Thematic Unit

Thematic Unit Description Paper

Name Jennifer Jaros Course-Section TEAC 259

I. Unit Context 1. Write a description of the unit theme detailing what the students will be learning. Students will learn about plants using a variety of methods. First, students will learn how to apply information to create a diagram containing the main parts of a plant. Through this activity, students will also gain experience organizing their ideas using Kidspiration software. Students will demonstrate their knowledge, by making connections and linking information. Second, students will become familiar with using a ruler to measure height. This activity will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge of tall and short while also providing hands-on experience; something that will prove valuable in their future education. Third, students will learn how to use various online programs to create their own picture of a plant. This activity will also allow the students to work cooperatively to create a classroom book using the online resource, Photo Story. 2. What is the target subject area/class? This thematic unit is designed to target a kindergarten science class. However, this unit also includes elements of art, math, and language arts. 3. How does this unit fit into the whole learning experience of the students? During this unit students will learn valuable skills needed for first grade and beyond. Things such as how to access an online resource, create a virtual book, and use a ruler appropriately are important skills for future educational success. Students will also learn valuable computer skills and become familiar with programs such as Kidspiration, Tux Paint, and Photo Story. Students will use computers to organize data, and create charts to help compare and contrast information. These experiences with computers will help prepare them for future lessons and assignments involving technology. 4. What is the setting or situation? Describe the classroom as you see it. Include information on what computers and other equipment are available to the students. The classroom being used for this thematic unit contains one PC computer that is to be used by the teacher only. The computer has access to the internet as well as Microsoft Office and Kidspiration software. There is also a wireless projector and overhead screen to use for the purpose of demonstrating information to the students. The students will be given access to a computer lab with 36 PC computers on which the can access the internet to create their diagrams, make their charts, and develop their classroom book.

II. Audience 1. General characteristics: Describe the learners, including the size of the group, their age, interests, experiences, and aptitudes. 2. I have 18 kindergarten students in my classroom. 11 are boys 7 are girls I also have: 12 Caucasian students 2 African American students 3 Hispanic students 1 Muslim student Other characteristics of the students in my classroom include: 5 are ESL learners 2 have hearing impairments 3 have been identified as developmentally delayed 1 has autism 4 are considered gifted students 3. Entry competencies: What specific knowledge and assumptions can you make about them? Remember to describe their computer competence. All of my students are aware of how to use a computer including turning it on and off, accessing a webpage, and using the program Tux Paint. However, since they are very young, many have not created a diagram using Kidspiration. The students have been exposed to Photo Story once before. All of my students have used a ruler before and are able to identify centimeters and inches. However, some students have trouble identifying the concepts of tallest and shortest. Most of my students have accessed a webpage before and are able to effectively navigate through it when given step by step verbal directions. III. State Objectives 1. State Goal The goal of this unit is to have students learn more about plants using a variety of methods. Students will be creating a diagram, comparing and contrasting information, and creating a virtual book. Students will learn how to find resources online and also how to organize information using a computer. Students will also gain experience in using the programs Tux Paint, Kidspiration, and Photo Story.

2. State Objective 1 After listening to the story The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle (A) Kindergarten students (B) will create a diagram identifying the main parts of a plant (C) using Kidspiration software (D) within 45 minutes after reading the book

3. State Objective 2 (A) Kindergarten students (B) will measure and record the height of various plants (C) using a ruler, paper, and pencil (D) by the end of class on Wednesday and have at least five different plants recorded

4. State Objective 3 (A) Kindergarten students (B) will create their own unique picture of a plant (C) using Tux Paint (D) within 45 minutes and include at least 3 parts of a plant in their picture

IV. State Methods 1. Instructional Strategy: Identify the instructional strategies you might use to deliver this unit with. Explain how the methods and media will be used to create the learning environment. a. Method(s) for objective 1 The methods I will use for objective 1 include presentation, demonstration, and cooperative learning. I will first read the story The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle to the class. I will then demonstrate how to use Kidspiration software using a wireless projector. We will then work cooperatively to create a diagram as a class, before each individual child creates his/her own diagram. b. Method(s) for objective 2 The methods I will use for objective 2 include presentation, discovery and demonstration. I will first present the different types of plants to be measured to the students. Next, the students will be allowed to explore the different types of plants and make their own discoveries. I will then demonstrate how to use a ruler to measure the height of plants. The students will then explore at least five different types of plants and record their heights. c. Method(s) for objective 3 The methods I will use for objective 3 include demonstration, discussion and cooperative learning. I will first demonstrate how to use the program Tux Paint using the wireless projector. We will then discuss the main parts of a plant to make sure the students are aware of what to include in their pictures. The

students will then create their own unique picture of a plant using Tux Paint. Finally, we will work together to create a virtual book using Photo Story that includes everyone’s plant picture. 3 internet sources: 1. http://www.tuxpaint.org/ 2. http://classroomclipart.com/cgi-bin/kids/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Plants 3. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/photostory/default. mspx