more than one source and present at least 5 adaptations necessary for survival in Japan.  Each adaptation needs to be fully explained and can be illustrated by using digital camera and acting it out.  Your project will be graded using the Japan Survival Guide rubric.

  Subunit II (English and Spanish):

Your class will be hosting a toy fair. You will produce a toy and sell it for a profit.  You will create a toy at home while keeping track of the cost of materials used.  After pricing it and selling it in the Toy Fair at school, create a table in Word listing materials and the cost of each, the selling price and how much profit earned.  Write a paragraph explaining why you did or did not make a profit.  Make sure that you use decimal points and money symbols correctly.

Subunit III (Spanish):

You are on an expedition to the Orinoco River and you get lost.  Your teacher was carrying all of your supplies, but an anaconda ate her.  All the supplies were lost.  How will you survive?  You will develop a PowerPoint presentation that explains how you will survive in the jungle.  You will create 5 slides.  The first one will be the title slide, and the other four slides will include a picture and a written explanation in Spanish.  Finally, you will present your work to the class in Spanish.

Essential Questions

Subunit I:

What are the characteristics of a culture?

What are the characteristics of my culture?

How can I compare and contrast my culture with another country’s culture?

What do I need to do to adapt to the differences in cultures?

Subunit II:

How is profit determined?

Why is profit important for survival?

How do I keep track of expenses, income, and profit?

Subunit III:

Describe the parts of a plant and its function.

What are some examples of edible plant parts?

How does the environment affect what I eat?

What are the differences and similarities of the Metric system and the English system of measurement (length and weight)?

Scoring Guide:             

Subunit I: Japan Survival Guide Rubric

 

«

  • PowerPoint presentation includes at least 5 realistic adaptations necessary for survival in Japan.
  • The adaptations contain fully explained reasons for each.
  • The bibliography reflects the use of more than one resource. 

ü+

  • PowerPoint presentation includes at least 4 realistic adaptations necessary for survival in Japan.
  • Adaptations contain fully explained reasons for each.
  • Bibliography reflects the use of more than one source. 

ü

  • PowerPoint presentation includes 2-3 realistic adaptations necessary for survival in Japan.
  • The adaptations contain generally explained reasons for each. 
  • The bibliography reflects the use of more than one source.

ü-

  • PowerPoint presentation includes one realistic adaptation necessary for survival in Japan.
  • The adaptation contains a vague explanation of a reason for adaptation.
  • The bibliography reflects the use of one source.   

Subunit II - English Rubric:

«

·        The table has four columns and includes all construction materials, their costs, the selling price, and the profit or the loss. 

·        The paragraph completely explains why profit was or was not made. 

ü+

·        The table has four columns and includes most construction materials, their costs, the selling price, and the profit or the loss. 

·        The paragraph completely explains why profit was or was not made. 

ü

·        The table has four columns and includes some construction materials, their costs, the selling price, and the profit or the loss.

·        The paragraph somewhat explains why profit was or was not made. 

ü-

·        The table has four columns and includes a few construction materials, their costs, the selling price, and the profit or the loss. 

·        The paragraph barely explains why profit was or was not made.

Subunit II - Spanish Rubric:

«

·        Student explains how they figured out the cost and profit of their toy. 

·        Computation is accurately performed. 

·        Decimal points are placed correctly. 

·        All money symbols are used correctly. 

ü+

·        Student explains how they figured out the cost and profit of their toy. 

·        Decimal points are placed correctly. 

ü

·        Student explains how they figured out the cost and profit of their toy. 

·        Computation is accurately performed. 

ü-

·        Student explains how they figured out the cost and profit of their toy. 

Subunit III – Orinoco River Expedition Mishap Rubric

La Fruta

21-25 points earned

La Flor

16-20 points earned

La Hoja

11-15 points earned

El Tallo

6-10 points earned

La Raiz

0-5 points earned

Each PowerPoint slide can earn up to 5 points.  There are 5 slides for a maximum total of 25 points that can be earned.  This scoring table is based on the following required criteria:

On each PowerPoint slide:

Students will identify a food source that represents the part of the plant listed.

