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FOR
WHOM IS THIS UNIT DESIGNED? GRADE LEVELS
IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT is for grades 6-12 and can be
used in any physical science class that includes the
introduction of light and the electromagnetic spectrum.
These topics may arise in a Physical Science curriculum,
Astronomy, Earth and Space Science, Physics and Chemistry.
While these lessons can be used in a wide range of
grade levels, you may need to make some modifications.
For example, in Lesson 3 – Exploring Spectra
the activity Analysis of Stars may be more appropriate
for grades 10 –12 and courses such as Chemistry
and Physics. This one activity can be omitted or conducted
as an in-class activity with teacher support in grades
eight or nine. Lesson 1 and Lesson 2 may be more appropriate
for grades 6-8, however, older students would benefit
from beginning with these lessons if they have little
experience with these topics.
The unit is designed to develop inquiry skills. It
begins with much structure in the inquiry process and
gradually places more control of inquiry with your
students. The final lesson requires your students to
develop a question and design and conduct the inquiry.
You may wish to modify early lessons to be less structured.
However, remember that all students need some degree
of support and guidance in the inquiry process. If
your students are struggling with independent inquiry,
you may wish to provide more structure in the final
lessons. However, remember that students will never
learn to pose and answer questions independently if
they are not asked to do so. It is better to provide
the challenge and then provide coaching as needed.
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