Differentiated Instruction for the Middle School Science Teacher

The third volume in the Differentiated Instruction series, Differentiated Instruction for the Middle School Science Teacher offers teachers proven techniques for designing and delivering effective science instruction, measuring success, getting students to work together, and collaborating with other professionals. The ready-to-use activities are tied to core curriculum standards for middle school students and each lesson incorporates adaptations for students with different learning needs.

• Includes strategies for teaching a standards-based science curriculum
• Contains a wealth of activities that can be adapted for learners of all abilities
• Offers information for delivering effective instruction, measuring success, and student collaboration

The authors, both experienced teachers, offer a range of techniques, such as station/group activities, enrichment activities, and modifications for students with specific disabilities.

About This Book vii

About the Authors ix

Acknowledgments xi

Foreword xiii

Part One: Being Successful in the Inclusive Classroom

Chapter 1: Collaborating Effectively 3

Collaborating for Intervention 3

Collaborating with the Child Study Team 4

Collaborating with Parents and Families 13

Tips for Talking with Parents 16

Chapter 2: Preparing for Differentiated Learning 17

Working with Core Curriculum Standards 17

Assessing Learning Styles 18

Multiple Intelligences and Learning Strengths 20

Planning for Students with Special Needs 21

Chapter 3: Effective Teaching Strategies for Differentiating Instruction 25

The Effective Inclusive Classroom 26

Measuring Success 28

Part Two: Science Activities for the Inclusive Middle School Classroom

Chapter 4: Scientific Inquiry 33

Activity 1: Scientific Method 34

Activity 2: Famous Scientists 40

Chapter 5: Physical Science 45

Activity 1: Force 46

Activity 2: Motion 52

Activity 3: Properties of Matter 58

Activity 4: Phases of Matter 63

Activity 5: Acids and Bases 69

Activity 6: Using the Periodic Table 76

Activity 7: Alternative Energy Sources 82

Chapter 6: Earth and Space Science 89

Activity 1: Types of Rocks 90

Activity 2: Volcanoes 95

Activity 3: Minerals 101

Activity 4: Oceans and Seas 107

Activity 5: The Solar System 115

Activity 6: Stars and Galaxies 123

Activity 7: The Water Cycle 129

Chapter 7: Life Science 137

Activity 1: Classification of Organisms 138

Activity 2: The Structure and Function of Cells 145

Activity 3: Cell Division—Mitosis 150

Activity 4: Cell Division—Meiosis 155

Activity 5: Heredity and Genetics 160

Activity 6: Plants 166

Chapter 8: The Human Body 173

Activity 1: The Skeletal System, Joints, and Muscles 174

Activity 2: The Cardiovascular System 180

Activity 3: The Central Nervous System 188

Activity 4: The Digestive System 194

Activity 5: Blood 200

Activity 6: The Ear 207

Activity 7: The Eye 213

Answer Key 219

National Curriculum Standards 225

Glossary 229

Bibliography 237

Index 238

THE AUTHORS

JOAN D'AMICO, M.A., L.D.T.C., is a learning disabilities teacher and consultant in the Garfield School District in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of experience as a learning disabilities teacher and consultant in both public and private schools, and also has a private practice as a learning disabilities specialist.

KATE GALLAWAY, M.A., teaches science and math methods to beginning teachers and graduate students. She has worked with districts and teachers nationwide on differentiated instruction.

Joan and Kate are also the co-authors of Differentiated Instruction for the Middle School Math Teacher and Differentiated Instruction for the Middle School Language Arts Teacher.

Differentiated Instruction for the Middle School Science Teacher

The third volume in the popular Differentiated Instruction series, Differentiated Instruction for the Middle School Science Teacher includes proven techniques for designing and delivering effective science instruction. The book contains a wealth of effective strategies for measuring students' success, getting students to work together, and collaborating with other professionals. Each ready-to-use activity is tied to core science curriculum standards for middle school students and every lesson incorporates adaptations for students of varying learning styles and skill levels. Each lesson includes:

• Instructions for presenting the lesson to the whole class
• Worksheets designed to help review and reinforce the concepts presented in each lesson
• A section on how to adapt the lesson for the inclusive classroom
• A whole-class lab to give students hands-on experience with science and inquiry
• Suggestions for assessing students' grasp of the concepts presented in the lesson

Differentiated Instruction for the Middle School Science Teacher is an essential resource for teachers in inclusive classrooms who are seeking new ways to reach all of their students.

PRAISE FOR DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION FOR THE MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHER

"This book provides detailed options for differentiating instruction embedded within the specifics of lesson plans. It is a wonderful resource for the middle school science teacher seeking ideas for lessons, activities, worksheets, and labs." —MARGI GOLDSTEIN, Ph.D. scientist and educator, Connecticut

"This is an excellent resource for teachers to provide science instruction to all students." —MARY F. LIND, Math and Science Procedures Instructor, California State University Monterey Bay

"The authors clearly understand the importance of making science accessible to all students! This is an invaluable resource that promises to engage students in the pursuit of scientific knowledge." —KRISTIN BELL, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Diego

"Differentiated Instruction for the Middle School Science Teacher is a delightful, organized, and user-friendly book that offers strategies to aid all types of learners. It also is a practical and creative book that I will recommend to other professionals in my office to fill this need. This book, like the other two in the series, makes learning interesting, relevant, and fun for all learners!" —CHRISTIAN CIPOLLONE, guidance counselor, Garfield Middle School, Garfield, New Jersey