Lessons and Activities
Introduction
The lessons and activities in this unit can be adapted to fit varying grade levels from third to fifth grade. The goal is to provide an authentic subject integration that will offer robust content and vocabulary along with rich, interactive experiences with staff and classmates. I have provided a look at the basic set up and implementation ideas. Notice the categories of “Blast Off,” “Cruising,” “Space Lander” and “Galactic Exploration.” These headings refer to the type of lesson activity, and can be added to upon preference.
- Blast Off: Introductory set that can be used for multiple lessons, especially while introducing planets, etc.
- Cruising: Information sessions that provide the bulk of the non-fiction content. Students take notes, discuss and even add information from their own research.
- Space Lander: Vocabulary sessions that the children can refer to in folders/notebooks as they build on content and begin their science-fiction pieces.
- Galactic Exploration: Writing lessons and sessions in which the students brainstorm, draft, conference, revise, etc.
Always keep the three essential questions at the forefront as the lessons and activities continue.
“Blast Off”: KWL Activity and Discussion
Objectives:
The students will share their background knowledge on the solar system as well as what they want to know about it.
Procedures:
After completing the KWL chart, the students will use: “Think-Pair-Share” to ponder the meaning of life. This is one of the three recurring and essential questions in the unit. Both sections will explore their classmates’ contributions to the KWL chart as well as the essential question “what is life.” They will/should be prompted to think deeply and search for ideas they may not have thought of in the past. The robust nature of this question and all that will come with it, is one of the keys to the success of the unit. Students must be scaffolded as they probe new ideas.
Materials:
- Unit Journals
- Organization/Information Folder
- Graphic Organizer (KWL Chart)
“Cruising”: Information Sessions and Discussion
Objectives:
The students will take notes on information regarding the solar system and organize it properly, for future reference.
Procedures:
The students will embark on their information journey as they begin to delve into the solar system. Beginning with the sun and discussion on stars, students will take useful notes using key words and robust vocabulary. They will slowly build a solid and grade-appropriate knowledge base on the sun using information, interaction, and images from NASA, ESA, SETI and NOAA. Journals will be used for questioning and tracking any changes in students’ thoughts on the essential questions. Notetaking is key and will be stored in folders for future reference.
- Unit Journals
- Organization/Information Folder (Notetaking)
- Graphic Organizer (Essential Questions and daily content)
The “Cruising” sessions will be ongoing throughout the unit as each area is introduced and discussed.
“Space Lander” Activities: Vocabulary
Objectives:
The students will define, discuss, write sentences, ask questions and use new and unfamiliar words within the unit. Students will record content terminology along with notes from the sections of the units for future reference.
Procedures:
During the Space Lander activities, students will keep track of all new and unfamiliar terms in order to broaden their learning and construct word banks to use when they begin transferring their knowledge to science-fiction writings. Use the Define, Example, Ask (DEA) and Clarifying routine to help students unpack new terminology. By recording the words physically, they will retain the information a bit more. This will come in handy when they begin writing their science-fiction works. Encourage students to use the words frequently, in and out of the classroom so that it becomes embedded in their language.
Materials: Vocabulary organizer
“Galactic Exploration” Activity: Writing in the science fiction genre
Objectives:
The students will use the information from the unit to write a science fiction piece which they will edit, publish and share with classmates.
The students will incorporate information from notes along with vocabulary into their science-fiction works.
Procedures:
After the content has been delivered, students will begin writing a science-fiction piece. Using the Writer’s Workshop model, students will brainstorm, draft, revise, edit and publish their pieces. This will occur with teacher and peer input in order to help formulate well-rounded, robust writings with dialogue, character development and temporal terminology for clarity and comprehension.
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