Lesson Planning

Waynesburg University

Writing the lesson plan:

Translating thoughts into a plan of action
_____________________________________________
Pennsylvania Academic Standard(s) addressed during this lesson:
(Provide Standard number and statement)

Science Standard 3.4.4 D. D. Describe the composition and structure of the universe and the earth’s place in it.
• Identify planets in our solar system and their general characteristics.

Lesson Objective(s)
(Stated in observable and measurable terms)

Given various lessons on solar system unit and access to books and internet students will be able analyze what
they have learned to form an opinion on the best option for the next NASA space mission.

After forming their opinion, and given access to the internet and the Weebly blog application the student will be
able to describe in a paragraph why their opinion should be considered by NASA.

Assessment Plan
(What will be done to determine if lesson objectives have been met?)

Using information obtained from previous lessons the student will create opinion about the location of the next
NASA space mission and back up that opinion in a paragraph which will be reviewed by the teacher using a
rubric.

Materials:

Books, notes, previous projects, computers, internet access, access to Weebly Blog

Inclusion Techniques for Students with Special Needs:

Possible inclusion techniques may include: special seating near teacher, having a peer partner to aid the student
or others depending on the special need of the particular student.

Enrichment Techniques:

Possible enrichment techniques may include: Using the NASA website and NASA YouTube channel to find
information and watch podcasts or videos from previous or future space missions, work in groups to discuss
what plans are most feasible, or going on a class field trip to a local science museum.
Lesson Differentiation (What modifications/accommodations will be made to ensure that ALL students have access to and are able
to participate in the lesson):

Modifications and accommodations for this lesson would depend on the students in the class. Some possible
modifications may be allowing the student to complete the assignment during class time or at home, or verbally
giving the teacher or an aid their opinion to have typed into the blog.

Lesson Presentation
Introduction/Motivational Activities/Anticipatory Set:

“Imagine you work for NASA and it is your job to decide what the next mission to space will be. What part of space
would you choose to explore? Why would you choose this part? Please be specific and thorough in your answer, you
will have to convince your coworkers at NASA that yours is the right choice!”

Detailed Teaching Sequence:

(Provide sufficient detail that would enable a substitute to effectively present this lesson. Bulleted statements are preferred)

-Introduce the objective to the students

-Allow students time to go back through notes and projects from previous lessons to form their opinion
-Show students how to locate the Weebly Blog
-Explain process to post a comment on the Weebly Blog
-Go over Blogging Rules as a class
-Go over rubric and expectations as a class
-Give students time to write their paragraph in the comment section of the Weebly Blog
-Once student has posted blog comment the teacher will review it (see rubric)
-Students may respond to classmates’ blog comments as long as they follow Blogging Rules

Guided Practice/Independent Practice/Assessment Activities

Teacher will go around the room monitoring student work as they form their opinions. Teacher will then guide
students in procedure to post a blog comment. Students will then work independently to post their opinion as a
blog comment.

Closure:

“Today you got the chance to pretend you worked for NASA. You were able to think about what part of space
you were most interested in exploring further. Perhaps someday you will work for NASA and make your dream
into a reality!