Students will describe the specific function for that part of the plant.

Students will write the specific measurement previously taken using either the Metric or the English systems.

Students will write a sentence in Spanish correctly.

Students will select the appropriate picture for that part of the plant.

Instructional Sequence:

 

                              English

                     Spanish

Subunit I:

Week

Language Arts and Social Studies

Math and Science

1

·        What is culture?

·        Universal Cultural similarities and differences.

·        Components of culture.

·        Culture is learned.

·        Fractions

·        Multiplication and Division Review

·        Systems and Sub-systems

·        Los Amigos

2

·        Research Skills:  Skim reading, table of contents, headings, captions.

·        Comparison and Contrast Tools:  T Chart, Tables, Venn Diagrams.

·        Fractions

·        Multiplication and Division Review

·        Magnetism

·        Spanish Grammar

3

o       Research (compare and contrast cultures) – customs, food, language, money, holidays, transportation, etc.

o       Internet Searches.

o       E-mail Grocery Store Price Comparison with Japan.

·        Fractions

·        Multiplication and Division Review

·        Magnetism

·        Spanish Grammar

4

·        Identify Adaptations

·        Culminating Project on PowerPoint (Transactive Writing)

·        Fractions

·        Multiplication and Division Review

·        Magnetism

·        Spanish Grammar

 Subunit II:

Week

Language Arts and Social Studies

Math and Science

1

·        What is profit?

·        How is profit determined?

·        Read biographies of Kentucky entrepreneurs

·        Research Toys for ideas

 

·        Decimals

·        Multiplication and Division Review

·        Electricity

·        Los Amigos

2

·        Toy Company Storypath

·        Open Response for Solving Company problems

·        Create Toys

·        Percentages

·        Multiplication and Division Review

·        Electricity

·        Spanish Grammar

3

·        Culminating Project – Toy Fair

·        Advertisements for Toys

·        Money

·        Multiplication and Division Review

·        Electricity

·        Los Amigos

Subunit III:

Week

Language Arts and Social Studies

Math and Science

1

·        Biographies – Helen Keller

·        Publishing Portfolio pieces

 

·        Measurement (Length, Weight) - English)

·        Plants (Parts, Function)

2

·        Biographies

·        Publishing Portfolio pieces

·        Measurements (Capacity) -(English)

·        Plants (Parts, Function)

·        Los Amigos

3

·        Historical Lexington

·        Realistic Fiction – School’s Out

·        Measurement (Metric – Length,  Weight) 

·        Plants (Greenhouse)

4

·        Historical Lexington – Walking Tour and Board Project Museum

·        Realistic Fiction – School’s Out

·        Measurement (Metric -Capacity)

·        Plant (Field Trip)

·        Review of Spanish Grammar

Other instructional activities not related to these units:
Subunit I:

Week

Math and Science

1

·        Fractions

·        Multiplication and Division Review

·        Systems and Sub-systems

·        Los Amigos

2

·        Fractions

·        Multiplication and Division Review

·        Magnetism

·        Spanish Grammar

3

·        Fractions

·        Multiplication and Division Review

·        Magnetism

·        Spanish Grammar

4

·        Fractions

·        Multiplication and Division Review

·        Magnetism

·        Spanish Grammar

 Subunit II:

Week

Math and Science

1

·        Multiplication and Division Review

·        Electricity

·        Los Amigos

2

·        Percentages

·        Multiplication and Division Review

·        Electricity

·        Spanish Grammar

3

·        Multiplication and Division Review

·        Electricity

·        Los Amigos

 Subunit III:

Week

Language Arts and Social Studies

1

·        Biographies – Helen Keller

·        Publishing Portfolio pieces

2

·        Biographies

·        Publishing Portfolio pieces

3

·        Historical Lexington

·        Realistic Fiction – School’s Out

4

·        Historical Lexington – Walking Tour and Board Project Museum

·        Realistic Fiction – School’s Out

 

Subject               Reading      

Content

Processes

Demonstrators/Skills

 

 

 

·        Use pictures, lists, table, charts, graphs, indexes, glossaries, captions, and headings to more completely understand the passage.

