[CL]

In social studies we are learning about landforms. Mountians, plains, valleys, deserts, as well as different bodies of water. I would like to do something creative with this to really help the kids remember them, but I can't think of any good ideas. What does everyone else do?

[luv2teach77]

I'm doing a landforms unit with my 3rd grade social studies class right now too. I sent home a "landform project" for them to complete for an at home project. In short they had to choose a landform (one that we've been studying), research it through trade books or online, and create some sort of way to present to the class. I listed several suggestions on the letter I sent home. They also had to include 5 interesting facts about their landform in their presentation. I can attach the letter I sent home and the grading standards I came up with tomorrow when I get to school if you'd like to have them. Just let me know.

Deb

[lah125]

I had the students broken up into small groups and each group made a different landform out of clay--and the water if necessary. Each group then presented and the landforms were on display for a few days. They seemed to enjoy this. Could be extended by having the group do a very brief paragraph about their landform. ex. Our group made a river. It is water shaped like a ribbon with land on both sides.

[summertime]

I had my 2nd graders take a 12x18 piece of oak tag. They drew(outlined) all of the landforms in crayons but didn't color it in. then they took watercolors and painted in all the areas. I gave them each a sheet that had all the names of the landforms on it. they cut out and labeled their landforms. The pictures were very creative and pretty. made a nice bulletin board.

[renkathebrave]

Hi!

I had each kid bring in a baggie of thick salt dough. They formed a landform on a small dessert paper plate. After they dried, they painted them with tempera paint. Each student then wrote at least 3 facts about their landform on 3x5" cards, and presented them to a class of first graders. The first graders went from student to student for about 15 minutes. I had them practice their speeches with eachother, so they learned about all kinds of landforms. They LOVED this activity!

[sparklinteach]

My class does the landform dance. I call out a landform (river, lake, mountain, valley, and plains) and the students have to do the movement that goes along with it. For example, when I call out "river", the students will put their hands together and wiggle their hands like a snake to show how windy a river may be. For a mountain, the students make the mountain tops with their hands. I wish that I could show you so that you might understand a little better. The landform dance is kind of played like charades. You can make up your own movement to represent the landform and have them copy it.

[KarenE]

I am interested in the letter you send home about the landforms project and the grading standards you have. Can you e-mail them to me at
kschweitzerd181.org

Thanks, KarenE