Lesson+Comparison

Callison states, "Scaffolding has an important role in development of meaningful learning activities. One experience builds on the next to advance the learner to the higher order skills that require the student to analyze tasks independent from guidance of teachers and mentors." This is the basis for this unit of inquiry, to build from one grade to the next in skill and product.
 * LESSON COMPARISON: **


 * Students: **

Third grade students already have a knowledge base on content and inquiry skills that is a higher level than the beginning first graders. Third grade students are ready to take the leap to working individually, where first graders need to work in small groups with an adult to complete this inquiry activity. While the introduction to each unit is similar, the first grade unit opens with a simple children's book that most students have already read. But they are asked to look at it with new eyes and a different focus. The third grade unit starts off with analyzing poetry about our moon, making it a higher level thinking assignment for the introduction. First grade students are asked to focus on 3 inquiry questions.

In culmination of the inquiry, students are asked to complete a project. First graders are asked to create a power point, by simply adding their text into the slides that have already been created for them. This will require great assistance from the teacher, librarian, and computer lab aid to help all students be successful. Third grade students are asked to create a Prezi presentation. They have better computer skills and are currently working on the skills necessary to build a Prezi presentation. This presentation will require students to be familiar and independent on computers and will require assistance from the librarian and teacher.


 * Librarian: **

For the most part, the librarian has the same basic role for each grade level. They will be pulling books for the teacher to share with the class, helping find research materials and websites, teaching computer skills, and collaborating with the teacher. Obviously, the librarian will be required to spend more individual time with the first grades and be able to help third graders at a higher level.


 * Standards: **

The following standards will be addressed in both units of inquiry. Below you will see the differences between grade levels for each standard.


 * Standards for the 21st-Century Learner: **

Standard 1: Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge
 * 1st Grade: Students are asked to form simple questions and explore ways to answer them.
 * 3rd Grade: Student generate questions and practice different ways to locate and evaluate sources that provide the needed information.

Standard 2: Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge
 * 1st Grade: Students are asked answer the question, "What is this mostly about?"
 * 3rd Grade: Students are asked to restate and respond with detailed answers to factual questions.

Standard 3: Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society.
 * 1st Grade: Students will present facts and simple answers to questions.
 * 3rd Grade: Students will present information clearly so that main points are evident.