Lesson Topic: Dinosaurs and Fossils Lesson Rationale: This is a one day lesson that is a part of a 5 day unit.

Description of Classroom:
This is a 2nd grade classroom made up of 25 students. 14 girls and 11 boys. One student has a speech IEP.

Student Background:
This is the first day of the unit where the students are introduced to what fossils are and how they are found. Students have prior knowledge of what dinosaurs are, but will be introduced to the importance of their bones.

Nevada Standards: L.2 Students know plants and animals can be sorted by observable characteristics and behaviors. L.2.D.2 Students know some plants and animals are extinct. N.2.A.1 Students know how to make observations and give descriptions using words, numbers, and drawings. N.2.A.2 Students know tools can be used safely to gather data and extend the senses.

Language Objective(s):
The students will listen to the teacher discuss the vocabulary words The students will read the vocabulary words on the board chorally as a whole group. The students will speak and listen to their matched up partner to discuss characteristics. The students will write a written description of their dinosaur and draw a picture.

Content Objective(s):
The students will have an understanding of how fossils are formed, found and excavated with 100% accuracy. The students will be able to write a written description along with a drawn diagram of their dinosaur with 80% accuracy.

Key Vocabulary:
Paleontologist A scientist who studies fossils. Excavate To dig up fossils Extinct Organisms that no longer exist Fossil - The preserved remains of a prehistoric organism Carnivore An animal that eats only meat Herbivore An animal that eats only plants

Best Practices: (put an X next to those that you address in your lesson)
x Preparation Adaptation of content Links to background Links to past learning Strategies incorporated Integration of Process Listening Speaking Reading Writing x x Scaffolding Modeling Guided practice Independent practice Verbal scaffolds Procedural scaffolds x x x x x x x x Application Hands-on Authentic (Meaningful) Linked to objectives Promotes engagement x x Assessment Individual Group Written Oral x x Grouping Options Whole Class Small groups Partners Independent

Teaching Strategies:
The teacher will begin this lesson with direct instruction of vocabulary words. The lesson will then continue on to cooperative learning as the students are working together to excavate their dinosaur and then agree on a description.

Lesson Sequence: (20 min) ENGAGE (2 min): I will show the class a video of a dinosaur that is let loose in an elementary school. EXPLORE (10 min): The students will be given their own excavation site to dig up their dinosaur. They will be using plastic spoons and generic paint brushes as excavation tools. EXPLAIN (3 min): The students will understand and be able to discuss with their partner what type of dinosaur they dug up, if it is a carnivore, herbivore, etc. ELABORATE (4 min): The students will work with their partner to write a detailed description of their dinosaur and create a drawing. EVALUATE (1 min): The students will be evaluated on their ability to follow excavation instructions as well as provide a clear, detailed description of their dinosaur. Safety: Students are not to throw sand, rocks, spoons, paintbrushes or anything other tools used for this excavation. Safety goggles will be warn to prevent sand from getting in the eyes. Accommodations:
The teacher will make all necessary accommodations. The student with the speech IEP will be able to listen and pronounce the vocabulary words with the class as a whole.

Materials and Resources:

Paint brushes Sand Plastic spoons Pencil Paper Crayons Plastic containers Video: http://www.pleated-jeans.com/2011/04/13/dinosaur-let-loose-in-elementary-school-video/

Review/Assessment:
The students will be formally assessed on the number of details provided, as well as the accuracy of those details. They will be informally assessed on how well they follow instructions during the excavation period.

Reflection: I think this lesson definitely has the potential to get messy, however it can be a lot of fun and I believe it will keep the students very engaged. This lesson will most likely take longer than 20 minutes with a real class of second graders.