Learning Exercise

Grade Level: Sixth Grade

Lesson Title: Topography

Objectives: 1. Students will understand the forces that shape the Earth’s
surface.
2. Students will use word processing skills to present
findings
.
CDE Science: Shaping Earth's Surface 2. Topography is reshaped by the
weathering of rock and soil and by the transportation and deposition of
sediment. As a basis for understanding this concept: 2a. Students know water
running downhill is the dominant process in shaping the landscape, including
California's landscape. 2b. Students know rivers and streams are dynamic systems
that erode, transport sediment, change course, and flood their banks in natural
and recurring patterns. 2c. Students know beaches are dynamic systems in which
the sand is supplied by rivers and moved along the coast by the action of waves.

CDE Language Arts: Writing: Research and Technology: 1.4 Use organizational
features of electronic text (e.g., bulletin boards, databases, keyword searches,
e-mail addresses) to locate information. 1.5: Compose documents with
appropriate formatting by using word-processing skills and principles of design
(e.g., margins, tabs, spacing, columns, page orientation). 1.6: Revise writing
to improve the organization and consistency of ideas within and between
paragraphs.

NETS: #8: Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to
accomplish a variety of tasks and solve problems. #9: Demonstrate an
understanding of concepts underlying hardware, software, and connectivity, and
of practical applications to learning and problem solving.

Website: http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/topo/state.shtml

Anticipatory Set: Students will visit site at
http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/topo/globegal.shtml

Critical Teacher Tasks: 1. Facilitate discussion. 2. Instruct as a research
activity. 3. Assess as needed to drive instruction. 4. Monitor the use of the
Internet. 5. This is a writing/typing activity. 6. This isa tech presentation
activity (use Word).

Critical Student Tasks: 1. Actively question the instructor. 2. Use the
Internet in a responsible manner. 3. Write down observations in science journal.
4. Create notes and follow through with added research. 5. Type your findings
in Word.

Assessment: Informal as needed with observations by teacher during class time.
Formal with the effort and achievement rubric. Also check for understanding
during activity.