“Step Three” Lesson Plan
Descriptive Data:
3th Grade
Science: Planet Study
20 minutes on computers
20 minutes of class writing time
Goals:
Oregon Third Grade State Standards
1. CCG: The Earth in Space: Understand the Earth’s place in the solar system and the universe.
• SC.03.ES.03 Identify and trace the movement of objects in the sky
Objectives:
Students will listen to the information given, after clicking on the appropriate link.
Students will use all the information they have gathered (notes, picture, audio) and write a 2 to 3 paragraph paper that summarizes characteristics of the planet they have chosen.
Materials
Students:
A Laptop for each student (w/sound)
Access to the Internet (Firefox/Mozilla)
Flat Desk
Paper and Pencil
Dictionaries
Stapler
Teacher:
A class set of Laptops
A projector that can be connected to the computer (for visual instructions)
Laptop or Computer- w/ sound (loud enough that the class can hear.)
Access to the Internet
Procedure:
Activate prior knowledge/pre-assessment:
This lesson is designed for students that have a basic knowledge of Laptops and Internet use.
1. Let students share some of the things they have learned about their planet so far.
2. Let them know that they will be spending only about half of their time on the computers. The other half will be dedicated to writing.
3. Let students know that today they will be working on Step Three since they have finished the previous two steps.
Instruction:
Ask students to raise their hands if they have listened to music, sound, or information on a computer.Let them know that today they will be listening to information while they read along.
• Why do you think it would help you to listen while you read?
Let student try to answer the question. Many students are able to learn more if they can see and hear the information.
Using the teacher laptop and projector, go to the Web quest, Step Three and one of the Links provided. Model what students should do. Show them that they need to wait until the page has completely loaded. Next, show them how to turn on the sound in the top left hand corner of the page.
Introduction:
1. Give students the web address for the Web quest: http://nasaspacemission.blogspot.com
2. Read the directions to Step Three with students. (Let students take turns reading aloud.)
3. Tell students that after they have listened to the information about their planet, they must use the remainder of the time to write a 2-3 paragraph paper.
4. Give any specific writing instructions at this point in the lesson.
5. Ask: Are there any questions?
6. Give students the remaining time to work individually. (Allow some talking. Students may need to help each other.)
Guided practice:
Circulate around the room offering help and checking student work and progress. Interact with each student.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed on whether they wrote a 2-3 paragraph paper. Keep in mind that students are at different writing levels. Assessment will only be on whether students met the objectives.