Description:
Relating a lesson to classroom units helps students see the need to learn information skills. In addition, a good hook to introduce the lesson generates interest in the topic. This lesson uses both these strategies. It coordinates with classroom units on lifecycle studies and uses riddles to generate interest.
NOTE: This lesson takes place after students have some classroom instruction on egg-laying animals and their lifecycle. Previous experience creating webs is also helpful. The lesson will take several class periods.
Goals & Objectives:
Learning Objectives:
1. Students will understand the form of a riddle.
2. Students are able to use an index.
3. Students are able to take notes by creating a web.
4. Students will understand and apply scientific concepts.
5. Students will understand the concept of lifecycle of egg-laying animals.
Motivational Goals:
1. Generate interest in the research process.
2. Promote value of information skills.
3. Maintain interest in the research process.
4. Reinforce confidence in research ability.
5.Promote satisfaction in research accomplishments.
Materials & Sources:
Riddle books
Books on egg-laying animals
Worksheet with a web for note-taking
Paper eggs
Glue
Lined paper for writing ideas
Procedures:
1. Read students riddles, especially animal riddles. Discuss the form of a riddle.
2. Explain to students that they will be writing riddles about an egg-laying animal of their choice. Brainstorm what information they would need such as what it eats, where it lives, what it looks like, etc.
3. Model writing a riddle.
4. Model the use of an index to find specific facts about an animal and writing the facts in a web.
5. Hand out animal books on animals students choose.
6. Students find at least 4 facts about their animal and write into a web.
7. Review how to create a riddle.
8. Students use facts to write riddles.
9. These may be glued to lower half of a paper egg. The answer is written near the top and a half egg is stapled over the answer that can be lifted to reveal the answer.
10. Share and laugh.
Assessment:
Can students use index to find facts?
Are students able to create an original riddle using facts from animal books?
Sources:
