LESSON PLAN #1

Lesson Plan #1

Title: Seeing Our World: Exploring Our Sense of Sight

Age Range

6-8 years (Grades 1-2)

Timing

60 minutes

Lesson Number

Lesson 1 of 4

LEARNING OBJECTIVE Statements

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

  • Students should describe how eyes enable human vision by explaining their fundamental purpose.
  • Examine three different ways our vision helps us perform daily tasks.
  • Conduct simple observations using magnifying glasses
  • Investigate the variations in object appearances when viewed through multiple perspectives
  • Explain how our vision functions as a tool for understanding our surroundings.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING (UDL) Connections

  • Multiple Representation Methods: The presentation of sight-related content will incorporate videos alongside physical demonstrations and engaging visual aids as well as hands-on exploratory activities.
  • Multiple Engagement Approaches: Students learn through individual observation time as well as through paired activities and whole-group discussions
  • Multiple Expression Options: Students can convey their understanding by creating drawings or providing verbal explanations and also through demonstrations.

ESSENTIAL Question(s)

  • How does the ability to see enable us to understand the world around us?
  • What kind of information is unique to our vision that our other senses are unable to provide?
  • What changes would occur in our daily experiences if seeing was not possible for us?

MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGIES Description

Students or Teachers will use the following materials, tools, and equipment:

  • “How Do We See?” educational video
  • Magnifying glasses (one per student or pair)
  • A selection of objects such as feathers, leaves, fabric, and rocks for students to examine
  • Eye diagram poster
  • “Sight Explorer” worksheets
  • Colored pencils/markers
  • Optional: Digital camera/tablet for taking close-up photos
  • Blindfolds (for brief sight limitation activity)

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE & PRE-CLASS Preparation

Students will need to know the following before beginning this lesson:

  • Basic understanding that we have five senses
  • Familiarity with basic body parts
  • Students must understand proper care techniques for classroom materials.

The teacher will need to make the following preparations prior to the lesson:

  • Set up video and testing equipment
  • Gather collection of safe observation objects
  • Prepare “Sight Explorer” worksheets
  • Arrange classroom into observation stations
  • Review safety guidelines for using magnifying glasses
  • Identify students with visual impairments and set up necessary accommodations for them

LESSON PLAN Sequence

  • How does the lesson progress through each step from beginning to end?
  • How long will each activity in the lesson plan receive time allocation?
  • Which questions will serve as guides to engage students and deepen their understanding?
  • What specific activities or tasks will students perform at each part of the lesson?
  • What will be the sequence and transition process between the lesson’s introduction and concluding parts?

1. Introduction

  • Begin with a brief sensory warm-up: We’ll play ‘I Spy’ for two minutes to help activate our vision.
  • Play the first two minutes of the “How Do We See?” video as the introductory section. video.
  • Conduct a brief class discussion using questions:
    • “What do we use our eyes for?”
    • Can you share some things you observed using your eyes today?
    • “Why is seeing important?”
  • Present the main questions and learning goals of the lesson to children using simple language

2. Instructional Content

  • Present the remaining portion of the “How Do We See?” video to students. video
  • Refer to the eye diagram poster to recognize the fundamental components of the eye.
  • Show students the function of light in vision by briefly turning off the lights.
  • The “close your eyes, open your eyes” activity helps students understand the difference between vision states.
  • Quick partner activity: During the partner activity students describe observed objects to their partner without giving away their names.

3. Interactive Learning Activity

  • Begin “Sight Explorers” activity and hand out magnifying glasses to students.
  • Demonstrate proper use of magnifying glasses
  • Explain observation stations and worksheet
  • Students rotate through stations in pairs:
    • Station 1: Natural items (leaves, feathers, soil)
    • Station 2: Fabric and textiles
    • Station 3: Everyday objects (paper clips, coins, classroom items)
    • Station 4: Students examine hidden items through tiny peepholes in boxes during this activity.
  • Students sketch and record their observations by concentrating on visible details both with magnification aids and unaided vision.
  • Guiding questions during activity:
    • Which features become visible through the magnifying glass that were invisible before?
    • What new information emerges about this object when you examine it in detail?

4. Conclusion

  • Gallery walk: Students briefly share one interesting observation
  • Brief experience with visual limitation: Students put on blindfolds for half a minute and then contemplate what they experienced
  • Review the major concepts that explain vision functionality and its significance
  • Preview next lesson on hearing
  • Exit ticket: Students finish writing “One new thing I learned about my sense of sight is…”.

ASSESSMENT Overview

Students should demonstrate the ability to:

  • The formative assessment evaluates student participation through observation of their engagement.
  • Students need to finish “Sight Explorer” worksheets with sufficient details and observations.
  • Responses on exit tickets reveal student comprehension of fundamental concepts.
  • Students should demonstrate the ability to:
    • Use magnifying glasses appropriately
    • Identify and describe visual details
    • Describe one method by which our vision allows us to gather knowledge about our environment.
    • Make important contributions to discussions regarding the value of sight.

RESOURCES, DIAGRAMS, & REFERENCES

  • “How Do We See?” video from Nemours KidsHealth
  • Magnifying glass usage safety guidelines
  • Sample “Sight Explorer” worksheet templates
  • Children’s book reference: Joanna Cole authored “The Magic School Bus Explores the Senses.”

ADDITIONAL NOTES

  • Understand the needs of visually impaired students by teaching that sight varies among individuals.
  • For students who finish early, provide extension activity: “Design a new animal with super sight”
  • The classroom lighting should be appropriate to allow detailed observation.
  • Control students’ enthusiasm during tactile exercises by setting defined expectations
    Prepare different activities for students who might feel uneasy about temporary blindfolding.