My Interesting Insect Report
Students will research an insect and publish the information using an ebook that is created in StoryJumper. Individual student ebooks will share information about a specific insect.
The example below is about butterflies in general.
The example below is about butterflies in general.
All images are Creative Commons-licensed content from Flickr.
Student Learning Activity - Lesson Plan
My Interesting Insect Report
Introduction
Information collected through individual student research will be presented in an ebook format. This book will be created by using StoryJumper.
Students
This lesson is designed for second grade students, ages 7-8.
Timeline
This lesson will take place over two weeks. Each session will be approximately 45-60 minutes. There is flexibility in scheduling time for this project. Independent work time is available for students that might need to use extra time.
Objectives
Students will be able to:
- gather facts from research.
- write an expository text about a specific insect.
- insert images into ebook.
- insert text into ebook.
- visually and orally present their ebook to a group of their peers.
Reading, Writing, and Communicating
3.2.A. Write informative/explanatory text in which they introduce the topic, use the facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section.
3.3.A. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
3.3.B. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
3.3.C. With guidance and support from adults and peers, focus on a topic and strength in writing as needed by revising and editing.
3.3.D. With guidance and support from adults, use a variety of digital tools to produce and publish writing, including in collaboration with peers. (CCSS: W.2.6)
4.2.A. Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., read a number of books on a single topic to produce a report; record science observations). (CCSS: W.2.7)
ISTE Standards Students
2.B. Communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media and formats. (This standard links to Colorado's Prepared Graduate Competency of delivering organized and effective oral presentations for diverse audiences and varied purposes.)
Materials
SMARTBoard
Document camera
Butterfly Fandex cards
Bugs Fandex cards
My Interesting Insect Note Taking graphic organizer
Self/peer editing checklist
Insect report rubric
Computers
Grouping Strategies
Students will work independently, but opportunities to assist peers will occur.
Learning Activities
Students will be given a copy of their butterfly/insect card to read through as homework the week prior to this project.
Days 1-5
Each day, students will be introduced to a topic that they must focus on for their insect.
- Day 1 - Appearance
- Day 2 - Life Cycle
- Day 3 - Habitat
- Day 4 - Diet
- Day 5 - Interesting Facts/Concluding Statement
Teacher will guide students each day, in a whole group setting, through the process of taking notes for each topic. Students will be reminded how to skim/scan for information in text. They will be given key words to look for on each research day. Example: When looking for information on appearance, students will be instructed to look for color words and numbers for size information. Students will also consult trade books on the topic of insects as well as internet sources for additional information. Students will take notes in each section of the My Interesting Insect Research Notes - graphic organizer and submit graphic organizer to teacher so that it may be edited prior to the start of the final project.
Days 6-10
Teacher will show students how to use their notes to create an ebook with StoryJumper using this video tutorial. Teacher can also show the StoryJumper tutorial to students and have printed copies available for students to reference if needed.
Referring to Teacher's example, Teacher will inform students that:
- each of the five topics must have an image on the opposite page.
- each topic must have its own text.
- text pages must have a heading and at least three facts.
- correct CUPS should be used on every slide.
Teacher will share the project's rubric with students, discuss each point, and allow time for discussion.
Students will log in to StoryJumper on individual computers in the computer lab and work independently on the completion of the task. Teacher will monitor and be available for individual guidance.
Each day, students will be directed to create a different page. Day 1 will correspond with Day 6, but Day 6 will include the creation of the cover in addition to creating the appearance pages. Day 2 will correspond with Day 7, Day 3 with Day 8, and Day 4 with Day 9, and Day 5 with Day 10. Day 10 will include the addition of a conclusion statement on the final page. If students finish the session early, they will assist others or begin self/peer editing checklist.
When the entire book is completed, students will review their work using this self/peer editing checklist from Read Write Think. They will also share their ebook with a peer. That peer will assess the ebook using the same form and submit the form to teacher.
Assessment
Teacher will assess using the My Interesting Insect Report rubric as student visually and orally presents individual ebook to the class using the SMARTBoard.
Adaptations for Learners with Special Needs
For students that need more support, a cloze paragraph for each page can be provided. Speech-to-text software can be utilized to assist with students that require assistance typing. Partnering struggling students with higher-functioning students or parent volunteers to complete the tasks is possible.