Lesson Plan Guide

Teacher Candidate: Lauren Scarbrough Date: April 29, 2018

Grade and Topic: 7th grade Science/The Earth Length of Lesson: 90 minutes

Mentor Teacher: Pruitt School: University of Memphis

UNIT/CHAPTER OBJECTIVE/GENERALIZATION/BIG IDEA:

 The learner will demonstrate knowledge of the 4 layers of the earth by correctly identifying and locating
the layers and providing at least 2 of each layer’s properties.

LESSON OBJECTIVE:
 Provided with a short YouTube video and research findings, the learner will summarize their answers on
the provided worksheet with a score of 3 out of 4. (Bloom’s taxonomy: comprehension)
 Provided with the textbook and internet access, the learner will identify the 4 layers of the Earth with a
score of 3 out of 4. (Bloom’s taxonomy: knowledge)
 Provided with the textbook and internet access, the learner will properly distinguish the properties of
each layer with a score of 3 out of 4. (Bloom’s taxonomy: analysis)
● Using the website Prezi, the learner will produce a presentation of the earth’s 4 layers and correctly
identify at least 2 of the characteristics of each layer in an organized and creative manner with a score of
3 out of 4. (Bloom’s taxonomy: synthesis)

STANDARDS ADDRESSED:
Tennessee State Standards 7th Grade Science
 SPI 0707.7.4 Differentiate among the characteristics of the earth’s three layers.
 0707.7.4 Recognize that the earth’s layers have different thickness, states of matter, densities and
chemical makeup.
 GLE 0707.7.3 Analyze the characteristics of the earth’s layers and the location of the major plates.

IST Standards
 3. Research and Information Fluency: Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use
information.
o b. Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of
sources and media
 6. Technology operations and concepts: Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology
concepts, systems, and operations.
o a. Understand and use technology systems

MATERIALS:
● Textbook
● Laptop/Computer with internet connection
● Layers of the Earth Worksheet
● Pen/Pencil
● Paper
● Internet access to:
○ Prezi https://prezi.com/dashboard/next/
 ○ Clipart: http://pics.tech4learning.com
○ YouTube Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24wO1G_7fyc
○ Google: http://google.com
○ Example of completed project:
■ By teacher: https://prezi.com/view/l6fuOB0516rSLCce5rWG/
■ By Student: https://prezi.com/2vlrr8hoqeht/layers-of-the-earth/

BACKGROUND and RATIONALE:

● Students should know that there are 4 main layers of the Earth. They should be able to locate and name
each layer on a map correctly. They should also know the depth of each layer and what material each
layer is composed of.
● Academic language is not addressed in IDT 3600
● Students had previously learned about the rock cycle and the different types of rocks. We will continue
on with our theme of the Earth by learning the layers of the Earth. Students can hypothesize about what
type of rocks they would find in each layer of the earth or if there are any rocks in that layer at all.
● After this lesson the Earth’s layers, we will move on to plate tectonics and how they shape the earths
surface.
● Some students may be more advanced with this material and need to be more challenged while others
may need to spend more time on it to fully understand it.

PROCEDURES AND TIMELINE:

● Introduction: (5 minutes)
● Teacher procedure: Teacher will begin by asking students what they believe the Earth is made of.
Teacher will also ask if students have any knowledge on the Earth’s layers. Teacher can use an avocado
to demonstrate the different layers within the Earth.
● Student procedure: Answer questions orally and participate in class discussion.

