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Plan
Activities
Park Introduction and Essential Questions - Begin the lesson with a brief introduction to the local park and the day's essential questions: How can asking questions help us understand the topic better? How do different types of fruits grow and what makes them unique? (5 min)
Guided Park Exploration - Take students on a guided walk through the park with a community partner from the local parks department. Students will observe different fruit trees, ask questions about their growth processes, and take notes or draw sketches of what they see. (15 min)
Class Discussion and Reflection - Return to the classroom and organize a discussion where students share their observations and surprising discoveries about the fruit trees. Encourage students to reflect on how these observations relate to their food choices and understanding of fruits. (10 min)
Storyboard Planning Session - Students begin planning their visual storyboards or comic strips, focusing on the journey of a cocoa pod from tree to chocolate bar. Provide time for brainstorming and initial sketches, encouraging peer feedback and self-reflection on their learning process. (10 min)
Deliverables
1. Students will create a visual storyboard or comic strip illustrating the journey of a cocoa pod from tree to chocolate bar, highlighting key steps and transformations.
2. Students will collaboratively develop a list of thoughtful questions and reflections based on their readings and park observations to guide class discussions.
3. Students will design interactive booths for the fruit festival, showcasing their visual storyboards and sharing insights with community members.
4. Students will engage in a class discussion, sharing their thoughts and discoveries about fruit origins and characteristics, with a focus on healthier food choices.
5. Students will participate in the park trip, actively asking questions and taking notes on different fruit trees and their unique characteristics.
6. Students will submit their completed reflection sheets, demonstrating their understanding of the essential questions and their personal learning journey throughout the week.
Preparation 1. Coordinate with the local parks department to schedule a park trip and confirm the availability of a community partner to guide students in identifying fruit trees.
2. Gather materials for the visual storyboard and comic strip creation, including large paper, markers, colored pencils, and reference images of cocoa pods and chocolate production processes.
3. Print and distribute 'Fruit Trees - Surprise! They're Fruits' article from ReadWorks for students to read and discuss.
4. Prepare question prompts and reflection sheets for students to use during peer discussions and self-reflection activities.
5. Set up a planning session with students to brainstorm ideas for interactive booths for the fruit festival, including necessary materials and booth assignments.
6. Organize transportation and permission slips for the park trip, ensuring all logistical details are in place for student safety.
7. Create a list of essential questions to guide student inquiry during the park trip and subsequent classroom discussions.