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Rock, Shake, Rattle and Roll |
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UNIT SYLLABUS |
I. Overall Concept of the CourseThe study of Geology allows the primary child the opportunity to explore and experiment within the world around them. Students will begin to form, in their own mind, a concept of what science is. Through many hands-on experiences students will learn the how's and why's of natural phenomena. II. Rationale Rock, Shake, Rattle, and Roll is a course of study designed for gifted primary students to meet several of their needs: Their need to explore content not usually available in elementary school (challenging curriculum) Their need to develop higher level thinking skills (analyzing and evaluating scientific data) Their need to work with intellectual peers (students will be actively engaged in experiments and discussions with other gifted students) Their need to be exposed to ideas at a proper rate of learning (information will be presented at a faster pace and with the individual needs of students considered) Their need to be allowed to solve problems in diverse ways (wide variety of problem solving strategies will be used) III. Course ObjectivesStudents in the class will be expected to complete the following objectives: Develop creative thinking and reasoning abilities as well as his/her decision-making and communication skills in the area of science, by the study and investigation of geology. Make use of the materials and equipment necessary for science experimentation by engaging in classroom experiments. Recognize science as a multi-faceted subject area, including knowledge, process skills, and attitudes by participating in a variety of activities, which involve research, experimentation, data analysis. IV. Applied Thinking Skills To develop critical thinking skills Asking and answering questions of clarification Interacting with others To develop creative thinking skills Brainstorming Creative thinking processes (fluency, flexibility, originality, elaboration) To develop analytic thinking Hypothesizing Analyzing Evaluating Predicting To develop organizational thinking Formulating questions Interpreting data Decision making techniques Summarizing V. Applied Affective Skills To develop interpersonal and group process skills Develop strategies to articulate feelings Understand the impact of learning and thinking styles on interpersonal relationships in the school setting Develop group dynamic skills To develop life skills Develop decision-making skills Develop short-term and long-term goals for personal growth VI. Topics Sequence 1. “What Remains, Dinosaur Footprints & What Happened Here” Students learn about how scientist use evidence left by the dinosaurs to tell what dinosaurs looked like and behaved. 2. Archeological dig & Investigation of the Extinction of Dinosaurs 3. Fossils “Footprint Fossils from Africa” 4. Possible walking field trip to SMSU Archeology department “Core Sample, Inside the Earth, Plate Tectonics & Pangea” 5. “Formation of Sedimentary Rocks, Land Heats and Cools More, Rock Layer Sandwich” 6. Comparing Mars and Earth landscape similarities 7. Volcanoes VII. Teaching Techniques and Student ActivitiesCooperative learning Experimentation Demonstration Higher level thinking Faster pace Problem solving Teacher directed instruction Audiovisuals/technology Active learning Multi-sensory activities Class discussion Socratic method Student presentation Modeling Lecturing Small group work Whole group work Individual work Guest speaker Questioning Scientific method Creative thinking Creativity process Creative writing Discovery learning Investigation Data analysis Differentiation VIII. ResourcesBooks- CavesContinents in Collision Dinosaurs and Other Extinct Animals Dinosaurs Behavior, Fossils, Digs, Nests, and Extinction Dinosaurs Great Mysteries Dinosaur Hunt Geysers When Earth Roars Earth Exploring the World of Geology The Fossil Girl Fossils Fossils Eyewitness Books The Best Book of Fossils, Rocks, and Minerals Geology Science Activities The Magic School Bus Inside the Earth The Magic School Bus In the Time of the Dinosaurs Mighty Dinosaurs Planet Earth Plant-Eating Dinosaurs Rocks and Fossils Rocks and Minerals Rocks and Minerals Eyewitness Books Volcanoes A New True Book Volcano The Eruption and Healing of Mount St. Helens Volcano and Earthquake Eyewitness Books Volcanoes and Earthquakes IX. Information for Parents I am looking forward to this exciting unit. It will be one filled with discovery and hands on science experiments. I would suggest that you might want to make outside materials available for your child to explore interests they may have in the field of geology. Ask your child questions about their learning to spark interest in the upcoming field of study. X. Information for students I am so excited to begin this brand new unit! It will be filled with wonderful hands-on science experiments. Rock, Shake, Rattle, and Roll just might end up being your favorite unit of the year! XI. AssessmentTeacher will assess student knowledge of material through observation and informal evaluation. Students will use knowledge gained in this unit to successfully complete experiments, apply scientific method, and participate in class discussions. Students will be able to respond appropriately to questions concerning experiments and activities.
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