[CONTINENTS AND OCEANS]

I.

Topic/Grade Level: [Geography: Continents and Oceans] [3rd Grade Social Studies]

II.

Standards: [Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, Section 113.4. Social Studies, Grade 3]
(17) Social studies skills. The student applies critical-thinking skills to organize and use
information acquired from a variety of valid sources, including electronic technology. The
student is expected to:
(A) research information, including historical and current events, and geographic data,
about the community and world, using a variety of valid print, oral, visual, and Internet
resources;
(E) interpret and create visuals, including graphs, charts, tables, timelines, illustrations,
and maps; and
(18) Social studies skills. The student communicates in written, oral, and visual forms.
The student is expected to:
(A) Express ideas orally based on knowledge and experiences;
(B) Use technology to create written and visual material such as stories, poems, pictures,
maps, and graphic organizers to express ideas; and

III.Goals and Student Learning Outcomes (Objectives):

Goal 1: Students will be able to identify and label the 7 continents and 4 oceans on a world map.
Student Learning Outcome 1: _Students will be able to pinpoint continents and oceans on a
blank map.
Color coding the world map
Use a Visual Thesaurus to label the continent and oceans
Student Learning Outcome 2: _Students will demonstrate that they can distinguish
landforms, bodies of water and cultures associated with each continent.
Travel Day- Students will work in small groups to create a presentation or report on one
of the continents and their bodies of water. (Must use some sources from a credible
database)
IV.
V.

Learning Environment(s):
This is a face to face learning environment
Resources:
Uncolored Paper Maps
Colored Pencils

Smart board
Globe
Computer (lecture and presentations)
Computer or tablet (Students research and Visual Thesaurus)
Pictures of the world
Video Camera (Tape Travel Day)

VI.

Diversity / Differentiation:
10 Females 7 Males
40% Hispanic, 30% African-American, 20% Asian-American
Each student receives free or reduced rate lunch.

VII.

Technology Inclusion:
Computer or tablet- students will watch a movie/ video clips, quizzes, online games,
printable activities, online databases.
Smart board- The class will label the map on Visual Thesaurus, present visual
presentations on continents, and pictures.
Video Camera- Record Travel Day and upload it to the class website.

VIII. Prior Knowledge: Prior to this lesson, students will have learned concepts of location,
distance, and direction on maps and globes. The student understands the locations and
characteristics of places and regions in the community, state, and nation. They will be able to
define continent and ocean.
Lesson Placement in the Unit: This is lesson 17__ of _19__.
IX.

Procedures:

1. Lesson Introduction / Anticipatory Set:

To open up the class, tehe teacher will have a satellite map on the Smart board. Initially,
the map will be zoomed in on the state of Texas. The teacher will ask them a few
questions that revolve around geography. From here the teacher will zoom out and show
them the world map and probe them for answers. If students want, they can visit the globe
in small groups.
2. Direct Instruction:
Part 1: The teacher will introduce the lesson with something they are familiar with (map
of Texas) and review what they know. Then the instructor will show them the world map
and present small details about each continent or ocean. The map will be projected on the
Smart board. From here the instructor will introduce the Visual Thesaurus website.
Students will work in groups to explore the Visual Thesaurus. Pictures will be projected
from the smart board when are doing their assignment. Students use the blank paper map
to color a world map similar to the Visual Thesaurus or the satellite model.

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Part 2- Students will use BrainPOP Jr. Continents and Oceans topic page via tablet or
computer. Students work in small groups to create a presentation for Travel Day.
Project Travel Day- Students use Smart board to present information about their
continent.
3. Student Interaction with lesson content / Guided Practice:
Part 1- Students will work together to explore the Visual Thesaurus, followed by coloring
of the maps.
Part 2- Students will work independently on BrainPop Jr.
Project Day- Student groups will present information about their continent.
4. Independent Practice:
Project Travel Day is a group assignment. Students will be required to work in groups and
report on a continent. Students will be required to do this project outside of the classroom.
By using GoogleDocs student can collaborate and share information.
5. Review / Closure:
The class will conclude with questions.

X.

XI.

XII.

6. Presentations:
Travel Day Presentation- Students will communicate their learning by creating a
presentation or report. The presentation of the content must have rich information about
their continent (including: countries, culture, surrounding bodies of water, history, etc.)
Students are required to use some form of media (PowerPoint, Prezi, videos,
etc.).Students will be required to take noted about each presentation because they will
have a test on the information in the future.
Evaluation/Assessment:
Student evaluation will be based on
Colored Map Assignment
Quizzes from BrainPop Jr.
Travel Day Presentation
Test Day
Risk Analysis: The teacher must ensure that all technology is functioning every day
(Smart board, Computers, and tablets.) If the smart board does not work, the teacher will use
a projector to do display the presentations and show pictures. The teacher will troubleshoot if
the technology is not working. Finally, if nothing works call the IT department for assistance.
If IT cannot be of assistance, the teacher will have to distribute work worksheets. Students
who are absent will use worksheets as make up work.
References:

BrainPOP Jr.
Search for synonyms using the Visual Thesaurus. (n.d.). Retrieved September 4, 2015, from
http://www.visualthesaurus.com/cm/lessons/the-continents-and-oceans-of-the-world/
The States of Texas. Chapter 113. Texas essential knowledge and skills for social studies. (2011).

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Retrieved from http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter113/ch113a.html.