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The Wonder of Rainbows
Description:
This unit may be used in conjunction with science units on color and light, or the weather. Students will locate and gather facts from various sources and build confidence in their ability to learn and achieve.
Goals & Objectives:

LIBRARY MEDIA SKILLS OBJECTIVES:

 

The students will use print and CD-ROM encyclopedias, nonfiction and fiction books, and audiovisual materials to locate and gather facts about the formation of rainbows.

 

CURRICULUM OBJECTIVES:

 

The student will:

-understand how rainbows are formed

-perform experiments to create rainbows by using a variety of materials

-use acquired knowledge to participate in language arts and math activities

MOTIVATIONAL OBJECTIVES

 

The student will:

-become interested in the research process

-understand the value of information skills

-gain confidence in research ability and accomplishment 

Materials & Sources:
Resource List Sample Venn Diagram
 
Credits:
Jennifer Bresko. Adapted by Kori Gerbig
Syracuse University School of Information Studies
Sources:
School Library Media Activities Monthly
February 1997; 13(6); 14-16
 
Procedures:

INSTRUCTIONAL ROLES

 

-These activities can be introduced by either the library media specialist or the classroom teacher. Completion and follow-up occurs in the classroom.

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES FOR COMPLETION

SESSION ONE


-The library media specialist or teacher may begin by reading a fiction book about rainbows to the class, such as 'The Storm Book.' Most children can relate to the wonder of the magical appearance of a rainbow after a storm. After a brief discussion of their experiences, the instructor might ask some questions about the order of the colors or if it's possible for there to be two or three rainbows in the sky at once. Children may brainstorm other questions, which should be recorded on a class chart. The instructor can then introduce the use of the encyclopedia to locate answers to these questions. A set of encyclopedias should be used to show that information can be found in articles that are arranged in alphabetical order. Information on rainbows is found in the 'R' volume. Together they will locate the article on rainbows, and perhaps find the order ot the colors. Similar instruction should be given on the use of the CD-ROM encyclopedias as well. Time for exploration should be provided.


SESSION TWO

 

A second session includes instruction on the use of nonfiction books to find information. Students are shown the alphabetical listing in the index in the back of a book. The same question about the order of the colors can be answered by using a nonfiction book. It should also be pointed out that many facts are hidden in fiction books. During a quick review of 'The Storm Book,' students may recall facts that were included in the story. Students may then trace their hands on three pieces of paper (using three of the colors of the rainbow). As they research and locate facts, they will write the information on the paper hands.

INTEGRATED CURRICULAR CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

1)Language Arts and Written Expression
- write and illustrate individual books describing what students would do with a rainbow of their own (See Freeman).
-Put words to 'Peter Spier's Rain' and create a classbook.
-Act out a favorite rainy day activity to be guessed by classmates.
-'Rainbow Fish', 'Rainbow Crow', 'Rainbow Bird', or 'How the Sky's Housekeeper Wore Her Scarves' can be made into a play for parents, or used for reader's theatre.
-Compare and contrast the two legends 'Rainbow Crow' and 'Rainbow Bird' by using a Venn Diagram.
-write individual or class poems based on those found in 'Rainy Day Rhymes' and 'Hailstones and Halibut Bones' as examples.
-Brainstorm phrases based on the first letters of the colors of the rainbow to help remember the order. ('Ratting On Your Goofy Brother Is Vulgar' - See Wyatt).

2) Math Activities

 

-Survey and bar graph favorite rainbow colors.
-Find the angle the sun must be to create a rainbow.

3) Art Activities

-Make a 'stuffed' cloud with rainbow streamers. On each streamer write a quality or interest pertaining to the child, or a rainbow fact.
-Experiment with mixing watercolors to create a rainbow. Paint an arch of red paint. With a clean brush, paint a yellow stripe on the edge of the red. Watch orange appear! Repeat with a blue stripe on the edge of the yellow, and voilet on the edge of the blue. Children complete the picture by painting themselves looking at the rainbow with the sun at their backs.

4) Science Activities

-Use 'Our Earth' CD-ROM or 'Why does It Rain?' kit in whole-group instruction or in centers.
-Make a rainbow and discuss this phenomenon by using a garden hose when the sun is low in the sky; a candle and a feather (see 'Over the Rainbow'); or a pan of water and a mirror, magnifying glass, or a prism.
-Examine soap bubbles, abalone shells, and oil on water to see rainbow colors. (See 'Over the Rainbow')
-Mix Primary colors using food coloring in a glass pie pan on the overhead projector to create secondary colors.


FOLLOW-UP


-Have a Rainbow Day! Several classes can join in the fun. Each class dresses in a different rainbow color.On the playground, curved liens of children can make a living rainbow.
-Listen to and sing 'Rainbow Connection' (Kermit the Frog) and 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' (the Wizard of Oz)
-Plant and care for a rainbow of flowers such as zinnias, or make 3-D flowers for a bulletin board.
-Have children brainstorm their own rainbow treat and activities.
-Challenge children to find out if 'fogbows' and 'moonbows' exist and what names people in other countries have given to rainbows.
Assessment:
-Create a rainbow of hands. The children can share information they gathered and answer the questions listed on the chart. Children may trace four more hands, using the remaining four rainbow colors. Arrange the hands into a rainbow shape on the bulletin board. To reinforce the concept, the display can include a child figure with the sun at his/her back, looking at the rainbow.
Sources:
School Library Media Activities Monthly February 1997; 13(6); 14-16
Print this Lesson Plan
Presented By: School Library Media Activities Monthly
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