1. Chapter 13: Planning a Science Unit Objectives: 1. Review science education reform 2. Become aware of science education resources 3. Critique a science unit plan 4. Discuss elements of an effective science unit 5. Plan an effective science unit

2. I. Introduction A. Organize curriculum into cohesive units of instruction 1.Break up a course into segments larger than lesson plans - themes 2.May contain multiple topics made up of related components a.Facts b.Concepts c.Principles d.Theories e.Skills B. Resource Unit = set of resources that can be used to teach a topic C. Teaching Unit 1.Specific set of resources chosen by the instructor from many 2.Sequence of content and experiences for students

3. II. Science Reform and Planning Science Units A. Traditional Science Education 1.Large amounts of content are covered in the school year 2.Textbooks drive the planning and instruction 3.Much direct instruction with a focus on definitions and terms 4.Labs generally confirm concepts already presented in class 5.Assessment is heavy on paper and pencil exams B. Science Reform 1.Learned Societies have proposed a different approach = Reform a.American Association for the Advancement of Science 1990 b.National Science Teachers Association 1992 c.National Research Council 1996 2.Recommendations of Science Reform a.Fewer topics covered in more depth b.Multidisciplinary approach rather than strict discipline boundaries c.Holistic approach utilizing other areas of knowledge d.Teach science within the context of everyday life

4. 4.Inquiry based instruction a.Students explore concepts to formulate their own conclusions b.Topics are meaningful to student and studied in depth 5.Authentic Assessment a.Measure learning outcomes in real-life situations b.Replace paper and pencil assessments with performance of tasks c.Projects judged by rubrics rather than exams d.Portfolios should be used to gather multiple kinds of evidence C. Other considerations for unit planning 1.Begin with what students already know 2.Provide multiple learning opportunities 3.Provide concrete, as well as abstract, instruction 4.Include inquiry/investigative activities 5.Use appropriate level mathematics 6.Reflect state standards 7.Realistic time frame

5. III. Resources for Unit Planning A. Ideas for Unit Plans 1.Science Teachers 2.College Professors 3.Innovative Curriculum Materials 4.Science Textbooks 5.Laboratory Manuals 6.Professional Organizations 7.Museums, Aquariums, Nature Centers, Planetariums 8.Internet 9.National Science Teachers Association 10.Science Magazines 11.Television Programs B. Sample Unit Plan: pp. 259-267

6. C. Concept Mapping 1.Visual representation of the relationships between science concepts 2.Novak and Gowin, 1984; pp. 77-78 in chapter 4 3.Key concepts in ovals; words describing relationship on lines

7. 4.Concept Map on Concept Mapping