Topic Lesson Plan 1

General Information
Name: Kayla McCormick
Grade Level:    Pre-K
Subject Area(s):    SCIENCE - TECHNOLOGY                                                        
Total Duration of Lesson:    30-45 minutes

Title of Lesson – What are butterflies?
This lesson integrates science and technology to teach children about animals.  The animal that is the focus of this lesson is the butterfly.

Primary Learning Outcome(s) (PLO)
A.  The student will use the computer to find information about butterflies.
B.  The student will identify characteristics of butterflies and compare them to other insects.
C.  The student explains how butterflies metamorphose and list the steps.
D.  The student will use the mouse and point to pictures and words on the web site to find information about the butterflies.

CHART REVIEW ACTIVITY As the teacher goes through each section of the web page, children are asked to recall information they learned about the butterfly. The teacher records the information on chart paper using colorful markers.

HANDS-ON ACTIVITY  The students will assemble a butterfly made with craft materials.

Related Georgia Performance Standard(s) or QCC Standard(s)
SD1 Children will use processes of science to actively explore and increase understanding of the environment
        d. Uses simple equipment to experiment, observe, and increase understanding
SD2 Children will acquire scientific knowledge related to life science
        d. Understands that plants and animals have varying life cycles
SSB Human Interdependence
        3. Begins to be aware of technology and how it affects life

Materials and Equipment
Access to a computer with Internet connection
Web site http://www.valdosta.edu/~ksmccorm/topic.html
Chart paper and colorful markers
Art Supplies: Colorful tissue paper, glue, pipe cleaner, colorful pom-poms, clothes pins, sticky magnets
Sample pictures of butterfly 
Pencil and Paper for teacher to make notes

(Lesson Plan revised from www.valdosta.edu/~iheath/snowtopic.html)

List of Web Site Titles and URLs used in the web page
1. Milkweed Cafe    http://www.milkweedcafe.com/fascfacts.html
2. Enchanted Learning    http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/butterflies/allabout/
3. USGS Children's Butterfly site    http://www.nides.bc.ca/Assignments/Insects/Butterflyfaq.htm#Q5
4. Science Museum of Minnesota    http://www.smm.org/sln/monarchs/you/you.html
5. DTKL's Growing Together    http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/insects/mcat2butter.htm

Technology Connection
This is a computer-based activity. Children will work in a small group with the teacher to show them the web page that has been developed on butterflies.  The children will find information based on my questions that are related to each of the web sites. 

Procedures

Step One: Introduction

    “We are going to learn about an animal that can fly and its name is something that we spread on bread. Can anyone guess what the animal might be?”

    “What are some things you know about butterflies?  Let’s go to my web site to find out more.”

Estimated Time: (1-3)

Step Two: Teaching the Primary Learning Outcome(s).

            Go to the web site and show the children my page

    Section 1

        Milkweed Cafe Site
        http://www.milkweedcafe.com/fascfacts.html
            What are some things you can tell me about butterflies?                     
               Have you ever seen a butterfly before?

        Students will take turns finding information by pointing and clicking on links to find answers to the questions.

        After each section, review the information BRIEFLY with them about what they learned. Write it on the chart.

        Check for understanding before going on to the next section by doing an informal review.  As they give you the answers,         write them on the charts in brief phrases or sentences, i.e. 

    Section 2

        Enchanted Learning Site
        http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/butterflies/allabout/
               Where do butterflies come from?
               What animal changes into a butterfly?

        Students will take turns finding information by pointing and clicking on links to find answers to the questions.

        After each section, review the information BRIEFLY with them about what they learned. Write it on the chart.

    Section 3

        USGS Children's Butterfly Site
        http://www.nides.bc.ca/Assignments/Insects/Butterflyfaq.htm#Q5
               What places do we find butterflies?
               When do we mostly see butterflies?

        Students will take turns finding information by pointing and clicking on links to find answers to the questions.

        After each section, review the information BRIEFLY with them about what they learned.  Write it on the chart.

    Section 4

        Science Museum of Minnesota Site
        http://www.smm.org/sln/monarchs/you/you.html
               What are some things people do/make for butterflies?

        Students will take turns finding information by pointing and clicking on links to find answers to the questions.

        After each section, review the information BRIEFLY with them about what they learned. Write it on the chart.

    Section 5

        DTKL's Growing Together Site
        http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/insects/mcat2butter.htm
               Have you ever made a butterfly? Let's make one now.

        Students will take turns finding information by pointing and clicking on links to find answers to the questions.

        After each section, review the information BRIEFLY with them about what they learned. Write it on the chart.

Estimated Time: (20 minutes)

Step Three: Closure

    Read the information that was dictated and written on the chart. This will help the children review and remember things      that they thought important and interesting about the butterfly.

Estimated Time: (3 minutes.)

Assessing the Primary Learning Outcome
Making a Butterfly using Craft Materials

Using clothes pin, glue 3 pom-poms on it giving the illusion of a caterpillar.
Then using precut felt wings, place between the teeth of the clothes pin to make the wings of the butterfly.
Glue the magnet on the bottom of the clothes pin.

ASSESSMENT: 
The students will be evaluated by observing them and rating their ability to demonstrate knowledge by their responses and if they completed the art extension. A separate rubric is included for each student in the group. 

Plan for Early Finishers
Students who complete their activity will be allowed to go back to the computer and click on the websites of their choice about butterflies while the others complete their work. 

Accommodation
This activity is a small group activity; therefore, the teacher will be able to help students with special needs by repeating information several times to clarify information.  The teacher will also be able to assist students in developing fine motor skills by helping students as they use the glue, folding the tissue paper, etc...