Parallel Curriculum Units for Science, Grades 6-12

Jann H. Leppien - University of Great Falls
Jeanne H. Purcell - Connecticut State Department of Education
Parallel Curriculum Units for Science, Grades 6-12
February 2011 | 240 pages | Corwin
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eBook
ISBN: 9781452269467
Available from January 0001
Paperback
ISBN: 9781412965422
Available from January 0001

Description

"Teachers at various stages of professional development in curriculum design will find these materials powerful examples that will guide their growth and development and sharpen their skills."
—Mary L. Slade, Professor
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Supercharge your science curriculum to challenge all students

Based on the best-selling book The Parallel Curriculum, this professional development resource gives multifaceted examples of rigorous learning opportunities for science students in Grades 6–12. The four sample units revolve around genetics, the convergence of science and society, the integration of language arts and biology, and the periodic table. The editors and contributors provide user-friendly methods for creating more thoughtful lessons and show how to differentiate them for the benefit of all students. Included are field-tested and standards-based strategies that guide students through:

  • Exploring the nature of knowledge
  • Discovering connections between science and other subjects
  • Deepening science comprehension according to their interests and abilities
  • Connecting science to society through the study of genetics, historic events, literature, and chemistry

Each unit includes subject matter background, a content framework, study components, teacher reflections, and sample lessons. Also available are online content tools such as handouts, PowerPoint presentations, and research activities. Breathe new life into science learning with this powerful guidebook written by master educators!

Contents

About the Editors

About the Editors

About the Contributors

About the Contributors

Introduction

  • 1. Genetics: Our Past, Present, and Future: A Middle School Unit for Grades 6-8
  • Introduction to the Unit
  • Background to the Unit
  • Content Framework
  • Unit Components and Rationale
  • Unit Sequence, Description, and Teacher Reflection
  • Lesson 1.1: Preassessment and Unit Introduction (Dominant and Recessive Genes)
  • Lesson 1.2: Punnet Squares and Predicting Heredity
  • Lesson 1.3: DNA
  • Lesson 1.4: DNA Extraction Lab
  • Lesson 1.5: DNA Fingerprinting and Crime Lab Investigation
  • Lesson 1.6: Genetics and European History
  • Lesson 1.7: Genetics in Practice
  • Unit 1 Appendixes
  • 2. The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: What's at Stake? The Convergence of Science and Society, Grade 6
  • Introduction to the Unit
  • Background to the Unit
  • Content Framework
  • Unit Assessments
  • Unit Sequence, Description, and Teacher Reflection
  • Lesson 2.1: Pretest: The Cause-and-Effect Relationship within a System
  • Lesson 2.2: Introduction to the Exxon Valdez Problem
  • Lesson 2.3: Setting Up the Stakeholders? Research Activities
  • Lesson 2.4: Prioritizing the Sites and Constructing a Persuasive Argument/Essay
  • Unit 2 Appendixes
  • 3. Systems: An Integrated Approach to Science and English Instruction, Grades 9-10
  • Introduction to the Unit
  • Background to the Unit
  • Content Framework
  • Lesson/Unit Assessments
  • Lesson Sequence and Teacher Reflection
  • Lesson3.1: An Introduction to Systems
  • Lesson 3.2 (English): The Pearl, Part 1 (Chapters 1-3)
  • Lesson 3.3 (Science): Introducing Cell Structure
  • Lesson 3.4 (English): The Pearl, Part 2 (Chapters 4-6)
  • Lesson 3.5 (Science): Movement in Cells
  • Unit 3 Appendixes
  • 4. The Periodic Table: Getting to Know and Appreciate the Elements and Their Families, Grade 10
  • Background to the Unit
  • Content Framework
  • Overview of Key Lesson Ideas/Purposes
  • Lesson 4.1: The Elements: Getting to Know You
  • Lesson 4.2: The Elements: Up Close and Personal
  • Lesson 4.3: We Are Family!
  • Lesson 4.4: The Elements in Action
  • Lesson 4.5: Breaking News
  • Unit 4 Appendixes

Resources

Description

"Teachers at various stages of professional development in curriculum design will find these materials powerful examples that will guide their growth and development and sharpen their skills."
—Mary L. Slade, Professor
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Supercharge your science curriculum to challenge all students

