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Shaping Florida's Future: Solving Today's Challenges
Grade 3EnglishScienceSocial StudiesHistoryEnvironmental ScienceGeography5 days
★★★★★
5.0 (1 rating)FloridaSustainabilityEcosystemsEconomic ChallengesHistorySevere Weather
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Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as third graders, use our understanding of Florida's history, ecosystems, economy, and severe weather to propose solutions for a sustainable and prosperous future for our state?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the major challenges currently facing Florida?
- How can understanding Florida's history help address its future challenges?
- What role does sustainable energy play in Florida's future?
- How do ecosystems in Florida contribute to the state's environmental challenges and solutions?
- In what ways does Florida's economy impact its future development?
- How can severe weather events shape the future planning and development of Florida?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will identify key challenges facing Florida in terms of history, ecosystem, economy, energy, and severe weather.
- Students will analyze how Florida's history influences current and future state challenges.
- Students will explore sustainable energy solutions and how they can address Florida's future needs.
- Students will investigate the role of ecosystems in Florida, focusing on both environmental challenges and potential solutions.
- Students will examine the relationship between Florida's economy and its development, including the impact of rules and regulations.
- Students will research how severe weather affects Florida and synthesize this information to propose weather-related planning solutions.
Florida Social Studies Standards
SS.3.G.1.1
Primary
Identify and describe the six elements of geography (The World in Spatial Terms, Places and Regions, Physical Systems, Human Systems, Environment and Society, Uses of Geography).Reason: Understanding geographic elements is essential to analyzing Florida's environmental challenges and planning for sustainable solutions.
SS.3.C.2.1
Secondary
Identify the consequences of an absence of rules and laws.Reason: Exploring how economies and societies are shaped by regulations can relate to energy policies and environmental laws impacting Florida.
Florida Science Standards
SC.3.L.17.1
Primary
Describe how plants respond to stimuli (heat, light, gravity) and how they adapt to environmental changes.Reason: Environmental adaptations of plants are relevant to understanding the ecosystems in Florida.
SC.3.E.6.1
Primary
Demonstrate that radiant energy from the Sun can heat objects and when the Sun is not present, heat may be lost.Reason: Understanding solar energy is a critical aspect of sustainable energy solutions for Florida.
Common Core Standards
LAFS.3.RI.3.7
Secondary
Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where, when, why, and how key events occur).Reason: Visual literacy is vital for analyzing data about Florida's challenges and proposing informed solutions.
Next Generation Science Standards
ESS3.C
Supporting
Human Impacts on Earth Systems: Represent data in tables and graphical displays to describe typical weather conditions expected during a particular season.Reason: Analyzing weather patterns is necessary for understanding severe weather impacts and planning for future resilience in Florida.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsFlorida Time Machine: Journey to the Past and Future
Launch the project with an interactive virtual time travel experience, where students 'visit' Florida at different key points in history and the future. During the virtual journey, students encounter challenges related to ecosystems, economy, and energy, sparking curiosity about how these factors have evolved and what can be done to improve Florida's future.Eco-Heroes: The Great Rescue Adventure
Kick-off with an interactive adventure game where students become Eco-Heroes tasked with saving Florida’s ecosystems. Present students with scenarios where they must make decisions on sustainable energy and conservation efforts, encouraging them to explore the impact of their choices on Florida’s environment and economy.Economic Detective: Solving Florida's Puzzles
Students become economic detectives solving real-world puzzles about Florida’s economy today versus what it could be in the future. They receive mysterious case files with data on current economic issues and are challenged to propose innovative solutions that could bolster Florida’s economic sustainability.Environmental Art Gallery Opening
Students participate in an art gallery opening showcasing pieces that represent critical environmental issues facing Florida. Each artwork comes with a story and challenge, prompting students to explore the connections between art, environment, and innovative problem-solving to protect Florida’s natural resources.📚
Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Activity 1
Time Travel Historians
Students will create a timeline showcasing Florida's historical milestones, focusing on changes in ecosystems, economy, and energy practices.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Research key historical events in Florida related to ecosystems, economy, and energy.
2. Draft a timeline layout to incorporate key events and transitions.
3. Use online resources or library books to gather details on each event.
4. Create a visual timeline using poster boards or a digital tool.
5. Present the timeline to the class, highlighting important changes and developments.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed timeline that illustrates Florida's historical evolution in ecosystems, economy, and energy.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with SS.3.G.1.1 by exploring geographic elements and FL History.Activity 2
Eco-Hero Field Study
Students will conduct a field study on local ecosystems, identifying flora and fauna adaptations and their responses to environmental changes.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Identify a local ecosystem to study, such as a park or nature reserve.
2. Research common plants and animals in the chosen ecosystem.
3. Visit the ecosystem to observe and document flora and fauna.
4. Conduct experiments or gather data on how the organisms respond to stimuli like light or heat.
5. Compile the findings into a field report.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA field report documenting the ecosystem and the adaptive features of plants and animals.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with SC.3.L.17.1 by describing plant stimuli responses and adaptations.Activity 3
Solar Solutions Lab
Students will design and test simple solar energy devices to understand how solar power can be utilized for energy needs.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Introduce the concept of solar energy and its importance for Florida's future.
