Lesson Plan:We Are All In This Together
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Length of sessions:
*Ten 30 minute sessions
*Three 45 minute sessions
Introduction Activity (30 minute session)
Read People by Peter Spier. Discuss, survey and record on large chart paper differences and similarities among children in the classroom. Organize the chart into two categories: physical similarities and differences (eyes, hair, skin color (race), left or right-handedness, etc.), and life-style and behavioral similarities and differences (religion, languages spoken, holidays celebrated, favorite pastimes, strengths, etc.).
Activity 1(Three 30 minute sessions)
Gather as many materials about insects and spiders for the students to read and explore for a couple of days to a week. During this time, ask the students to record what insects they see and where they saw them, at school and at home. Introduce, teach and discuss information supplied in the background and collecting information sheets. Provide opportunities for students to share what they have learned in their reading and journal discoveries. TEACHER DIRECTED ACTIVITY
Activity 2(Two 30 minute sessions)
(Optional: Use preserved specimens, if they work better for your students.) In teams, have the students gather collecting materials (i.e. plastic jars, nets, spoons, etc.) and general housing materials (i.e. paper towel and tubes, etc.) in preparation for the field trip. Let the students know they will go on a field trip to a nearby park or the school yard to find one insect they wish to observe and learn about. On the field trip, make sure the teams work together to gather the insects. Back in the classroom, have the teams setup the insects in one of the housing containers.
Activity 3(Three 30 minute sessions)
Use live insects in rearing containers or dead specimens. Have students do three detailed sketches of the insects in their journals. Children may work in groups and share the specimens if numbers are limited. Direct students to make two lists in their journal: How the insects are alike, and how the insects are different. Share and discuss their findings.
Activity 4(45 minute session)
Have students label their own copy of "The Characteristics of Adult Insects." (See attached sheet (1. Thorax, 2. Antennae, 3. Head, 4. Eyes, 5. Abdomen, 6. Legs. Answer: exoskeleton.) Use an overhead of the diagram and/or enlarged chart diagram to convey the information. After completing the diagram, have the students label the insects they drew in Activity 1.
Activity 5(45 minute session)
Have students create their own insects out of clay or recycled materials. Their creations must include the characteristics listed above. Ask students to introduce their creation to their classmates by discussing how they are the same or different.
Activity 5(45 minute session)
Divide children into four groups. Have them study each insect species for 15 minutes, recording observations in their journals under the heading of "Behavior": How do they move? How do they feed? Where do they rest and hide? How do they interact with each other? Have a whole class discussion about what behaviors they observed, pointing out the similarities and differences between species. Record their observations on a chart sheet and leave it posted so children can add to it over time.
Closure Activity(30 minute session)
Read People and Places by Margaret Mead; Taxis and Toadstool Poems by Rachel Field; The Alfred Summer by Jan Slepian or Different, Not Dumb by Margot March. Discuss how despite some obvious differences, similarities unite everyone in the class as one people. Refer to the similarities implied in the class' chart among people in the class community. With juice, celebrate the diversity among people by discussing the gifts from each culture.
Lesson IntroSet-upLesson PlansAdditions
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