Differentiation Week 9

When I first looked at unit 2 I thought that it was going to be a little boring but as I dove in and read it I found it filled with exciting fun ideas for the students and that always makes me happy! I also realized how important it is to plan each detail and task based on the students needs.

I liked all of the units but I chose units three and four.
Unit Three
What the students will know is: the plants needs. (At the end when students do their sharing)>
What the students will understand is: Plants have needs that must be met in order for them to grow and survive (by using the graphic organizer comparing our needs to plants needs, also doing the experiments.)
What the students will be able to do: They will explain what plants need.
Describe, compare, and contrast (People needs/Plant needs) Work independently on assigned tasks based on students readiness), Work cooperatively when doing the plant needs experiment worksheet. Jigsaw activity where students shared their findings with their new groups.
Unit Four
What the students will know is: The names and functions of plant parts.
What the students will understand is: Each plant part has a specific job that helps the plant (Through the small group research and pansy experiment).
If one plant part cannot do its job, the the whole plant suffers (through debate about which part is the most important and connections to classwork).
What the students will be able to do: They will identify and describe plant parts and the role of each plant part (small group research and product assignments based on interest, act as detectives, read books), Carry out simple experiments (doing the pansy experiment), Work Cooperatively (work in small group research group).

The units were fun and I especially liked the Teacher Commentary section because it gave me a deeper understanding as to why the teacher did things the way he/she did.