·        Summarize information from what is read.  Connect the content of passage to real life experiences or current events.

·        Defining

·        Describing

·        Reading

 

·        Use research tools to access and synthesize information.

·        Identify and use print and non-print

·        Demonstrate an understanding of print materials read in and out of school.

·        Select and use appropriate materials.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplementary Instructional Materials and Resources

 

 

 

 

  • This Place is Crowded
  • A to Zen
  • Counting Your Way Through Japan
  • Daily Life in Japan
  • How My Parents Learned to Eat
  • Entrepreneurs in Kentucky
  • Helen Keller

 

 

 

 



Subject               Writing       

Content

Processes

Demonstrators/Skills

·        Access Information/technological skills.

·        Writing

·        Explaining

·        Summarizing

 

·        Express information and ideas using technology.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplementary Instructional Materials and Resources

 

  • Key-Pal Exchange Site
  • Christian Academy in Japan (e-mail)
  • Microsoft Word
  • Digital Camera
  • School Technology Coordinator
  • Technology Resource Teacher

 

 


 

Subject               Math

Content

Processes

Demonstrators/Skills

·        Equivalence relationships between decimals and whole numbers

·        Non-standard and standard units of measurement

·        Diagramming

·        Illustrating

·        Basic spreadsheet

·        Explore logical thinking strategies.

·        Use nonstandard and standard units.

·        Compare and order mass, length, area, and volume.

·        Fractions

 

 

·        Decimals

 

 

·        Measurement

 

 

·        Money

 

 

 

 

 

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

 

 

 

Supplementary Instructional Materials and Resources

 

·        Calculators

 

 

Subject               Science

Content

Processes

Demonstrators/Skills

·        Things in the environment are classified as living, non-living, and once living.  Living things differ from non-living things.  Organisms are classified into groups by using various characteristics (eg., body coverings, structures).

·        Each plant or animal has structures that serve different functions in growth, survival, and reproduction.  For example, humans have distinct body structures for walking, holding, seeing, and talking.

·        Observing

·        Classifying

·        Comparing

·        Contrasting

·        Predicting

·        Measuring

·        Analyzing

·        Supporting

·        Problem solving

·        Categorizing

 

·        Apply a classification system based on a minimum of two criteria to organize objects, information, or ideas.

·        Distinguish between systems and subsystems and describe interactions between them.

·        Classify systems based on functions or properties.

·        Communicate functions of a system.

·        Identify components of a system.                                  

Systems and Subsystems

 

SC-E-1.3.4

Magnets attract and repel each other, and magnets attract certain kinds of other materials (e.g., iron).

SC-E-1.3.3

Electricity in circuits can produce light, heat, sound, and magnetic effects.  Electric circuits require a complete conducting path through which an electrical current can pass.

·         Observe and describe the interaction of magnets with different kinds of metals.

·         Classify materials based on their interactions with a magnet.

·         Observe and describe the interaction between two magnets, including the terms attract and repel.

·         Compare the strength of magnets.

·         Use magnets to explore interaction at a distance.

·         Describe evidence of interaction.

·         Observe and record the ability of materials such as paper or wood to interact with a magnet.

·         Investigate how a magnet interacts with a compass. (i.e. needle)

 

SC-E-3.1.3

Each plant or animal has structures that serve different functions in growth, survival, and reproduction.  For example, humans have distinct body structures for walking, holding, seeing, and talking

SC-E-1.2.3

The position and motion of objects can be changed by pushing or pulling.  The amount of the change in position and motion is related to the strength of the push or pull (force).  The force with which a ball is hit illustrates this principle

 

·      Identify components of an electrical system.

