LEARN NC

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

Shells and more

This activity involves identifying objects from the beach using a guide book and then placing the information into a prepared table.

A lesson plan for grade 4 English Language Arts and Science

By Shelli Luna

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Learning outcomes

The students will identify objects and organize data on a table.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

45 minutes

Materials/resources

  • overhead transparency of the data table

per group:

  • one copy of the data table
  • one copy of the instructions
  • collection of beach debris that is numbered
  • one copy of Nature Guide to the Carolina Coast by Peter Meyer

Technology resources

  • computer spreadsheet program (optional for entering notes)

Pre-activities

Teacher should go over where information goes on the table and skills involved when working in small groups.

Activities

  1. The teacher should introduce the activity. Read through the instructions and model how to add information to the table by demonstrating the identification of one object.
  2. A group will then get started by rereading the instructions. The group chooses the first object from the collection and records their description in the table.
  3. Next, they go to the book, find the object in the color picture section, and record the name and the page where its information can be found. Then turn to that page. If correct, they should read the information and record three interesting facts about the object onto the table. If incorrect, they should go back to the pictures and try again.
  4. The students continue until all objects are identified.

Assessment

  • teacher observation of group skills
  • evaluation of completed table

Supplemental information

Attachments:

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 4

  • Goal 2: The learner will apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
    • Objective 2.02: Interact with the text before, during, and after reading, listening, and viewing by:
      • setting a purpose using prior knowledge and text information.
      • making predictions.
      • formulating questions.
      • locating relevant information.
      • making connections with previous experiences, information, and ideas.
    • Objective 2.06: Summarize major points from fiction and nonfiction text(s) to clarify and retain information and ideas.
    • Objective 2.07: Determine usefulness of information and ideas consistent with purpose.

Science (2005)

Grade 4

  • Goal 1: The learner will make observations and conduct investigations to build an understanding of animal behavior and adaptation.
    • Objective 1.02: Observe and record how animals of the same kind differ in some of their characteristics and discuss possible advantages and disadvantages of this variation.