Inventing and presenting unit 1: Analyzing nonfiction and inventing solutions
http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=161
A lesson plan for grades 6–8 English Language Arts and Science
This lesson is part of a three-part unit from ReadWriteThink titled “Inventing and Presenting.” In this interdisciplinary unit, students use what they have learned about experimentation and the scientific method, critical thinking, clear writing, and effective speaking. Students read about inventors, propose inventions to solve problems they have identified, and build and test their inventions. They record and graph data and create visuals to share that data. In addition, students study famous speeches to identify the elements of effective speaking, and they propose in writing an appropriate scenario for sharing the results of their experimentation.
This first lesson has students read about the invention process, compile a list of problems, choose one problem, write a problem statement, and compile a list of at least three solutions to the chosen problem. They will select one solution and conduct background research about the problem and the potential invention they will create.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
English Language Arts (2004)
Grade 6
- Goal 2: The learner will explore and analyze information from a variety of sources.
- Objective 2.01: Explore informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
- monitoring comprehension for understand of what is read, heard, and/or viewed.
- studying the characteristics of informational works.
- restating and summarizing information.
- determining the importance and accuracy of information.
- making connections between works, self and related topics/information.
- comparing and/or contrasting information.
- drawing inferences and/or conclusions.
- generating questions.
- Objective 2.02: Use multiple sources of print and non-print information in developing informational materials such as brochures, newsletters, and infomercials by:
- exploring a variety of sources from which information may be attained (e.g., books, Internet, electronic databases, CD-ROM).
- distinguishing between primary and secondary sources.
- analyzing the effects of the presentation and/or accuracy of information.
- Objective 2.01: Explore informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
Grade 7
- Goal 2: The learner will synthesize and use information from a variety of sources.
- Objective 2.01: Respond to informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
- monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
- analyzing the characteristics of informational works.
- summarizing information.
- determining the importance of information.
- making connections to related topics/information.
- drawing inferences and/or conclusions.
- generating questions.
- Objective 2.02: Use multiple sources of print and non-print information in designing and developing informational materials (such as brochures, newsletters and informercials) through:
- identifying and using appropriate primary and secondary sources.
- comparing, contrasting, and evaluating information from different sources about the same topic.
- evaluating information for extraneous details, inconsistencies, relevant facts, and organization.
- Objective 2.01: Respond to informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
Grade 8
- Goal 2: The learner will use and evaluate information from a variety of sources.
- Objective 2.01: Analyze and evaluate informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
- monitoring comprehension for understanding of what is read, heard and/or viewed.
- recognizing the characteristics of informational materials.
- summarizing information.
- determining the importance of information.
- making connections to related topics/information.
- drawing inferences.
- generating questions.
- extending ideas.
- Objective 2.02: Use multiple sources of print and non-print information to explore and create research products in both written and presentational forms by:
- determining purpose, audience, and context.
- understnaing the focus.
- recognizing and/or choosing a relevant topic.
- recognizing and/or selecting presentational format (e.g., video, essay, interactive technology) appropriate to audience.
- evaluating information for extraneous detail, inconsistencies, relevant facts, and organization.
- researching and organizing information to achieve purpose.
- using notes and/or memory aids to structure information.
- supporting ideas with examples, definitions, analogies, and direct references to primary and secondary sources.
- noting and/or citing sources used.
- recognizing the use of and/or employing graphics such as charts, diagrams,and graphs to enhance the communication of information.
- Objective 2.01: Analyze and evaluate informational materials that are read, heard, and/or viewed by:
Science (2005)
Grade 6
- Goal 1: The learner will design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
- Objective 1.01: Identify and create questions and hypotheses that can be answered through scientific investigations.
- Objective 1.02: Develop appropriate experimental procedures for:
- Given questions.
- Student generated questions.
Grade 7
- Goal 1: The learner will design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
- Objective 1.01: Identify and create questions and hypotheses that can be answered through scientific investigations.
- Objective 1.02: Develop appropriate experimental procedures for:
- Given questions.
- Student generated questions.
Grade 8
- Goal 1: The learner will design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
- Objective 1.01: Identify and create questions and hypotheses that can be answered through scientific investigations.
- Objective 1.02: Develop appropriate experimental procedures for:
- Given questions.
- Student generated questions.
