Differentiation Strategy: Concept Mapping provides a visual means of organizing
ideas. Concept maps can be used in brainstorming, outlining, note taking, instruction or assessment. In this lesson, I am assessing how well students see the big picture. Since they are visual, and only display the most relevant and important information, concept maps are beneficial for ELL and SPED students.
When there is eight minutes left of class, I will ask students to get out a blank piece of paper. The students will be instructed to create a branching concept map without any notes or prompts. The students will use the branching concept map technique to display their knowledge of the three types of plate boundaries, the plates involved, the landforms created and real-life examples of those landforms. The branching technique of concept mapping includes placing a central theme or unifying factor in the center of the map. Outwardly radiating sub-themes surround the center of the map. This is used to show the relationship between concepts. Students can branch and use nodes in any way they choose. They may use words or pictures to display their understanding of the content. Students will turn in their concept map before leaving class as a ticket out. Purpose/Focus of Lesson (the big idea): The purpose of using a concept map in this lesson is for students to display their knowledge of the plate boundaries, and describe how plate tectonics processes lead to changes in the Earths surfaces. Instruction Grouping: Individual Whole Group Small Group Peer Partners Homogeneous Heterogeneous
What will be differentiated: Content Process Product Learner Elements Involved: Readiness Interest Learning Profile As a result of this lesson what you hope your students will:
Students will Know: the three plate boundaries, the plate boundaries involved, landforms created, and real-life examples of those landforms.
Students will Understand: how plate tectonics lead to changes on the surface of the Earth.
Students will be able to: create a branching concept map using above information.
Pre-assessment: There will not be a pre-assessment. I am using the concept map as a ticket out to assess where students are in their learning process. I will be able to distinguish students knowledge of the plate boundaries by the amount of detail and complexity included on their concept map. This will influence my lesson for the next day; reinforcing the topics that there were identified struggles. Resources/References: Inspiration
Bubbl.us
Text 2 Mind Map
Concept Make Maker Soft School
Matt Lancaster and Molly Niedens Presentation (below)
Carol Ann Tomlinson How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms Chapter 10
University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning