Teacher’s Name: Kerry Lance
Grade Level(s): 3rd
Title of Lesson: From Georgia Regions to Georgia Habitats
Curriculum Connection Content Areas:
Standards
- GA Science Standards:
S3L1. Students will investigate the habitats of different organisms and the dependence of organisms on their habitat. Students will:
a. Differentiate between habitats of Georgia (mountains, marsh/swamp, coast, Piedmont, Atlantic Ocean) and the organisms that live there.
- ISTE NETS:
Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making: Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.
Overview of the ways you will Hook Student Interest in this unit
As homework the night before we begin our unit, the students will be asked to complete a survey. Within that survey are questions related to 2nd grade standards (GA Regions) as well as questions about their experiences within their local habitat. Before introducing the unit on the following day, teacher will display results to survey on Smart Board to look through with class. From those answers, the class will begin a KWL chart in Kidspiration.
Because the background knowledge gained from the 2nd grade study of GA regions is so crucial, the class will do a quick review of the 5 regions using the iRespond system (clickers). Finally, we will introduce the “Significant Knowledge Keypoint,” or standard in kid-friendly language. This will serve as a roadmap for what we will be learning about GA Habitats and will be referred to regularly throughout the unit.
Instructional Plan
· Preparation
Before starting the topic of GA habitats, we will use our background knowledge of GA regions as a scaffold for our learning. We will tap into that prior knowledge using a survey and a review game. The survey is written with the intention of being an emotional hook since it is call ing on the students to chare their own experiences and expertise. The survey will also help the teacher plan for any sort of necessary remediation. The review game will serve the same purpose since it will be done on the iRespond system which will track student answers.
Completing the KWL chart in Kidspiration will help to set common goals and direct our learning. By rewriting the standard in kid-friendly language and being explicit about expectations, the students will be given a sense of responsibility to learn and understand the material.
· Procedures
· The night before the unit, teacher will post a link to a preliminary survey. Here is a link to our survey, named GA Habitats and YOU: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/R7PLFNC The students will be asked to complete for homework.
· The following day, the teacher will post results of survey on Smart Board for all to see and discuss. (10 min)
· From the information gathered from the survey, the class will begin a KWL chart in Kidspiration. This can be done whole group or small groups where the children can work collaboratively, depending on the amount of computers available. (10-15 min)Once complete, the teacher can convert student work to .jpg and post to class website.
· After completing KWL, class will come together to use clickers (iRespond software linked to a simple Power Point) to do a review of last year’s standard on GA regions. Review bar graphs of answers and questions (an available feature on iRespond) to clear up confusion or reteach. (15min)
· Finally, class receives the standard in kid-friendly language while teacher projects. This will serve as a road map for learning and help children see relevance of topic in their own lives.
· Technology
· The survey (for homework) is a primer that will allow students to interact with the content as well as stimulate background knowledge on their own before starting unit as a whole class. They will all hopefully feel as though they bring some level of expertise on the topic from day one as a result of the survey.
· Using iRespond to review 2nd grade standards will be fun and engaging, but will also activate prior knowledge.
· Both the survey and the iRespond review will help teacher collect data that will help with instructional planning.
· The KWL chart can foster collaborative conversations (if done in cooperative groups) and also serve as a reminder of our progress through the unit as we revisit and revise.
Resources – Smart Board, Survey Monkey, Kidspiration, iRespond
Management
- This introductory lesson is best taught in a 21st Century classroom equipped with Smart Boards, student response systems, projectors, etc., though it can be adapted to suit other needs.
- The teacher will be a facilitator and play a major role in managing and organizing the background knowledge the children bring to the table.
- Class is arranged in groups so to make time for instructional strategies like Think, Pair, Share when discussing background knowledge.
Differentiation
- Our lesson will take place in a co-taught classroom.
- Kidspiration provides read aloud support for groups or individuals in need.
- If students are unable to complete survey at home, it can be completed on classroom computers.
Closure and Reflection Teacher will post KWL charts to class website. The charts will also be referred to regularly throughout rest of unit.
