Lesson Plan Outline

Date: Wednesday 10/29/2014

Grade: mixed grade levels 6-8

Subject/content area: ESL Science (the language of Science)

refugee students, beginner (level 2) English language learners

Learning objective(s)/instructional outcome(s)

By participating in this experiment students will be able to put a concept (the Scientific
Method) into practice and use some Science related vocabulary while they practice their
observation and data recording skills. This class is called The Language of Science, so
it is my expectation to hear students using vocabulary terms we have discussed while
participating in this activity (using language in context.) The following standards are
represented in this lesson:

WIDA Standards: Using academic language and vocabulary usage (specifically how it
relates to the content area of Science) Next Generation Science Standards: (grade level
cluster 3-5) Structure and properties of matter Planning and carrying out investigations
(specifically the "carrying out" part) 5-PS1-3. Make observations and measurements to
identify materials based on their properties.

Materials:

candy pumpkins, clear plastic cups, spoons, water, vinegar, lemon juice, lemon-lime
soda, vegetable oil, student observation sheets, writing utensils, Smart Board (for use of
online timer at http://www.online-stopwatch.com/)

Procedure:

Begin with whole class review and reminders about the Scientific Method and its steps,
why we are conducting this experiment (to make a hypothesis, to make observations, to
record data), and what a physical change is. Ask students to compare the scientific
term "hypothesis" with the term we are practicing using in English Language
Development, "prediction."

Student groups will form their hypothesis based on which type of liquid they have in
their cup. "We think the pumpkin will. . ./We think the liquid will. . ." 5-10 minutes
Student groups will place their pumpkins into their liquids and record observations. 15-
20 minutes Depending on the time remaining in the class period, students will share
their group's hypothesis with the class and share their observations. 10-15 minutes
Additionally, ask for student input regarding possible changes to the experiment to
make it better/more interesting.

Assessment Strategy:

Formative / informal - circulating around the classroom and monitoring students through
observation and questioning, and student observation sheets

Possible summative - A potential idea for a closing assessment for this lesson is to have
student groups explain how they used the Scientific Method during this experiment.
They will have to explain what they did for each step of the method and use precise
vocabulary correctly. Student groups could do this in the form of an oral presentation
and/or complete a written outline. Completing such an assessment satisfactorily may
demonstrate mastery of the lesson's content.

Evaluation/Reflection: 10/30/2014

Student performance - Students appeared to be appropriately engaged in the

experiment. Students acted respectfully and safely. Students responded to questions
correctly/appropriately, students added their own thoughts and suggestions in regards
to their observations and the experiment itself. Students awarded one eye magnet for "I
like what eye see."

Teacher performance - In general, yesterday's lesson went well. Students

exceeded my expectation for behavior and participation (guest observer's presence may
have been a factor.)

If I could teach this lesson again:

I would give the students more time to read the observation sheets and ask clarifying
questions so they had a better understanding of how/what they were supposed to
record.

I would pre-teach a variety of descriptive words students could use them to express
what they observe. A few students seemed to be reaching for the word "bubbles" but
were pronouncing/spelling it incorrectly - may be confusing "bubbles" with "bumps" ---
should clarify.

I would clearly explain to the class that not all liquids will cause a physical change to a
mellocreme pumpkin and I would make sure to review what a physical change is.