Collecting and Organizing Facts From Multiple Sources - Flowering Plants

Lesson Plan for Grades 6-8
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WNET

Collection Developed by:

WNET

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Collection Funded by:

U.S. Department of Education

Funding for the VITAL/Ready to Teach collection was secured through the United States Department of Education under the Ready to Teach Program.

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Overview

Students watch two video segments and take notes to collect information about flowering plants. Then they synthesize and organize the information to write an essay about the topic.

Why is this an important concept?

When readers comprehend text, they gain new ideas and knowledge. When they read multiple texts, they can expand, compare and contrast their understandings to gain insight and reach deeper meaning.

Grade Level:

6-8

Suggested Time

(3) 60-minute lessons

Media Resources

Materials

The Lesson

Part I: Learning Activity

1. Provide the purpose for the activity: to understand and note facts about the importance of creating a DNA barcode library for plants. The purpose of their viewing and taking notes is to write a well-organized essay.Distribute the Flowering Plants Organizer handout.

2. Provide a media focus for viewing segment 1, "DNA Barcode Library," by asking students to find out why and how botanists are attempting to barcode plant life. Students take notes while watching the video. Show the segment again so students can confirm and add to notes.

3. After viewing, students share their notes with a peer.

4. As they watch segment 2, "Documenting Change," ask students to understand and note four facts about what plants can provide for humans. Students take notes while they watch the segment. Show segment 2 again so students can confirm and add to notes.

5. After viewing, students share their notes with a peer.

6. Collect notes and look them over before Day 2. Meet with students who need extra support with note-taking before Day 2 lesson. 

Part II: Assessment

Part I

1. Hand back students' notes. Discuss or review videos as needed to supplement notes and fill in any gaps.
2. Distribute copies of the Flowering Plants rubric. Discuss so students know the expectations for the essay. Highlight that students should begin with a topic sentence and organize their notes to fit logically into a coherent essay.

3. Students write their essays, conferring with peers and you as needed.

4. If needed, students will complete first draft for homework.

Part II

1. Students meet in small groups of three to four peers to share their first drafts and help each other edit and revise as needed. They will use the Flowering Plants rubric as a guide.

2. For homework, students write their final copies of the essay. Students will hand in their notes, first draft and final draft. Use the Flowering Plants rubric to grade final product.