Step 1: What are landforms?
Begin by listing some of the critical questions about landforms that students will be exploring. Write these on the board: What is the landform’s core material? How does it change over time? Is it slow or fast? Where is the landform located?
Step 2: Critical questions
Show images and videos of the four landforms they will be learning about. consider using a tool like Visual Thinking Strategies to engage the students in close looking. Address the critical questions for each landform, asking students for input. Note the questions they have and suggest they include them in their research.
Step 3: Researching landforms
Have the students write the critical questions in their science journals using one or two pages for each landform (or provide a handout with the questions for them to complete). They will first answer these questions by using the landform resources provided. Then they will begin drawing the landforms using their newly acquired knowledge, making sure to include details.
Teaching Tips (three options):
- Have the students start with researching one landform as a group. Next have the group draw the landform. Then move on to the next landform together.
- Set up stations for each landform and have students work through them at their own pace.
- Assign groups of students to become an expert on one landform. Students then share what they’ve learned about their landform with peers.
Next Steps: Once the students have researched the required facts about their assigned or chosen landform, they are ready to create illustrations in their science journals. Move on to Lesson 2.