Objectives

Students will:

Define, discuss and use vocabulary words pertinent to Theodore Roosevelt and Roosevelt Island.

Method

Students participate in a variety of cooperative activities designed to introduce, review and utilize important vocabulary words necessary for a successful trip to Roosevelt Island.

Materials

Vocabulary handout

Vocabulary word cards and definition cards

Drawing paper

Drawing/art supplies

Chart paper

Procedures

1. Have students break into cooperative groups of four or five.

2. Give each group index cards with vocabulary words written on them. Use the following words:

Naturalist, Commmunity, Conservation, Natural Resources, Interrelationships, Poofer, Decomposers, Producers, Consumers, Teddy Roosevelt, Diverse, Spicebush Butterfly, Memorial, Food Chain

3. Each group will be given a variety of resources -- i.e. encyclopedias, science books, nature magazines, Web sites, books, etc. -- to write definitions and examples of their vocabulary words.

4. Each group will elect a reporter to report their findings to the class at the end of the given time. The reporter will explain the definitions while a recorder writes the information on a class chart on the board or chart paper.

5. Following this class discussion, groups will stay together for a class matching game.

6. Using the word/definition cards , cut the words and definitions apart and tape them to the blackboard, writing side down. Students in each group have a chance to try to match a word with its definition by picking two cards and turning them over to see if they have made a match.

7. After the game is complete, give each student a copy of the activity sheet and have them work on their own time to fill in what they have learned about the vocabulary words that will prepare them for their visit to Roosevelt Island.

Extension

If time remains or student interest is high, break the class into three or four groups and have the students compile their own science dictionary. Have them take each of the vocabulary words and, using the drawing supplies, draw a picture to explain what the word means. Have the students put each of the words on a separate sheet and design the pages of their island dictionary. They can add to this list after they learn many more words during their visit to the island.

Evaluation

Try to use as many of the words as you can when you write in your naturalist journal on our trip to Roosevelt Island.

Check the independent handout with another student to see if you agree on definitions.

Use the vocabulary words you have learned in other science activities and writings.