● Procedures:
● Prior to the Computer: (15 minutes)
 Teacher Procedure:
 Read aloud the textbook information on the layers of the Earth with class
participation.
 Walk around and answer any questions students may have about reading
materials.
 Student Procedure:
 Read Textbook pages (insert appropriate textbook pages here) with class.
 Take notes on each layer within the earth and its specific properties.
o At the Computer: (60 minutes)
 Teacher Procedure:
 Pass out worksheet on the Layers of the Earth
 Direct students to YouTube Link or play it on the projector.
 Have students fill out worksheet to use when creating their presentation.
 Walk around and monitor class and assist students who may need help.
 Student Procedure:
 Watch YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24wO1G_7fyc
 Answer the questions of the Layers of the Earth worksheet.
 Use the worksheet and your notes as a reference when creating your presentation.
 Use http://google.com to research any other additional information you would like
to include within your Prezi presentation.
 Once completed, you will begin your Prezi Presentation.
 First go to: https://prezi.com/dashboard/next/ and sign up.
  Select “Create New Prezi” and choose a layout that will fit your theme
 Title the Prezi “Layers of the Earth by first name/last name”
 Go to http://pics.tech4learning.com
 Find photos that represent some of the topics you would like to include within your
Prezi. Save these photos to your desktop so you have easy access to them when
adding them in your presentation.
 Create your Prezi presentation and include the following
o Names of the 4 layers of Earth
o Location of each layer (provide visual aid)
o At least 2 properties of each layer (i.e. Temperature, depth, material…)
 Check Prezi for any mistakes before considering it complete.
 Once completed, publish Prezi and make it public.
 Copy URL and paste it within a word document. Save document at “Layers of the
Earth by first name/last name” and submit to dropbox.
 Submit your Layer of the Earth Worksheet to the teacher.

o After the Computer: (10 minutes)

 Teacher Procedure:
 Conduct class discussion and find out if anyone learned anything interesting in their
research.
 Ask students if anyone would like to share their presentation.
 Student Procedure:
 Participate in class discussion
 Share your Prezi with the class if you feel confident and would like to.
 Closure:
o The students have submitted their projects to the teacher who will then grade them according to
the rubric. The teacher will ask the students if they need any further clarifications on this topic.
ASSESSMENT EVIDENCE:

Criteria 1 2 3 4
Presentation: 4 The 4 layers were Half of the 4 layersMore than half of All of the 4 layers
layers not correctly of the earth were the 4 layers of the of the earth were
identified or present correctly identifiedearth were correctly correctly identified
and present identified and and present
present
Presentation: Layer Few properties Half of the More than half of All of the properties
Properties were present when properties were the properties were were present when
identifying present when present when identifying
properties of each identifying identifying properties of each
layer properties of each properties of each layer.
layer. layer.
Worksheet The worksheet The worksheet The worksheet The worksheet
showed incorrect showed some showed mostly showed correct
information and correct information correct information information and
was not thoroughly and was somewhat and was mostly was thoroughly
answered at all. answered. thoroughly answered.
answered.
Presentation The presentation The presentation The presentation The presentation
Quality lacked many was somewhat was complete but was thorough in
elements and was complete but lacked lacked creativity. information and
not executed well. information. showed creativity.

Student Sample of Completed Prezi Presentation:

By Teacher: https://prezi.com/view/l6fuOB0516rSLCce5rWG/
By Student: https://prezi.com/2vlrr8hoqeht/layers-of-the-earth/

MODIFICATIONS:
 I am aware that modifications will be made for students who did not master the objective and for those
ready for enrichment. However, modifications are not covered in this course and are not a part of this
particular lesson.
 Layers of the Earth
Watch the YouTube Video: Layers of the Earth for Kids to answer the following questions. Some
questions will require addition information from your textbook.

1. How did the little boy get the watermelon?

2. When the earth began, it was extremely hot. How did it cool off and what happened after?

3. What layer of the earth do humans live on? What is it made up of?

4. What is layer located beneath the Earth’s crust? What temperature is it and what material is it
consisted of?

5. What are the 2 layers of the core? Describe each of its properties.
a. _____________ core
liquid or solid?
Additional information:

b. _____________ core
liquid or solid?
Additional information:

6. What are the 4 layers of the Earth? Describe them.

a.
b.
c.
d.

7. Name 3 of the different ways the little boy got to explore the Earth’s layers.
a.
b.
c.