Central Focus:
Integrate scientific inquiry, expository writing, and project-based learning.
This integrated thematic unit begins by asking our students to identify one specific personal passion or interest. Once identified, students conduct research on a hidden mechanism or natural phenomenon underlying their personal interest and how the design of this mechanism relates to how their interest functions. After producing a research paper that explores this hidden mechanism, students work collaboratively to produce works that combine their passions. These works can either be service projects designed for their communities and/or meaningful creative endeavors which can be shared with the world. Using technology, students record and document their experiences throughout the collaborative group process via individual weekly blog posts. The unit culminates with the student groups giving a TEDtalk-style presentation which shares their projects and their learning experiences.
While the lesson plans and standards in this ITU are for Biology and Chemistry classes, we have explicitly designed this ITU for adaption across all science content areas.
Enduring UnderstandingExploring the systems, order, and organizations in our natural and designed world is integral to understanding the interdependence between different scientific disciplines and our personal connection with them.
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Essential Questions
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References
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McTighe, J., & Wiggins, G. P. (2013). Essential questions: Opening doors to student understanding. Alexandria, Virginia USA: ASCD.
Wiggins, G. (n.d.). Authentic Education - What is a Big Idea? Retrieved February 28, 2016, from http://www.authenticeducation.org/ae_bigideas/article.lasso?artid=99 Wiggins, G. P., & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. |