2. Create simple solar ovens using household materials.
3. Test the solar ovens and record data on their heating capabilities.
4. Discuss the potential of solar power and the importance of sustainable energy.
5. Design a poster or presentation on findings and applications of solar energy.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA constructed solar oven and a presentation on solar energy's role in sustainable solutions.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with SC.3.E.6.1 by demonstrating radiant energy use from the Sun.Activity 4
Economy Investigation Station
Students explore current economic issues in Florida by analyzing case files and proposing solutions to improve economic sustainability.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Divide students into small groups and assign economic case files.
2. Analyze provided data and research additional information on Florida's economic challenges.
3. Draft proposals for innovative solutions to the economic challenges identified.
4. Prepare a presentation outlining the proposed economic solutions.
5. Share presentations with the class and participate in a feedback session.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA group presentation proposing solutions to Florida's economic challenges.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with SS.3.C.2.1 by exploring how rules impact economies and societies.Activity 5
Severe Weather Weather Reporters
Students research and report on Florida's severe weather patterns and propose plans for future resilience.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Research different types of severe weather common in Florida.
2. Use data to create weather reports for different seasons.
3. Discuss the challenges severe weather presents and brainstorm planning solutions.
4. Design a weather-resilience plan for Florida communities based on the data.
5. Create a video weather report and share with classmates.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA video weather report highlighting severe weather and resilience plans for Florida.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports ESS3.C by using data to describe weather conditions and impacts on planning.🏆
Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioFlorida's Future Solutions Rubric
Category 1
Understanding of Florida's History and Ecosystems
Evaluates students' comprehension of Florida's historical milestones and ecosystem challenges, and their ability to connect past events to current issues.Criterion 1
Connection to Historical Events
The ability to identify and relate historical events in Florida to modern-day challenges.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated understanding of Florida's historical events and expertly connects them to current challenges.
Proficient
3 PointsShows thorough understanding and effectively relates historical events to present-day challenges.
Developing
2 PointsDisplays emerging understanding with some connection between historical events and modern challenges.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited understanding and struggles to connect historical events to present challenges.
Criterion 2
Ecosystem Analysis
Ability to analyze Florida's ecosystems and their role in environmental solutions.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional analysis and understanding of ecosystems, highlighting complex relationships and solutions.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively analyzes ecosystems and identifies straightforward solutions.
Developing
2 PointsShows basic understanding and analysis of ecosystems with simple solutions.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates minimal understanding and struggles with ecosystem analysis.
Category 2
Creative Problem Solving in Economy and Energy
Assesses the ability to creatively address Florida's economic and energy challenges with innovative solutions.Criterion 1
Economic Innovation
Innovation and practicality in proposing solutions to Florida's economic challenges.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposes highly innovative and feasible solutions with clear economic benefits.
Proficient
3 PointsDevelops practical and thoughtful solutions to economic issues.
Developing
2 PointsSuggests basic solutions with limited innovation.
Beginning
1 PointsShows minimal innovation and practicality in proposing economic solutions.
Criterion 2
Sustainable Energy Ideation
Creativity and understanding in proposing sustainable energy solutions for Florida.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates outstanding creativity and deep understanding of sustainable energy, proposing innovative solutions.
Proficient
3 PointsShows thorough understanding with effective energy solution proposals.
Developing
2 PointsDisplays emerging understanding and basic solution ideas.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles with understanding and generating ideas for energy solutions.
Category 3
Presentation and Communication Skills
Evaluates the clarity, structure, and effectiveness of students' presentations and reports on their proposed solutions.Criterion 1
Clarity and Organization
Clarity and logical structure of presentations.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents ideas in a highly organized and clear manner, enhancing understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents ideas clearly with logical organization.
Developing
2 PointsShows basic organization, though ideas may not be clearly presented.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles with organization and clarity in presentation.
Criterion 2
Engagement and Collaboration
Engagement level and effectiveness in collaborative activities.
Exemplary
4 PointsExhibits leadership and encourages active participation from all group members.
Proficient
3 PointsParticipates actively and collaborates effectively with peers.
Developing
2 PointsEngages in group work with encouragement, participates inconsistently.
Beginning
1 PointsShows minimal participation and struggles to collaborate effectively.
Reflection Prompts
End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learningQuestion 1
Reflect on how your understanding of Florida's history, ecosystems, economy, energy, and severe weather has evolved throughout the project. What new insights have you gained about the challenges Florida faces?
Text
Required
Question 2
How confident do you feel in proposing solutions for Florida's future based on your understanding of the state's history, ecosystems, and current challenges? Rate your confidence on a scale of 1 to 5.
Scale
Required
Question 3
Which project activity (Time Travel Historians, Eco-Hero Field Study, Solar Solutions Lab, Economy Investigation Station, or Severe Weather Reporters) helped you learn the most about Florida’s challenges and why?
Multiple choice
Required
Options
Time Travel Historians
Eco-Hero Field Study
Solar Solutions Lab
Economy Investigation Station
Severe Weather Reporters