Week 1 – Qualities and Motivations of Explorers
In this learning module, students will learn about what kinds of people choose to put themselves in danger to become explorers and adventurers. We will investigate different types of explorers and their impact on, and beyond our plant. Students will consider where we would be without explorers, and why their work is important. We will evaluate explorers influence on the generation and development of ideas, discussing whether or not we would like to be explorers. The students will be introduced to some explorers who have made significant contributions to our earth’s development, and use virtual reality to explore unknown terrains. We will also be going on a field trip to explore the bird park this week.
Week 2 – How the Earth Changes Over Time
This week-long learning module focuses on the changing shape of the land on our planet. Students will examine how our earth changes and why it is important for explorers to investigate these changes. Through problem-based learning, students will design solutions to slow or prevent the changing the shape of our land. The first grade students will use information and models to represent the kinds of land-forms found on earth.
Week 3 – Land and Sea Exploration
During this module, students will take what they know about land forms and explorers to create a landscape using the Minecraft-like app ‘Exploration’. After creating their own landscape and building to explore they will take turns exploring each other’s landscapes making notes and drawing diagrams in their exploration journals to describe this new place. Students will be engaging with a variety of media to learn about the explorations of early settlers.
Week 4 – Scuba and Space Exploration
This week, students will learn about how and why people explore above and below the land on earth. Using Google Cardboard, students will have an opportunity to “walk on Mars.” The surface from this app is based upon real satellite data from Mars from NASA's Curiosity. They will also be using Ocean Rift, a free program that takes users on an underwater journey. We will learn about the explorations of Jacques Cousteau and Skype with the dive master from Tropical Dive Center in Nosy Be, Madagascar. We are also fortune enough to have one of our teachers who dives come in with their equipment to show us how it works.
Week 5 – Inquiry Projects
In small groups, students are required to choose and research a topic of interest, conducting a guided investigation that extends their knowledge of explorers. Students may choose to study a specific explorer, or type of explorer (spelunker, astronaut, archaeologist, paleontologist, arctic explorer, mountain climber, sea farer). By the end of the week students will have a composed presentation, game, or activity to deliver to the class that show their understanding. In the past we have had board games, archaeological digs, role plays, imovies, keynote presentations, puppet shows, guest speakers, etc. Students will choose their preferred method to share their knowledge with the class.