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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Cosmic oranges: Observation and inquiry through descriptive writing and art

http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=60

A lesson plan for grades 6–8 English Language Arts

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The lesson is designed to enhance cognitive skills used in nearly every discipline and can serve as a prelude to an inquiry project, scientific investigation, art project, or descriptive writing assignment. After students work in collaborative groups to effectively describe an orange, they complete graphic organizers to explain the information they found conducting internet research.

Upon completion of this lesson, students should be able to:

  • Make careful observations of natural objects
  • Write concise, objective, detailed descriptions
  • Write with purpose and a clear sense of audience
  • Use sensory observation and sense memory to write descriptively
  • Differentiate between objective and subjective description and understand the uses of each
  • Ask questions and use written materials and Internet resources to find answers
  • Read with purpose
  • Use writing, speaking, and art to demonstrate knowledge
  • Reflect on their knowledge of the processes of observation, focused attention, and inquiry, and apply their knowledge to other academic and real-world contexts
  • Use figurative language, including simile and metaphor

Using William Carlos Williams’ poem “Perfection,” the teacher engages students in a collaborative poetry writing activity.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 6

  • Goal 1: The learner will use language to express individual perspectives drawn from personal or related experience.
    • Objective 1.04: Reflect on learning experiences by:
      • describing personal learning growth and changes in perspective.
      • identifying changes in self throughout the learning process.
      • interpreting how personal circumstances and background shape interaction with text.
  • 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.

Grade 7

  • Goal 1: The learner will use language to express individual perspectives in response to personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.
    • Objective 1.04: Reflect on learning experiences by:
      • analyzing personal learning growth and changes in perspective.
      • examining changes in self throughout the learning process.
      • determining how personal circumstances and background shape interaction with text.
  • 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.

Grade 8

  • Goal 1: The learner will use language to express individual perspectives through analysis of personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.
    • Objective 1.04: Reflect on learning experiences by:
      • evaluating how personal perspectives are influenced by society, cultural differences, and historical issues.
      • appraising changes in self throughout the learning process.
      • evaluating personal circumstances and background that shape interaction with text.
  • 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.