Topic outline
Yr 3-4 Follow the Poo...
Summary of Theme
Entry point introduces theme, it shows how farmers spread animal manure on the fields - fields which they then grow food crops on such as potatoes from which crisps are made.
Having shown them this they are asked to think about several things:
- Why is animal poo spread on fields?
- Is this good for the environment?
- Why does it not make food grown on the very same fields taste of poo?
Pupils would not be expected to answer these questions at this stage - it is more designed to get them thinking about animals. their manure, plants and food. These questions will be answered by the end of the theme. The overall theme is covered in two sections: animals (previous part) and plants ( this section ideal for spring or summer term)
Documents for theme
Theme Lesson Burr
Scheme of work
View as pdf then save to computer for printing
Or download as Word document to adapt for your own use.
View Scheme of work as pdf file in pop up window
Just read or download and print
Pupil Work Book
The pupil workbook is designed to be used with each lesson and has various activities linked to each video eg CLOZE exercises, Maths, reading and writing. Each lesson / video has a section in workbook which can be done as activity for each lesson. These can also be extended further as you require.
The workbook can be download as pdf or Word documents
The workbook can be printed as is or can be edited to your requirements as Word document (beware it is a complicated document and will 'break' quite easily during editing!)
Yr 3-4 Follow the Poo - Pupil Workbook to view and download as pdf
Entry Point - What goes in....
Introduction to theme which introduces the topic with a 'Big Idea' - this may not be a full lesson / activity but can be combined with lesson 1
Documents for lesson
Scheme of Work, Lesson Plans etc
Web based lesson plan
Resources for this lesson
Video to watch - opens in pop up window and can be played full screen
1. Following the Poo - Investigating What plants need to grow
As part of investigation of what happens to poo that is spread on farmers fields we look at what plants need to grow. This can be done by growing plants under different conditions and deciding how this can be done to make it a fair and valid test.
This part is done first to give the plants chance to grow under the different conditions investigated. While they are growing the second part of the project which looks at soil can be done.
Documents for lesson
Scheme of Work, Lesson Plans etc
Web based lesson plan
Resources for this lesson
Video to watch - opens in pop up window and can be played full screen
Notes about using video
Video is in 5 sections broken up to allow you to discuss variables and how to make investigation a fair test. It is very difficult to produce a definitive video to do this as the direction for setting up any investigation should be driven by the thoughts of the student, so you can of course do this your own way and don't have to use the videos. The key point of this discussion is about what is needed for a fair test. These points will invariably be made differently with each class.
Today's Learning - checking with WILF
Questions from pupil workbook so you can go through answer with them once they have completed first section. Pupils could also swap workbooks and mark their own work
Marking pupils work with them is a very beneficial exercise in terms of Assessment for learning - the earlier they learn to do this the better. Older and adult learners when asked to do this feel that the teacher is cheating and not doing their job when they ask learners to mark their own work!
2. Following the Poo - Investigating Soil
First part of investigation of what happen to poo which is spread on farmers field involves looking at what soil is made of. Mix soil samples with water then draw results and measure different types of soil to produce a Mud Pie Pie Chart!
Documents for lesson
Scheme of Work, Lesson Plans etc
Web based lesson plan
Resources for this lesson
Video to watch - opens in pop up window and can be played full screen