Plant Classification Day 1

Plant Classification Day 1

Our groups first day of presenting plant classification went well overall, even though teaching this topic can easily get confusing, especially for fourth graders. When I was presenting my information I thought that I was clear and loud when speaking. I also think that all my peer group members did a good job aside from some nervous jitters. We used the method of a slideshow with a note packet following along with the information on each slide, then we did a word bank independent practice. At first, it was confusing for the students to follow along with the information because it wasn't classified that they needed to be taking notes. But once it was established what exactly they needed to be doing, the students did a great job of correctly filling out their packet and following along. 

When it comes to teaching plant classification it is important that you clarify the four different groups within the plantae (plant) category. If these four groups aren't clearly distinguished then the students will have a hard time understand each plant. My group taught about the four groups: ferns, flowering plants, coniferous trees, and mosses and liverworts. We set up a separate slide for each one and talked about the characteristics of each group. The students had a hard time remembering certain words that pertained to each plant group but once we asked them to repeat it multiple times, they caught on. There were certain moments in our presentation where it seemed like we were off track or talking about something that was completely different, but the group always made sure to relate it back to the topic of plant classification. In the end, I think our direct instruction lesson went very well and we explained the information very clearly. Our students learned a lot of new information!