From Genes to Jeans: An Activity-Based Unit on Genetic Engineering and Agriculture
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS
Growing Older
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Program Overview
The Delta Science Module (DSM) series has 51 life, physical, and earth science units for grades K-8 that emphasize science concepts, science content, and process skills. The series includes 12 modules for grades 5-6 and 8 modules for grades 6-8. Each requires about 3 to 4 weeks to complete and includes a teacher's guide and materials for a class of 32 students.
Teacher's Guide
Recommended grade level:
5-7.
Fungi--Small Wonders introduces students to the structure and physiology of fungi. During the module, students identify the structures of seed plants and discuss their functions; they examine a mushroom and some bread mold and compare them to seed plants; and they compare and contrast spores and seeds and make spore prints of mushrooms. Students also compare the growth rate of 2 yeast populations, 1 supplied with food and 1 without; collect and interpret data on mold cultures grown in the classroom; and experiment to observe the effects of temperature on yeast budding.
In other activities, students attempt to extract chlorophyll from seed plants and fungi and confirm that green seed plants contain chlorophyll but fungi do not. They learn about fermentation, and they confirm the presence of carbon dioxide in the gas produced from an actively growing yeast culture. Students also make pretzel dough as an example of how yeast is used in the production of breads, test different substances for their ability to retard fungal growth, and research the problems and uses of fungi.
The 12 activities in Fungi--Small Wonders are organized to be completed sequentially over 3 to 4 weeks, and generally take between 30 and 60 minutes each. In addition to directions for activities, the teacher's guide provides a module overview, objectives for each activity, a schedule of activities, background information, materials management and preparation tips, sample answers to discussion questions, teaching suggestions, and reinforcement activities. Reproducible activity sheets for student work and a performance-based assessment are also included. A "connections" feature at the end of each activity provides suggestions for extending or applying the concepts addressed.
Key to Content Standards: 5-8 (see app. C)
UNIFYING CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES: Systems, order, and organization; form and function.
SCIENCE AS INQUIRY: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry; understandings about scientific inquiry.
LIFE SCIENCE: Structure and function in living systems; reproduction and heredity; regulation and behavior; populations and ecosystems.
SCIENCE IN PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES: Risks and benefits.
Prices:
Teacher's guide (ISBN 0-87504-109-4), $27.95. Kit, $249.00. Refill package, $45.00.
Publisher/supplier:
Delta Education.
Materials:
Available locally, from commercial suppliers, or in kit.
