Lesson+1+-+Tuning+in

= Lesson 1 - Tuning in =

Exploring the Environment and Things That Affect it
When introducing a new unit the teacher needs to spark student interest and motivation in the topic to be studied. This stage is where prior knowledge is assessed and used to determine what students already know and what they are interested in to develop the rest of the unit lessons.
 * Tuning in**

Students will be introduced to the focus question for the unit being //'////What affect do we have on our environment?'// Students will begin to think about environmental issues and how humans contribute to these issues.
 * Learning focus

Contributing focus question The contributing focus question that students will analyse in this lesson is '//What are environmental issues?'//

Lesson objective(s)** This lesson will raise awareness in students of environmental issues. Students will develop their knowledge of what environmental issues are and begin thinking about what affect these environmental issues have on their lives. Students will be stimulated by being presented with information that is contradictory of what they believe and value. For example how much Australia contributes to environmental issues such as global warming, many students have the misconception that Australia has little affect due to its size and population in comparison to the rest of the world.


 * Materials**
 * //The Earth and I// by Frank Asch
 * A3 white paper
 * Coloured Pencils
 * Grey leads

Prior to unit commencement and first lesson, set up a display area with the title of the unit and images and books to initiate students interest.
 * Duration** - 60 minutes


 * __Introduction__**
 * Introduce Our Environment unit to students, directing their attention to the display set up prior to the lesson
 * Having pictures and books that gain students attention and interest will stimulate them to start thinking about the environment and issues that affect the environment.
 * Begin by asking students '//who can tell me what is the environment?'// Prompt students to look at the pictures and books in the classroom display to assist them.
 * Clarify with students that the environment is our surroundings including both the constructed and natural environment.
 * Read //The Earth and I// by Frank Asch
 * From the story just read, ask students what they can tell you about the environment and problems in the environment they discovered after reading the book.


 * __Body__**
 * Construct a concept map as a class on what environmental issues are to determine students prior knowledge and understanding of this topic.
 * Ensure that you provide all students the opportunity to make a contribution to the concept map to assess what level of understanding and knowledge students have.
 * Use the interactive whiteboard and software program Inspiration to develop the concept map, as this program is specifically designed for this. Include images and pictures in the concept map to engage students.
 * Ask students to develop their own concept map on '//Environmental Issues'// and what they know about the environment and environmental issues. Students can write and draw pictures of these concepts to demonstrate their understanding.


 * __Conclusion__**
 * Once students have completed their concept map, ask them to sit back on the floor and share their concept maps and their ideas with the rest of the class.
 * Add student suggestions to the class concept map on Inspiration.
 * Collect students concept maps to assist you in planning future lessons in this unit.
 * Ask students to start thinking about why these environmental issues that they have identified are important. This is the focus for the next lesson so initiating students thinking can assist in preparing students for the next lesson.