Weathering and Caring

Lesson Overview

This 35-minute lesson explores the effects of weathering in Nunavut and applies the Inuit principle of Avatimik Kamattiarniq — respect, caring, and nurturing — to current environmental challenges. Through a guided class discussion, students reflect on how traditional Indigenous knowledge can inspire sustainable actions addressing climate change in their own communities.

---

Curriculum Expectations (Ontario Science 5)

Overall Expectations:

• Understanding Earth and Space Systems
  Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of weathering, erosion, and deposition on landforms
  (Science and Technology, Grade 5 - Earth and Space Systems: Properties and Changes in Matter and Structures of the Earth, 2007)

• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of human activity and traditional knowledge in environmental sustainability.

Specific Expectations:

• Assess the impact of weathering and erosion on landscapes, specifically in the context of northern regions such as Nunavut.
• Recognize and appreciate Indigenous knowledge and teachings related to the environment.
• Participate in discussions and propose solutions that involve sustainable environmental practices.

---

Learning Goals / I Can Statements

• I can explain how weathering affects landforms by using Nunavut as an example.
• I can describe the principles of Avatimik Kamattiarniq: respect, caring, and nurturing.
• I can create an action plan applying these principles to help my community address climate change.

---

Success Criteria

• Students can identify key effects of weathering on northern landscapes.
• Students articulate the values of Avatimik Kamattiarniq clearly.
• Students collaboratively contribute to an environmental action plan that reflects respect, care, and nurturing.
• Students participate actively in discussion, listening to and considering multiple perspectives.

---

Materials Needed

• Photos or illustrations of weathered landscapes in Nunavut (e.g., eroding cliffs, rock formations)
• Whiteboard or chart paper with markers
• “Avatimik Kamattiarniq” principle posters or printed descriptions
• Graphic organizers for action planning (simple template with spaces for ideas)
• Sticky notes

---

Lesson Activities

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Briefly show images of weathered landforms in Nunavut.
• Activate prior knowledge by asking:
  “What do you think causes rocks to change shape or break down over time?”
• Introduce the term weathering and its role in shaping the earth.
• Link: “In Nunavut, weathering happens in unique and sometimes rapid ways because of the cold climate.”

2. Explore Avatimik Kamattiarniq (7 minutes)

• Explain the Inuit principle of Avatimik Kamattiarniq: the values of respect, caring, and nurturing towards the land and each other.
• Share a short story or example of how these values guide environmental stewardship in Nunavut.
• Ask students: “How might these principles help us care for our planet here today?”
• Highlight how Indigenous knowledge is crucial for climate change solutions.

3. Class Discussion & Reflection (13 minutes)

• Facilitate a whole-class discussion using guiding questions:
  • How does weathering show that the earth is always changing?
  • What responsibilities do we have towards the land?
  • In what ways can respect, caring, and nurturing guide how we treat our environment?
• Record student ideas on chart paper under headings: Respect, Caring, and Nurturing.
• Encourage diverse viewpoints and connect to students’ own environmental experiences or challenges.

4. Action Plan Creation (8 minutes)

• Distribute graphic organisers for action planning.
• Ask students to work in pairs to create one simple action plan that applies Avatimik Kamattiarniq to an environmental issue they see locally (e.g., reducing waste, planting trees, conserving water).
• Prompt: “What can you do or encourage others to do in your community that shows respect, caring, and nurturing for the environment?”
• Students write or draw ideas on their templates.
• Invite a few pairs to share their plans with the class.

5. Conclusion & Review (2 minutes)

• Recap the importance of understanding natural processes like weathering and how Indigenous values can inspire positive change.
• Revisit “I can” statements and ask for a quick thumbs-up or thumbs-down for self-assessment.

---

Differentiation Strategies

• For diverse learners:

  • Provide sentence starters and visual word banks for the action plan activity.
  • Use paired work to allow peer support.
  • Offer oral explanations and allow responses through drawing or pointing for students with language difficulties.

• For extension:

  • Encourage students to research local weathering features or Indigenous environmental teachings beyond Nunavut.
  • Create a follow-up project designing posters or digital presentations advocating for these principles.

---

Assessment for Learning

• Ongoing formative checks: observe students’ participation in discussion and quality of ideas during group work.
• Review completed graphic organisers to assess understanding of Avatimik Kamattiarniq applied to environmental action.
• Use self-assessment via “I can” statements for metacognition and goal-setting.

---

This lesson not only meets the Ontario Science Curriculum but fosters culturally responsive pedagogy, connecting science learning to Indigenous knowledge and current environmental challenges. It engages 5th graders through discussion, reflection, and creative problem-solving, promoting empathy and stewardship aligned with Avatimik Kamattiarniq.