Contributions made by African-American
Learning Styles
Students enjoy learning that includes a visual medium/stimulus, social contact and hands-on
experiences. The students prefer cooperative group activities, and science lab assignments.
Objectives
1. In a cooperative group of 4-6 students, students will be able to identify and write a group essay
on 5 scientists who have make a significant contribution to the field of science within one culture
or gender with 100% accuracy.
2. In a cooperative group of 4-6 students, students will be able to express themselves orally, and
make an oral and visual presentation of their research on one of 4 culture or 2 gender groups.
3. After listening to peer presentations, students will be able to identify and describe two scientists
from each of the 4 different cultures and 2 genders who have made significant contributions to
the field of science with 100% accuracy.
4. After listening to peer presentations, students will be able to appreciate the contributions made
by different culture and gender groups.
Methods, Media, and Materials
The teacher decides to use printed materials to introduce this topic. The TV and VCR can be signed out
of the Science Office, if students require this medium for their presentation. Each classroom has an
overhead projector. The teacher will preview any videos students may desire to use during their
presentation.
Utilize Materials
Preview the Materials
The teacher will preview various book to recommend for group research on their culture or gender.
Prepare the Materials
The teacher will have available books written by the following authors in the classroom: McKissack, P.
& McKissack, F.L. (1994), Oleksy, W.G. (1998), Oleksy, W.G. (1995), Sneeve, V.D. (1995), Yount, L.
(1999), Yount, L. (1998).
Prepare the Environment
The teacher will arrange the desks so that all students will be able to work in cooperative groups of 4-6
students. Before group presentations, the teacher will arrange the desks so that all students will have a
clear view of the TV screen and overhead projector.
Prepare the Learners
The teacher prepares the learners, by giving the students an overview of the importance of the
contributions made by many cultures and both genders in the field of science. The teacher discusses the
objectives for the lesson, and how it relates to this unit and future classes. The teacher will allow and
assist students to form their own cooperative groups. The students will receive a written copy of the
assignment and verbal directions.
Provide the Learning Experience
The teacher will assign a culture or gender of study to each cooperative group. During instructional
time, the teacher is the facilitator, helping students through their research, essay development and
preparation for presentation of each group’s findings.
Learner Participation
In large group discussions, students are encouraged to ask any questions, regarding the cooperative
group assignment, essay and presentation requirements, or additional resources. Students will use the
resources made available to them in the classroom, school library or Internet to research their culture or
gender. Students will prepare a group essay, which summarizes their research findings, and prepare a
presentation of this material to be given in front of the class. Each member of the cooperative group
must speak at some point during their group presentation. In addition, a visual stimulus must be used
during the presentation, which may include a picture, video, poster, transparency, etc. During the group
presentations, students will take notes on the various cultures and genders presented. At the end of the
lesson, students will take a written pen and paper test, which will cover objective #3 in this lesson plan.
Evaluate and Revise
Assessment of Learner Achievement
At the end of the scientific contribution lesson, each student will be graded based on the following
rubric:
Scientific Contribution Group Essay
1.
2.
3.
Scientific Contribution Presentation
1.
2.
3.
30 total points
Did each student participate in the presentation? (10 pts)
Was the presentation accurate, based on research? (10 pts)
Was a visual stimulus used to enhance the presentation? (10 pts)
Scientific Contribution Test
1.
30 total points
Did each student participate in the research and writing of the essay? (10 pts)
Was the essay accurate, based on research? (10 pts)
Was the essay well written, free of spelling and grammatical errors? (10 pts)
40 total points
Was the student able to identify and describe two scientists from each of the 4 different cultures and 2 genders who have
made significant contributions to the field of science?
100 Total Lesson Points
Evaluation of Instruction
1. Did the students participate and work cooperatively in their group activity?
2. After listening to peer presentations, are the students able to appreciate the contributions made
by different culture and gender groups?
3. Were the students able to reach 100% competency for objective #3 listed in this lesson?
References
McKissack, P. & McKissack, F.L. (1994). African-American Scientists (A Proud Heritage).
Brookfield, CT: Millbrook Press, Inc.
Oleksy, W. G. (1998). Hispanic-American Scientists (American Profiles). New York, NY: Facts on
File, Inc.
Oleksy, W.G. (1995). Science and Medicine. New York, NY: Facts on File, Inc.
Sneeve, V.D. (1995). The Iroquois (A First Americans Book). New York, NY: Holiday House.
Yount, L. (1999). A to Z of Women in Science and Math (Facts on File Library of World History). New
York, NY: Facts on File, Inc.
Yount, L. (1998). Asian-American Scientists (American Profiles Series). New York, NY: Facts on File,
Inc.