Jamie Maples Preliminary Lesson Plan

Title: How Big is a Whale?

Subject: Math Secondary Subjects integrated with computers / Internet, Science

Targeted Audience: 6th grade

Lesson Plan Title: How Big is a Whale?

Topic To Teach: Computer Applications integrated with Science and Math

Big ideas/Goals: This lesson is designed for students to use Web searching skills to compare the size of a known object with the size of a large object.

Specific Objectives: Students will use the Internet to make comparisons regarding the size of whales.Students will investigate the differences in lengths and weights of whales.Students will be able to make comparisons of a known object to help in making an estimate of a very large object. Students will be able to answer questions on the information they gather.

Indiana State Standards:
6.4.5 Identify and draw two-dimensional shapes that are similar.
6.7.4 Apply strategies and results from simpler problems to solve more complex problems.
6.7.11 Note the method of finding the solution and show a conceptual understanding of the method by solving similar problems.

ISTE Student Standards:
1. Apply productivity/multimedia tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, group collaboration, and learning throughout the curriculum. (3 , 6)
2. Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and solve problems. (5, 6)
3. Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources concerning real-world problems. (2, 5, 6)


The following sites are recommended for this lesson:
http://www.ominous-valve.com/whales.wav
http://www.whalelink.org/orcafm/pre.html
http://www.SeaWorld.org/baleen_whales/phycharbw.html
http://whales.magna.com.au/DISCOVER/ORCA/index.html
http://www.seaworld.org/baleen_whales/howbig.html
http://www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca/Species/English/SearchDetail.cfm?SpeciesID=152
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/whalesgray.html
http://www.slip.net/~oyafuso/orcinusorca/orca.html

Starting the Lesson: Create interest by presenting a Web site on a visual projector of whale sounds, a video of a live killer whale. ·Students will take a pre-test to establish what they know about whales.
1. Which whale is the largest?
2. Which whale is the smallest?
3. Which whale weighs the most?
4. Where does the blue whale live?
5. Are gray whales medium or large?
6. What is the closest length for a gray whale?
7. Which describes the length of the killer whale the best?
8. Where does the killer whale live?
9. Is a truck the same size as a whale?

Step-By-Step Procedures: ·Students will be instructed to visit Web sites to provide information about the lengths and weights of the blue, gray, and killer whales, and the lengths of Ford and Chevrolet pick-up trucks. A worksheet will be provided to document the findings and calculations can be made into feet.
1. How many pick-up trucks would you need to line up bumper to bumper to match the length of a blue whale?
2. How much longer is a blue whale than a gray whale?
3. Is the weight of three gray whales less than, greater than, or equal to the weight of one blue whale?

Independent Practice: Draw a concept map for practice and to enhance retention by recording the comparison of the blue, gray, and killer whales by eight and length and then, the comparisons of a whale's length with a Ford and Chevrolet pick-up truck.

Closure: Students will complete rubric for a peer assessment. The teacher will facilitate the assessment. Assessment Based On Objectives: Points for evaluation will be based on the categories of organization, mechanics, sources such as the concept map, and quality of information found during lesson.Adaptations

For Students With Learning Disabilities: Students can complete a graph on paper by coloring in the information. Have a concept map drawn for students for them to complete information rather than having to draw the map. Students will work with partners during math and question activities.

For Gifted Students: Students graph on paper the lengths of the whales. Insert information into a spreadsheet and convert the information into a graph.

Possible Connections To Other Subjects: The purpose of this lesson is integrating the curriculum with technology. This lesson is taught in computer class with connections to Math and Science. All information will be included for a whale project during the sixth grade Ocean study.

Thanks to: www.lessonplanspage.com