1. Lesson 2: The Concept of Change

2.   Throughout this unit, you will be reflecting on the concept of change in literature, your own lives, and the world.  Today we will complete a four-part group activity to explore the concept of change.  Discuss the questions presented on each of the next four slides in your groups and record your ideas on chart paper. You will share your paper with the class. Day 1: Make Generalizations About Change

3.  Ideas about Change Categorize Items that Don’t Change Generalizations Abot Change Chart Paper

4.   Record all responses on the chart paper provided:  What ideas come to mind when you think about change?  What kinds of things change? What is it about them that changes?  How do you know when something has changed? What evidence do you look for to determine whether a change has occurred? Brainstorm Ideas About Change

5.   Put the ideas into groups and give each group a title on your chart paper.  How could you categorize these ideas into groups?  What could you call each group and why?  Do all of your changes fall into groups? Do some of them belong in more than one group?  Is there a different way you might categorize your ideas? What other categories could you use?  What are some of the characteristics of change, based on the ideas you have written? Categorize the Ideas

6.   What are some things that do not change? What are some things that always seem the same or always happen the same way?  What evidence or proof do you have that these things do not change?  How might you group the things that do not change? What can you call each of these groups?  How are the groups of things that do not change similar to or different from the groups of things that DO change? Brainstorm a List of Things That Do Not Change

7.   Think about the following ideas and whether they show change:  Routines and habits, rules and regulations, table manners, laws, customs, cultures  If these things show change, where would they fit into your categories of changes? If not, where do they fit into your categories of things that do not change? Change or Not?

8.   A generalization is something that is true or almost always true.  What generalizations can you make about change?  Use your examples and categories to guide your thinking, and write several statements that are generalizations about change. Make Generalizations About Change

9.   Read the generalizations on worksheet 2A.  You will be reflecting on these generalizations throughout the unit. Be sure to keep this page in your binder or folder.  What similarities and differences do you see between these generalizations and the ones your group came up with yesterday? Day 2: Core Generalizations

10.   How is change linked to time?  Are all changes linked to time in the same way?  How do some of your examples of change relate to time? Change is linked to time.

11.   What is progress?  Does change always represent progress?  How could a change be both positive and negative? Change may be positive or negative.

12.   Can we predict change?  Select specific examples of change.  What aspects of these changes can be predicted?  Which aspects are unpredictable?  Even when we know a change will take place, can we always predict exactly how things will turn out? Change may be perceived as orderly or random.

13.   Does change apply to all areas of our world?  What are some specific changes that are universal, or that happen everywhere?  What are some specific changes that may apply only to a particular area at a given time? Change is everywhere.

14.   What causes change?  What influence do people have over changes in nature?  What influence does nature have over changes people intend to make? Change may happen naturally or be caused by people.

15.   How do the five generalizations about change apply (or not apply) to the following categories?  Non-living things (chairs, scissors, etc.)  Traditions (special holidays, celebrations of birth, passage, and death)  Religions rituals (celebrations of Christmas or Hanukkah)  Universal truths (all living things die; all triangles have three sides) Discuss

16.   Work in your groups from earlier this week to complete this page.  Write three or more examples that illustrate each of the five generalizations about change.  Use the sheet of chart paper to make a large copy of your group’s worksheet. Student Activity Page 2A

17.   Select one of the five generalizations about change as the topic for a five paragraph essay.  In the essay, give three or more reasons why the generalization is true.  Provide explanations and examples to support each reason.  Include a conclusion that summarizes and extends the main idea of your essay.  This is due Friday (8/30).  Continue reading your first book!!! (due Sept. 23)  Read “Hyla Brook” pg. 22 by tomorrow. Homework