 | |||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
| Curriculum Development > Middle School 6-8 > Comprehensive Programs > BSCS Science and Technology > Frequently Asked Questions | |||||||||||||||||
|
BSCS Science & Technology Frequently Asked Questions BSCS Middle School Science & Technology, Third Edition, Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company/Science Kit, 2005  Why is BSCS Science & Technology organized around themes?What is the reading level of BSCS Science & Technology? How does BSCS Science & Technology address a variety of learning styles and multiple intelligences? How much preparation time is needed for each class? What is embedded assessment and how does it work? How does BSCS Science & Technology address technology? Why is BSCS Science & Technology organized around themes? We have found that a thematic approach works extremely well as a vehicle for integrating the sciences. The themes we have chosen integrate the sciences in a fundamental and conceptual way. For example, all of the sciences make use of patterns and all of the sciences include the concept of systems. What is the reading level of BSCS Science & Technology? The program is written at the target, middle-school reading levels (grades 6-8). We have found that in cooperative learning settings, the stronger readers help others improve their reading skills throughout the year. We also have found that the student notebook and the short writing assignments the students are asked to complete also strengthen students' reading as well as writing abilities. How does BSCS Science & Technology address a variety of learning styles and multiple intelligences? We have addressed learning styles and multiple intelligences in a number of ways. First we introduce four characters, each with a different learning style, who contribute in valuable ways in the science classroom. Second, we provide different types of activities and assessments so that each student has opportunities to participate in activities and assessments that are designed specifically for their preferred learning style, but also expose them to activities that help them strengthen other dimensions of their learning. How much preparation time is needed for each class? The preparation time for each class varies. At the beginning of each chapter, we list the activities that require the most advanced preparation time. This may mean that extra time is required to collect materials, set up learning stations or to make copies. For many of the activities that require extra preparation time, students can be helpful. What is embedded assessment and how does it work? We encourage teachers to assess their students' learning in multiple ways and in an ongoing manner. Assessments such as these that are embedded in the daily work in the classroom (in discussions, in lab settings, and in group work, for example) provide teachers with a more realistic and comprehensive assessment of what their students know and are able to do. How does BSCS Science & Technology address technology? In BSCS Science & Technology, we include a list of websites for each chapter and a list educational technology resources for each unit. We also have incorporated a series of inquiry-based videos produced by the Agency for Instructional Technology called Minds on Science-three videos for each level. More importantly, we address technology throughout the program as a process that humans use to adapt to the world. In this way, the students also explore the process of technological xplore the process of technological problem solving and design. This project was developed with funds from the National Science Foundation
 |
||||||||||||||||
BSCS is a non-profit organization. © Copyright 2007 BSCS All Rights Reserved