Performance Task Template
Subject Area: Social Studies: Deforestation
Grade: Fifth grade
Learning Standards:
W.5.1.- Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and
information.
W.5.2.- Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and
information clearly.
W.5.3.- Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective
technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
W.5.11.- Create and present an original poem, narrative, play, art work, or literary critique in
response to a particular author or themed studied in class.
Task Description:
Deforestation is an everyday topic that hasn’t been taking serious by people who are
constantly destroying the trees and habitats of other animals. This project is to inform people
about deforestation and have the students understand the meaning of deforestation and what is
causing people to do such harm. In this project the students will be working on a presentation,
scenario, visual image project and the creation of a song.
Direct Instruction for Whole Class:
 Visual learning
 Lectures and discussions about deforestation
 Oral presentation techniques
 How to write a great outstanding letter techniques
 Searching the web and reading books on deforestation
Group Work:
Group 1: prepare a presentation on why people cut down trees and what do they use the land/
space for
Group 2: create a skit/scenario about deforestation in which would explain the cause and effect
of deforestation
Group 3: create a visual image project that explains a healthy natural forest versus an unhealthy
forest
Group 4: will look at an example of a deforestation song and then create their own song as a
group
 YouTube song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJHSNF5fXpA
Individual Work:
 Compose a letter to the Mayor explaining their thoughts about deforestation
o students should receive a checklist so they can know what else to include in this
letter
 Get a chance to go online and look for new information to share with the class about
deforestation. These are just some websites the students can look at also.
o http://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/deforestation
o http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/en/campaigns/forests/solutions-to-deforestation/
o http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/causes-effects-solutions-ofdeforestation.php
o http://www.deforestationeducation.com/
 Create a presentation on PowerPoint of what they already know and what they just
learned just by looking online for new information
Methods of Assessment:
 Checklist and rubrics to assess the letter to the Mayor
 Teacher-made test that covers the deforestation unit
Teacher-Made Unit Test
Name __________________________________________
Deforestation Unit Test
1. What is an effect of deforestation?
a. Plants and animals
b. Fires
c. Logging
d. Agricultural activities
2. Describe the social reasons for deforestation.
3. List the economic reasons of deforestation.
4. Explain some of the human causes of deforestation
5. Define Deforestation.
Date ______________________
Checklist
Name: _____________________________________________
Date: ________________
Letter to the Mayor Checklist:
Does your letter include the following…
Cause and effect
Solutions
Impact on humans and animals
How to help our community?
Yes No
Rubric
Student’s Name: ______________________________________
Build a Grade
No more than one statement
and did not include any
information from the checklist.
Sentences are not all complete
and have no capitalization.
Writing not complete.
Includes at least two statements
and have included information
from the checklist but did not
elaborate on them. Some capital
letters but full stops. Writing is
not very neat.
Includes three to four
statements and has included
information from the checklist
in detail. Some different types
of sentences and complete
spelling. Capital letters. May
not be the persons best.
Includes five or more
statements and has included
checklist information in full
detail and shows point of view.
Many different types of
complete sentences. Capital
letters and correct punctuations.
Personal best and correct
spelling.
Date: _______________