5.22
SciencePlus Technology and Society: Level Blue.
Earl S. Morrison, Alan Moore, Nan Armour, and others. SciencePlus Technology and Society series. Austin, Tex.: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1997.
Program Overview
The SciencePlus Technology and Society series consists of 3 year-long courses for middle school students. Each of the 3 textbooks--designated Level Green, Level Red, and Level Blue--integrates the life, earth, and physical sciences and incorporates the program's 5 science themes: energy, systems, structures, changes over time, and cycles. Cross-disciplinary connections are emphasized, and the impacts of scientific, technological, and science-related social issues are explored. For each course, an extensive set of materials and resources, including some optional components, is available for students and teachers.
Student Edition
Recommended grade level:
8+.
Reading level: middle 8. SciencePlus Technology and Society: Level Blue is organized in 8 units. Each unit focuses on 1 major scientific concept, which is developed through a thematic approach. The 8 units are (1) "Life Processes"; (2) "Particles"; (3) "Machines, Work, and Energy"; (4) "Oceans and Climates"; (5) "Electromagetic Systems"; (6) "Sound"; (7) "Light"; and (8) "Continuity of Life."
The course addresses the following topics: (1) Students explore some of the processes of living things, including photosynthesis, diffusion, osmosis, transpiration, and respiration. (2) They examine the particle model of matter. (3) They learn about the concepts of force, energy, work, and power that underlie the operation of machines. (4) They develop an understanding of oceanography, meteorology, and climatology. (5) They explore the relationship between electricity and magnetism. (6) They learn what sound is, how it is created, and how it travels. (7) They examine the fundamental properties of light and its interaction with matter. (8) They study how characteristics are passed from one generation to the next.
Sample lab activities in this textbook include experimenting to determine where the starch in plants comes from and investigating the differences between sugar and starch molecules. Students also construct a model car powered by a rubber band; measure the dew point; and make and calibrate a hydrometer, then use it to measure the density of artificial seawater. They also create weather maps, make chemical cells and test the cells with a galvanometer, investigate the variables that affect the pitch of a stringed instrument, analyze the spectral components of white light, and simulate Mendel's experiments with pea plants.
The 8 units in Level Blue contain a total of 23 chapters. Each chapter consists of 2 to 5 lessons on closely related subject matter. At the beginning of each chapter, students describe what they already know about a subject by writing or drawing in a "ScienceLog." Then, through a variety of hands-on activities called "explorations," they observe scientific principles in action and test their misconceptions about specific science concepts. Reading sections on science concepts are interwoven with the activities.
Review sections are included at the end of each chapter and each unit. Special end-of-unit reading sections make connections among science, technology, society, and the arts. Other unit shorts are "weird science"--explanations of unusual creatures or phenomena--and stories about the lives and work of scientists.
The student edition is available with or without the "SourceBook," an in-text science reference that provides additional information which reinforces and extends each unit. Because it is not designed for hands-on exploration, the "SourceBook" lends itself to reading at home or outside the classroom.
Teacher's Edition
The wraparound teacher's edition includes a 6-page introductory section for each unit. These sections and the wraparound margins contain information on applying unit themes, using program videodiscs, and managing the program. Planning charts provide suggestions for organizing content, materials, activities, and program resources. Also included are homework options; an assessment planning guide; a resources section; suggestions for creating customized instructional programs; and teaching strategies, exercises, and multicultural extensions.
Program Resource and Support Materials
A variety of support materials is available, including 8 teaching resource booklets (1 for each unit) with reproducible worksheets and assessment materials and the student "SourceBook." Other support materials include transparencies; a materials guide; instructions, barcodes, and worksheets for using Science Discovery, a videodisc program; audiocassette tapes in English and Spanish for each unit; a guide to special activities designed to introduce students to hands-on science; assessment checklists and rubrics; and a list of test items (test generator software is also available).
Key to Content Standards: 5-8 (see app. C)
UNIFYING CONCEPTS AND PROCESSES: Systems, order, and organization; evidence, models, and explanation; change, constancy, and measurement; form and function.
SCIENCE AS INQUIRY: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry; understandings about scientific inquiry.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE: Properties and changes of properties in matter; motions and forces; transfer of energy.
LIFE SCIENCE: Structure and function in living systems; reproduction and heredity; regulation and behavior.
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE: Structure of the earth system; earth's history; earth in the solar system.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Understandings about science and technology.
SCIENCE IN PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES: Science and technology in society.
HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE: Science as a human endeavor; nature of science; history of science.
