Katie Day

Lee Nelson

EIPT 3043.920

15 July 2005

Cognitive Tools Lesson: Concept Mapping

Lesson Plan: “Brochures for Space”

Objective: Students will demonstrate knowledge of a planet (of their choice) in the solar system by creating a brochure. They will do this through research, organizing their information through the program Kidspiration, and producing a creative “travel brochure” about their planet.

Lesson Description:

For this activity fifth grade students will put a creative spin on a traditional report. They will choose a planet and create a travel brochure for humans to learn about and visit the planet. The brochure must contain important facts and/or information including but not limited to name of the planet, composition, size, distance from the sun, distance from the earth, etc. The brochure should include a cover and three panels on the inside. Students should not only include facts but creativity as well. For instance: restaurant recommendations, suggestions for entertainment, and must-see attractions. The goal is to attract people to travel to their planet.

            Once students gather information about their planet using suggested resources, they will organize their information on the program Kidspiration and report to the class. This could include what they have discovered about their planet as well as what will go into their brochure. This project should take one to two weeks at the most, depending on the amount of time the teacher is willing to spend working on it each day. He or she will need to keep in mind that students need ample time to research, create a concept map, give a brief report to the class, and create the brochure.

Rationale: The concept map is an important part of this project because it gives kids an opportunity to familiarize themselves with a great technology tool. Students learn an excellent way to brainstorm and get their ideas down in writing. It is also a fun and visual way for students to present and communicate their ideas to peers. Using the concept maps also aides the students in learning information about all the planets as they listen to their fellow classmates’ presentations.

Oklahoma PASS skills

Subject Area: Earth/Space Science Grade 5

Standard 3: Earth is the third planet from the Sun in a system that includes the moon, the sun, and eight other planets.

Subject Area: Language Arts Grade 5

Standard 3 Summary and Generalization

d. organize text information in different ways (e.g. timeline, outline, graphic organizer) to support and explain ideas.

Standard 5: Student will conduct research and organize information.

b. Select topic, formulate questions, and synthesize information from a variety of print, nonprint, and technological resources.

ISTE NETS

Standard 3: Technology productivity tools

-Students use tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.

-Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.

Standard 4: Technology communication tools

-Students use a variety of media formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.

Standard 5: Technology research tools

-Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.

-Students use technology tools to process data and report results.

Performance Indicators

8. Use technology resources for problem solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities.

Materials

1. Resources (suggested list)

    Internet

   -Kidsastronomy.com

   -www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/home/index.html

   -stardate.org

   -worldalmanacforkids.com/explore/space.html

   Books

   -encyclopedia

   -Scholastic Atlas of Space- ed. Donna Veketeris

 -Astronomy- Kristen Lippincott

 -Exploring Our Solar System- Sally Ride and Tam O’Shaughnessy

2. Kidspiration software

3. Supplies to create brochures (e.g. markers, colored pencils, crayons, paper, construction paper,

scissors, etc.)

Lesson Sequence

1. Give students a brief intro. about the internet and literacy resources, explaining that they must use at least two resources (preferably one of each type).
2. Allow 2-3 days for students to explore and gather research.
3. Once this is completed, students can learn the importance of organization and gather their data through Kidspiration.
4. Using the concept map or outline feature students will use these tools to organize their data and aide in preparation for their brochure. If necessary, students may create two concept maps. For instance, one may display and organize data while the second may outline creative content that will go into the brochure.
5. Using their concept maps students will briefly report their findings and information that will go into their brochure. This will give students a chance to learn information about all nine planets in the solar system.
6. Students may begin creating their brochures.
7. The final products will be displayed throughout the room for other classmates, parents, etc. to view.

Assessment/Feedback

1. Students will be graded upon their concept map, in which the teacher will look for basic, required and creative information as well as organization.
2. Students will be assessed by their presentations as well. The teacher will look for informative material presented to the class.
3. The final product will be assessed upon fulfilled requirements and whether or not the student has employed elements of creativity.
4. A rubric will be used as a grading tool and will be available for the students to view so that they may know what is expected of them.

*Note: The teacher should view students’ concept maps before presentations to make sure

that the child is on the right track, i.e. required information is present and whether or not the

child has fully explored the topic and is ready to begin the brochure.

Accommodations/Differentiated Instruction

Students who may experience difficulty with the project as is due to disabilities or any other reason will be accommodated.

• For those that may struggle with this activity, more time will be allotted or they may be paired with another student to ease the workload of the project.
• Students who need help locating information about their planet will be accommodated. The instructor could recommend specific sources for the student or assist in the research process.
•  Assistance will also be given to those who need help navigating the Kidspiration program.

Lesson adapted from:

“Brochures for Space”

Gina Pellicani

lessonplanspage.com

Saturn information retrieved from:

“Saturn”

Bill Arnett

Updated May 2005

www.nineplanets.org/saturn.html

Sample Student Concept Map