1st Edition
The SENSE-ational Science Behind How We Discover the World Around Us Inquiry-Based Science Lessons for Advanced and Gifted Students in Grades 4-5
Embark on a journey of discovery by connecting with the five senses in this 30-lesson interdisciplinary science unit geared toward the fourth and fifth grade.
Students will use their senses as a springboard to explore advanced concepts such as the science behind cooking, optical illusions, musical instruments, and more. They will learn to distinguish between physical and chemical changes, describe the movement of sound waves, classify optical illusions, and evaluate the validity of their discoveries through unique problem-based learning tasks. Featuring detailed teacher instructions, daily reflection activities, 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 and Next Generation Science Standards, both gifted and non-gifted teachers alike will find this unit engaging, effective, and highly adaptable.
Detailed Description of Unit Part 1: The Chemistry of Cooking Lesson 1: Defining Discovery Lesson 2: What Matters About Matter Lesson 3: Doing the Neutron Dance Lesson 4: A Tsunami of Umami Lesson 5: Finding Fake Foods Lesson 6: You Smell Like a Wolf Lesson 7: Mixing Up Mixtures and Compounds Lesson 8: An Appetite for Acids Lesson 9: Creating A Chemical Change Lesson 10: A Nose In Need Part 2: The Physics of Sound Lesson 11: Verifying Vibrations Lesson 12: Buzzing with Excitement Lesson 13: How Low Can You Go? Lesson 14: Pinna Predictions Lesson 15: Composing for a Cup Concert Lesson 16: A Decibel Dilemma Lesson 17: The Noise Pollution Problem Part 3: The Physiology of Optical Illusions Lesson 18: Confusion in Our Cranium Lesson 19: The 3D Experience Lesson 20: Do My Eyes Deceive Me? Lesson 21: Entering the Eye Lesson 22: Seeking the Summit Part 4: The Neurobiology of Our Skin Lesson 23: It’s Tickle Time Lesson 24: Feeling Our Way Through Life Lesson 25: Sunscreen Showdown Lesson 26: Advice for a King Part 5: Putting It All Together Lesson 27: A Surprise in the Mail Lesson 28: Return to Sender Lesson 29: Feedback from a Friend Lesson 30: A Senses Send-Off 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.
