Unit 9: My favorite subject is science

　　Title: Exploring the Wonders of Science: A Reading Lesson for Seventh Graders
　　Introduction
　　As we delve into Unit 9, "My favorite subject is science," it is essential to engage our seventh-grade students in a reading lesson that not only enhances their comprehension skills but also kindles their curiosity and enthusiasm for science. This unit aims to help students express their preferences and discuss various subjects, with a focus on science. In this article, we will explore the reading materials, activities, and strategies to make this lesson both informative and enjoyable.
　　1. Lesson Objectives
　　Before we begin, let us outline the objectives of this reading lesson:

To develop students' reading comprehension skills.
To enhance students' vocabulary related to science and subjects.
To encourage students to express their preferences and opinions.
To foster critical thinking and discussion among students.

　　2. Reading Materials
　　For this lesson, we will use a short story titled "The Curious Scientist," which revolves around a young girl named Sarah who discovers her passion for science through various experiments and observations. The story is accompanied by engaging illustrations and informative sidebars that provide additional context and vocabulary.
　　3. Pre-Reading Activities
　　To prepare students for the reading, we will conduct the following pre-reading activities:

Discussion: Begin the class by asking students about their favorite subjects and why they enjoy them. Encourage them to share their experiences and opinions.
Vocabulary Introduction: Introduce key vocabulary words related to science and subjects, such as "experiment," "hypothesis," "observation," "biology," "chemistry," etc. Provide definitions and examples to help students understand the terms better.
Prediction: Show students the cover of the story and ask them to predict what the story might be about based on the title and illustration.

　　4. Reading Activities
　　Now, let's move on to the reading activities:
　　A. Guided Reading

First Reading: Read the story aloud to the class, allowing students to follow along. Encourage them to pay attention to the characters, setting, and plot.
Second Reading: Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific section of the story to read. Each group will then present their section to the class, discussing the main points and vocabulary used.

　　B. Comprehension Questions
　　After the guided reading, ask students the following comprehension questions to assess their understanding:

What is Sarah's favorite subject?
Why does Sarah enjoy science?
Can you describe some of the experiments Sarah conducted?
What did Sarah learn from her observations?

　　C. Vocabulary Practice

Matching: Provide a list of vocabulary words and their definitions. Have students match the words with their correct definitions.
Sentence Completion: Give students sentences with blanks, and ask them to fill in the blanks with the appropriate vocabulary words.

　　5. Post-Reading Activities
　　To reinforce the lesson and encourage critical thinking, we will conduct the following post-reading activities:
　　A. Discussion and Reflection

　　Group Discussion: Divide students into small groups and ask them to discuss the following questions:

What did you learn about science from the story?
How can you apply the scientific method in your daily life?
What are some of the challenges and benefits of being a scientist?


　　Classwide Reflection: Bring the class back together and share their thoughts and insights from the group discussions. Encourage students to build on each other's ideas.


　　B. Writing Activity

Personal Reflection: Ask students to write a short paragraph about their favorite subject and why they enjoy it. Encourage them to include specific examples and details from their own experiences.

　　C. Extension Activity

Science Experiment: Plan a simple science experiment for the students to conduct in class. This will allow them to apply the scientific method and reinforce the concepts they learned from the story.

　　6. Assessment
　　To evaluate students' understanding and progress, we will use the following assessment methods:

Comprehension Quiz: A short quiz consisting of multiple-choice and short-answer questions related to the story.
Vocabulary Test: A test to assess students' knowledge of the vocabulary words introduced in the lesson.
Observation: Monitor students' participation in discussions, group activities, and the writing activity.

　　Conclusion
　　In conclusion, this reading lesson on Unit 9, "My favorite subject is science," aims to engage seventh-grade students in exploring the wonders of science through a captivating story and interactive activities. By fostering their curiosity and enhancing their comprehension skills, we hope to inspire students to appreciate the importance of science and its role in our daily lives. Through this lesson, students will not only learn about science but also develop essential reading and critical thinking skills that will serve them well in their academic journey.