Learning Exercise
Language Arts and Science with NASA: A Letter About MATTER
This is a lesson that discusses the definition of matter and has the student writing a letter to a scientist.
Course: 3rd Grade Multiple Subjects
- Material:
- NASA RESOURCE DRIVEN INSTRUCTION: MATTER
- Date last modified:
- July 7, 2005
- Created by:
- Dr. Troy Tenhet
- License:
-
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This is an informative site that covers matter in a way that is kid friendly. More assignments to come! see more
Exercise
Title: What's the matter?
Grade Level: Third
bjectives: 1. Students will know
the definition of matter. 2. Students will write a letter to a NASA scientist
regarding observations about matter.
CDE Science: Physical Sciences 1e. Students
know matter has three forms: solid, liquid, and gas.
CDE Language Arts: Writing
Applications 2.3 Write personal and formal letters, thank-you notes, and
invitations. a. Show awareness of the knowledge and interests of the audience
and establish a purpose and context. b. Include the date, proper salutation,
body, closing, and signature.
Anticipatory Website:
http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=14983
Primary Website:
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/matter_intro.html
Critical Teacher Tasks: 1. This
is an individual activity. 2. Coordinate help from peer helpers. 3. It is a
formal letter activity. 4. All viewed images/video are for enrichment. 5.
Teacher must successfully navigate the websites. 6. Teacher will facilitate the
instruction and discussion. 7. This is a 1-3 day activity. 8. Teacher must know
that this is a letter writing activity to an actual scientist.
Critical Student
Tasks: 1. Students will collaborate (as needed). 2. Students will work as peer
helpers. 3. Students will read Internet text and view the pictures/video. 4.
Students will use graphic organizers to organize their thoughts. 5. Students
will ask questions and record data from observations. 6. Students will work hard
and effectively. 7. Students will refer to the E/A rubric for expectations. 8.
Students will orally share their letters with the class. 9. Letters will be
friendly/formal.
Assessment: Informally through teacher observation. Formally
per the effort and achievement rubric.
COPYRIGHT 2004 TROY TENHET JR.
Grade Level: Third
bjectives: 1. Students will know
the definition of matter. 2. Students will write a letter to a NASA scientist
regarding observations about matter.
CDE Science: Physical Sciences 1e. Students
know matter has three forms: solid, liquid, and gas.
CDE Language Arts: Writing
Applications 2.3 Write personal and formal letters, thank-you notes, and
invitations. a. Show awareness of the knowledge and interests of the audience
and establish a purpose and context. b. Include the date, proper salutation,
body, closing, and signature.
Anticipatory Website:
http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=14983
Primary Website:
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/matter_intro.html
Critical Teacher Tasks: 1. This
is an individual activity. 2. Coordinate help from peer helpers. 3. It is a
formal letter activity. 4. All viewed images/video are for enrichment. 5.
Teacher must successfully navigate the websites. 6. Teacher will facilitate the
instruction and discussion. 7. This is a 1-3 day activity. 8. Teacher must know
that this is a letter writing activity to an actual scientist.
Critical Student
Tasks: 1. Students will collaborate (as needed). 2. Students will work as peer
helpers. 3. Students will read Internet text and view the pictures/video. 4.
Students will use graphic organizers to organize their thoughts. 5. Students
will ask questions and record data from observations. 6. Students will work hard
and effectively. 7. Students will refer to the E/A rubric for expectations. 8.
Students will orally share their letters with the class. 9. Letters will be
friendly/formal.
Assessment: Informally through teacher observation. Formally
per the effort and achievement rubric.
COPYRIGHT 2004 TROY TENHET JR.
Additional Information: http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php