Lesson 2: Secondary Colors
"The Purple Cow"

Grade Level:  First, Second

Subjects:  Language Arts, Science, Art, Computer/Technology

Learner Outcomes:

• The students will identify the primary colors - red, yellow, & blue.
• The students will identify the secondary colors - green, orange, & purple.
• The students will identify rhyming words in the poem.

Materials:

• Copy of the poem, "The Purple Cow" by Gellett Burgess.
• Copy of title page for class book - attachment #2a.
• Copy of home note for class book - attachment #2b.
• Worksheet - attachment #2c.
• Cow pattern for art project - attachment #2d.
• Purple construction paper.
• Lunch sized paper bags.

Teacher Notes:
Student pages for class book could be inserted into sheet protectors and placed in a three ring
    binder to be checked out, sent home and shared with families.  Pictures of the students working
    on this lesson could also be included in the class book.

Procedures:
1.  Read and discuss the poem, "The Purple Cow", by Gellett Burgess.
2.  Identify and discuss the rhyming words.
3.  Repeat poem several times.
4.  Discuss why the poem is silly or unusual.
5.  Discuss secondary colors - green, orange, & purple.
6.  List other animals and unusual colors they would be - use only secondary colors.
7.  Give copy of worksheet, attachment #2c, to each student.
8.  Instruct students to draw an animal of their choice and color it an unusual secondary color.
     (Ex. orange pig, green cat)
9.  Write the color word and animal name on the blank.
10. Collect the students' work and put together to make a class book.
11. Give each student a reproduced copy of the purple cow pattern to outline, color, cut, and
     paste to make paper bag puppet.
12. Instruct students to recite poem as they work the puppet.

Modifications:
Teachers should determine specific needs of students as indicated on Individualized Educational Plan.

Enrichment Activities:
Prepare and enjoy "Purple Cow Shake".
     Blend together:
    1\2 gallon of vanilla ice cream (softened)
    1 12 oz. can of frozen grape juice concentrate
    1 gallon of milk
Use color paddle to make secondary colors.
Read book, Hello, Red Fox, by Eric Carle.
Read original children's stories.
Show video - "Light & Living Color" from Children's Television Workshop 3-2-1 Contact.

Evaluation/Assessment:
Name the primary and secondary colors.
Explain how secondary colors are formed.
    Blue + yellow = green
    Red + yellow = orange
    Red + blue = purple
Rubric

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:
Language Arts
    Listening/Speaking  1.1, 1.16, 1.17, 2.5, 2.10, 2.17
    Reading Comprehension  1.21, 1.29, 1.45, 2.19, 2.29, 2.45
Science
    Scientific Processes/Thinking Skills  1.17, 2.17
    Laboratory Investigations/Hands-On Learning  1.24, 2.22
    Science Themes and Subject Matter  1.29, 2.27
Art
    Art Elements/Principles of Design  1.8, 2.5, 2.6
Computer/Technology  1.71, 1.72, 1.76, 1.77, 1.78, 2.118, 2.119, 2.120

National Standards:

References:
"The Purple Cow" poem by Gellett Burgess
Book, Hello, Red Fox, by Eric Carle.
Original children's stories.
Web Collection CD Set from ROM-MAN Technologies'

Created by:
Anna Deem
Leanne Hoselton
Kathy Lowers

Lubeck Elementary School, Parkersburg, WV
 
 

Lesson 1

Lesson 3

Lesson 4

Lesson 5