Multiple Intelligences
GRADE 6 LESSON 17
Time Required: 30-45 minutes
Content Standards:
AA.S.1
Students will acquire attitudes, knowledge,
and skills that contribute to effective learning
in school and across the lifespan.
Indicators:
AA.A.6.1.06
Explore and differentiate learning styles and
multiple intelligences.
GOAL: Students will discover and differentiate multiple intelligences
Activity Statements:
Students will identify multiple forms of intelligence and identify their personal strengths as
related to forms of intelligence. They will work with partners to explore different ways that
they demonstrate intelligence.
Materials:
1. Handout 1: Multiple Intelligences (copy one handout per two students)
2. Handout 2: Introduction to Multiple Intelligences (copy one handout per two
students and cut each copy in half using random shapes so that different pairs will
not match)
3. Handout 3: Identifying Multiple Intelligences (one copy per student)
Procedures:
1. As students enter the classroom, the teacher distributes sections of Handout 2:
Introduction to Multiple Intelligences randomly. After all students are in the room,
instruct them to find their partner by matching pieces of their handout. This activity
forms pairs of students for the lesson.
2. The teacher asks students “In what ways are you smart?” After students respond,
the teacher may ask “Are there different ways you can be smart?”
3. The teacher explains that students will investigate “multiple intelligences”. The
teacher distributes copies of Handout 1: Multiple Intelligences to pairs of students.
Multiple Intelligences
GRADE 6 LESSON 17
4. Students read the handout silently, and then the teacher instructs students to share
their thoughts about the article with their partners.
5. The teacher follows up with a brief discussion of key points from Handout 1 by
asking students to share their thoughts. The teacher asks students if they recognize
their own strengths in one of these descriptions.
6. The teacher explains that students will complete a simple assessment of their own
multiple intelligences. The teacher distributes copies of Handout 3: Identifying
Multiple Intelligences. The teacher refers to page 1 and clarifies instructions before
students begin completing the handout. Students may work independently to
complete the task.
7. Students may refer back to the section(s) of Handout 2: Introduction to Multiple
Intelligences for review and discussion based upon their own scores.
Discussion:
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How is intelligence usually measured? Are all intelligences usually measured?
Can we mostly recognize our intelligences without formal assessments? How do we
recognize our own intelligences?
“Everyone is smart in some way.” Explain this statement and give an example.
Compare special talents and intelligences. Does it matter which name we call them?
Are you familiar with your own special talents and multiple intelligences?
Is it possible to be strong in more than one area of the multiple intelligences? Do most of us
have varying degrees in each one?
How does an understanding of multiple intelligences change how you view your own
abilities? The abilities of others?
Additional Resources:
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http://careerservices.rutgers.edu/careerassessments.shtml - Career Assessments
http://www.businessballs.com/howardgardnermultipleintelligences.htm - Howard Gardner’s
Multiple Intelligences
http://kids.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Multiple_Intelligence_Test_for_Children - Online MI Tests
http://www.classroomtech.com/SCOE/index.html (teacher resource)
http://lth3.k12.il.us/rhampton/mi/mi.html - Multiple Intelligences
http://lth3.k12.il.us/rhampton/mi/LessonPlanIdeas.htm - Lesson Plan Ideas
http://www.edutopia.org/multiple-intelligences-introduction (teacher resource)
Multiple Intelligences
GRADE 6 LESSON 17
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http://www.thomasarmstrong.com/multiple_intelligences.htm - Multiple Intelligences
http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/mi/weber1.htm (teacher resource)
http://www.doe.state.la.us/lde/uploads/4879.pdf “How Am I Smart” section
http://www.businessballs.com/howardgardnermultipleintelligences.htm - Multiple Intelligences
http://eduscapes.com/tap/topic68.htm - Multiple Intelligences (teacher resource)
http://lth3.k12.il.us/rhampton/mi/lessonplanideas.htm - Multiple Intelligences lesson planning
support
http://www.todaysteacher.com/MILearningActivities.htm - MI Activities
http://www.edwebproject.org/edref.mi.th.html - MI - The Theory
http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/mi/front_mi.htm - Multiple Intelligences
http://www.spannj.org/BasicRights/appendix_b.htm - Multiple Intelligence Worksheets
Extension Activities:
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Students may independently study multiple intelligence theory and how it has developed
over time.
Students may design a new school utilizing multiple intelligences. They should sketch out a
drawing and write a paragraph to describe components of the school.
Students may interview others about their own multiple intelligences.
Other activities as assigned by advisor.
Developed by: Dr. Penny Fisher, Director, Putnam County Schools (2010)