Four Block Synectic

ADRIENNE LEIBER

Why Four Block?

I have chosen to use a Four Block Synectic because I feel that this model would be fun to implement in my second grade classroom. I would really be interested to see what concepts my kiddos could come up with!

Intent

The intent of this lesson would be to get my students to think how 4 household items are like the weather. This gets them critically thinking and collaborating with their peers. They will compare how a "fan, shower, pillow, and light bulb" are like weather.

For example: "A fan is like wind because______"

"A shower is like rain because ______"

"A pillow is like clouds because ______"

"A light bulb is like the sun because ______"

Potential Benefits to Students

Creates creativity and critical thinking Creates collaboration Creates motivation because it is fun and out of the

ordinary

Final Outcome

The final outcome I am determined to achieve would be for my students to start discussion, explore and accept several viewpoints, and connect with their prior knowledge.

Phases

Phase 1- initial setup; I will tell my students that "Today we are going to be discussing the different types of weather."

We will fill out a KWL graphic organizer so that I can get an idea of what they already know about weather. 

Phases Continued…

Phase 2- our Science period is 45 minutes long. We will watch a short Brainpopjr video describing seasonal weather. http://www.brainpopjr.com/science/weather/seasons/

Phase 3- Divide the students up into groups of 4 (which would be 4 groups in my room)

Phases Continued

Phase 4- Pass out a paper that has four boxes- have the students write "fan, shower, pillow, and light bulb" in each box

Phase 5- Explain to the students that they must come up with comparisons for weather for these words.

Examples:"Lightning is like fireworks because they both light up the sky.""A storm is like a cake because it needs lots of ingredients to form." "Snow is like a blanket because it covers the ground."

Final Phases

Tell the students they have 3 minutes to come up with ways that types of weather are like a fan, shower, pillow, and light bulb.

Phase 6- When the 3 minutes is up, have the groups choose their two favorite comparisons.

Phase 7- Share the comparisons with the class