Invent a simple machine to lift a heavy box. Think of a sequence of moves to accomplish the task. Gather all of the information you learn from websites or other sources to design it. Summarize the important information, including what the machine can do; think about what it takes to lift a heavy box by reflecting on your own experiences lifting something heavy; imagine machines needed in sequence to design your own invention. For example a pulley will lift the box, and a lever will operate the pulley. Continue thinking in reverse to machines needed to operate each successive machine. Use what you learned from the research and what you already know to design your invention.
Show kids a recipe for chocolate chip cookies. Relate making cookies to synthesizing by explaining that you must mix all ingredients together, reflect on it, and then put it together to create something delightful. When you synthesize, you take all the information an author includes in his text and mix it together to create something new in your head. As you read a story, have students write important pieces of information about the story on sticky notes. When you finish, take all the notes from the class and put them together to see what the kids came up with.
Brainstorm social issues with the class while students reflect on why certain issues are important to them. The class will read and respond to a story about making a difference with small acts of thoughtfulness. Students will write down two compassionate acts and a specific plan for carrying out each of them that will make a difference. Have them record their learning and reflections in a journal.
Have students read a passage from a text or from a handout. To synthesize as they read, students will first collect their thoughts, then identify the main idea. Next, they put the information into their own words, and react to it by reflecting on what they read and questioning things they may not understand or details about which they are curious. Finally, they blend what they already know with what they have just learned, and respond to it by writing a summary of the outcome.