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Provided by: BSCS Science Learning |Published on: October 16, 2024
Lesson Plans
9101112
Synopsis
In this six-lesson unit, students will learn about the worsening and early incidence of seasonal allergies in Michigan.
Students will analyze social media posts and news headings, graph and interpret historical pollen spore data, read multiple sources to determine the cause for increased pollen, look at pollen under a microscope, create models to demonstrate how allergies work, and sum up their learning.
This allergy section comes from a larger unit focusing on the future of Troy, Michigan.
The initial lesson invites students to share their own experiences with seasonal allergies, increasing student connection and interest in the lesson.
The inquiry-based nature of the unit will keep students engaged and contributing to the lesson.
Prerequisites
Lesson 1.2 requires materials teachers may not have on hand, such as colored beads and stackable containers, and Lesson 1.4 requires microscopes and slides.
Students should know how to use a microscope.
Differentiation & Implementation
There are many opportunities for turning and talking and partner work throughout the lesson. Teachers can use strategic pairing to maximize student participation.
The video showing the pollen season time-lapse in Lesson 1.3 goes fast. Teachers may need to show students how to slow the video playback speed.
If teachers don't have a microscope for Lesson 1.4, there are magnified images of different types of pollen to use instead.
After Lesson 1.6, teachers can easily transition into a lesson or unit about the causes of climate change with the question, "Why is it getting warmer?"
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Related Teaching Resources
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