Communicating Clearly in Writing  

NE Standards:

8.2.3  By the end of the eighth grade, students will revise and edit descriptive compositions.

8.2.4  By the end of the eighth grade, students will demonstrate the use of multiple forms to write for different audiences and purposes.

Integrated Discipline: Science

Objectives:

• To write clear directions for making a structure so that others can construct an identical structure

• To analyze writing for clarity and make improvements

Accuracy of written directions - classmates are able to construct identical structure.

Response journal reflects insight into analyzing and revising writing.

Materials:

• Legos (2 matching bags per pair, 10 of various colors per bag)

• Pencil and paper

Procedures:

Grouping: Students work in pairs

1. Give each pair of students 10 types of Legos in different colors

Ask students to construct a structure using all the Lego blocks in their bag.

1. Ask students to write a detailed description of how to make the structure so that someone else, following their instructions, could make the same structure.

2. Do not look at other group's structures.

2. Pairs exchange written directions. Follow the directions given to build a new structure.

3. Inspect the structures built from the directions. How could the directions be improved?

Write a paragraph about this activity in your journal. What did you find out? How can you use what you learned in the future?

Try to explain how to tie a shoe, make a peanut butter sandwich, or make a cube out of paper.

Reflection (written following actual teaching of lesson)

mts College of Saint Mary