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Appendix B
Pages 409-424

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From page 409...
... Briefly described, such materials provide opportunities for students to learn through direct observation and experimentation; they engage students in experiences not simply to confirmed the "right" answer but to investigate the nature of things and to arrive at explanations that are scientifically correct and satisfying to young adolescents; and they offer students opportunities to experiment productively, to ask questions and find their own answers, and to develop patience, persistence, and confidence in their ability to tackle and solve real problems. To produce evaluation criteria for identifying the most effective instructional materials available, the NSRC drew upon three primary sources: · the National Science Education Standards (see appendix C in this guide)
From page 410...
... The NSRC's "Evaluation Criteria for Middle School Science Curriculum Materials" are reprinted in full in this appendix. Teachers, curriculum specialists, curriculum developers, principals, superintendents, and those involved in various aspects of science education reform may find the criteria not only instructive, but useful as an instrument for reviewing instructional materials for local adoption.
From page 411...
... : grades SUPPLIES: availablity of materials and kits for core curriculum materials COST: suggested list price RESOURCE TYPE: student activity book, teacher's guide, books on teaching science, etc. SUBJECT: selected from major content categories Please supply the following information: REVIEWER: RECOMMENDED USER: (reviewer's name)
From page 412...
... DOES THE MATERIAL ADDRESS THE IMPORTANT GOALS OF MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHING AND LEARNING? Does the material focus on engaging students in concrete experiences with science phenomena?
From page 413...
... Reason: Does the material engage students in planning and conducting scientific investigations? Reason: Yes No NA Yes No NA Does the material provide opportunities for students to develop questioning skills related to scientific investigations?
From page 414...
... Reason: Yes No NA Does the material include historical examples to help students understand the nature of scientific inquiry and the interactions between science and society? Reason: Yes No NA Does the material include suggestions for integrating science with other important areas in the middle school curriculum, such as mathematics, language arts, and social studies?
From page 415...
... Please provide a brief overview of the concepts taught and the activities suggested in this material. With the above criteria in mind, please comment on any particular strengths in this material.
From page 416...
... SCIENCE CONTENT Is the science content in the materials accurately represented? Yes No NA Reason: Is the science content consistent with current scientific knowledge?
From page 417...
... Reason: Yes No NA Is the writing style interesting and engaging, while respecting scientific language? Reason: Yes No NA Is vocabulary used to facilitate understanding rather than as an end in itself?
From page 418...
... 10~107, in the Standards.) For each standard addressed in the material, place a check mark in the column on the right.
From page 419...
... Then respond to the multiple choice question on level of quality. With the above criteria in mind, please comment on any particular strengths in this material.
From page 420...
... ORGANIZATION AND FORMAT Teacher materials (whether module or textbook) : Does the background material provide sufficient information for the teacher on the scientific content?
From page 421...
... Reason: Yes No NA Is the overall readability of the materials appropriate for middle school students? Reason: Yes No NA Textbooks: Are major concepts, principles, and ideas adequately developed?
From page 422...
... Reason: Yes No NA Are consumable materials easily obtained and affordable? Reason: Yes No NA Are appropriate safety precautions included?
From page 423...
... It is not necessary to use complete sentences; words and phrases are sufficient. Then complete the recommendation statement.
From page 424...
... Primary reason for rejection: 14


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