Connect students directly to the concept in a personal way. Capture students' attention by initiating a group problem-solving activity before delivery of instruction. Begin with a situation that is familiar to students and builds on what they already know. Construct a learning experience that allows diverse and personal student responses. Facilitate the work of cooperative teams of students.

"Hug a Tree" as partners.

Objective: To experience and observe a living tree. To enhance observational skills.

Activity: Teacher assigns student pairs. After appropriate safety instructions and guidelines are clear, each pair of students takes a blindfold. One student in each pair blindfolds his/her partner and leads the “blind” student through the woods to a particular tree. The “guide” student then helps the “blind” student explore the tree and feel its uniqueness. The “guide” student asks questions like: Is the bark rough or smooth? Are there plants growing on the tree? Is the circumference of the trunk bigger or smaller than your waist? When the “blind” student is finished observing the tree, the “guide” student leads her/him back to where they began using an indirect route. The blindfold is removed, and the student tries to find the tree. When the tree is found, the partners switch roles and repeat the activity.

Assessment: Partner participation, adherence to guidelines, and responsibility for accomplishing the task.