lesson plan Nets-s for first grade Animal research

Animal Research

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Subjects

1.                 Educational Technology

2.                 Language Arts

·         Reading

·         Writing

·         speaking

3.                 science

Grade

·                    Late first-second grade

Brief Description
Students will collaboratively research an animal of their choice, fill out a graphic organizer, create or find an illustration, using Kid Pix , Paint, or clipart, write a report, practice and video the presentation.  Presentations will be posted on the classroom website for parents to see.
Objectives
Students will

·                    write and create or find a picture to illustrate their findings.

·                    use their imagination and creativity.

·                    practice their mouse skills.

·                    practice basic computer navigation skills.

·                    use the internet to find out information on their animal. (with supervision)

·                    video or assist in video creation

·                    view other students research

Keywords
literacy, creativity, play, computer, mouse skills, research, clip art, illustration, animal, video, habitat, monitor, printer, keyboard

Materials Needed

·                    examples of other research projects

·                    Computer access.

·                    Computer-based drawing program: Microsoft Paint comes standard on most    newer PCs (Go to Start>All Programs>Accessories>Paint or access to Kid Pix

·                    Video camera

·                    Zoo Books

Lesson Plan

Explain to students that we are going to be doing a research project on an animal that they choose.  Explain that we will be using the computer and a video camera and talk about them as tools so that he children understand that they must behave in a polite way to be able to use the equipment. 
Share some examples of animal research projects that have been done in the past and help them choose an animal.  Zoo Books tend to be a good way for the students to narrow their animal.  First graders tend think in large categories vs. specifics.  I try to help the children choose a specific breed of dog rather than dog.  I spend a few days allowing children to peruse the zoo books and then natural groups start to emerge.  It is more comfortable for first graders to work in groups usually and I always give them the option of working on another project on their own later.
Students then begins to find additional information on the internet .  I supervise this part of the activity closely.  We print additional information and use highlighters to help find important bits of information that we want to include.
Students then fill out the graphic organizer to help get their ideas organized.  (see attached)
Students then write a report and create an illustration or graphic to accompany it.  Practice reading their report.  Students then video the presentation and publish it to the classroom website (with help).  Then the students will share their video with the class. 

Assessment

Evaluate each student's

·                    ability to work together.

·                    ability to create a quality project.

·                    comfort level using a computer, based on your observations.

·                    ability to use the mouse (click, hold, drag) effectively, based on your observations and on the printed worksheet.

Submitted By:
Nicole Massanari

Michigan Educational Technology Standards (METS-)  PK-2
PK_2.CI Creativity and Innovation

·        use a variety of digital tools (word processors, drawing tools, graphic organizers) to create and convey original ideas or illustrate concepts.

PK_2.CC Communication and Collaboration

·        work together when using digital tools (word processing and drawing tools) to convey ideas or illustrate concepts relating to a specified project

·        use a variety of developmentally appropriate digital tools (word processors, paint programs) to communicate ideas to classmates families and others

PK_2.RI Research and Information Fluency

·        interact with internet based resources

·        use digital resources (graphic organizer)

PK_2.TC Technology Operations and Concepts

·        recognize and name the major parts of the computer (computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer)

Attachment on Google docs

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OSr8GYY7w0okTVXUOPCzGnMFbrSgqL5G-wBA-o7LsgM/edit?hl=en&authkey=CMGs4-QK

or

http://bit.ly/fCmI23

Name___________________________

Animal Report

Animal_________________

Resources_______________

Habitat (where it lives)

Food___________________

Drink___________________

Babies__________________

Size____________________

Sleep___________________

Play____________________

Interesting Facts__________________________________________

Other interesting facts___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Draw a picture of your animal in its habitat.