This project is a modified version of a lesson which can be found at http://rocksforkids.comFabFours/rocktalkeval.htm. This lesson is about students researching about a particular rock or mineral. The lesson focuses on:
- The students' ability to research about a specific topic.
- Writing notes in an organized way.
- Planning and preparing for a presentation ahead of time.
- Being able to share what they found in an oral presentation.
You can modify the lesson to focus on the ideas you feel are most important or you can focus on all four of the main ideas listed. Below you will find more specific information about this project.
Learners
This lesson is designed for fourth grade science and involves English/Language Arts. This lesson can be adapted for other grades and subjects if needed.
The students need to know how to research about a specific object or thing and how to organize what they find. It might be helpful if the students know how to make an outline for a presentation and how to present something to their class.
Standards
4th Grade Indiana Standards Addressed
Science
Recognize and describe that rock is composed of different combinations of minerals.
Explain that smaller rocks come from the breakage and weathering of bedrock and larger rocks and that soil is made partly from weathered rock, partly from plant remains, and also contains many living organisms.
English/Language Arts
Use appropriate strategies when reading for different purposes. Example: Read and take notes on an informational text that will be used for a report. Skim a text to locate specific information. Use graphic organizers to show the relationship of ideas in the text.
Present effective introductions and conclusions that guide and inform the listener's understanding of important ideas and details.
Use details, examples, anecdotes (stories of a specific event), or experiences to explain or clarify information.
Engage the audience with appropriate words, facial expressions, and gestures.
Make informational presentations that:
- focus on one main topic.
- include facts and details that help listeners to focus.
- incorporate more than one source of information (including speakers, books, newspapers, television broadcasts, radio reports, or Web sites).
Go here for the Science Trail activity that is mentioned in the introduction