In this unit, students will learn that:
- ecosystems are communities of organisms interacting with each other and their environment
- ecosystems can be characterized by their living and nonliving components
- most of Earth's water is present as salt water in the oceans, which cover most of Earth's surface
- changes in the environment (drought, cold) have caused some plants and animals to die or move to new locations (migration)
- fresh water is limited and its availability can be extended by recycling and decreasing the use of water
- environmental preservation is important for healthy and safe living
- recycling is one responsible way humans can interact with the environment to prevent pollution
- environmental engineers uses the Engineering Design Process to help preserve and improve the environment for clean water, air, and land for people, animals, and plants
- environmental engineers respond to the effects of pollution
Total: 4 to 6 hours of instruction
Design SySTEM is the nation's leading digital elementary engineering curriculum.
FULL CURRICULUM FEATURES
- Digital STEM curriculum for Grades 2-5
- Scripted lessons covering 12 fields of engineering
- Standards-aligned: NGSS, Common Core ELA, Math Extensions
- Project-Based Learning: Real-world challenges sourced from industry leaders
- Low-Cost: Prototypes using recyclables and basic school supplies
- Frameworks: Engineering Design Process, Career Exposure, "Four C's" (Critical thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity)
- Adoption: Public Schools, Private Schools, After-Schools, Summer Schools, International Schools
FULL CURRICULUM UNITS
* These are recommended grade levels based on the language and concepts used in the lesson plans. Many teachers differentiate instruction for upper and lower grades when using the full curriculum.
(Recommended for Grades 4-5)*:
- Astronautical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Robotics Engineering
- Software Engineering
(Recommended for Grades 2-3)*:
- Acoustical Engineering
- Agricultural Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Marine Engineering
- Structural Engineering