Are You Smarter Than a Botanist?

Makaela Carias

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Are You Smarter Than a Botanist?

Students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of plot, character, vocabulary, and literary devices from the first unit.

This lesson is important because it provides a comprehensive review of key ELA concepts from Unit 1, ensuring students are well-prepared for their upcoming unit assessment. It helps solidify their understanding of plot, character, vocabulary, and literary devices.

Audience

8th Grade Students

Time

35 minutes

Approach

Interactive review game and quiz.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers/pens, Small prizes (optional), Unit 1 Review Game Slides, Unit 1 Vocabulary Quiz, and Answer Key

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Review the Unit 1 Review Game Slides and understand the game rules.
Print copies of the Unit 1 Vocabulary Quiz for each student.
Have the Answer Key readily available for grading.
Ensure technology (projector/computer) is set up for the slide deck.
Gather any optional small prizes for the game winners.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Unit Vocabulary Review

5 minutes

Begin with a quick review of key vocabulary words from Unit 1.
Project the first few slides of Unit 1 Review Game Slides that focus on vocabulary terms. Ask students to define terms orally or write them on mini-whiteboards.

Step 2

Literary Device Practice

10 minutes

Transition to literary devices using the Unit 1 Review Game Slides.
Present examples of literary devices (e.g., metaphor, simile, personification, irony) and ask students to identify them or provide their own examples. Encourage discussion and clarification.

Step 3

Comprehension Check Game

15 minutes

Divide the class into small teams for the "Are You Smarter Than a Botanist?" review game.
Use the remaining slides from Unit 1 Review Game Slides which include questions on plot, character, and overall comprehension from the unit's texts.
Follow the game instructions within the slide deck, keeping score if desired. Award optional small prizes to the winning team.

Step 4

Unit 1 Reflection & Quiz

5 minutes

Hand out the Unit 1 Vocabulary Quiz.
Instruct students to complete the quiz individually, reflecting on the unit's vocabulary.
Collect quizzes for grading using the Answer Key.
Briefly reiterate the importance of understanding these concepts for future learning.

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Slide Deck

Are You Smarter Than a Botanist?

Welcome to the Ultimate Unit 1 Review Challenge!

Get ready to test your knowledge on:

Vocabulary
Literary Devices
Plot & Character
Comprehension

Let's get started!

Welcome students and introduce the review game. Explain that this game will help them prepare for the unit test.

Vocabulary Challenge!

What does the word 'Ephemeral' mean?

A) Lasting for a very short time
B) Very large
C) Brightly colored
D) Easily broken

Present the vocabulary word. Ask students to define it or use it in a sentence. Encourage different students to participate.

Vocabulary Challenge!

Answer: A) Lasting for a very short time

Example: The beauty of the cherry blossoms is ephemeral.

Reveal the answer and briefly discuss why it's the correct definition. Move to the next vocabulary word.

Vocabulary Challenge!

What does the word 'Benevolent' mean?

A) Evil or malicious
B) Well meaning and kindly
C) Full of energy
D) Extremely clever

Present the next vocabulary word.

Vocabulary Challenge!

Answer: B) Well meaning and kindly

Example: The benevolent teacher always helped her students.

Reveal the answer and discuss.

Literary Device Labyrinth!

Time to untangle the literary devices!

Can you identify the device?

Introduce the literary devices section. Explain that understanding these devices helps in analyzing texts.

Literary Device Labyrinth!

Identify the literary device:

"The wind whispered secrets through the trees."

A) Metaphor
B) Simile
C) Personification
D) Alliteration

Present a sentence and ask students to identify the literary device. Discuss their reasoning.

Literary Device Labyrinth!

Answer: C) Personification

Explanation: Giving human qualities or actions to inanimate objects or animals.

Reveal the answer and explain personification.

Literary Device Labyrinth!

Identify the literary device:

"Her smile was the sun breaking through clouds."

A) Metaphor
B) Simile
C) Hyperbole
D) Onomatopoeia

Present another example.

Literary Device Labyrinth!

Answer: A) Metaphor

Explanation: A direct comparison between two unlike things without using "like" or "as."

Reveal the answer and explain metaphor.

Comprehension Checkpoint!

Let's see how well you remember the stories!

(Teacher: Insert a general question about a main character from a Unit 1 text here.)

Transition to comprehension questions. These questions should relate to general plot or character elements from Unit 1 texts.

Comprehension Checkpoint!

(Teacher: Insert a plot-specific question from a Unit 1 text here.)

Ask a specific plot-related question from a Unit 1 text.

Game Over! You're All Botanists!

Fantastic job, future literary experts!

You've shown incredible understanding of Unit 1 concepts.

Time for a quick reflection and quiz!

Conclude the game and thank students for participating. Reiterate the importance of the review.

Quiz

Unit 1 Vocabulary Quiz

Answer Key

Unit 1 Vocabulary Quiz - Answer Key

Question 1

Prompt: Which word means "lasting for a very short time"?
Correct Answer: B) Ephemeral
Reasoning: The definition of ephemeral is indeed "lasting for a very short time." Options A, C, and D are antonyms or unrelated.

Question 2

Prompt: Someone who is "benevolent" is:
Correct Answer: B) Well-meaning and kindly
Reasoning: Benevolent describes a person who is kind and well-meaning. Options A, C, and D are incorrect definitions.

Question 3

Prompt: If something is "ubiquitous," it is:
Correct Answer: C) Present, appearing, or found everywhere
Reasoning: Ubiquitous means present or found everywhere. Options A and B are incorrect, and D describes something else entirely.

Question 4

Prompt: What does "fastidious" mean?
Correct Answer: C) Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail
Reasoning: Fastidious refers to someone who pays great attention to detail and is very precise. Options A, B, and D are incorrect.

Question 5

Prompt: Use the word "serendipity" in a sentence.
Correct Answer: Varies. Example: "Finding that lost photo album right when I needed it was a moment of pure serendipity."
Reasoning: Serendipity refers to the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. A correct sentence will demonstrate this understanding, showing a fortunate accidental discovery or encounter.