Nature-Inspired Design for Cosmic Education with Superspace
Learning Objectives:
Understand the relationships between different components of Earth's ecosystems.
Develop spatial awareness, fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration through Superspace Tiles.
Encourage appreciation and stewardship of nature through open-ended play.
Integrate interdisciplinary learning, connecting science, geography, art, and practical life skills.
C3.D2.Geo.5.K-2
Geography
Describe how human activities affect the cultural and environmental characteristics of places.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students reflect on their role in the environment and explore human-nature relationships.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.5
Speaking and Listening
Add drawings or other visual displays to descriptions.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students create and present ecosystem models using Superspace and art materials.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.2
Writing
Write informative/explanatory texts.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Journaling and labeling activities develop students' explanatory writing.
NGSS 2-LS4-1
Life Science
Make observations of plants and animals to compare diversity.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students compare plants/animals in ecosystems and incorporate them into their models.
C3.D2.Geo.3.K-2
Geography
Use maps, photographs, and other representations to explain relationships.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students use visual references to understand and build different ecosystems.
C3.D2.Geo.5.K-2
Geography
Describe how human activities affect the cultural and environmental characteristics of places.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students reflect on their role in the environment and explore human-nature relationships.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2
Writing
Write informative/explanatory texts.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students journal and label ecosystem features, connecting writing to their models.
NGSS 3-LS4-3
Life Science
Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students design ecosystems showing plant and animal survival, applying understanding of habitats.
NGSS 1-LS1-1
Life Science
Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants/animals meet their needs.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students design features in ecosystems (e.g., trees, shelter) inspired by nature using Superspace Tiles.
NGSS K-2-ETS1-1
Engineering Design
Ask questions, make observations, and gather information.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students observe ecosystems (via images/magnifying glasses) and ask questions as they explore.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1
Speaking and Listening
Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students discuss ecosystems in small groups, share ideas, and build models collaboratively.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.2
Writing
Write informative/explanatory texts.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students use journals/sketchbooks to record and explain ecosystem features.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1
Speaking & Listening
Participate in collaborative conversations.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students plan and discuss their models and share with peers.
NGSS K-2-ETS1-3
Engineering Design
Analyze data from tests of two objects to solve the same problem.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students revise their models based on testing and observations with Superspace Tiles.
NGSS K-2-ETS1-1
Engineering Design
Ask questions, make observations, and gather information.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students observe ecosystems (via images/magnifying glasses) and ask questions as they explore.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1
Speaking and Listening
Engage effectively in collaborative discussions.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students collaborate on model-building and share findings in class discussions.
NGSS 3-LS4-4
Life Science
Make a claim about the merit of a solution to a problem caused by human impact on the environment.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Discussion and reflection about environmental stewardship addresses this standard.
C3.D2.Geo.6.3-5
Geography
Describe how environmental and cultural characteristics influence population distribution.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students consider how environments support life and influence human/animal activity.
NGSS K-2-ETS1-1
Engineering Design
Ask questions, make observations, and gather information.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students observe ecosystems (via images/magnifying glasses) and ask questions as they explore.
C3.D2.Geo.5.K-2
Geography
Describe how human activities affect the cultural and environmental characteristics of places.
HOW DOES THIS LESSON ADDRESS THE STANDARD?
Students reflect on their role in the environment and explore human-nature relationships.
CURRICULUM STANDARDS
