Erin Hatfield Comparing Animals: A Video Enhanced Lesson

Introduction:
In this lesson, groups of students will use the knowledge they gain from videos to create a Vinn Diagram Poster of two animals. This poster will then be presented to the class through an oral presentation by the group.

Content Area and Grade or Age Level of Students: Grade 1 Science/Language Arts Objectives: The student will be able to use new information from videos to create an informational poster. The student will be able to use correct spelling and conventions when writing. The student will be able to explain how animals survive in different environments
through their poster.

Standards Addressed: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.5 With guidance and support from adults, focus on a topic,
respond to questions and suggestions from peers, and add details to strengthen writing as needed. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.7 Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., explore a number of how-to books on a given topic and use them to write a sequence of instructions). CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.2 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.5 Add drawings or other visual displays to descriptions when appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.6 Produce complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation. 1-LS1-2. Read texts and use media to determine patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive.

Relative Advantage: One of the struggles with education today is the budget. There is very little room for field trips. Unless a student's parents take them to the zoo, they are likely not exposed to the animals we take for granted. Through the use of videos, these students can experience these animals in a vicarious way. They can see them interact in their natural habitat and learn more than through books alone. Videos also appeal to all learners, especially those that have reading difficulties. By paring groups by ability level, teachers can ensure that every student has a chance to succeed.

Time-line:
Day 1: Watch the accompanying videos and have students write down interesting facts. Discuss similarities and differences among animals Explain that they will be creating a Vinn Diagram about two animals. Show an example, if available Day 2: Review thinking from previous day Provide students with 1 computer per group to review the videos and find more information as needed Students can begin working on their posters if they have enough information Day 3: Continue working on locating information and completing the poster Day 4: Finish posters and begin presenting to the class Additional days as necessary for students to present.

Materials: Projector Computers (5-7) Microsoft Word or similar program Internet Access

Videos a

Grouping Strategies: Students will be placed into groups of 2-3 depending on the number of computers available. One computer must be available per group. Ideally they should be grouped by ability level and personality traits so as to avoid conflict and ensure a quality product. Learning Activities: 1. Students will view the videos provided as a whole group. a) Teacher may pause and discuss as needed throughout the videos. b) Students may want to take notes during the videos about the various animals. 2. Teacher will facilitate a discussion about the similarities and differences between various animals. 3. Students will be grouped by ability level and personality traits and begin working on the project 4. Groups can use the computer to view the videos again or find more information about certain animals as needed. 5. Groups are responsible for creating a Vinn Diagram poster that compares two animals.

6. Once completed, groups will present their poster to the class. Assessment: The teacher will know that students have met the goals and objectives for this lesson by reviewing their final project and comparing it to the accompanying rubric. Adaptations for Learners with Special Needs: To meet the needs of all learners, teachers should: speak slowly and clearly repeat directions often show an example take extra consideration when grouping these students References: English Language Arts Standards. (2012). Common Core State Standards Initiative. Retrieved October 8, 2013, from http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy Next Generation Science Standards. (2012). Retrieved October 8, 2013, from http://www.ksde.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=MCOLp_kHGNU %3d&tabid=5785&mid=14106