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Lesson overview: Instructor will explain the water cycle using direct instruction, key questions, and visual aids. The instructor will then introduce a retrieval activity on different types of weather and the affect they have on people. After the retrieval activity, students will work iteratively as a class and then independently, to deepen their understanding of the water cycle.
Direct instruction: - Begin by introducing the water cycle with visuals. - Cover the different stages of the water cycle, including condensation, precipitation, and evaporation. - Ask the students key questions to ensure understanding (i.e. What is condensation? How does evaporation happen? What are all the steps in the water cycle?).
Retrieval activity: - Introduce the class to a retrieval activity focused on different types of weather and their affect on people. - Ask questions relating to the activity to allow the students to remember and discuss the different kinds of weather and the affect they each have (i.e. How does heat affect the body? What does snow do to the roads?).
Hinge point question: - Create a hinge point question that allows the students to apply their knowledge of the water cycle to the weather and the affect it has on people (i.e. What type of weather is created when condensation is present in the atmosphere?). - Provide multiple choice answers that reinforce students’ learning of the water cycle and weather.
Guided activity:
- Have the students break into small teams and give each team a set of cards that contain water cycle related statements.
- Provide each team with a copy of the water cycle diagram and have them place the statements according to where they fit in the diagram.
- Allow the students to work together to complete the activity.
- Monitor the students, answer questions, and provide help if needed.
- Check answers and ask questions to assess student understanding of the material.
Independent activity: - Give the students individual worksheets that contain meteorological pictures and a short explanation about the weather and its affect. - Have the students color the pictures and then match the pictures with their explanation. - Monitor and assist the students as needed.
Exit task: - Ask each student to create an illustration of the water cycle and explain one of the stages of the water cycle. - Provide feedback and assess their understanding.