The writing and art program described in this lesson plan employs scientific observation, descriptive writing, sketching, reading, investigation, and poetry writing to train middle school students to use their senses and focus their attention. During the four 45-minute lessons, students will: make careful observations of natural objects; write concise, objective, detailed descriptions; write with purpose and a clear sense of audience; use sensory observation and sense memory to write descriptively; differentiate between objective and subjective description and understand the uses of each; ask questions and use written materials and Internet resources to find answers; read with purpose; use writing, speaking, and art to demonstrate knowledge; reflect on their knowledge of the processes of observation, focused attention, and inquiry, and apply their knowledge to other academic and real-world contexts; and use figurative language, including simile and metaphor. The instructional plan; lists of conventional, required, and web resources; student assessment/reflection activities, and a list of National Council of Teachers of English/International Reading Association (NCTE/IRA) Standards addressed in the lesson are included. An anticipation guide, two observation sheets, and an Internet research sheet are attached. (PM)