TITLE: WHERE IS MY PEANUT? AUTHOR: Vicki Vrooman, Holland Hall Middle School, Tulsa, OK GRADE LEVEL: Appropriate for grades 2-8 OVERVIEW: All people need to be able to be able to observe and record facts about the world around them. This lesson will enhance these skills for real world experiences. PURPOSE: The purpose of this activity is designed to increase students' skills in observation, recording, fact and opinion. This activity forces students to use their observation skills and then convert their observations to hard data. OBJECTIVE(s): As a result of this activity, the students will : 1. Observe a peanut, 2. Record facts about the peanut, 3. Use measurement devices to record facts, 4. Draw pictures if necessary, 5. Use the data to find the peanut after hiding it 6. Have others use your data to locate the peanut RESOURCES/MATERIALS NEEDED: Peanuts in the shell, bowls, rulers, string, balances(if available), paper, pencil ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES: 1. Divide the class into small groups (4-6 students per group.) 2. Provide each group with rulers, string, balances, paper, pencil, and a bowl of peanuts. 3. Direct the students to select one peanut from the bowl. they are to "get to know" their peanut through observation. 4. Have the students record as many facts about their peanut as possible. They should use diagrams, measurements, descriptions of their color and shape. Stress the importance of keeping accurate records. 5. Direct the students to return their peanut to the bowl and mix the peanuts. They should then lay the peanuts out on the table and try to locate their own peanut. 6. Ask the students to return their peanut to the bowl and mix the peanuts. They should then lay the peanuts out on the table and try to locate their own peanut. 7. Direct the students to give their notes to any other member in the group and have that student find the peanut. 8. Provide students with a list of observations and inferences and ask them to identify as such. Have students discuss which observations are most useful in identifying the peanuts. TYING IT ALL TOGETHER: This activity would work well to begin a rocks and minerals unit where students will be observing and recording data. This also works well when working cooperatively. This activity is fun and easy to do. When the students finish the activity they get to eat the peanuts!!
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