Lesson Plan: Exploring the Lush and Green Tropical Beauty of Downtown Naples, Florida
Lesson Plan: Exploring the Lush and Green Tropical Beauty of Downtown Naples, Florida
Grade Level: 6-8
Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will gain knowledge about the lush and green tropical beauty of downtown Naples, Florida, and the importance of environmental conservation. Students will engage in research, photography, and persuasive writing activities to deepen their understanding of the unique flora and fauna of the area and the significance of preserving its natural beauty.
Common Core Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.1: Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions on grade-level topics, expressing ideas clearly and building on the ideas of others.
Materials:
- Books, articles, or online resources about downtown Naples, Florida and its tropical beauty
- Images showcasing the lush and green landscapes of downtown Naples
- Cameras (smartphones or digital cameras)
- Paper and pencils
- Chart paper or whiteboard for group discussions
Procedure:
1. Introduction (5 minutes):
- Begin the lesson by discussing the concept of a lush and green tropical landscape and its appeal.
- Show images of downtown Naples' lush and green landscapes to capture students' interest and curiosity.
2. Research and Note-Taking (20 minutes):
- Provide books, articles, or online resources about downtown Naples and its tropical beauty for students to conduct research.
- Instruct students to take notes on the unique flora, fauna, and environmental characteristics of the area.
- Encourage students to cite several pieces of textual evidence to support their analysis of what the text says explicitly.
3. Photography Exploration (15 minutes):
- Divide the class into small groups and distribute cameras (smartphones or digital cameras) to each group.
- Instruct each group to explore the school grounds or local green spaces, capturing images that represent the lush and green tropical beauty similar to downtown Naples.
- Remind students to pay attention to the flora, fauna, and environmental elements they encounter.
4. Group Discussion: Environmental Conservation (20 minutes):
- Gather the groups and provide chart paper or a whiteboard for each group to record their discussions.
- Instruct each group to discuss and share their photographs, describing the elements that make the landscape lush and green.
- Prompt students to consider the importance of environmental conservation and ways in which they can contribute to preserving and protecting such landscapes.
- Encourage students to engage effectively in collaborative discussions, expressing ideas clearly and building on the ideas of others.
5. Persuasive Writing: Protecting Natural Beauty (30 minutes):
- Instruct students to write a persuasive argument advocating for the conservation and preservation of the lush and green tropical beauty of downtown Naples.
- Ask students to support their claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence, such as the ecological significance, economic benefits, and personal connections to the area.
- Remind students to use valid reasoning and persuasive language to engage their audience.
6. Sharing and Reflection (10 minutes):
- Allow students to share their persuasive arguments with a partner or small group, providing feedback and discussing the strengths of their writing.
- Conclude the lesson by facilitating a whole-class discussion on the importance of environmental conservation and the role individuals and communities can play in preserving natural beauty.
Common Core Labels Correlations:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.1
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1
Join me for a walking tour of the neighborhood surrounding Downtown Naples. This film captures the lush and green tropical beauty of Naples.
