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.
Students look for items in nature that contain patterns.
Objective: Students will enhance observation skills as they search for patterns in nature.
Activity: Students need a grocery sack, paper and a pencil. The teacher takes the group on a nature walk. Students look for items in nature that contain patterns. When students observe an item with a pattern that can be taken with them (example: a leaf), it should be placed in their sack. If the item cannot be taken (example: a tree), they are to sketch the item and make notes of the patterns observed.
