Lesson Plan #: AELP-ECL0111
Submitted by: Michael Dadey
Email: MDadey@aol.com
School/University/Affiliation: University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Date: January 31, 2000

Grade Level(s): 4, 5

Subject(s):

• Science/Ecology

Duration: Two 45-minute sessions Description: This lesson plan deals with the story of the great Kapok tree, a tale from the Amazon forest.  It also generates different ideas of using the computer.

Goals: Students will:

Objectives:   Students will:

Materials:

• paper for drawing
• crayons
• markers
• rulers
• books
• journals

Procedure: Introduction:

Explain to the children some general characteristics of the rain forest.
Explain to the children that the rain forest is different from the woods that we are accustomed to in our area.
Explain to the students that the soil in the rain forest is good for farming.
Show the students the many varieties of animals that can be found in the rain forest using the computer and projection screen.

Closure:

Have students write in their journals.
Have students draw a picture of an animal that they remember from the book.
Show the students more pictures of the rain forest on the projection screen.
If time permits, take the children outside with plastic bags to clean up the litter around the school.

Assessment:

Observe feedback from the children.
Observe if the students are paying attention when showing them the different animals of the rain forest on the projection screen.
Look at the pictures they drew of the animals of the rain forest.
Read their journal entries, as well, in order to make sure my students comprehended the story.