LESSON TWO: Researching Animals Portrayed in Fables
LESSON DESCRIPTION
Using nonfiction passages and EBSCO host, students complete the Research Response Sheet as a guide for researching animal characteristics. This handout focuses on nonfiction text features.
GRADE-LEVEL EXPECTATIONS
R3C Use details from text to restate main idea and supporting details, sequence of events, identify and explain cause and effect, compare and contrast, make predictions, make inferences, evaluate the accuracy of the information, identify and interpret author’s ideas and purpose, and make inferences about problem and solutions.
LESSON MATERIALS
§ Source of literature
o Aesop’s Fables
§ Supplies
o Computer, smart board
§ Handouts provided
§ Words to know
o author’s purpose
o cause and effect
o compare
o contrast
o main idea
o supporting details
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Students independently complete the Research Response Sheet a measure of the student’s understanding of listed nonfiction text elements.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
1. Discuss prior knowledge concerning the elements listed in the objectives by using the Research Response Sheet as a basis for discussion. Students need to understand these elements before research is started.
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Questions for Students |
How would you explain the main idea of the passage? How can nonfiction text help you understand and evaluate what you read in fiction? What is the function of stating the main idea of a passage of nonfiction? Why is it important to evaluate the accuracy of information when researching a topic? |
2. Students research an animal using nonfiction information. Model this activity by choosing an animal not used in the assigned fables. Using a computer and Smart Board instruct the students in the use of EBSCO host to research information.
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Questions for Students |
Based on what you know about animal classifications in fourth grade, how would you classify the animal you researched? Can you make use of the facts to describe/classify the animals? What conclusions can you draw about this animal? Predict the outcome if this animal was moved to a different environment? How would you compare the ideas in your research about this animal with those portrayed in the fables you read? |
3. Students choose an animal from the list of animals used in the fables from Lesson One. Students are responsible for researching data concerning this animal. To guide research, students answer questions on the Research Response Sheet.
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Idea |
List of suggested animals Fox Dolphin Crow Frog Tortoise whale Hare Spratt Lion Grasshopper Chrysalis |