Courtyard observations - One Small Step
Initial Publication Date: August 3, 2009
Summary
In this investigation students will observe plants, animals, and insects outdoors in the school courtyard. Each student will observe a 1 foot by 1 foot square in the courtyard and record observation using a nature journal.
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Learning Goals
-Students will observe native MN plants, animals, and insects.
-Students will learn to use nature journals to record observations.
-Students will learn to use nature journals to record observations.
Context for Use
This lesson is appropriate for fourth grade students. The length of the lesson is approximately 45 minutes. The beginning of the lesson is structured in the classroom and will move to a guided lesson outdoors. Students will need a journal, pencil, magnifying glass and colored pencils. This lesson allows students to practice observing the environment around them closely.
Description and Teaching Materials
1. Read aloud excerpts from book, "One Small Square: Backyard" to get students excited to look at the world around them.
2. Review behavior for working in the courtyard and what does it mean to have secure/quiet observation time.
3. Take kids out to the Courtyard on a "micro-hike".
a. Students find a 1 foot by 1 foot section to observe plants, animals, insects. This is the "big picture" of their area.
b. Students sketch that section in their journal. Colored pencils may be used for the drawings.
c. Students record 10 observations about what they see in the 1 ft. x 1 ft. section.
d. Student use their magnifying glass to look closely at "one small square" (A smaller area within the 1 ft by 1 ft square) of their larger section and sketch this as well.
4. Return to classroom to discuss observations. Students will first discuss with the other students at their group and then each table will share a few ideas with the group. Discuss differences in what students found based on the location of their square.
5. Compile a class Taxonomy of the students' observations. Lesson 1 (Microsoft Word 28kB Aug3 09) Lesson 2 of the series (Microsoft Word 3.4MB Aug3 09) Lesson 3 of the series. (Microsoft Word 28kB Aug3 09)
2. Review behavior for working in the courtyard and what does it mean to have secure/quiet observation time.
3. Take kids out to the Courtyard on a "micro-hike".
a. Students find a 1 foot by 1 foot section to observe plants, animals, insects. This is the "big picture" of their area.
b. Students sketch that section in their journal. Colored pencils may be used for the drawings.
c. Students record 10 observations about what they see in the 1 ft. x 1 ft. section.
d. Student use their magnifying glass to look closely at "one small square" (A smaller area within the 1 ft by 1 ft square) of their larger section and sketch this as well.
4. Return to classroom to discuss observations. Students will first discuss with the other students at their group and then each table will share a few ideas with the group. Discuss differences in what students found based on the location of their square.
5. Compile a class Taxonomy of the students' observations. Lesson 1 (Microsoft Word 28kB Aug3 09) Lesson 2 of the series (Microsoft Word 3.4MB Aug3 09) Lesson 3 of the series. (Microsoft Word 28kB Aug3 09)
Teaching Notes and Tips
- This is the first lesson of a three part lesson. See the attachments for lessons two and three.
- The journal will be created in the classroom for use of recording work that is done in Science. This may be in or outside the classroom. The use of notebooks is an NUA strategy and will be set up that way with a table of contents in the front of the notebook.
- A taxonomy is an alphabetical list of things related to a topic. This is written on chart paper as well as recorded int he student's notebooks. The taxonomy should be written on a 2 page spread.
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Assessment
Students will complete 10 observations about their 1 foot by 1 foot square and report back to the rest of the class.I will collect the journals to assess what they have recorded.
They will also write a journal entry reflecting on their observation experience.
They will also write a journal entry reflecting on their observation experience.
Standards
3.4.1.1.2 - Living things are diverse with many different characteristics that enable them to grow, reproduce and survive.