Ned+Day+One

=__Lesson 1__= The students will be introduced to the concept of taxonomy and learn about the distinctive characteristics of the 6 Kingdoms. After a brief introduction / reading, the students will work in groups of 2 or and design a graphic/visual of the 6 Kingdoms.

Key Concept / Question
Kingdom and Taxonomy: What are the characteristics of the 6 Kingdoms of life?

Resources
Text, Computers, Internet, Science Magazines, Printer, Paper, Chalkboard

Warm Up
Read Aloud! Introduce the lesson by reading aloud an excerpt from Mark Twain titled "[|Extracts from Adam's Diary]."

Introduction
After the reading of the short story, introduce the term taxonomy and begin a class discussion about the importance of naming things in science. Discussion should flow towards the idea of the 6 Kingdoms. Ask the students "Can anyone tell me any of the 6 Kingdoms? and write the responses on the board. If all of the kingdoms have not been named, be sure to fill in the missing one(s). Continue the discussion and see if they can name the distinctive characteristics that differentiate them. Write their answers on the board.

Lesson
1. Explain the objective of this lesson is to create a presentation visual(brochure, pamphlet, poster, etc...), using MS Word, PowerPoint, or Inspiration(if available), listing: the 6 Kingdoms, at least 3 characteristics of each, 1 sample picture of each, and name some examples of each. Show this sample document

2. Tell them the importance of working as a group and to make sure that everyone is involved. Grading will be done on the group as a whole and will be based on the graphic/visual created. Tell them that they will have the remainder of the class period and the next period to work.

3. The students can use any resource that is available to them (text, internet, magazines).

4. Split the students up in groups of 2-3, mixing all levels of learners and abilities with each other.

5. Walk around the room to ensure group work and to be available to answer questions.

Evaluation / Assignment
Grade will be as a group and based on the groups' graphic/visual using MS Word, PowerPoint, or Inspiration.

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