Instructional Design Project:
Rocks and Minerals
This project is designed for use with third graders as a cross-curricular unit. It introduces students to a new science unit of study, rocks and minerals, within the Earth Materials domain. The unit integrates ELA standards with the students conducting research on the topic and creating a presentation for their classmates. The project consists of three parts. Part 1 introduces the students to the new science unit and provides the students a basic understanding of rocks and minerals. Part 2 consists of students conducting research on rocks and minerals to gather information for their presentation. Part 3 includes the students working in collaborative groups to create and present a presentation for their classmates.
This project aligns with the following standards:
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
Science and Engineering Practices
6- Constructing explanations and designing solutions
7- Engaging in argument from evidence
8- Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.
English Language Arts Common Core State Standards (ELA CCSS):
3.RI.1- Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers
3.RI.3- Describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text, using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause/effect
3.RI.5- Use text features and search tools e.g., key words, sidebars, hyperlinks to locate information relevant to a given topic
3.RI.7- 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
3.W.2- Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly
3.W.2.A- Introduce a topic and group related information together; include illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension
3.W.2.B- Develop the topic with facts, definitions, and details
3.W.7- Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic
3.W.8- Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided categories
3.SL.4- Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking clearly at an understandable pace
International Society for Technology in Education student standards (ISTE):
2c- Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for the rights and obligations of using and sharing intellectual property
3a- Plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources for their intellectual or creative pursuits
3c- Curate information from digital resources using a variety of tools and methods to create collections of artifacts that demonstrate meaningful connections or conclusions
6a- Choose the appropriate platforms and tools for meeting the desired objectives of their creation or communication
6b- Create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations
6c- Communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects such as visualizations, models or simulations
6d- Publish or present content that customizes the message and medium for their intended audiences
7c- Contribute constructively to project teams, assuming various roles and responsibilities to work effectively toward a common goal