This lesson follows our Day 1 lesson utilizing a large scale installation of a modern art piece with an environmental focus as a way to discuss themes that span across the many topics of study in biology.
Here, students explore their textbook and other resources and engage in small group conversations to come up with their own examples of each theme.
My hope is to continue our first look at biology with a broad and integrated approach, one in which their voices are at the center of our discussions. Listening to student conversations, observing how they seek out support, and seeing their examples gives me an insight into the interests of specific students, highlights writing concerns to address, and allows students more time at the beginning of the year to experience the collaborative culture of our classroom and navigate the higher expectations of high school life.
1. Begin this second day of theme exploration by passing out the guiding document for the day as you remind them of the work you did together as a class with Mark Dion's installation the previous day.
2. Ask for a student volunteer to read the directions and two others to read each sample/example.
3. Allow a minute or two for any clarifying questions.
4. Ask students to move to their lab tables to begin their work together.
1. Students work with their lab groups (3-4 students) to utilize their textbook and collaborate as they work on their individual examples.
2. The teacher circulates for support and encouragement and to promote best practices in communication and collaboration of each small group.
1. Ask each group to choose one example they've come up with so far to share.
2. Use the spokesperson protocol to facilitate a quick whip around so that students can hear each other's work and get a sense of assignment norms/standards for quality.