Grade Level: 3rd through 5th

Subject: Science, Social Studies and Computer Technology

Learner Outcomes: Students will:

1. Listen to and discuss the poems
2. Research an ocean animal
3. Write a poem to report information found in the research.
4. As a class create a PowerPoint presentation to present their poems.

Duration of the Lesson: 6 days – 30 minute sessions

Materials:  The Poem:  Ocean Animals by Tila Boyce
                   The Poem:  Hermit's House by Sheryl
                   Internet, Encyclopedia software, various books (encyclopedias, ocean animal books),
                   PowerPoint, and projection device

Technology Tools/Courseware:  Internet Computer, Encyclopedia Software, PowerPoint, and
                                               projection device

Teacher Notes:

• Make sure that you have Acceptable Use Policies signed for using the internet, and that you have made notes as to who is not allowed to use it in the case of a substitute has to teach a lesson.
• Have a variety of Internet sites for the students to use.
• Have a variety of books in the featured library on the ocean animals available for student use.

Procedure:  Day 1:  1.  Read and discuss the Poem:  Ocean Animals by Tila Boyce
                             2.  Brainstorm for names of various ocean animals.  Be prepared to add other
                                  animals they may not know about.
                             3.  Read the Poem:  Hermit's House by Sheryl
                                  to show students what they are expected to do with the information they find
                                  about their animal.  There are other poems examples at this site that students
                                  may refer to when they begin writing.
                             4.  Each student then picks a different animal to research, and begins the
                                  research.
                 Day 2&3:  1.  Students research their animals. Students may use Internet sites on ocean
                                     animals as well as on poetry patterns and/or books from featured library to
                                     take notes on their Animal Research Sheet.
                                 2.  Students begin writing their poems reporting the information found.
                 Day 4&5:  1.  Students begin putting completed work on a PowerPoint slide.
                                 2.  Students will add a graphic and animation to their slide.
                                 3.  As students finish they may go online and take an adventure or play game with
                                    Lilo the Green Sea Turtle
                 Day 6:  1.  View PowerPoint presentation.
                             2.  Discussion of the animals they learned about.

Modifications:

• Use peer assistants to help those students that are having difficulty.
• Assign animals to students rather than letting them choose.
• Be sure to follow all modifications on IEPs and 504 plans.

Enrichment Activities:

• Students may draw and color pictures of their animals to scan and put into their PowerPoint slide.
• Students may choose to do an additional animal.

Evaluation/Assessment:

• Notes from student research.
• Finished  PowerPoint project presented to the class.
• Rubric

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:

• Language:  3.10, 4.53, 4.55, 5.16
• Science:  3.38, 4.38, 5.8, 5.32
• Social Studies:  3.46, 4.36, 5.60
• Computer Technology:  3.82, 4.56, 5.65

1. Understands the characteristics of ecosystems on Earth's surface.
2. Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process.
3. Understands relationships among organisms and their physical environment.

Job/Career Clusters:  Science and Nature Resource

References:  How To Draw Sea Creatures by kids books Incorporated
 

Overview	Lesson 1	Lesson 2	Lesson 3	Lesson 4	Lesson 5	Lesson 6
Home Page	Four to Explore	Floor to Adore	Minerals in General	Oceans of Commotion	Creatures to Feature	Occupation Information

Authors: Tila Boyce Chris Hull Jacque Strawder