Observing Matter Lesson Plan

Engage

The Engage session activates students’ prior knowledge of the different types of observations that can be made in science. In this session, students use their digital Notebooks to record their thoughts and then watch an animated video that gets them thinking about the topic. Students also participate in a teacher-led discussion of observations based on fact and opinion. To complete the session, students collaborate with peers offline and continue to unpack their prior knowledge.

Explore

The Explore session promotes interest in and curiosity about quantitative and qualitative observations. In this session, students identify words to precisely describe an object. Students also participate in a teacher-led discussion that encourages them to wonder about the different ways to observe and describe matter. To complete the session, students work collaboratively offline and further explore how to make qualitative observations.

Explain

The Explain session mixes animation with real-life video clips to provide a clear and concise description of qualitative and quantitative observations. Students are also encouraged to express their understanding in their own words as they participate in teacher-led discussions. To complete the session, students participate in an offline activity that allows them to demonstrate mastery of the content.

Cheer!

This Elaborate session promotes the use of formal definitions and explanations in a format not traditionally used in science instruction. In this session, students view an animated literature piece and use their digital Notebook to record their ideas about it. Students also participate in a teacher-led discussion that emphasizes the science content. To complete the session, students participate in offline activities that reinforce the connection between science, literature, and the arts.

20 Questions

This Elaborate session allows students to apply what they have learned to new situations. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on science process skills and content understanding. To complete the session, students work independently or with peers to complete an offline activity that reinforces science process skills.

SillyBulls

This Elaborate session allows students to practice and apply new terminology related to observing matter. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on the content vocabulary addressed throughout the module. To complete the session, students work independently or with peers to complete an offline activity that reinforces literacy skills.

Alphabetize

This Elaborate session allows students to practice and apply new terminology related to observing matter. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on the content vocabulary addressed throughout the module. To complete the session, students work independently or with peers to complete an offline activity that reinforces literacy skills.

Investigate

This Elaborate session encourages students to extend their understanding of the concept as they apply science process skills. In this session, students participate in a virtual investigation as they make observations and record data in their digital Notebook. Students then participate in a teacher-led discussion that wraps up the online Investigate. To complete the session, students will work collaboratively as they participate in an offline hands-on investigation.

Story Spinner

This Elaborate session allows students to practice and apply new terminology related to observing matter. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on the content vocabulary addressed throughout the module. To complete the session, students work independently or with peers to complete an offline activity that reinforces literacy skills.

Take a Note

This Elaborate session allows students to apply what they have learned to new situations. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on science process skills and content understanding. To complete the session, students work independently or with peers to complete an offline activity that reinforces science process skills.

Brainy Bots

This Elaborate session allows students to practice and apply new terminology related to the module content. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on vocabulary and content understanding. To complete the session, students work independently, or with peers, to complete an offline activity.

Pinky at the Vet

This Elaborate session allows students to apply what they have learned to new situations. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on science process skills and content understanding. To complete the session, students work independently or with peers to complete an offline activity that reinforces science process skills.

Evaluate

The Evaluate session reviews and assesses students’ knowledge of the content covered in the module. In this session, students participate in a teacher-led review of all concepts covered. Then, students complete an online assessment to measure their progress toward learning goals. Offline evaluations are available and can be used as needed.'