Lesson Plan: Expectations in Science
Grade Level: 7
Subject: Science
Duration: 30 minutes
Objective
Students will be able to understand and articulate the expectations for behavior, participation, and learning in a science classroom.
Materials Needed
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector (for video)
- Handouts outlining classroom expectations
- Post-it notes
- Large paper for group work
Standards Alignment
This lesson aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) focusing on science and engineering practices, particularly in creating an environment that fosters safety and collaboration.
Lesson Outline
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Begin with a brief discussion about the importance of expectations in the classroom and how they contribute to a positive learning environment.
- Ask students, "What do you think are some important expectations for us as a class?"
Discussion of Expectations (10 minutes)
- Write students' responses on the whiteboard.
Key Expectations to Cover:
- Respect: Treat others and their ideas with dignity.
- Participation: Engage actively in discussions and activities.
- Safety: Follow safety rules during experiments.
- Responsibility: Complete assignments on time and care for materials.
- Use a projector to show a short video that highlights classroom expectations in a science context.
Group Activity (10 minutes)
- Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with large paper and markers.
- Assign each group one of the key expectations discussed earlier and ask them to create a visual representation or poster that illustrates what that expectation looks like in practice.
- Students should include examples of appropriate and inappropriate behavior related to their assigned expectation.
Presentation (5 minutes)
- Have each group present their poster to the class, explaining their assigned expectation and providing examples.
- Encourage questions and discussions after each presentation.
Conclusion (5 minutes)
- Recap the expectations discussed in class and why they are important.
- Hand out a printed list of classroom expectations for students to keep in their binders.
- End with a reflection: Ask students to write one expectation they believe is most important and why, on a Post-it note, and place it on the classroom expectation poster.
Assessment
- Observe group activities and presentations to assess understanding of expectations.
- Review the Post-it notes for individual reflections.
Extensions
- For homework, students could write a short paragraph about how they will contribute to meeting classroom expectations.
Accommodations
- Provide additional support to students who may struggle with participation by allowing them to contribute in groups.
- Offer visual aids and simplified language for English Language Learners (ELL).
This lesson plan is designed to ensure that students are aware of and committed to the expectations necessary for a successful and safe science learning environment.