In this lesson, second and third grade students will use information skills to locate information about a ladybug's life cycle. They will work in pairs to create a simple diagram showing the stages of the life cycle. The lesson will conclude with oral presentations.

Instructional Goals:

·        Students will understand what a lifecycle is.

·        Students will know the stages in a ladybug’s lifecycle.

·        Students will be able to select and use print and non print resources to gather information.

·        Students will present their findings orally.

 

Learning Objectives: 

• Students will draw a diagram that correctly shows each stage of a ladybug’s lifecycle.
• Students will successfully access and list at least one print and one non-print resource that address the lifecycle of a ladybug.
• Students will successfully locate and write the answer to a question about each stage of a ladybug’s lifecycle.
• Students will orally share the answer found for one question.
  

Motivational Goals:

• Generate student interest in the research process.
• Build students’ confidence in their ability to locate resources.
• Promote students’ confidence in their ability to use information skills.
• Motivate students to continue to use information skills after the lesson.

“A Ladybug’s Life” by John Himmelman

Definition of Lifecycle

Experience Chart

Markers

Computers

Informational Books About Ladybugs

Handout

 

Web Sites

http://www.mirskylaw.com/ladybug_life_cycle.htm

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/insects/ladybug/sequencing/

http://www.earthsbirthday.org/butterflies/ladybugs/lifecycle.asp

http://www.geocities.com/sseagraves/ladybuglifecycle.htm

http://www.lacewings.com/ladybugs.htm

http://www.geocities.com/sseagraves/ladybugfacts.htm

Introduction

Day 1

1. Students will be shown the cover of “A Ladybug’s Life” by

John Himmelman.

2. A brief discussion about ladybugs will follow.

3. Students will be asked to explain what they think a

lifecycle is.

4.  The definition of lifecycle will be displayed on the wall.

 

Body

1. LMS will read students the story, “A Ladybug’s Life”.

This story gives a simplified explanation of a ladybug’s

lifecycle.

2.  Thoughout the reading students will be encouraged to

ask further questions about each stage in a ladybug’s

 lifecycle.

3. Each meaningful contribution will be charted for the

class to see.

4. After the story, students will be asked if they have any

ideas about how we might be able to find the answers to

some of our charted questions.

5.  A list of resources will be listed on chart paper.

6.  It will be explained to students that during their next visit to

the media center, we will use some of these resources to search

for the answers.

Day 2

1. A review of the previous session will take place.

2.  One question about each stage of a ladybug’s lifecycle

will be chosen from the class list for students to answer.

3.  Two resources will be selected from the resource list for

Students to use.

4.  A handout will be distributed and explained to each student. 

It will be used for students to record the resources they used to

help them gather information.  They will be required to use at

least one print and one non-print resource.  It will also be used

for them to record the answer each question.  Finally, it will

be used for them to draw a labeled diagram of a ladybug’s

lifecycle.

5.  Students will be shown the bookmarked websites they will

have access to as well as the print resources that will be

available for their use.

6.  Students will work in pairs to complete their assignment.

 

Conclusion

1. When time is up, students will meet on the carpet in a circle.

They will sit next to their parner.

2. Each pair of students will share one answer to a question that

was found during their research.  They will also show the rest of

the class their completed diagrams.

3.  Classmates may ask questions or make comments.

3..The LMS will conclude the lesson by restating the definition of lifecycle and  summarizing the stages of a ladybug’s lifecycle.

-Observations will demonstrate student's ability to access both print and non-print resources.
-Completed handout will show students ability to use resources to fill an information need.
-Completed diagram will demonstrate student's knowledge and understanding of a ladybug's lifecycle.
Students' participation and excitement will demonstrate their confidence in learning research skills.