Cooperative Learning Lesson Plan

Stacy Beerman

Edp 621, Summer I, 2002

Objective: Students will able to identify 4 constellations

1. Big Dipper

2. Little Dipper

3. Orion

4. Northern Crown

Grade Level: Third

Cooperative Learning Method and Objective: Jigsaw: Students will work cooperatively in groups to research and present information to their classmates.

Time Allotment: 2 classes (forty minute class periods)

Materials:

· Science text

· Resource materials from the library on the constellations

· Chart paper, black or dark blue bulletin board paper

· Pencils, white crayons

Procedure:

Day One:

1. Students will be introduced to the constellations using information on the big dipper.

2. The students will be split into groups of four by numbering off.

3. Students in each group will work together to look up the following information about all four constellations:

a. What the constellation is a picture of

b. Which seasons the constellation can be seen during

c. What time of day is it visible

d. Any other unique characteristics

4. Students in the groups will then create a star pattern on the chart paper for each of the four constellations.

5. Students in each group will decide among themselves who will be working with each constellation. So one of the students will be working on the big dipper, one with the little dipper, another with Orion, and the last with the Northern Crown. The students will become “experts” on their constellation.

Day Two:

1. The groups from day one will meet briefly and distribute the star patterns to each person.

2. The class will get into new groups based on the constellation that they are an “expert” on.

3. Each group will take a large sheet of dark blue bulletin board paper. Using white crayons they will work to transfer their star patterns into one big star pattern. (This will involve discussion of any discrepancies in star placement.) On this sheet, they will also add the information found in the groups the previous day.

4. Students will present their large star patterns to the whole class as the teacher hangs them in a prominent spot for display.

5. Time for evaluation and review will be left at the end of class.

Evaluation:

1. After the students complete their presentation, they must complete a reflection sheet, which asks them to rate their group in terms of:

· Sharing materials

· Dividing tasks

· Taking turns

· Staying on task

2. Each child will have a question about identifying a randomly chosen constellation from the four on the next written science assessment (the charts will not be hanging on the wall at that time).