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"Budding Botanists," a life science unit for grades 1-2, engages students in an investigation of plant life as they assume the role of botanists. Team members seek to understand the structure, nature, and life cycle of plants, and to answer questions such as How can plants be used to fuel cars?
Grades 1-2"
List of contents
Part I: Unit Overview Introduction to the Clarion Units Teacher's Guide to Content . Unit Glossary Teaching Resources Part II: Lesson Plans Lesson Plans Overview of Lessons Preassessment Lesson 1: What Is a Scientist? Lesson 2: What Is a System? Lesson 3: Terrariums as Systems Lesson 4: What Scientists Do-Observe, Question, Learn More Lesson 5: What Scientists Do-Experiment, Create Meaning, Tell Others Lesson 6: A Real-World Problem to Solve! Lesson 7: Animal, Vegetable, or Mineral: What Is It? Lesson 8: Close Up: Using a Microscope Lesson 9: Just a Little Seed Lesson 10: Plant Experimentation on Basic Needs Lesson 11: Follow-Up to Plant Experiments Lesson 12: Independent and Small-Group Investigation Lesson 13: Wrap It Up! Postassessment Appendix A: Concept Paper on Systems Appendix B: Teaching Models Appendix C: Basic Concepts in Early Childhood References Next Generation Science Standards Alignment
About the author
The Center for Gifted Education at The College of William and Mary, a research and development center, was established in 1988 under the direction of Dr. Joyce VanTassel-Baska. The center provides services to educators, policy makers, graduate students, researchers, parents, and students in support of the needs of gifted and talented individuals. Located in Williamsburg, VA, the center has established a national reputation for excellence in research, curriculum development, and service. Several major grants, including funding from the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act, have provided significant support for the work of the Center.
Summary
Budding Botanists, a life science unit for grades 1-2, engages students in an investigation of plant life as they assume the role of botanists. Team members seek to understand the structure, nature, and life cycle of plants, and to answer questions such as “How can plants be used to fuel cars?”
Winner of the 2008 NAGC Curriculum Studies Award, Budding Botanists was developed by the Center for Gifted Education at The College of William and Mary, to offer advanced curriculum supported by years of research. The Center's materials have received national recognition from the United States Department of Education and the National Association for Gifted Children, and they are widely used both nationally and internationally.
Each of the books in this series offers curriculum that focuses on advanced content and higher level processes. The science units contain simulations of real-world problems, and students experience the work of real science by using data-handling skills, analyzing information, and evaluating results. The mathematics units provide sophisticated ideas and concepts, challenging extensions, higher order thinking skills, and opportunities for student exploration based on interest. These materials are a must for any teacher seeking to challenge and engage learners and increase achievement.
Grades 1-2
