1st Edition
Invaluable Invertebrates and Species with Spines Inquiry-Based Science Lessons for Advanced and Gifted Students in Grades 2-3
Recipient of the 2022 NAGC Curriculum Award
Inspire the next generation of zoologists with this 30-lesson interdisciplinary science unit geared toward second and third grade high-ability students.
Using problem-based learning scenarios, this book helps students develop the vocabulary, skills, and practices of zoologists as they conduct research and solve real world problems. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of how the animal kingdom is structured, create an innovative zoo exhibit containing an entire ecosystem for a vertebrate animal of their choosing, design invertebrate animal trading cards, and much, much more. Featuring detailed teacher instructions and reproducible handouts, this unit makes it easy for teachers to adjust the rigor of learning tasks based on students’ interests and needs.
Aligned with Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics plus the Next Generation Science Standards, gifted and non-gifted teachers alike will find this expedition into the animal kingdom engaging, effective, and highly adaptable.
Detailed Description of Unit Lesson 1: Examining Zoology Lesson 2: Why So Weird? Lesson 3: How to Recognize an Animal When You See One Lesson 4: People Puzzles Lesson 5: The Big Five Lesson 6: Animals that Blur the Lines Lesson 7: New Zoo for You Lesson 8: Evaluating an Ecosystem Lesson 9: How Humans Help or Hinder Habitat Health Lesson 10: An Ecosystem Stress Test Lesson 11: Predator or Prey Predictions Lesson 12: Elbow Room Lesson 13: It’s Time for Bed Lesson 14: Speed Racer or Snail Pacer Lesson 15: Show-Off or Wallflower Lesson 16: Lifespan Lineup Lesson 17: Are You Smarter Than A ….. Lesson 18: Zooming in on Zoos Lesson 19: Creating Communities Not Cages Lesson 20: Kids at Work Lesson 21: Presentations Aplenty Lesson 22: Structuring the Spineless Lesson 23: Investigating Invertebrates Lesson 24: No Spine Battle Lines Lesson 25: The Work Continues Lesson 26: The Invincible Invertebrate Lesson 27: Animal I.D. Key Lesson 28: Critiquing Your Creature Keys Lesson 29: Let’s Review Before We’re Through Lesson 30: Show What You Know Master Materials List About the Author Common Core State Standards Alignment Next Generation Science Standards Alignment
Biography
Jason S. McIntosh, Ph.D., is an experienced educator of 25 years and a passionate advocate for gifted education.
