River Cutters
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS
Shrinking Farmlands
| ||
|
PREVIOUS ENTRY River Cutters | SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS |
NEXT ENTRY Shrinking Farmlands |
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:
5-6.
In this module students investigate the properties and uses of rocks and minerals and learn about some of the methods geologists use to gather data about the materials that make up the earth. Students describe minerals in terms of properties such as luster, hardness, and streak color. They apply their knowledge in inferring some of the mineral constituents of rocks. During the unit, students develop a list of how different rocks and minerals have been used by humans through time. They construct 3-dimensional models of crystals, grow crystals, and take a geological field trip to gather and interpret data on rocks and minerals.
The 12 activities in Rocks and Minerals are organized to be completed sequentially over 3 to 4 weeks. Each activity takes about 30 to 50 minutes and can be done by students working individually or in groups.
A "connections" feature at the end of each activity provides suggestions for extending or applying the concepts in the activity. Discussion or activity topics include technology, society, science and careers, language arts, mathematics, the arts, social studies, and health. For example, a "science and health" extension suggests that students research the causes and sources of acid rain and its effects on plants, wildlife, and people.
In addition to directions for activities, the teacher's guide provides a module overview, a schedule of activities, objectives for each activity, background information, materials management and preparation tips, sample answers to discussion questions, teaching suggestions, and reinforcement activities. Also included are reproducible activity sheets for student work and a performance-based assessment.
Key to Content Standards: 5-8 (see app. C)
UNIFYING CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES: Systems, order, and organization; evidence, models, and explanation; form and function.
SCIENCE AS INQUIRY: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry; understandings about scientific inquiry.
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE: Structure of the earth system; earth's history.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Understandings about science and technology.
SCIENCE IN PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES: Science and technology in society.
HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE: History of science.
Prices:
Teacher's guide (ISBN 0-87504-101-9), $27.95. Kit, $279.00. Refill package, $39.00.
Publisher/supplier:
Delta Education.
Materials
: Available locally, from commercial suppliers, or in kit.
