Quick Programming Ideas #3

Learning Under the Stars

Library/Information Skills Lesson Plan

Cross-curricular subject areas: Science, English Language Arts    

Grade level: 6th-7th grade science classes 

Topic: Reading Under the Stars

Lesson Objective: The learners will learn about space, and space exploration in an informational read-aloud to introduce a new unit. 

21st-Century Skill Objectives: I. INQUIRE: Build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically,

identifying problems, and developing strategies for solving problems. Learners display curiosity and

initiative by formulating questions about a personal interest or a curricular topic. 

Materials needed: 

• flashlights
• Smithsonian Kids: Space Explorer Guide Book & Projector (Movie Theater Storybook) ISBN: 978-1667200392
• Projector
• crayons
• paper for drawing/note taking (ideally, use 1/2 posters for sharing)

Instructional Procedures: Begin by conducting a read-aloud from a non-fiction book, which features space and space exploration. You should also have a small display area with other resources which feature space, celestial beings, or space explorations. Suggestions include the following:

•   Smithsonian Kids: Space Explorer Guide Book & Projector (Movie Theater Storybook) ISBN: 978-1667200392
• The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets of space (DK Children's Anthologies) ISBN: 978-1465499332

            -Or other similar titles... You can pick and choose sections to read to fit curricular needs and allow for exploration

After the initial read-aloud, invite students to use their prior knowledge to offer space topics, or generate questions they may have or have learned about in class, readings, or they have knowledge of. They may point and talk about subjects from your display. 

Closing: Challenge the students to browse the shelves, computers, and periodicals to find other figures they can inform the class about. To make it more engaging, ask students to read and explore a selected work while reading "under the stars" with a flashlight.  It may be beneficial to provide them with a graphic organizer which includes the following. Ask them to find:

• What is the name of the object? Is it in our solar system? How far is it from the sun? Has it been explored? Fun facts. 

Have students write the information down on paper, which they will turn around and share with the class, and subjects discovered at the end of class or the next class session. 

Assessment: Informal assessment as observation while students browse resources, shelves, and interact with each other. Make sure you walk around to assess student learning and participation. You may need to guide learners to areas of interest or probe them to find interesting facts or details that may not be too familiar. Encourage them to create colorful, creative, and inviting displays of information for a final gallery walk.