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Geology for Kids

School: Swift River Elementary School

City/State: New Salem, MA

Grade(s): 4

Format(s): Field guide: Natural science

Subject(s): English Language Arts, Science and Technology

Project Overview

4th grade students from the Swift River Elementary School in New Salem, Massachusetts created this field guide to local geology, featuring “Things to Know” and “Places to Visit”, as part of a study of local geology and rocks and minerals.

To research the contents of their field guide, students did fieldwork at each of the sites documented in the book, and worked with local experts to learn about geological concepts.

In their field guide, students included information on local geological sites as well as background information on basic geological concepts. In this way, they were able to address general state standards and also produce a locally useful resource. As a way to help local residents visit these sites and understand what they are looking at, students included descriptions of the geologic formations and practical information such as driving and hiking directions.

Different students worked on different pages of the book, with each student having a topic and a site to research and work on.

Students did all of the layout and production of this field guide, including taking and formatting digital photographs, word processing and design.

How This Project Can Be Useful

  • Combines a standard field guide with localized information about how to get to the particular site
  • Highlights a product in which all parts of the process – from background research to production – were done by students
  • Shows an example of a project and of fieldwork that could be applicable to any area in the United States
  • A creative and effective format to address and deepen content required in state curriculum frameworks and district science requirements

Common Core State Standards

Standard Long Term Learning Target
W.4.2
  • I can write informative/explanatory texts that convey ideas and information clearly.
W.4.4
  • I can produce writing that is appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
W.4.6
  • I can type at least one page of writing in a single setting.
W.4.7
  • I can conduct a research project to become knowledgeable about a topic.
W.4.8
  • I can provide a list of sources I used to gather information.
L.4.1
  • I can use grammar conventions to send a clear message to a reader or listener.
L.4.2
  • I can use conventions to send a clear message to my reader.
L.4.6
  • I can accurately use 4th grade academic vocabulary to express my ideas.
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