Sample Lesson Plan
Christopher Columbus Biography Activity
This activity is aimed at 3rd grade students.
Students will be asked to research Christopher Columbus using websites, videos and print resources. To incorporate critical reading and evaluation skills, students will be exposed to multiple sources of information. Below is a sample lesson plan with appropriate links available for students to access during the research stage of the assignment.
Day 1: Setting the stage
To introduce the mini unit on Columbus, begin by projecting this jigsaw puzzle. Complete the puzzle with the class then inform them that for a next few days they will be researching Christopher Columbus.
Using chart paper, a large white board or a computer based program like Kidspiration, create a web where students are able to share one thing they "know" about Christopher Columbus. This will give you a good jumping off point. As the students are calling out their thoughts, add in a few examples that are complete impossible, for example, Christopher Columbus drive a truck or Christopher Columbus visited the moon. Expect for students to call out things like "No he didn't" or "that's not possible". Continue the conversation by prompting them to explain their thinking. This is an important step because the students will have to use this same critical eye when researching on the web. Inform the class that tomorrow they will begin their research.
It would also be important to review author's purpose, non-fiction, text features and text structure.
Day 2: Begin Research
To prepare for the research, add this link to you handout folder so students will be directed to the list of websites.
Begin the lesson showing a brief video about Christopher Columbus (for video access sign in using [email protected], password: hcpss).
Students should be put into heterogeneous groups. Then instruct them to move to be closer to each other to assist with any content related discussions.
Next, assist the students when signing into the computers and accessing the website link. Groups will visit and evaluate the information present on their assigned websites. To help with the evaluation process students should ask the Critical Thinking Questions and use one of the provided worksheets (teacher discretion).
Day 3: Continue Research
Instruct students to rejoin their groups and continue researching using the websites provided.
After students have had enough time to complete their research instruct the students to prepare a 1-2 minute speech summary of their websites. Students should be able to share their thoughts on the authenticity of the websites and explain whether they thought it was a "valid" website.
Day 4: Google Presentation
As a follow up for the research, instruct the students to complete a presentation using the GAFE. The presentation should cover the basic who, what, when, where and whys of their research. Presentations will be shared with the class.
Additional Lesson Plan: 3-4 day lesson Resource from Scholastic.com.
Day 1: Setting the stage
To introduce the mini unit on Columbus, begin by projecting this jigsaw puzzle. Complete the puzzle with the class then inform them that for a next few days they will be researching Christopher Columbus.
Using chart paper, a large white board or a computer based program like Kidspiration, create a web where students are able to share one thing they "know" about Christopher Columbus. This will give you a good jumping off point. As the students are calling out their thoughts, add in a few examples that are complete impossible, for example, Christopher Columbus drive a truck or Christopher Columbus visited the moon. Expect for students to call out things like "No he didn't" or "that's not possible". Continue the conversation by prompting them to explain their thinking. This is an important step because the students will have to use this same critical eye when researching on the web. Inform the class that tomorrow they will begin their research.
It would also be important to review author's purpose, non-fiction, text features and text structure.
Day 2: Begin Research
To prepare for the research, add this link to you handout folder so students will be directed to the list of websites.
Begin the lesson showing a brief video about Christopher Columbus (for video access sign in using [email protected], password: hcpss).
Students should be put into heterogeneous groups. Then instruct them to move to be closer to each other to assist with any content related discussions.
Next, assist the students when signing into the computers and accessing the website link. Groups will visit and evaluate the information present on their assigned websites. To help with the evaluation process students should ask the Critical Thinking Questions and use one of the provided worksheets (teacher discretion).
Day 3: Continue Research
Instruct students to rejoin their groups and continue researching using the websites provided.
After students have had enough time to complete their research instruct the students to prepare a 1-2 minute speech summary of their websites. Students should be able to share their thoughts on the authenticity of the websites and explain whether they thought it was a "valid" website.
Day 4: Google Presentation
As a follow up for the research, instruct the students to complete a presentation using the GAFE. The presentation should cover the basic who, what, when, where and whys of their research. Presentations will be shared with the class.
Additional Lesson Plan: 3-4 day lesson Resource from Scholastic.com.