EDU 360/372Margaret Hoffmann

Thematic UnitFebruary 27, 2003

Lesson # 3

Unit Title:InsectsSubject: Science Grade 2

NYS Standard:

Standard #3 (Elementary): Students will understand mathematics and become mathematically confident by communicating and reasoning mathematically, by applying mathematics in real-world settings, and by solving problems through the integrated study of number systems, geometry, algebra, data analysis, probability, and trigonometry.

Lesson Title:Insect by the InchSubject:Math

NYS Performance Indicator:

Select appropriate standard and nonstandard measurement tools in measurement activities.

Essential Question: How do insects vary in shape and size?

Lesson Objective:

  1. Students will demonstrate that insects come in all shapes and sizes.

(Application)

2. Students will investigate and compare size relationship of insects to everyday

objects. (Analysis)

  1. Students will utilize estimating, comparing and measuring skills. (Application)

Anticipatory Set:

I will begin the lesson by showing the students the amazing life size insect illustrations found in Big Bugs by Mary Gribbin (Ladybird Books, 1996). We will discuss the various shapes and sizes of insects.

Communicate Purpose:

“Insects come in all shapes and sizes. Some are less than an inch long while others are over a foot in length! We are going to learn more about the various sizes of insects and how they compare to everyday items in our classroom.”

Description/Method/Assessment:

Method: I will use direct teaching to give directions and review how to measure. I will use active learning and investigation during the researching and measuring of objects.

Description:

  1. Plan Ahead
  • Have available various life size insect models, plastic, real, photos
  1. Amaze students with life size models, also use illustrations in Big Bugs by Mary Gribbin
  2. Demonstrate measuring, placing in order smallest to largest, estimating size
  3. Present students with insect measuring worksheet, construction paper, glue, ruler, markers or crayons, scissors
  4. Advise students procedure for making flap books, fold construction paper lengthwise, cut out insects, glue onto paper smallest to largest, cut slits
  5. Have students find and measure objects in the classroom that are about the same size as the insects.
  6. Under each flap, students will draw and write the name of the item found that is the same size as the insect on the flap.
  7. Students will share their final flap book projects with each other and compare

the various objects found that are of similar measurement.

  1. To extend this activity we would then count how many different items were

found in each measurement and graph them.

Assessment: I will observe and note each student’s work as they are measuring and comparing the objects to the insects. Each student will produce a flap book with insects arranged from smallest to largest with illustrations of classroom objects of comparable size labeled and measurements documented.

Student-Teacher Resources:

Student Resources: The usual supplies of glue, scissors, markers, crayons, rulers, construction paper and measurement insect worksheet from:

Miller, B. (2000). Insects. Greensboro, NC: The Education Center, Inc., 12.

Teacher Resources: Have available various life size models either real or plastic of a variety of insects. Also will show illustrations from:

Gribbin, M. (1996). Big Bugs. New York, NY: Ladybird Books.