Prices:
Student edition (ISBN 0-03-095096-1), $62.50. Teacher's edition (ISBN 0-03-095097-X), $114.50. (Contact publisher/supplier for complete price and ordering information.)
Publisher/supplier:
Harcourt Brace.
Materials:
Available locally, or from commercial suppliers.
Topic Index listings linked to this entry
Use these listings to find related entries.
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Dew point, Earth Sciences: The Amateur Meteorologist: Explorations and Investigations,
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Electricity, Physical Sciences: Electricity and Magnetism, ~ Exploring Physical Science, ~ Glencoe Physical Science, ~ Magnets and Motors, ~ Electrical Connections, ~ Electromagnetism, ~ "The Best of Edison" Science Teaching Kits, ~ Electricity and Magnetism, ~ Experiments with Balloons, ~ Flying Tinsel: An Unusual Approach to Teaching Electricity, ~ How Everyday Things Work: 60 Descriptions and Activities, ~ Magnetism, ~ Physical Science Activities for Elementary and Middle School, ~ Project SEED: Sourcebook of Demonstrations, Activities, and Experiments, ~ Renewables Are Ready: A Guide to Teaching Renewable Energy in Junior and Senior High School Classrooms, ~ Science Investigations for Intermediate Students, ~ Science Projects about Electricity and Magnets, ~ Sparks and Shocks: Experiments from the Golden Age of Static Electricity, ~ Targeting Students' Science Misconceptions: Physical Science Concepts Using the Conceptual Change Model, Environmental Sciences: Chemicals, Health, Environment, and Me (CHEM 2: Enhanced Program), Multi & Applied Sciences: Integrated Science: Book One, ~ Integrated Science: Book Two, ~ Investigating Systems and Change, ~ Middle Grades Science: A Problem-Solving Approach, Eighth Grade, ~ Prime Science: Level A, ~ Prime Science: Level C, ~ Science Interactions: Course 3, Science 2000: Science 2 (Grade 8), ~ The Ben Franklin Book of Easy and Incredible Experiments: Activities, Projects, and Science Fun, ~ Everyday Science: Real-Life Activities, ~ Great Moments in Science: Experiments and Readers Theatre, ~ Science on a Shoestring, ~ Super Science Activities: Favorite Lessons from Master Teachers.
Energy, Physical Sciences: Chemistry of Matter, ~ Exploring Physical Science, ~ Glencoe Physical Science, ~ Heat Energy, ~ Motion, Forces, and Energy, ~ Forces and Machines, ~ Using Energy, ~ "The Best of Edison" Science Teaching Kits, ~ Energy Bridges to Science, Technology and Society, ~ LEGO Technic I Activity Center, ~ Machine Shop, ~ Nuclear Energy: Student Activities, ~ Projects That Explore Energy, ~ Quick Energy and Beyond: Ideas for the 90's, ~ Renewables Are Ready: A Guide to Teaching Renewable Energy in Junior and Senior High School Classrooms, ~ Simple and Motorized Machines Activity Pack, ~ Targeting Students' Science Misconceptions: Physical Science Concepts Using the Conceptual Change Model, Life Sciences: Cells: Building Blocks of Life, ~ Glencoe Life Science, ~ Human Body Systems, ~ Food, Energy, and Growth, ~ The Lives of Plants, ~ Power Plants: A Plant-Based Energy Curriculum for Grades 5 through 8, Environmental Sciences: Issues, Evidence and You, ~ Energy Conservation, ~ Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect, ~ Investigating and Evaluating Environmental Issues and Actions: Skill Development Program, ~ Activities to Teach Mathematics in the Context of Environmental Studies, Earth Sciences: Geothermal Energy, Multi & Applied Sciences: Integrated Science: Book One, ~ Integrated Science: Book Two, ~ Investigating Systems and Change, ~ Matter and Energy in the Biosphere, ~ Prime Science: Level B, ~ SciencePlus Technology and Society: Level Green, Science 2000: Grade 6, ~ Energy Transformations: Fourth Module in Bio-Related Technologies Unit, ~ How Telecommunication Works: How People Use Energy to Communicate, ~ The Art and Science Connection: Hands-on Activities for Intermediate Students, ~ Critical Issues in Today's World: A Module for Grades 4-7, ~ Everyday Science: Real-Life Activities, ~ Science and Technology by Design: 3, ~ Science Is . . , ~ Science on a Shoestring.
