1. Lesson Plan for Student Study Trip
Alma Vaca Ramirez Grade 4/Science
Teacher Grade/Subject/Course Title
Name of Administrator Administrator’s Signature
Monterey Bay Aquarium Thursday, March 19
Name of Trip Date of Trip
After exploring all the species at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the students will
select a species of their choice and write a Comparing/Contrasting Research Paper
on the natural habitant versus the artificial habitant of their species
OR
Poster comparing/contrasting habitants
Power Point comparing/contrasting habitants
A Model comparing/contrasting habitants
I. Core Curriculum Content Standards Indicator/s:
5.1 Scientific Processes All students will develop problem-solving, decision-making and
inquiry skills, reflected by formulating usable questions and hypotheses, planning
experiments, conducting systematic observations, interpreting and analyzing data,
drawing conclusions, and communicating results.
Standards Grade 4
4LS3. Living organisms depend on one another and on their environment for
survival. As a basis for understanding this concept:
4LS3.a. Students know ecosystems can be characterized by their living and nonliving
components.
By the end of Grade 4, students will:
The National Geography Standards
Places and Regions
4. The physical and human characteristics of places.
The National Geography Standards

2. Places and Regions
4. The physical and human characteristics of places.
A. Places and regions , The world in spatial terms, Habits of Mind
1. Raise questions about the world around them and be willing to seek answers through making careful
observations and experimentation.
Language Arts 3.2, 3.4A 1, 2 & B1
Technology 8.1A1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 & 8.1B1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
II Objectives: (what will students know and/or be able to do as a result of trip)
Develop strategies and skills for information-gathering and problem-solving, using
appropriate tools and technologies.
1)The students will participate a field trip to the aquarium and the pre-visit and post-visit
classroom activities.
2)Students will be recording information and taking photos
2)Students will create a comparison/contrast
oral, written, group presentation based on visit and internet research
III. What academic preparation will precede the trip? (course content, topics and units of
study).
1. Using Kidspiration Construct a KWL chart using the focus question "What is an
Aquarium?".
Tell the students they will soon be going on a field trip to the Monterrey Bay
Aquarium. What is an aquarium? Why do people build aquariums? Who has
been to the Monterrey Bay Aquarium? What do you think you will see at there?
2. Students will log on to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Website and read about the aquarium
www.monterreybayaquarium.gov
3.Students will complete and on-line study guide for their grade level from the Aquarium
Website
4. Use a variety of Search Engines to find info on species that will observe at the
Aquarium and record habitant difference and similarities between the Species natural
habitat and the Aquarium/artificial habitat
IV. Essential Questions: (to engage students in the study and create a bridge between
performance-based activities and deeper, conceptual understandings)
Students will consider the ways that people attempt to create aquariums that provide realistic
habitats for marine animals
Students will explore the habitats of the animals observed at the Monterrey Bay Aquarium
and record and compare the artificial and natural habitats using
www.montereybayaquarium.gov

4. V. Student Performances During and After the Trip: (describe reports, note-taking,
interviews, sketching, photography or the like students should accomplish on the trip
and follow-up/debriefing activities)
1) Record Observations on of the Aquarium Habitants of their species on a Chart
2) Take Pictures
3) Record their own impressions and reflections on exhibits
VI. Teacher Performances During and After: (describe instructional and supervisory
activities of teachers)
Teachers will go over the Worksheet for the Aquarium Visitor Experience with the
students
Teachers will have the requested name tags on each student
VII. Lesson Assignments: (describe assignment of background materials and research to
enhance the value of the trip).
1) Students will visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium website and take notes on the exhibits they will
explore
2)Students will be assigned a variety of websites to explore the habitats and characteristics of the
animals and sites they will be observing
3) Students will use their informational writing skills to create a research paper on a species of
their choice comparing the species natural habitant with an artificial habitant
VIII. Lesson Evaluation: (how will the success of the trip be measured in relationship to
stated objectives)
Students will present their research findings to the class using posters, multimedia, or oral
presentation
VIII. Code of Conduct: (list safety procedures and expected behaviors, both at the trip
destination and in transit to and from the destination)
Teachers will discuss proper behavior and safety aboard the train
We may be able to get a speaker in to discuss train safety before the Trip
Teachers will discuss proper behavior in the Monterey Bay and review the Aquarium Rules
A time line will be discussed so all students no where to be a what time
Attendance will be taken on the bus at departure from the school
Attendance will be taken on the bus at departure from the aquarium
Pictures of Monterey Bay Aquarium