Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to identify and describe various Earth changes, including natural disasters like tornadoes and earthquakes, as well as gradual changes like erosion and glacier melting. The student will also learn how to observe and gather information about these events through media.

Materials and Prep

• Access to a computer or tablet with internet for watching videos
• Notebook and pencil for taking notes
• Crayons or markers for drawing
• Access to a safe outdoor area for a simple observation activity

Before the lesson, ensure that the student can access videos about Earth changes and has a quiet space to watch and take notes. Prepare a comfortable area for drawing and discussing observations.

Activities

• Video Exploration: Start by watching short videos on different Earth changes such as tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and erosion. After each video, discuss what was seen and learned.

• Observation Journal: Have the student create an observation journal where they can write down what they learned from the videos and draw pictures of the Earth changes. Encourage them to be creative!

• Outdoor Observation: Go outside and observe the local environment. Look for signs of erosion or changes in the landscape. Discuss how weather and time can affect the ground and plants.

• Earth Change Art: Using crayons or markers, have the student draw their favorite Earth change. They can illustrate a tornado, a volcano, or even a glacier melting!

Talking Points

• "Did you know that Earth can change in many ways? Sometimes it happens very quickly, like a tornado, and sometimes it takes a long time, like when rocks wear down!"
• "Tornadoes are very strong winds that can spin around and pick up things! They can happen in a flash, but they can cause a lot of damage."
• "Volcanoes can erupt and send lava and ash into the air. This is a big change that can happen in just a few moments!"
• "Earthquakes happen when the ground shakes. They can feel really scary, but they also help us learn more about our planet!"
• "Erosion is when wind and water slowly wear away rocks and soil. It takes a long time, but it changes our landscape little by little."
• "Glaciers are huge pieces of ice that move slowly. When they melt, they can change the land and create rivers!"
• "Observing these changes helps us understand how our Earth works. Every change tells a story about our planet!"