Forces, Physical Sciences: Exploring Physical Science, ~ Glencoe Physical Science, ~ Motion, Forces, and Energy, ~ Forces and Machines, ~ Newton's Toy Box, ~ Simple Machines, ~ Brick Layers: Creative Engineering with LEGO Constructions, ~ LEGO Technic I Activity Center, ~ Machine Shop, ~ Methods of Motion: An Introduction to Mechanics, Book One, ~ Motion, ~ Personal Science Laboratory Motion Experiments, ~ Physical Science Activities for Elementary and Middle School, ~ Simple and Motorized Machines Activity Pack, ~ Structures, ~ Targeting Students' Science Misconceptions: Physical Science Concepts Using the Conceptual Change Model, ~ Thrill Ride!, Multi & Applied Sciences: Integrated Science: Book Two, ~ Middle Grades Science: A Problem-Solving Approach, Seventh Grade, ~ Prime Science: Level C, ~ Science Interactions: Course 2, ~ SciencePlus Technology and Society: Level Red, A World in Motion II: The Design Experience, Challenge 2, ~ Everyday Science: Real-Life Activities.
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Machines, Physical Sciences: LEGO Technic I Activity Center,
Magnetism, Physical Sciences: Electricity and Magnetism, ~ Exploring Physical Science, ~ Glencoe Physical Science, ~ Electromagnetism, ~ Electricity and Magnetism, ~ Magnetism, ~ Project SEED: Sourcebook of Demonstrations, Activities, and Experiments, ~ Science Investigations for Intermediate Students, ~ Science Projects about Electricity and Magnets, ~ Targeting Students' Science Misconceptions: Physical Science Concepts Using the Conceptual Change Model, Environmental Sciences: Chemicals, Health, Environment, and Me (CHEM 2: Enhanced Program), Multi & Applied Sciences: Middle Grades Science: A Problem-Solving Approach, Eighth Grade, ~ Science Interactions: Course 3, Science 2000: Science 2 (Grade 8), ~ Science on a Shoestring.
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Meteorology, Earth Sciences: Exploring Earth Science, ~ Project Earth Science: Meteorology, ~ The Amateur Meteorologist: Explorations and Investigations, ~ Earthy Things, ~ Science Experiments: Earth Science, ~ Student Activities in Meteorology (SAM), Multi & Applied Sciences: The Ben Franklin Book of Easy and Incredible Experiments: Activities, Projects, and Science Fun, ~ Earth and Physical Science: Content and Learning Strategies, ~ Forecasting the Future: Exploring Evidence for Global Climate Change.
Oceanography, Environmental Sciences: Oil Spill!, Earth Sciences: Concepts and Challenges in Earth Science, ~ Exploring Earth Science, ~ Glencoe Earth Science, ~ Earthy Things, ~ Marine Science Activities on a Budget, ~ Science Experiments: Earth Science, Multi & Applied Sciences: Science 2000: Grade 6, ~ Science 2000: Science 2 (Grade 8), ~ JASON IV Curriculum: Baja California Sur, ~ Earth and Physical Science: Content and Learning Strategies, ~ Everyday Science: Real-Life Activities.
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Particle theory of matter, Multi & Applied Sciences: Investigating Diversity and Limits,
Photosynthesis, Physical Sciences: The Fusion Series: Personal Science Laboratory (PSL) Explorer Investigations for Grades 6-9, ~ Projects That Explore Energy, ~ Quick Energy and Beyond: Ideas for the 90's, Life Sciences: Cells: Building Blocks of Life, ~ Parade of Life: Monerans, Protists, Fungi, and Plants, ~ The Lives of Plants, ~ Plants in Our World, ~ Power Plants: A Plant-Based Energy Curriculum for Grades 5 through 8, ~ The Microcosmos Curriculum Guide to Exploring Microbial Space, ~ Plant Biology Science Projects, Environmental Sciences: Trash and Garbage: What Happens to Trash and Garbage? An Introduction to the Carbon Cycle, Multi & Applied Sciences: Matter and Energy in the Biosphere, ~ Middle Grades Science: A Problem-Solving Approach, Seventh Grade, ~ Prime Science: Level C, Science 2000: Science 1 (Grade 7), ~ JASON IV Curriculum: Baja California Sur, ~ Everyday Science: Real-Life Activities.
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Transpiration, Life Sciences: Plants in Our World, ~ Plant Biology Science Projects, Environmental Sciences: Our Wonderful World: Solutions for Math + Science,
Weather map, Earth Sciences: Concepts and Challenges in Earth Science, ~ Glencoe Earth Science, ~ Weather and Health, ~ Weather Forecasting, ~ The Amateur Meteorologist: Explorations and Investigations, Multi & Applied Sciences: Integrated Science: Book One,
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