Digging up details on worms: Using the language of science in an inquiry study
http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=917
A lesson plan for grades K–2 English Language Arts and Science
This integrated lesson invites students to research worms in order to create a classroom habitat. Students participate in specific activities in the areas of math and science in order to learn to read and write across the content areas. After brainstorming all the information students know about worms, the teacher introduces the project of creating a worm habitat. Students then write in their inquiry notebooks, recording any questions, drawings, or thoughts they have about worms. Before a read-aloud of a book about worms, the teacher engages students in a discussion predicting the content of the story based on the cover art. After reading the book, students record their thoughts about the worms in the book and then explore additional books on the subject. Following a brief discussion about scientific words, students work in groups to research a specific topic related to worms. While students work, the teacher reminds them to take notes in their inquiry journals and to think about building a habitat that could sustain worm life. Groups share their findings, and the class works together to plan a habitat for worms. Students work together to build a worm habitat in the classroom and then create guidelines for touching and looking at the habitat. Over the next few class sessions, students can observe and write about the worm habitat. The lesson plan provides a book list in the content area and helpful resources for completing this activity. Readwritethink provides suggestions for extension activities, links to web resources, and 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.
- Objective 2.01: Read and comprehend both narrative and expository text appropriate for grade two by:
Science (2005)
Grade 1
- Goal 1: The learner will conduct investigations and make observations to build an understanding of the needs of living organisms.
- Objective 1.02: Investigate the needs of a variety of different animals:
- Air.
- Water.
- Food.
- Shelter.
- Space.
- Objective 1.02: Investigate the needs of a variety of different animals:
Kindergarten
- Goal 1: The learner will make observations and build an understanding of similarities and differences in animals.
- Objective 1.04: Demonstrate how to care for a variety of animals.
