#4136. Famous Scientists

Science, level: Elementary
Posted Sun Mar 23 21:25:51 PST 2008 by Chris Baroli (Chris Baroli).
Wayne State University, Madison Heights, USA
Activity Time: 1 Week

LESSON PLAN FORMAT
Template

Student Teacher's Name: Chris Baroli Date: 3-18-08

Grade Level 4 Topic/Unit: Scientists Throughout History
School: Simonds Elementary
District: Lamphere

Content
K-7 Standard S.RS.04.19 Describe how people contributed to science throughout history and across cultures.

Benchmarks
National Standards:

Science
NSK-4.5 Science and Technology
NSK-4.7 History and Nature of Science

Language Arts
NL-ENG.K-12.8 Develop Research Skills
NL-ENG.K-12.12 Reading for Understanding

Social Science
NSS-USH.K-4.4 The History of People of Many Cultures Across the World

Technology Standards
NT.K-12.1 Basic Operations and Concepts
NT.K-12.3 Technology Productivity Tools
NT.K-12.5 Technology Research Tools

Learning Resources and Materials
Internet Access
Recommended links to research scientists:
http://famous-scientists.net/Benjamin-Franklin.htm
http://women-scientists-in-history.com/historia.html
http://www.webschooling.com/
Kidspiration Software: click on free trial link http://www.inspiration.com/productinfo/kidspiration/index.cfm
World map
Poster board
Glue, tape, scissors
Crayons, markers, colored pencils or other decorative materials.
Appropriate pictures or drawings.

Development of Lesson
Introduction

The goal is to make learning about science and science contributions a bit more fun. Students will become familiar with scientists across the globe and gain a greater comprehension of the importance of science accomplishments and inventions to our society. Students will use online resources to find information on scientists and their inventions. Then they will create a poster board that displays important facts about their selected scientist. Each student will present their poster board to the class as their chosen scientist.
Methods/Procedures
Teacher will familiarize student to the Kidspiration software.
Students will receive direct teacher instruction as well as work in small groups.
All students will turn in individual assignments for each activity.
Students will use time management skills to complete each assignment within the given timeframe.

Day One/Two: Teacher will begin lesson by introducing selected scientists using the Kidspiration software. I have found the template located in the Social Studies link called Inventors and Inventions quite an effective tool to introduce scientists and their contributions to students in a fun and creative way. Students will research a scientist via the internet to complete the Kidspiration activity.

Day Three-Five: Students will then create a poster board that displays important facts about their selected scientist. Poster board must include scientist name, birthplace, date of birth, picture/s, inventions or accomplishments in history, year of invention/s, and the importance of the invention/s.

Day Six: Students will present their poster board to the class as their selected scientist. Students will "dress" to represent their scientist. Students will also identify on the world map what country their scientist is from.

To facilitate discussion the teacher will ask each student why they chose their selected scientist and how would are world be different without their science contribution.
Accommodations/Adaptations
Students will be given adequate use of computers with internet access. Teacher will demonstrate how to research and access specified links. Students will be encouraged to pair up in groups of two or three to assist each other and problem solve as a team. Teacher may place higher level students with lower level students. Teacher will provide individualized instruction and direction as needed.

Assessment/Evaluation
Students will be assessed on their creation of their poster board with the appropriate content. Content should be of greater importance over creativity.
Students will be assessed on their oral presentation as their scientist.
Students will be assessed by their ability to manage their time well.

Closure
To facilitate discussion the teacher will ask each student why they chose their selected scientist and how would are world be different without their science contribution.

Teacher Reflection
Through observation, class discussion, and individual online activity and presentations, it is evident that the students have gained increased knowledge and comprehension of the importance of scientists and their contributions to society. This lesson was very effective because it gave the students a fun and creative way to research and learn and present on many scientists that are not as famous and notable among the students. Students presented their poster boards to the class with enthusiasm and excitement and demonstrated that they were quite knowledgeable of their selected scientist. I will definitely perform this lesson again, however, next time I would like to create a rubric for assessment. I will like to incorporate what the students think the rubric should consist of such as teamwork, class participation, content, etc. This would make the outcomes a little more clear. I would also like to incorporate a student evaluation of how they felt about the activity.