1st Edition

Mystery Disease Problem-Based Learning (Grades 5-8)

By Mark A. Bohland Copyright 2005
    90 Pages
    by Prufrock Press

    A serious illness is sweeping through town. Why are people getting sick? What is the source of this disease? With this problem-based learning unit, students become public health workers as they track down the source of a mysterious illness. Working in teams to solve the real-world problem and present their findings, they experience genuine, higher order learning. Decisions they make affect the outcome of the simulation.

    The activities combine science, social studies, math, research, thinking, cooperation, and speech skills in one great unit. This guide includes everything you need—teacher's directions and student information in the form of memos and medical reports.This open-ended scenario will draw students into a real-life drama.

    Allow your students to solve more real-life problems in Crime Scene Detective, Detective Club, Mystery Science, and The Great Chocolate Caper.

    Grades 5-8

    Information for the Instructor Introduction Getting Started Introductory Session Session 1 Chart of Symptoms Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Session 6 Session 7 Session 8 Session 9 Optional Town Meeting Session 10 (presentations) Evaluation and Debriefing The Right Answers Other Resources Letter to Parents Letter to Judges Judges’ Evaluation Form Student Evaluation Form Introduction Getting Started Introductory Session Session 1 Chart of Symptoms Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Session 6 Session 7 Session 8 Session 9 Optional Town Meeting· Session 10 (presentations) Evaluation and Debriefing The Right Answers· Other Resources Letter to Parents Letter to Judges Judges’ Evaluation Form. Student Evaluation Form Common Student Information Session 1 handouts Session 2 handouts Session 3 handouts Session 4 handouts Session 5 handouts Session 6 handouts Session 7 handouts Session 8 handouts Common Student Information Session 1 handouts Session 2 handouts Session 3 handouts Session 4 handouts Session 5 handouts Session 6 handouts Session 7 handouts Session 8 handouts Common Core State Standards Alignment

    Biography

    Mark Bohland is an educator, artist, and consultant. He is a graduate of Cedarville College and Ashland University, both in Ohio. He holds both Master of Education and Master of Photography degrees, and also is the author of Mystery Disease and Mystery River, published by Prufrock Press. Bohland began his teaching career in 1974. He has taught in both public and private schools, as well as inside the old, castle-like Ohio State Reformatory (where Shawshank Redemption was filmed).

    He currently works with academically gifted students and their teachers in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Prior to that, he worked with academically gifted students in five different buildings per week, across two school districts, and two counties. Bohland's enthusiasm and dedication in the classroom have earned him a "Teacher of the Year" award from the Ohio Association for Gifted Children. His motivation and inspiration of students has been recognized with a Crawford County "Business/Education Student/Teacher" award. Bohland has spoken to hundreds of teachers and artists at local state and regional conferences. An expert in differentiated instruction, Bohland is available to facilitate workshops and provide in-class modeling, throughout the United States, Canada, and elsewhere.