Citing Sources in Nonfiction

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This seminar will guide you through the process of quoting others, through direct quotes and indirect quotes. You will also learn about citations, which provide information on the source being used. Remember, when researching and writing about your findings, you should do so responsibly, knowing when to quote, when to paraphrase, and how to build a list of sources to reflect your research. The people, places, and events you research deserve accurate reporting. This seminar will help you do all of this confidently.StandardsCC.1.2.9-10.B: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences and conclusions based on an author’s explicit assumptions and beliefs about a subject.CC.1.2.9-10.C: Apply appropriate strategies to analyze, interpret, and evaluate how an author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them.CC.1.2.9-10.I: Analyze seminal U.S. documents of historical and literary significance, including how they address related themes and concepts.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Nonfiction Text Structures

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In this seminar, you will learn about various text structures in nonfiction writing and be able to identify which type an author is using. Understanding these structures will help you determine an author’s purpose and allow you analyze (break down) the author’s message or main points. As you get better at identifying different text structures, you will notice these patterns and apply them to different types of writing: articles, recipes, speeches, etc. Some of this information may be a review; that’s a  good thing. Be sure to apply that prior knowledge to new experiences here, looking for patterns that seem familiar to you. As you recognize those patterns and apply them to new situations, you will be using a skill called abstracting, which helps you understand new or confusing concepts.StandardsCC.1.2.9-10.B: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences and conclusions based on an author’s explicit assumptions and beliefs about a subject.CC.1.2.9-10.C: Apply appropriate strategies to analyze, interpret, and evaluate how an author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them.CC.1.2.9-10.I: Analyze seminal U.S. documents of historical and literary significance, including how they address related themes and concepts.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

What’s the Truth?

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Fiction, as you probably know by now, is the type of writing that an author creates, including imaginary characters and conflicts. In other words, it’s fake. Nonfiction, the type of writing you will focus on here, is factual, and addresses the real world and real things that are happening in it. More and more, however, nonfiction can be challenging to analyze as writers can slide their opinions into their writing. This becomes a challenge for the readers: What is the truth and what is merely an opinion? In this seminar, you will learn about objectivity and subjectivity, and why it’s necessary to be able to make inferences based on a writer’s claim in nonfiction reading. Don’t worry if some of those terms don’t make sense yet; you will learn about them soon enough.StandardsCC.1.2.9-10.B: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences and conclusions based on an author’s explicit assumptions and beliefs about a subject.CC.1.2.9-10.C: Apply appropriate strategies to analyze, interpret, and evaluate how an author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them.CC.1.2.9-10.I: Analyze seminal U.S. documents of historical and literary significance, including how they address related themes and concepts.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Problem Based Module: Communication Barriers

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In this project, you will explore a real-world problem, and then work through a series of steps to analyze that problem, research ways the problem could be solved, then propose a possible solution to that problem. Often, there are no specific right or wrong solutions, but sometimes one particular solution may be better than others. The key is making sure you fully understand the problem, have researched some possible solutions, and have proposed the solution that you can support with information / evidence.Begin by reading the problem statement in Step 1. Take the time to review all the information provided in the statement, including exploring the websites, videos and / or articles that are linked. Then work on steps 2 through 8 to complete this problem-based learning experience.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Listening With a Purpose

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Active listening is more than just hearing someone speak. It requires you to be engaged in the moment, to receive the words and body language of someone else, meaningfully. Only then can you feel empathy for the speaker--that is, try to feel what they’re feeling. In this seminar, you will become familiar with nonverbal listening skills--those strategies that require you to say nothing, yet still be part of the conversation. As you learn more about these non-verbal listening skills, you will begin to classify them into particular situations, understanding when certain gestures might be preferred or not preferred.StandardsCC.1.5.9-10.AInitiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions on grades level topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.CC.1.5.9-10.CIntegrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g. visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.CC.1.5.9-10.DPresent information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning; ensure that the presentation is appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Planning & Presenting Effectively

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Speaking in public can be a terrifying experience. But it can also be exciting and beneficial--for the speaker and the audience. This seminar will focus on presenting clear and concise information to an intended audience. To be an effective speaker, you must understand empathy--the ability to feel what others feel, especially your audience. You will also need to be able to speak differently to different audiences, classifying your presentations in various categories. (You probably do that already, but it’s important to understand how you communicate in different ways, depending on who’s listening.)StandardsCC.1.5.9-10.AInitiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions on grade level topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.CC.1.5.9-10.CIntegrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.CC.1.5.9-10.DPresent information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning; ensure that the presentation is appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Vocal Variety Matters

