Learning Exercise

Grade Level: Second Grade

Lesson Title: Mars and Earth Rocks

Objectives: 1. Students will compare different rocks.
2. Students will write down their observations.
3. Students will navigate a NASA website.

CDE Science: Earth Sciences: 3. Earth is made of materials that have distinct
properties and provide resources for human activities. As a basis for
understanding this concept: 3a: Students know how to compare the physical
properties of different kinds of rocks and know that rock is composed of
different combinations of minerals. 3b: Students know smaller rocks come from
the breakage and weathering of larger rocks. Investigation and Experimentation:
4. Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting
careful investigations. As a basis for understanding this concept and addressing
the content in the other three strands, students should develop their own
questions and perform investigations. 4a: Make predictions based on observed
patterns and not random guessing.

CDE Language Arts: Writing: 2.0 Writing Applications (Genres and Their
Characteristics)
Students write compositions that describe and explain familiar objects, events,
and experiences. Student writing demonstrates a command of standard American
English and the drafting, research, and organizational strategies outlined in
Writing Standard 1.0. Using the writing strategies of grade two outlined in
Writing Standard 1.0, students: 2.1 Write brief narratives based on their
experiences:
2.1a. Move through a logical sequence of events.

NETS: #5 Work cooperatively and collaboratively with peers, family members, and
others when using technology in the classroom. #6: Demonstrate positive social
and ethical behaviors when using technology. #7: Practice responsible use of
technology systems and software.#10: Gather information and communiate with
others using telecommunications, with support from teachers, family members, or
student partners.

Website: http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=13175

Anticipatory Set: Students will visit a Mars Rover site at
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/classroom/schoolhouse/

Critical Teacher Tasks: 1. Facilitate group discussion. 2. Make technology
available. 3. Encourage observations and collaboration. 4. Treat this is a
writing and collaboration unit. 5. Treat this as a responsible action (tech)
unit.

Critical Student Tasks: 1. Ask questions. 2. Record observations in science
journal. 3. Work along side of peers. 4. Actively participate. 5. Navigate the
websites. 6. Use technology responsibly.

Assessment: Informal as needed by observations of the teacher during class.
Formal as needed per the effort and achievement rubric.
Copyright 2004 Troy Tenhet Jr.