Learning Exercise

Grade Level: Third Grade.

Lesson Title: Comets.

Objectives: 1. Students will review the relationship between Earth and the
Comets in our Solar System. 2. Students will observe Comets and ask questions
about them. 3. Students will create a single paragraph. 4. Students will conduct
more Internet Compare/Contrast research. 5. Students will be able to type their
paragraphs in Word.

CDE Science: Earth Sciences 4d: Students know that the Earth is one of several
planets that orbit the Sun and that the Moon orbits the Earth. Investigation and
Experimentation 5a: Repeat observations and improve accuracy and know that the
results of similar scientific investigations seldom turn out exactly the same
because of differences in the things being investigated, methods being used, or
uncertainty in the investigation. 5c: Use numerical data in describing and
comparing objects, events and measurements. 5d: Predict the outcome of a simple
investigation and compare the result within the prediction.

CDE Language Arts: Writing 1.1: organization and Focus: Create a single
paragraph. 1.1a: Develop a topic sentence. 1.1b: Include simple supporting facts
and details.

ISTE/NETS: #1; Use keyboards and other common input and output devices
efficiently and effectively. #4: Use general purpose productivity tools and
peripherals to support personal productivity, remediate skill deficits, and
facilitate learning throughout the curriculum. #5: Use technology tools for
individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities
to create knowledge products for audiences inside and outside the classroom. #9:
Determine when technology is useful and select the appropriate tool and
technology resources to address a variety of tasks and problems. Materials:
pencils, paper, Internet, computers (5), LCD projector, Power Point, printer,
slates, dry-erase markers, science journals, small group desk design.

Anticipatory Set: Students will visit the site located at
http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/target/other .

Primary Website: http://science.howstuffworks.com/comet5.htm Procedures: 1.
Teacher will start by showing the class the anticipatory set website. 2. Teacher
will scroll through the different images of comets and some of the other
heavenly bodies. 3. Students will make their predictions about the comet. 4.
They will note these predictions in the science journal. 5. They will then take
notes on data observations from the primary website. 6. Make initial
observations, note them, and then make secondary data observations. 7. Students
will individually construct a sloppy copy. 8. Students must revise the copy for
final publishing. 9. Teacher will instruct the whole group on using the word
processo r Word. 10. Students must type the final paragraph drafts. 11. Students
will read the fact paragraphs orally to the class.

Assessment: Informal: per teacher observations and coaxing during the coursework
and class time. Formal: Students will be graded according to the Master Rubric
(Appendix A). After the completion of grading, students will be able to take
home the grading sheet for parent review. Copyright 2004 Troy Tenhet Jr.