Part 2: Lesson Plans

Part 2: Lesson Plans

Introduction

Advancements in science and technology have provided the conditions needed for advancements in Western civilization. The world in which we live today is a sum total of those progressions. New discoveries in the fields of nanotechnology, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence have placed us on the cusp of another monumental change in society which our students will experience within their lifetimes. Whether they will be able to profit from this new-found knowledge or be left by the way-side depends upon their understanding of how science and technology work, how these fields affect their lives, and how they can use them to their advantage. Science is the driving force behind the technology of our day. Throughout history, those who understand and are able to use technology have been assigned power that is denied to those who do not understand.

Goal

The goal of this unit is to provide a yearlong framework within which a team of 8th grade teachers will teach their respective curricula. The key concept of "science and technology as the impetus for change in society" serves as the theme that focuses and integrates the students' learning across the disciplines. This is a concept-based curriculum unit rather than a thematic unit. This allows the teachers to teach those standards and benchmarks which they are obligated to teach, while also allowing the students to recognize patterns and make connections across the various content areas.

Background Information

Background information about the development of science and technology in Western civilizations provides the teachers with a common knowledge base. Some sample lesson plans for the language arts teacher are included, and some suggested essential questions (in lieu of objectives) are also included for the reading, social studies, science, and math teachers.

Math Standards

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) proposes ten ...