Concept+Map+Lesson+Plan

This is the lesson plan for the Seasons Concept Map. It can be used as an individual or group activity. This lesson can be modified in many ways. Instead of the pictures being on the computer, the teacher could have each kid bring pictures from home. This would add a more personalized touch to each different project and would perhaps keep kids more interested.

Lesson Title: Learning and Identifying the Seasons Area of Study: Seasons Teacher Name: Adam Lammers Grade Level: 1st Grade Duration of Instruction: 30 minutes to an hour

Objective(s): 1. Students will make a concept map using Kidspiration about the seasons after seeing an example from the teacher.

Content Standards (OK Pass): 1. Earth/ Space Science: Standard 3: Changes of Earth and Sky - Observe natural changes of all kinds such as the movement of the sun and variable changes like the weather. 2. Weather changes from day to day and over the seasons. 2. Social Studies: Standard 4:  The student will examine the interaction of the environment and the people of a community. 3. Describe the impact of physical changes, such as seasons, on people in the neighborhood /community (e.g., how seasons affect what people eat and wear). Technology Standards (NETS-S): 1. 3. Research and Information Fluency: Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. 2. 6. Technology Operations and Concepts: Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

Materials and Resources: 1. A computer lab with internet access and Kidspiration installed on the computers so that each child has their own computer. (This could also be done in groups) 2. A premade concept map made with Kidspiration to show as an example for the kids. (Like the one I turned in for Week 9 Assignment 2.) 3. A projector or some way to show what is on the teacher’s computer screen to all the students in the classroom at once.

Procedures: 1. Gain Attention- Ask the students what the weather is like outside. Also ask the students what clothes they are wearing today based on the weather. See if they know what season and month it is. 2. Inform Learners of Objectives- Ask students why knowing the seasons is important. Tell them that upon completing the lesson, they will be able to create their own “poster” on the computer about their favorite season. (The “poster” will be a concept map, but the kids will not know what a concept map is; so calling it a poster will probably be more appealing.) 3. Stimulate Recall of Prior Learning- Ask the students what their favorite memories are in the different seasons or holidays. Ask questions like, “What is your favorite thing about snow? Or “Do you like watching the leaves change color? Or “What do you like about summer vacation?” The students may not all know the seasons at the beginning of the lesson, so the questions should be asked without referring to the actual names of the seasons; except summer because every kid in school knows about summer vacation off of school. 4. Present the Content- Show the students the finished Kidspiration concept map example and explain to them how there is a box for each season that contains pictures about the season, as well as the months of the season. 5. Provide Learner Guidance- Show the students how to make their own concept map about a season. The teacher concept map will be of four seasons, but the students will only be required to make their own concept map about a season of their choice. First, tell them to open Kidspiration. Explain how Kidspiration works. Show them where the basic template designs are and where the pictures are. Also, tell them that if they finish and would like to add a link to a website in the concept map, they can come ask after they finish the concept map and you will show them (instead of giving them too much information at once because sometimes links can be confusing). Tell the students to watch you explain everything first before they start making their own. Tell them they need to choose one season and make their concept map about it. The map should have at least 5 pictures having something to do with the season. Of course, different pictures and seasons symbolize different things to everyone, so the grading should be lenient on what pictures are chosen and allow for student self-expression. Ask the students why they chose certain pictures if you are unsure, but do not ask in an accusing way. The pictures can be found on the internet or taken from the Kidspiration database, like the teacher example. The concept map also needs to contain the name of the season they chose and the months that fall in that season. 6. Elicit Performance/ Provide Feedback- Have each child begin making their own concept map. Be sure to be available for questions. Also, kids can feel free to work together and help each other, as long as they all turn in their own assignment. If there are not enough computers, this activity can be done in groups. 7. Assess Performance- Observe each child’s finished concept map. Ask them to compare the images and color schemes they chose for their “poster” with the students’ around them. 8. Enhance Retention and Transfer- In conclusion, remind the students of the importance of knowing different seasons; such as in holidays and birthdays and dressing appropriately for the weather.

Technology Integration: The students will be doing the assignment using the technology of Kidspiration. Also, some students may choose to use the internet for part of the assignment.

Assessment: 1. Grade students based on if their concept map contained the requirements: At least 1 season, 5 pictures, and the correct three months.
 * ||  5   ||   4-3   ||   2-1   ||
 * Following Directions and Completing Activity ||  Student followed all directions and completed concept map.   ||  Students followed most of the directions but did not have enough pictures or did not have enough months.  ||  Student did not follow directions and did not attempt activity.  ||
 * Effort ||  Student tried to make their concept map unique and tried to choose a color scheme to match and represent the season.  ||  Student used the same pictures more than once.  ||  Student did not have any pictures.  ||
 * Extra Credit ||  Student added a link or did more than one season correctly.  ||   ||   ||