Differentiated Instruction for the Middle School Science Teacher

An indispensable guide for middle school science teachers who have inclusive classrooms 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