Lesson 3: Story Time (1 hour)

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Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

  1. Identify ways that energy is conserved and wasted within our homes.
  2. Identify key details in a text that help them gain understanding of a scientific concept.

Language Objectives

Students will be able to:

  1. Describe ideas about a text using complete sentences.
  2. Generate questions using the 5Ws and H, and compose complete sentences in order to discuss and write their ideas about concepts in a text.

Slides for All Activities

Duration:
10 minutes

Activity 1: Students generate ideas about what they think they know about energy use in their homes.

  • Students place their ideas into the first column of the class’s RAN chart using sticky notes.
  • If this is the first time using a RAN Chart as a class, briefly introduce this as a way for us to record our ideas about a topic, clear up misconceptions, and capture new learning and questions. RAN is an acronym for Reading and Analyzing Nonfiction
Materials & Prep
  • RAN Chart (per class / recreate this on chart paper)
  • Sticky notes (Start with 3 per student, more as needed)

Duration:
20 minutes

Activity 2: Interactively read aloud The Energy Detectives.

See accompanying “Read Aloud Guide” with guiding questions.

Materials & Prep

Duration:
15 minutes

Activity 3: Revisit the class RAN chart.

  • Read over the ideas in the first column and move any accurate understandings into the ‘Confirmed’ column and any inaccurate understandings into the ‘Misconceptions’ column.
  • Have students record their new learning and any lingering questions onto sticky notes and post them in the remaining columns.
Materials & Prep

RAN Chart on chart paper

Homework: Read and discuss Energy Detectives with family members.

  • Send home a letter to families with the book and bookmark. The letter should explain the rationale behind reading Energy Detectives with their children. See sample letter.
  • Students can read the book independently, read it aloud to family member(s) or if the text is above their independent reading level, a family member can read aloud the text to the student.
  • After reading, students and caregivers will participate in a brief discussion about what was read using the accompanying bookmark with discussion prompts.
  • Teacher Note: Homework discussion prompts are available at the beginning of Lesson 4.
Materials & Prep

* Energy wasted refers to energy leaked, lost or transferred unnecessarily.

** Energy saved refers to energy conserved, hacked or used to its greatest potential. Energy leaks are absent or greatly reduced.