FACTivity – Lights, Camera, Tracks!
SHARE
In this FACTivity, you will observe the land use context around you.
Materials:
- Observation log (included)
- Pencil or other writing utensil
Scientists, like those in this study, are trying to understand how land use context impacts wildlife in and around cities. You will observe the land use context near you and look for signs of wildlife. Think about how the land use context around you may impact the presence of wildlife.
To complete this FACTivity, you will go outside with your class and make observations at opposite ends of your schoolyard.
SHARE
Standards addressed in this Activity:
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are a set of K-12 science education standards emphasizing inquiry-based learning, real-world applications, and integrating engineering practices, aiming to deepen understanding of science while promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
-
MS-ESS3-3
Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
-
MS-LS1-5
Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms.
-
MS-LS2-1
Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
-
MS-LS2-2
Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.
-
MS-LS2-4
Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.
-
MS-LS2-5
Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The Common Core Standards are educational benchmarks in the United States that outline clear expectations for what students should know and be able to do in English language arts and mathematics from kindergarten through 12th grade, aiming to ensure consistency and coherence in education nationwide.
-
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
-
Come to discussions prepared, having read or studied required material; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
-
Follow rules for collegial discussions, set specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
-
Pose and respond to specific questions with elaboration and detail by making comments that contribute to the topic, text, or issue under discussion.
-
Review the key ideas expressed and demonstrate understanding of multiple perspectives through reflection and paraphrasing.
-
Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.
-
Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details to accentuate main ideas or themes; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
-
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
-
Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
-
Follow rules for collegial discussions, track progress toward specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
-
Pose questions that elicit elaboration and respond to others' questions and comments with relevant observations and ideas that bring the discussion back on topic as needed.
-
Acknowledge new information expressed by others and, when warranted, modify their own views.
-
Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.
-
Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
-
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.
-
Come to discussions prepared, having read or researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
-
Follow rules for collegial discussions and decision-making, track progress toward specific goals and deadlines, and define individual roles as needed.
-
Pose questions that connect the ideas of several speakers and respond to others' questions and comments with relevant evidence, observations, and ideas.
-
Acknowledge new information expressed by others, and, when warranted, qualify or justify their own views in light of the evidence presented.
-
Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
Social Studies Standards are educational guidelines outlining the essential knowledge, skills, and concepts students should learn in subjects such as history, geography, civics, and economics, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of societal structures, historical events, and global perspectives.
-
People, Places, and Environments
Education Files
Related Resources from the Natural Inquirer
-
After watching episode 1 of Ecosystems LIVE about human impacts on mammals, you can try this Nature Nearby Challenge. In this activity, you will observe the land use context around...Ecosystems LIVE Episode 1 – Activity – Land Use Context
After watching episode 1 of Ecosystems LIVE about human impacts on mammals, you can try this Nature Nearby Challenge. In this activity, you will observe the land use context around...
