Making Science/Literature Connections:
El Guero
By Audrey Woloshin
Lesson 1- Introduction to El Guero
Lesson 2- What are the parts of the Gray Whale?
Lesson 3- Using technology to research information about the Gray Whale.
Lesson 4- Using
technology to research and track the migration route of the Gray Whale.
Student Level- 5
Major Goals and Instructional Objectives
1. Students will appreciate the connection between
multicultural literature, science, and map making.
2. Students will use various programs to create a
map and be able to track a route on the map.
3. Students will become familiar with vocabulary associated
with the parts of a whale.
4. Students will increase their competencies in using
computer technology and the Internet to research information, fill in data
bases, and import pictures to illustrate the Gray Whale and whale migration.
5. Students will be able to organize and interpret
information in the form of an informative report.
6. Students will respect each other while working
cooperatively in small group situations.
Timeline- 10-12 class periods
Setting- classroom
Assessments
1. KWL chart
2. Review maps
3. Vocabulary data sheet
4. Analysis of informative reports
5. Analysis of data bases
6. Unit test
Standards
1. The student produces an informative report.
2. The student demonstrates an ability to read and
comprehend informative materials.
3. The student demonstrates knowledge of the English
Language in written and oral work.
4. The student participates in group meetings.
5. Students demonstrate scientific thinking by asking
questions about objects and organisms.
6. Students demonstrate scientific investigation by
completing non-experimental research using print and electronic information.
7. Students demonstrate understanding of life cycles
of organisms.
Books
El Guero by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino
Sunburst Books, 1989
Websites
http://acsonline.org/factpack/graywhl.htm
http://198.188.248.11/whale/whale2.html
http://athena.ivv.nasa.gov/curric/oceans/whales/index.html
These three web sites provide photographs of gray
whales, migration maps and routes, feeding areas, and general information
about the gray whale.
http://slcpl.lib.ut.us/jreading/mculture/hispanic.html
This web site gives a summary of the book El Guero.
http://nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/atlas/index.html
This web site provides 600 National Geographic maps.
http://encarta.msn.com/find/Concise.asp?z=1&pg=2&ti=761579741
http://encyclopedia.com/articles/13799.html
These sites are entries from online encyclopedias
with facts and information about the gray whale.