1. Lesson Plan Title: Grade 7 Technology – Developing Effective Investigation Skills
2. Materials Needed
- Notebook or investigation journal
- Pens and pencils
- Chart paper/whiteboard and markers
- Internet access for research
- Printed handouts: Investigation plan template, rubrics
- Sample investigation topics
- Access to school library
3. Learning Objectives
- Identify and describe the steps in conducting an effective investigation.
- Develop a clear investigation question or problem.
- Gather and organize relevant data from a variety of sources.
- Present findings in a coherent and concise manner.
4. Vocabulary
- Investigation
- Hypothesis
- Data
- Sources
- Analysis
- Conclusion
- Reliability
- Validity
5. Previous Learning
Students should have prior experience in:
– Basic research skills.
– Note-taking and summarizing information.
– Understanding the scientific method.
6. Anticipated Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Students may struggle with formulating clear investigation questions.
Solution: Provide examples of strong and weak investigation questions and discuss the differences.
Challenge: Difficulty in organizing and analyzing data.
Solution: Use graphic organizers and provide templates to guide students through the process.
Challenge: Limited access to diverse sources.
Solution: Ensure the use of both digital and physical resources. Pre-select credible online sources if necessary.
7. Beginning Activities (10% of time)
Introduction (5 minutes):
– Brief discussion on the importance of investigation skills in technology and real-life contexts.
– Show an engaging, relevant video or share a story of a successful investigation.
Review and Objectives (5 minutes):
– Clearly outline what students will learn and its value.
– Set clear, student-friendly learning objectives for the session.
8. Middle Activities (80% of time)
Step-by-Step Guide to Investigation (20 minutes):
1. Define the Problem (5 minutes):
– Provide examples and non-examples of clear investigation questions.
– Practice formulating questions in pairs/groups.
- Plan the Investigation (5 minutes):
- Introduce the investigation plan template.
- Guide students in outlining their approach.
- Gather Data (5 minutes):
- Discuss reliable sources of information.
- Explain evaluating credibility with the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose).
- Organize and Analyze Data (5 minutes):
- Demonstrate using graphic organizers to arrange data.
- Practice organizing sample data in small groups.
- Conclude and Present Findings (5 minutes):
- Teach drawing logical conclusions from data.
- Demonstrate presenting findings clearly (charts, reports, presentations).
Hands-on Activity (45 minutes):
– In pairs or small groups, students conduct a mini-investigation:
– Define the problem/question.
– Outline the investigation plan.
– Gather data through quick research.
– Organize data using graphic organizers.
– Draw a preliminary conclusion.
– Present findings briefly to the class.
Group Discussions and Debrief (10 minutes):
– Groups share their experiences briefly.
– Discuss challenges and solutions.
– Reflect on learned investigation processes.
9. End Activities (10% of time)
Review and Reflect (5 minutes):
– Summarize key points learned during the lesson.
– Discuss the applicability of investigation skills to future projects and real-life scenarios.
Exit Ticket (5 minutes):
– Students answer:
– What did I learn about investigations today?
– One challenge I faced and how I overcame it.
– One question I still have about the investigation process.
10. Assessment and Checks for Understanding
- Monitor group activities, providing feedback.
- Review investigation plans and data organization for completeness.
- Assess presentations using a rubric focused on clarity, organization, and depth of analysis.
- Evaluate exit tickets for understanding and reflection.
11. Differentiation Strategies
For Struggling Learners:
– Provide scaffolding (e.g., sentence starters for questions and conclusions).
– Pair with stronger students for peer mentorship.
For Advanced Learners:
– Encourage deeper analysis and more complex investigation questions.
– Offer opportunities for independent investigation on chosen topics.
12. Teaching Notes
- Ensure sources are accessible and pre-vetted for relevance and appropriateness.
- Use a variety of questioning techniques to engage all students.
- Be available to guide but foster independence.
- Adjust timing as required based on student needs and classroom dynamics.
- Incorporate feedback from this lesson to refine future lessons on investigation skills.
Teaching Tips:
1. Engagement Tip: Start with a captivating story or real-life problem to spark interest.
2. Tech Tip: If internet access is limited, pre-download relevant resources or provide hard copies.
3. Inclusivity Tip: Integrate local and indigenous knowledge sources where relevant to make the lesson culturally inclusive.