Concept Attainment

This is a good model for teaching conceptual knowledge. I already do something similar to this when iintroducing microorganisms, but I can see how I can expand on it and use this model for introducing more topics.

1. Categorizing

On a power point, show a screen with "example" and "non-example." Have the kids try to guess if the items are examples or non as I show them. I will put the first few in the correct column, then have them guess with the rest. Have them think about what my rule might be. Discuss as a class what it might be. Write down ideas on ppt. Talk about all the ideas, then decide on one (with my guidance). Write down the correct hypothesis on ppt. With your partner, draw a web on paper. Use poplet.com to make the web and turn in.

2. Microorganisms - the characteristics of a living organism (made of cells, use energy, grow and develop, reproduce, respond/adapt to environment)

Put students in groups of 2 or three. Give each group a bag with random items (each group has the exact same items) that have some examples living and non-living organisms. Have students put them into groups. Have students use padlet.com and list the items; then put them in categories. Have each group tell the class what they did and explain why they put them in the categories. Discuss what the items have in common and don't have in common. Fix categories. Label the padlet Characteristics of All Living Things and turn in.

3. Hemispheres - Introduce the Globe (before teaching hemisphere and seasons)

Show many different spheres: globe on stand, soccer ball, baseball, earth blow up ball, basket ball, 4 square ball.

Show students all examples and have them put them into two groups on padlet. Discuss why they chose the groups they did. Discuss what they have in common and don't have in common and talk about different hypotheses. Guide them to the correct hypothesis. Then talk about what the globe and earth ball have in common. Discuss the close in characteristics of the globe and ball: sphere, land, blue, other colors, border lines, latitude/longitude lines, stand, axis pole, etc., and write those on padlet. If the equator hasn't been brought up, introduce it, and have a small discussion about the northern and southern hemispheres. Have students turn in their padlet activity.

***This would also be a great model to use for introducing classroom rules.***