Einstein Triangle: Compare, Contrast, Connect

Today, we used Einstein Triangles to develop a piece of writing that compared, contrasted and connected photosynthesis and cellular respiration.  Again, the students first used a graphic organizer to organize and generate their ideas.  We used the same type of frame as last week but added for example.  Instead of working with me, the students worked with a partner to generate their essay.  Even though I gave the students the frame for writing, they used their own work to organize their ideas.  I'm pleased with the products because they are a result of student ideas, and I'm looking forward to reading them because they are all different.  Their work is a result of serious consideration about which ideas they were comfortable communicating not ones I suggested they write.  Some students did need assistance with word choice but not ideas.  They were  proud of how "smart" their explanations sounded.  They completed the assignment in one day, and we will share a couple with the whole class tomorrow using mirror.  Next time, after the whole class discussion, students will complete the writing on their own.  They did a great job!