Based on the best-selling book The Parallel Curriculum, this professional development resource gives multifaceted examples of rigorous learning opportunities for science students in Grades 6–12. The four sample units revolve around genetics, the convergence of science and society, the integration of language arts and biology, and the periodic table. The editors and contributors provide user-friendly methods for creating more thoughtful lessons and show how to differentiate them for the benefit of all students. Included are field-tested and standards-based strategies that guide students through:

  • Exploring the nature of knowledge
  • Discovering connections between science and other subjects
  • Deepening science comprehension according to their interests and abilities
  • Connecting science to society through the study of genetics, historic events, literature, and chemistry

Each unit includes subject matter background, a content framework, study components, teacher reflections, and sample lessons. Also available are online content tools such as handouts, PowerPoint presentations, and research activities. Breathe new life into science learning with this powerful guidebook written by master educators!

Contents

About the Editors

About the Editors

About the Contributors

About the Contributors

Introduction

  • 1. Genetics: Our Past, Present, and Future: A Middle School Unit for Grades 6-8
  • Introduction to the Unit
  • Background to the Unit
  • Content Framework
  • Unit Components and Rationale
  • Unit Sequence, Description, and Teacher Reflection
  • Lesson 1.1: Preassessment and Unit Introduction (Dominant and Recessive Genes)
  • Lesson 1.2: Punnet Squares and Predicting Heredity
  • Lesson 1.3: DNA
  • Lesson 1.4: DNA Extraction Lab
  • Lesson 1.5: DNA Fingerprinting and Crime Lab Investigation
  • Lesson 1.6: Genetics and European History
  • Lesson 1.7: Genetics in Practice
  • Unit 1 Appendixes
  • 2. The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: What's at Stake? The Convergence of Science and Society, Grade 6
  • Introduction to the Unit
  • Background to the Unit
  • Content Framework
  • Unit Assessments
  • Unit Sequence, Description, and Teacher Reflection
  • Lesson 2.1: Pretest: The Cause-and-Effect Relationship within a System
  • Lesson 2.2: Introduction to the Exxon Valdez Problem
  • Lesson 2.3: Setting Up the Stakeholders? Research Activities
  • Lesson 2.4: Prioritizing the Sites and Constructing a Persuasive Argument/Essay
  • Unit 2 Appendixes
  • 3. Systems: An Integrated Approach to Science and English Instruction, Grades 9-10
  • Introduction to the Unit
  • Background to the Unit
  • Content Framework
  • Lesson/Unit Assessments
  • Lesson Sequence and Teacher Reflection
  • Lesson3.1: An Introduction to Systems
  • Lesson 3.2 (English): The Pearl, Part 1 (Chapters 1-3)
  • Lesson 3.3 (Science): Introducing Cell Structure
  • Lesson 3.4 (English): The Pearl, Part 2 (Chapters 4-6)
  • Lesson 3.5 (Science): Movement in Cells
  • Unit 3 Appendixes
  • 4. The Periodic Table: Getting to Know and Appreciate the Elements and Their Families, Grade 10
  • Background to the Unit
  • Content Framework
  • Overview of Key Lesson Ideas/Purposes
  • Lesson 4.1: The Elements: Getting to Know You
  • Lesson 4.2: The Elements: Up Close and Personal
  • Lesson 4.3: We Are Family!
  • Lesson 4.4: The Elements in Action
  • Lesson 4.5: Breaking News
  • Unit 4 Appendixes

Resources

SAGE Publishing Logo

Parallel Curriculum Units for Science, Grades 6-12


February 2011 | 240 pages | Corwin

Format Published Date ISBN Price
Paperback 27/02/2023 9781412965422 $43.95
Lifetime 27/02/2023 9781452269467 $40.00

"Teachers at various stages of professional development in curriculum design will find these materials powerful examples that will guide their growth and development and sharpen their skills."
—Mary L. Slade, Professor
James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Supercharge your science curriculum to challenge all students

Based on the best-selling book The Parallel Curriculum, this professional development resource gives multifaceted examples of rigorous learning opportunities for science students in Grades 6–12. The four sample units revolve around genetics, the convergence of science and society, the integration of language arts and biology, and the periodic table. The editors and contributors provide user-friendly methods for creating more thoughtful lessons and show how to differentiate them for the benefit of all students. Included are field-tested and standards-based strategies that guide students through:

  • Exploring the nature of knowledge
  • Discovering connections between science and other subjects
  • Deepening science comprehension according to their interests and abilities
  • Connecting science to society through the study of genetics, historic events, literature, and chemistry

Each unit includes subject matter background, a content framework, study components, teacher reflections, and sample lessons. Also available are online content tools such as handouts, PowerPoint presentations, and research activities. Breathe new life into science learning with this powerful guidebook written by master educators!


