1. Topic-
Tree Study
 
2. Content-
Trees, Leaves, Characteristics, Predictions, Scientific Observations
 
3. Goals: Aims/Outcomes-
1.The students will be able to observe how a tree changes over time.
2. The students will be able to make predictions based off of scientific observations.
3. The students will be able to draw conclusions based off of long term observations.
4. The students will be able to use scientific language to discuss and generate questions.
 
4. Objectives-
1.Observe and record change by using time and measurement.
2.Observe and describe the change to objects caused by temperature change or light.
3.Generate questions about objects, organisms, or events that can be answered through scientific investigations.
4.Predict future conditions/events based on observable patterns (e.g., day/night, seasons, sunrise/sunset, lunar phases).
 
5. Materials and Aids-
For Whole Class: Weekly PowerPoint presentation projected on the Promethean Board.

For Each Individual: Tree Study Journal pages, weekly tree pictures.
 
6. Procedures/Methods-

A. Introduction-

1. Classify leaves to their correct trees based off their characteristics.
2. Use magnifying glasses and their senses to observe these characteristics.
 

B. Development-

1. Look at the PowerPoint presentation with the tree in Pennsylvania.
2.Explain that we will be observing it each week and using everything that we have learned to develop our own Tree Study Journals.
 

C. Practice-

1. Make a collage of leaves based off of these characteristics
2. Use the Scientific Process to execute an experiment why leaves change colors
3. They will write an entry each week describing the changes that they notice.
4. The students have been developing the language of a scientist and learned to communicate with one another to spark their knowledge.
 

D. Independent Practice-

The students will develop their own Tree Study Journal based off of their weekly, scientific observations of a specific tree located in Pennsylvania. They will use their own language and observations to develop these journals. I will use a rubric to assess their language, observations, effort, completeness and understanding of the topic.
 

E. Accommodations (Differentiated Instruction)-

Explanation of What Will be Modified:
1. Presentation of Materials: The materials will be presented verbally and visually. I will explain each step of what will be done with visuals and I will write a list on the board of the steps that need to be completed. I will also wear a microphone that one of my students need because of a hearing impairment.
2. Environment: The environment will be friendly and inviting to all. It will be ideal for all learners.
3.Time Demands: For the students who need extra time, I will allow for extra time throughout the day.
4. Materials/Equip.: All students will be provided with the same materials and I will provide more materials for those who may need the extra sources.
 

F. Checking for understanding-

1.During the last week,we will have a huge group discussion based on their findings.
2. We will discuss as a class at the back couch what they think happened, why they think it happened, and what they have learned about trees.
3. I will have them share some of their journal entries and their most interesting findings.
 

G. Closure-

1. We will discuss what things this Tree Study made them think about more and what they would want to learn about.
2. Make sure to get their feedback to see if I should use for my future classes.
 
7. Evaluation-
1. Some students need more time on their journal.
2. The students seem to love working together and sharing all of their own personal observations.
 
8. Teacher Reflection-
After this lesson, I have come to the conclusion that I will make a change to this lesson the next time I use it. Seeing how well the students worked together, I think it would be beneficial to have them work together on this lesson in partners. This will also allow them to practice playing a role in a group project while still learning all of the requirements of the lesson.
 

This Lesson Plan is available at (www.teacherjet.com)