Lesson Plan Guide
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Teacher Candidate:
Ashleigh Reid
Date: November 23, 2014
Grade and Topic:
Fourth Grade Science
Length of Lesson:
Mentor Teacher:
Dr. Weaver
School:
50 mins
University of Memphis
UNIT/CHAPTER OBJECTIVE/GENERALIZATION/BIG IDEA:
The Water Cycle
LESSON OBJECTIVE:
 Given the Kidspiration Software, students will create a diagram of the Water Cycle with a score of at
least six out of eight according to the rubric.
STANDARDS ADDRESSED:
● GLE 0407.8.1 Recognize the major components of the Water Cycle
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MATERIALS:
Computer with Internet access
Handout http://www.worksheetplace.com/mf/4-Stage-Water-Cycle.pdf (must copy link to browser)
Pencil
Kidspiration Software
BACKGROUND and RATIONALE:
Key Concepts: By the end of this lesson students should know, the major components of the water cycle, the
functions of these components, as well as be able to prepare a graphic organizer that demonstrates the basic
features of the water cycle.
Academic Language: Academic Language will be addressed in methods courses and is not addressed in IDT
3600
Previous Lesson Connection: In our previous lesson we introduced the Water Cycle and it importance to
Earth.
Subsequent Lesson Connection: In the next lesson we will begin to discuss to the difference between weather
and climate.
Differentiated Activities: I am aware that the lesson will be differentiated for students who did not master the
objectives and for those ready for enrichment. However, modifications are not covered in this course and are not
part of this particular lesson.
PROCEDURES AND TIMELINE:
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Introduction: We will begin this lesson by doing a quick review of the water cycle. Questions to ask: What are
the stages of the water cycle? What function does each stage provide? Why is this important to our Earth? (5
mins)
● Procedures: 1. After reviewing the water cycle, the teacher will distribute the handout on the water cycle to
each student and give them directions on how to complete this activity. 2. Students will work on the handout (10
mins). 3. Upon completion of this activity teacher will take up the hand out and begin giving directions on completing the
graphic organizer. Directions: Student will go to Kidspiration and build their graphic organizer. They must include all
steps of the water cycle, a description for each stage, as well as at least one fact for each stage. Students should use a
variety of color, illustrations, and shapes. Be creative! 4. Give students time to work on graphic organizer. During this
time, teacher will walk around to assist and answer questions as needed (30 mins).
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Closure: To close the lesson teacher will ask students to share one thing that they have learned or one fact from
their graphic organizer with the class. After answering student will be able to line up to exit (5 mins).
ASSESSMENT EVIDENCE:
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The graphic organizers that students will create through Kidspiration will be used as assessment
Sample Graphic Organizer
Water Cycle Graphic Organizer Rubric
Criteria
1
2
3
4
Graphic images
represent the correct
Stage of water cycle
Very few or none of the
chosen graphics clearly
represent correct stage
of the water cycle
Only a few of the
graphics clearly
represent the correct
stage of the water cycle
Almost all of the
graphics clearly
represent the correct
stage of the water cycle
All of the chosen
graphics represent the
correct stage of the
water cycle
Attractiveness
Distractingly messy or Acceptable attractive
very poorly designed. It though it may be a bit
is not attractive
messy
Attractive in terms of
layout, design, and
neatness
Exceptionally attractive
in terms of layout,
design, and neatness
Required Elements
Several required
All but one of the
elements were missing required elements are
included
All required elements
are included
All required elements
are included, as well as
additional information
MODIFICATIONS:

I am aware that modifications will be made for students who did not master the objectives and for those ready for
enrichment. However, modifications are not covered in this course and are not part of this particular lesson.