Table Of Contents:

  • About the Editors
  • About the Contributors
  • Introduction
  • 1. Genetics: Our Past, Present, and Future: A Middle School Unit for Grades 6-8
  • Introduction to the Unit
  • Background to the Unit
  • Content Framework
  • Unit Components and Rationale
  • Unit Sequence, Description, and Teacher Reflection
  • Lesson 1.1: Preassessment and Unit Introduction (Dominant and Recessive Genes)
  • Lesson 1.2: Punnet Squares and Predicting Heredity
  • Lesson 1.3: DNA
  • Lesson 1.4: DNA Extraction Lab
  • Lesson 1.5: DNA Fingerprinting and Crime Lab Investigation
  • Lesson 1.6: Genetics and European History
  • Lesson 1.7: Genetics in Practice
  • Unit 1 Appendixes
  • 2. The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: What's at Stake? The Convergence of Science and Society, Grade 6
  • Introduction to the Unit
  • Background to the Unit
  • Content Framework
  • Unit Assessments
  • Unit Sequence, Description, and Teacher Reflection
  • Lesson 2.1: Pretest: The Cause-and-Effect Relationship within a System
  • Lesson 2.2: Introduction to the Exxon Valdez Problem
  • Lesson 2.3: Setting Up the Stakeholders? Research Activities
  • Lesson 2.4: Prioritizing the Sites and Constructing a Persuasive Argument/Essay
  • Unit 2 Appendixes
  • 3. Systems: An Integrated Approach to Science and English Instruction, Grades 9-10
  • Introduction to the Unit
  • Background to the Unit
  • Content Framework
  • Lesson/Unit Assessments
  • Lesson Sequence and Teacher Reflection
  • Lesson3.1: An Introduction to Systems
  • Lesson 3.2 (English): The Pearl, Part 1 (Chapters 1-3)
  • Lesson 3.3 (Science): Introducing Cell Structure
  • Lesson 3.4 (English): The Pearl, Part 2 (Chapters 4-6)
  • Lesson 3.5 (Science): Movement in Cells
  • Unit 3 Appendixes
  • 4. The Periodic Table: Getting to Know and Appreciate the Elements and Their Families, Grade 10
  • Background to the Unit
  • Content Framework
  • Overview of Key Lesson Ideas/Purposes
  • Lesson 4.1: The Elements: Getting to Know You
  • Lesson 4.2: The Elements: Up Close and Personal
  • Lesson 4.3: We Are Family!
  • Lesson 4.4: The Elements in Action
  • Lesson 4.5: Breaking News
  • Unit 4 Appendixes

Recent Product Reviews:

“President Obama stated that 'Science is more essential for our prosperity, our security, our health, our environment, and our quality of life than it has ever been' (2009). This statement speaks to an urgent call for young people to acquire increased scientific knowledge. This book addresses that need by providing carefully designed, highly engaging, and intellectually stimulating lessons."
Karen L. Westbert, Associate Professor, Univeristy of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, MN
"Dr. Leppien and her colleagues provide a user-friendly approach to motivating young people through meaningful scientific investigations. I am pleased to incorporate this text into my graduate courses in gifted education."
Thomas P. Hébert, Professor, The University of Georgia
“The parallel curriculum model provides a useful framework for creating lessons that are appropriate for all students. Applying it to science, the authors challenge students to think critically in all they do, synthesizing material within the STEM disciplines as well as reaching out to connect to the humanities. The teacher reflections offer relevant tips to maximize the effect of each aspect of the lesson. Most of all, the authors respect their students and their right to interact with challenging curriculum. I highly endorse these units for secondary students and am so excited with the challenge these units provide.”
Felicia A. Dixon, Professor Emerita of Psychology, Ball State University, Muncie, IN
"Teachers at various stages of professional development in curriculum design will find these materials powerful examples that will guide their growth and development and sharpen their skills."
Mary L. Slade, Professor, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

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