Science Lesson Planner
Title of Lesson:
Title of Unit:
Subject: Science
Grade:
Timeframe:
Standard(s)
Characteristics of Science:
Content:
Essential Question:
Hook/Activating Strategies (Engagement)
Describe briefly how you plan to launch the lesson. What do plan to do in order to
capture the students' attention and get them excited about this topic. You should also
briefly introduce the concepts that students are about to investigate to orient them and set
the stage for meaningful inquiry.
Key Vocabulary/Accelerating/Previewing
Teaching Plan and Strategies:
Exploration: In this section, you guide students through exploratory activities. This
exploration should be primarily open-ended and student-centered. This part of the lesson
may involve one continuous activity (whole class, small group, individual) or may be
divided into separate centers that involve different activities. This section should include
1) Procedure: a step-by-step description of what you the teacher will be doing
2) Activity Sheet: a student activity sheet(s) that explains key aspects of the lesson to
students
3) Key Questions: a list of a few questions that you can ask to stimulate student ideas
and thinking
3. Explanation:
In this section, let the students explain their results and their thinking in regards to their
explorations. They should analyze their observations, explain their thinking with each
other, and answer the questions that are included. At this point, you should guide the
discussion toward the stated objectives of the lesson. The discussion can be framed in
terms of what scientists consider as our current best explanation of the observed concepts
or principles.
This section should include:
1) Discussion Plan: a brief description detailing how you plan to lead the discussion
2) Concept Building: Provide a detailed explanation of the essential concepts of the
lesson - What are the one or two enduring understandings that you want your students to
possess after the lesson? This is a key point in the lesson because it is an opportunity to
build and strengthen their current level of understanding.
3) Teacher's Guide: a brief mention of any potential problem areas, where to obtain
materials, and/ or important ideas to emphasize
4. Extension: In this section, have students consider how these concepts can be applied
to real-life situations. There are always connections that can be made to similar situations
and students are usually able to suggest several of them. A thoughtful question or two can
help kids to make the kind of relevant connections that are needed to improve retention.
Finally, wrap up the lesson by discussing the key ideas and concepts.
5. Evaluation: In this section, you should include a description of how you will assess
your student’s understanding of the key ideas in the lesson. If possible, your assessments
should be completed before you design the lesson. Please include a copy of your
assessment (quiz, rubric, checklist) with your lesson.
Differentiation
Please describe how you plan to differentiate this lesson to meet the needs of all the
learners in your classroom. Science provides an excellent opportunity to differentiate
because the open-ended, exploratory nature of the subject allows kids to focus on their
strengths and interests as learners. Learning centers, independent projects and tiered
assignments can all be used effectively to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
Materials needed and other notes: Please list the materials needed for this lesson and any
other notes that you think are important.