4^th Grade Microscopic World Unit Blueprint

Pacing Suggestions:
1–2 Days

Teacher Resources:
Tips	Observing with a Hand-Lens (Microsoft® Word®) Observing with a Hand-Lens (Adobe® Reader® PDF)

12D(3-5)#2: Make sketches to aid in [reporting observations and] explaining procedures or ideas.

12A(3-5)#1: Keep records of their investigations and observations and not change the records later.

12C(3-5)#3: Keep a notebook that describes observations made, carefully distinguishes actual observations from ideas and speculations about what was observed, and is understandable weeks or months later.

Observing With a Hand-Lens (Use teacher-generated sheet.)

The following questions are also listed in LE 2. The teacher should observe improvement between the two lessons.

• Do the drawings show that the student has in fact observed an object and drawn what was seen?
• Does each drawing have an “individual character” and is not a stereotype of what the student expected to find?
• Do the drawings show relative size, shape, texture, shading, position, and complexity?
• Do students’ written observations describe relative size, shape, texture, color, and other relevant details?
• Do students refrain from changing their observations (written and sketches) once class sharing has occurred?
• Do students record observations, not inferences, ideas, or speculations?