Strategies
I plan to use a variety of strategies throughout the curriculum unit to actively engage my students.
Movie clips
The unit will kick off with a clip of Jurassic Park, to captivate their attention. After watching the video clip the students will write their reflections which we will share as a part of a class discussion. Other clips will be employed throughout the curriculum unit to touch on various topics as we work through the curriculum unit. The students will continue to reflect and discuss each time.
Hands-on simulations
The students will engage in numerous hands-on simulations designed to represent scientific concepts. The simulations will be staggered throughout the unit and will model how invasive species take over an environment, how invasive species reduce global biodiversity, and how CRISPR works.
Philosophical discourse
I want my students to participate in philosophical discourse. They will discuss a related scenario from the time of Aristotle which will lead into the section on de-extinction. Without much explanation as to the purpose of the activity, the students may wonder how this fits with the unit. I hope this will inspire their curiosity to figure out the connection.
Case studies
Case studies will be analyzed so students will think critically and apply their knowledge. The first case study will be presented after they learn about CRISPR, and another will be part of a cumulative project where they have to decide how to preserve an endangered species and justify their choice.
Mapping Endangered Species
As an extension to the unit, the students will investigate an endangered species in the state of Virginia. However, this strategy could be used for any U.S. state or country around the world. The students will discover the geographical area where these species live. This strategy should engage the students in some research and makes a more local connection.
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