EDU 603 Unit 4 Blog #2

Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten: Modes of Transportation This unit will provide an engaging and interactive learning experience for pre-kindergarten/kindergarten students. Students will be engaged in hands-on activities and explorations related to different modes of transportation. Through books, pictures, and real-life examples, they will learn about various vehicles, such as cars, trains, airplanes, boats, and bicycles. Students will have opportunities to explore various types of transportation toys and models, engage in imaginative play, participate in art activities, and attend transportation-theme field trips.

STAGE 1- STANDARDS/GOALS Content Standard(s) Generalizations about what students should know and be able to do

Content Standards	Primary Expected Performance
L.60.1: Understand an increasing variety and specificity of words for objects, actions and attributes encountered in both real and symbolic contexts.	Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize and identify a growing range of transportation-related words for objects, actions, and attributes in different settings and situations. They will be able to provide specific details and descriptions using words, showing a more profound comprehension of vocabulary.
L.60.2: Determine the meanings of unknown words/concepts using the context of conversations, pictures, or concrete objects.	Students will develop the skill to deduce and understand the meanings of unfamiliar words or concepts by analyzing the context of conversations, examining visual aids such as pictures, or utilizing concrete objects. They will be able to draw connections between the unknown word and the overall topic being discussed.
​M.60.13 Use relational vocabulary of proximity (e.g., beside, next to, between, above, below, over and under) to identify and describe the location of an object.	​Students will effectively apply the relational vocabulary of proximity during play and small group discussions and accurately identify and describe the location of an object. Examples: Describe the location of a transportation toy during play. Follow spatial directions and answer questions from the teacher. Complete spatial activities.
SS.60.7 Demonstrate awareness of the tools and technologies associated with a variety of roles and jobs; expressing interest in different careers.	Students will demonstrate an understanding of basic tools and technologies by actively engaging in hands-on activities. Show curiosity and interest in exploring and manipulating various objects, tools, and materials. Communicate ideas and observations about tools and technologies. Participate in imaginative play and role-playing scenarios. Field trips/industry visits (Bus station hub, fire station, autobody shop, train station, etc.). Professionals can highlight and demonstrate the specific tools and technologies they rely on, giving students a better understanding of their practical applications.

Enduring Understandings Insights learned from exploring generalizations via the essential questions (Students will understand THAT…)

Essential Questions Inquiry used to explore generalizations

​Overarching Enduring Understandings: Students will understand that there are various modes of transportation. Students will recognize that different modes of transportation serve different purposes and can be used in different environments (e.g., cars for roads, boats for water). Students will develop an awareness of the importance of safety rules and practices when using different modes of transportation. Students will develop curiosity and interest in the world around them by exploring diverse types of vehicles and transport systems. Unit Specific Enduring Understanding Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of modes of transportation, including their purposes, characteristics, and importance in connecting people and goods. Students will recognize the diverse range of transportation options available and understand how different modes operate in various environments.

What are the different types of transportation and how are they used? How do different modes of transportation move? Why is it important to follow safety rules when using transportation? How do vehicles help people and goods get from one place to another? What are some different jobs related to transportation?

Knowledge and Skills-What students are expected to know and be able to do

Knowledge The students will know…

• Diverse types of transportation, such as cars, trains, airplanes, boats, bicycles, submarines, helicopters, and hot air balloons.

• The purpose and characteristics of each mode of transportation.

• How different types of transportation move, for example, cars run on roads, airplanes fly in the sky, and boats sail on water.

• The importance of following safety rules when using transportation, including wearing seat belts and helmets.

• How vehicles help people and goods travel from one place to another.

• Some ways to be environmentally friendly with transportation, like walking or biking.

• Different jobs related to transportation, such as bus drivers, pilots, and traffic controllers.

• Know vocabulary words such as engine, traffic lights, vehicles, transport, motor, fuel, engine, etc.

SkillsThe students will be able to…

• Identify and classify different modes of transportation.

• Understand the purpose and characteristics of each mode of transportation.

• Explain how different modes of transportation move.

• Demonstrate knowledge of safety rules and guidelines when using transportation.

• Identify various jobs related to transportation.

Part 2: Planning Pyramid

Some students will know...

• The basic modes of transportation (e.g., car, bus, train, plane).

• The purpose of transportation (e.g., travel, commuting).

• The importance of following safety rules and guidelines.

Most students will know...

• The characteristics and features of different modes of transportation.

• How transportation systems affect daily lives and communities.

All students will know...

• How to identify and classify various modes of transportation.

• The role of transportation in facilitating travel and the movement of goods.

• Various jobs related to transportation.

Creating a planning pyramid is essential in helping organize and structure the planning process. In this unit study, it is vital that I use essential questions as they can help guide my students' thinking and promote critical inquiry. Wiggins and McTighe (2005) stated that some of the best questions serve as doorways for learners to explore key concepts, themes, and issues and that students' understanding can be deepened through provocation questions (p. 106). Essential questions provide a framework for exploration and discovery, allowing students to make connections between different concepts and develop a deeper understanding of transportation and its impact on society.

Cash (2014) stated that developing good questions that spark students' drive to dig deeper into a topic creates more authentic and engaged learning (para. 4). Essential questions play a crucial role in this unit study by promoting deep thinking, fostering engagement, and connecting students' learning to real-world contexts which will help students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and a broader understanding of the topic at hand.

By covering various aspects of transportation, my students will gain a holistic understanding of the topic and its relevance in today's society. This knowledge will equip them with the necessary skills to navigate and contribute to an ever-changing transportation landscape.

As an early childhood homeschool teacher, I understand the importance of planning for students and creating rich, hands-on learning experiences. Teachers can effectively engage learners and enhance their understanding of the subject matter by carefully designing lessons and activities that align with students' interests and abilities.

I leave you with these questions:

What hands-on learning activities have you found most effective in your educational experience?

How can teachers planning decisions in a unit study impact the overall quality and effectiveness of student learning?

References

Cash, R.M. (2014). Cash in on learning: Engaging and authentic learning through  essential questions.

Wiggins G.P., McTighe, J. (2005). Essential questions: Doorways to understanding. In  J. Houtz (Ed). Understanding by design (pp. 105-128). Association for   Supervision and Curriculum Development.