Science
SCI.V.1.1
Strand:
Using Scientific Knowledge in Earth Science
- Geosphere
Standard:
Benchmark:
Grade: 1
All students will describe the earth’s surface
Describe major features of the Earth’s surface.
Constructing and Reflecting:
SCI.I.1.1 - Generate reasonable questions about the world based on observation.
SCI.I.1.5 - Develop strategies and skills for information gathering and problem solving.
SCI.II.1.1 - Develop an awareness of the need for evidence in making decisions scientifically.
Vocabulary / Key Concepts
Context
Types of landforms:
Examples of Michigan features
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mountains
plains
valleys
deserts
Bodies of water:
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rivers
oceans
lakes
hills
valleys
rivers
Great Lakes
pictures of global land features:
o mountains
o deserts
o valleys
o plains
o waterfalls
Knowledge and Skills
Resources
The earth’s surface is made up of various features.
Coloma Resources:
Students will describe the earth’s surface in
different locations, distinguishing such features as
mountains, plains, valleys, deserts, hills, oceans,
rivers, waterfalls and lakes.
Sarett Nature Center
www.sarett.com
“All About the Earth” Photo Book Set.
Other Resources:
Physical features (link)
http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/docs/ask-a-ge.html
Earth’s features (link)
http://encarta,msn.com
Cole, Joanna. The Magic School Bus: Inside
the Earth. Scholastic, 1989.
Stille, Darlene. Deserts. True Books
Ecosystem Series. Children’s Press, 1999.
Videoconferences Available
For more information, see
www.remc11.k12.mi.us/dl or call Janine Lim
471-7725x101 or email
jlim@remc11.k12.mi.us
5.1.1
Ice Age from Cranbrook Institute of Science
Instruction
Benchmark Question: What is the earth’s
surface like?
Focus Question: How could you describe the
major features of the earth’s surface?
The teacher will share the books about land
features with students.
The teacher will discuss with the class the land
and water features students have seen in person.
Assessment
None
Teacher Notes:
Describe the earth's surface.
Elementary students are likely unaware of the size, shape and variety of surfaces of the earth beyond their
neighborhoods, but soon learn that all the geosphere is made of similar material. They learn that under the
pavement and the ground floors are soil, rock, and water. The students begin to realize that the surface of the
earth is extremely uneven, but the difference between mountains, hills, rocks, pebbles, and soil is only size
not composition. They learn that mountains are formed and worn down into the other features. Through
various media and field trips, students observe that beyond their sidewalks, fields and neighborhood
buildings, there are mountains and valleys, hills and plains, lakes and ponds, rivers and creeks, deserts and
rainforests. Through the study of maps, an understanding develops that the earth is round and that the
features of the earth are diverse.