LEARN NC

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

I wonder: Writing scientific explanations with students

http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=872

A lesson plan for grade 2 English Language Arts

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Students learn about scientific inquiry in this lesson that focuses on reading and writing. After students have collected items that relate to trees participated in several activities based on trees, they ask questions or “wonderings” about the things they observed. Then, after choosing one question on which to focus, students share their personal explanations with a partner. In the second session, students participate in a hands-on investigation relating to the topic. After brainstorming sources in which they may find information to answer their questions, students participate in another hands-on inquiry-based activity in order to suggest possibilities for answers. Then, after students complete research outside of class, they share their findings with classmates and participate in another hands-on exploration of the topic. The teacher reads Why Do Leaves Change Colors? by Betsy Maestro and I Am a Leaf by Jean Marzollo, while students continue to add to the facts for their research. In groups, students sort their information and create categories for their findings. Then the teacher guides students in a sequencing activity that demonstrates how to create sentences out of student notes. After the demonstration, students work in groups to compose original paragraphs using information from their research. Finally, students write and illustrate their paragraphs and share the work with the class. Readwritethink provides helpful print resources and links to several student-friendly web resources on science and inquiry. This lesson also suggests extension activities and provides opportunities for student reflection.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 2

  • Goal 2: The learner will develop and apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
    • Objective 2.01: Read and comprehend both narrative and expository text appropriate for grade two by:
      • determining purpose (reader's and author's).
      • making predictions.
      • asking questions.
      • locating information for specific reasons/purposes.
      • recognizing and applying text structure.
      • comprehending and evaluating author's decisions and word choice.
      • determining fact and opinion.
      • recognizing and comprehending figurative language.
      • making inferences and drawing conclusions.
    • Objective 2.02: Use text for a variety of functions, including literary, informational, and practical.
    • Objective 2.03: Read expository materials for answers to specific questions.
  • Goal 4: The learner will apply strategies and skills to create oral, written, and visual texts.
    • Objective 4.04: Use oral communication to identify, organize, and analyze information.
    • Objective 4.07: Compose first drafts using an appropriate writing process:
      • planning and drafting.
      • rereading for meaning.
      • revising to clarify and refine writing with guided discussion.
    • Objective 4.08: Write structured, informative presentations and narratives when given help with organization.