·      Distinguish between open and closed circuits.

·         Predict whether a given object closed or open  a circuit.

·         Classify materials as conductors or non-conductors of electricity.

·         Construct a system to show a particular electrical function.

·         Trace the energy flow in an electrical circuit.

 

 

·         Observe and compare properties of seeds and fruits. Group by structure and pattern of properties.

·         Compare the structures of various germinating seeds.

 

 

·         Describe evidence of interactions or forces between objects.

·         Construct a lever to illustrate how levers can be used to overcome resistance.

·         Describe the bouncing pattern of  a ball. Find out how the pattern changes when it collides with other objects/ forces.

·         Design an investigation involving variables that effect motion such as the quantity of mass, friction or force exerted.

 

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Supplementary Instructional Materials and Resources

 

  • Magnetismo y Electricidas – Primaria TCM 832
  • FOSS Magnetism and Electricity Module
  • SCIS Systems, Sub-systems and Variables
  • Primariamente Planas AIMS
  • El Botanista Principiante AIMS

 

Subject               Social Studies         

Content

Processes

Demonstrators/Skills

·        Develop an understanding and appreciation for various cultures.  Every place is unique and can be described by its human and physical characteristics.  Human characteristics include language, religion, and housing.  Human populations gather in groups of different sizes around the world.

·        Profit is the difference between revenues and the cost entailed in producing or selling a good or service.

·        Cultures: Japan, Geography

·        Economics: Profit, Toy Company

·        Historical Lexington

·        Presenting

 

·        Recognize that culture is learned.

·        Recognize and respect the right of others to display unique characteristics.

·        Develop informed decisions based on a variety of economic

·        Understand the importance of planning and maintaining accurate records of budgeting and other financial activity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplementary Instructional Materials and Resources

  • Kids Web Japan
  • Toy Company Story Path
  • Entrepreneur Video
  • Banker
  • Local entrepreneur
  • Parents
  • Kentucky Room at the Public Library
  • Art Teacher

 

 

Subject:     Spanish     A. Oral Language Development

Specific Goals: 

 

·        Communicate basic ideas in a second language.

·       Respond to a discourse on a specific topic when listening to a second language.

  • Present oral reports
  • Memorize poems and songs
  • Expresses wishes and needs
  • Present book reports

 

Review Vocabulary

Core Vocabulary

Compatible Vocabulary

Structures

 

  • Entry level
  • Year two

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Medir
  • Sumar
  • Restar
  • Multiplicar
  • Dividir
  • Ser
  • Estar
  • Tener
  • Ir
  • Hablar
  • Leer

  •  Escribir

 

Supplementary Instructional Materials and Resources

 

  • Spanish Teachers

 

 

Subject:     Spanish     B. Language Arts Skills

 

Specific Goals: 

·        Recognize basic ideas from text written in a second language.

·       Practice writing simple messages using a second language.

 

 

 

Listening

Speaking

Reading

Writing

·        The students will follow oral directions to complete teacher designed activities/specific tasks.

·        Follow oral directions

 

 

 

 

 

 

·        Speaking

·        Presentation

·        Microsoft PowerPoint

·        Computer Lab

·        Use courtesy expressions

·        Present oral reports

·        Participates in group discussions

 

·        Literature

·        Read directions

·        The students will write simple grammatically correct sentences.

·        E-mail software skills

 

Supplementary Instructional Materials and Resources

 

  • Los Amigos
  • El Arbol Generoso
  • Manzano, Manzano
  • Como crecen las plantas
  • El Gran Capoquero
  • Las Partes de la Flor (puzzle)
  • La Leyenda de la Poinseta
  • La Historia de las Palomitas de Maiz
  • Yaci y su muneca
  • Spanish Teachers

 

 

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