Note-taking: K.I.S.S. "Keep it Short and Simple"
Created By:
Marie A. Parker
Title/Role:
Library Media Specialist
Organization/School Name:
Londonderry School District
Location:
New Hampshire
Grade Level:
5 Type of Lesson:
Lesson in a unit Type of Schedule:
Flexible Collaboration Continuum:
Moderate Content Area:
Educational technology, Language Arts, Science Content Topic:
Energy Sources: Research Guided Inquiry
Note-taking Lesson Scenario:
Grade 5 students are asked to research viable energy sources and then answer an essential question. After the classroom teacher has introduced the project, students come to the library for several library lessons. These lessons include: following a research model; using different resources (print and electronic); safe surfing and evaluating web sites; the importance of completing a bibliography, and a notetaking lesson which will be the focus for this lesson plan. The planning tool (attached) is used by the teacher and LMS to plan units of instruction. The planning tool includes the amount of collaboration, essential questions, content benchmarks, ICT benchmarks, how students will present the information and how will students be evaluated.
Please note: Prior to this note-taking lesson, teacher and students have discussed what questions to research in order to be able to answer one essential question: (How is the energy made? Where it's used? The cost per unit? etc.)
Knowing what questions about an energy source to research, students view the website along with the LMS, and they take an active part in determining which info is important and which is not. Important information is then added to our group practice note-cards. Overview:
As part of the Science, LA, and Information/Computer/Technology (ICT) Curriculum; students will research energy sources in order to answer one of these essential questions. 1. What energy source should be used to operate a new power plant in our state? 2. What energy source should be used to provide electricity for a new school in our town? 3. Should your next family car be powered by gasoline or an alternative power source? Final Product:
Students will write a 5 paragraph persuasive essay defending their answer to one of the essential questions. Final product will also include note-cards and bibliography.
Library Lesson:
Students will learn the how and why of note-taking. They will be given note-taking strategies and dos and don'ts; an acronym "Keep it Short and Simple"(K.I.S.S.) is provided as a summation to the lesson. Students will be given the time to practice and be critiqued on their efforts. Estimated Lesson Time:
60 minutes Have you taught this lesson before:
Yes Strategies for differentiation:
Large lined, simple note-cards are provided.
Web sites are pre-selected.
Projection and SMARTBOARD display of all lesson materials.
Note-taking strategies are given to students in the form of a laminated bookmark.