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When giving a speech or presentation, it is important to plan your words according to audience and purpose. It is also important to focus on the sound of your voice and the different ways to use it. After all, who wants to listen to a monotone speaker drone on and on about a topic, even if the topic itself is interesting? This seminar will focus on vocal variation--the different sounds of your speaking voice and how to use them to effectively.StandardsCC.1.5.9-10.AInitiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions on grades level topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.CC.1.5.9-10.CIntegrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g. visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.CC.1.5.9-10.DPresent information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning; ensure that the presentation is appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Seminar: Chloroplast and Mitochondria in Cellular Energy

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In this seminar you will use images to differentiate the structure of a chloroplast and mitochondria. You will follow an animation to learn about the two essential processes that take place in each cell organelle to accurately determine the importance of structure and function. You will also analyze data from mice to determine the effects of exercise and performance enhancing drugs on the presence of mitochondria in a cell, or extract chlorophyll from various levels to examine its function outside a chloroplast. Learning Outcome: I can distinguish between the the function of a chloroplast and mitochondrion

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Prokaryotic Cells

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Cells are the fundamental unit of all living things; however, there are many different types of cells. Students often look at the world with a concrete, inflexible view, knowing only what they see with their eyes. Life is diverse and different, and you will be challenged as you investigate life that is different from you. For this experience, we focus on one of the two major divisions of cells called Prokaryotic Cells. These cells are considered primitive compared to the cells that make up humans. Learners will explore various types of prokaryotic cells and reflect on how they relate to their cell functions.StandardsBIO.A.1.2.1 Compare cellular structures and their functions in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

The Basics of Cells

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Cells are the fundamental unit of all living things. Cells are composed of a variety of organelles that underlie the structure and function of the cell. In this experience we will complete a brief overview of cell theory and look at the basics of how we study cells.StandardsBIO.A.1.2.2 Describe and interpret relationships between structure and function at various levels of biological organization (i.e., organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and multicellular organisms).

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Eukaryotic Cells

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Eukaryotic cells are the foundation of our human body. They help us produce energy, grow, move, and carry out all our life functions. Looking at these cells, the learner will be challenged to explain how they help us grow and function. Eukaryotic cells are unique in the cellular world because they have membrane bound organelles. For this lesson experience, the learner will explore eukaryotic cell structure and function. Additionally they will travel through models of the cells, drawing comparisons with life functions at the micro and macro level.StandardsBIO.A.1.2.1 Compare cellular structures and their functions in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Problem Based Module: Mitochondrial Disease

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In this project, you will explore a real-world problem, and then work through a series of steps to analyze that problem, research ways the problem could be solved, then propose a possible solution to that problem. Often, there are no specific right or wrong solutions, but sometimes one particular solution may be better than others. The key is making sure you fully understand the problem, have researched some possible solutions, and have proposed the solution that you can support with information / evidence.Begin by reading the problem statement in Step 1. Take the time to review all the information provided in the statement, including exploring the websites, videos and / or articles that are linked. Then work on steps 2 through 8 to complete this problem-based learning experience.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Levels of Organization

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All living things are organized. From the simplest molecule to most complex ecosystem, living organisms have structures that perform tasks at every level. From reproduction to gathering energy, even simple single celled organisms have organization. In this seminar we will explore how living things are organized, from the smallest particles imaginable to the most complex ecosystem on Earth.StandardsBIO.A.1.2.2 Describe and interpret relationships between structure and function at various levels of biological organization (i.e., organelles, cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and multicellular organisms)

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Themes and Concepts of Biology

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Biology is the study of life; however, there is more to it than this simple definition. In this seminar, you will be investigating the Unifying Principles of Biology. For example, changes and adaption of life are observed in nature. Regardless of the organism, those that are the best adapted will survive. This unifying principle and several others will be explored in this seminar.StandardsBIO.A.1.1 Describe the characteristics of life shared by all prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Traits of Life and Living Things

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This seminar helps the learner explore the basic concepts of life and what that means.  All life has certain things in common as well as a basic level of organization.  In this seminar you will investigate these traits and why they are important to life.StandardsBIO.A.1.1.1 Describe the characteristics of life shared by all prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Problem Based Module: Viruses

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In this project, you will explore a real-world problem, and then work through a series of steps to analyze that problem, research ways the problem could be solved, then propose a possible solution to that problem. Often, there are no specific right or wrong solutions, but sometimes one particular solution may be better than others. The key is making sure you fully understand the problem, have researched some possible solutions, and have proposed the solution that you can support with information / evidence.Begin by reading the problem statement in Step 1. Take the time to review all the information provided in the statement, including exploring the websites, videos and / or articles that are linked. Then work on steps 2 through 8 to complete this problem-based learning experience.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Problem Based Module: The Fountain of Youth

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In this project, you will explore a real-world problem, and then work through a series of steps to analyze that problem, research ways the problem could be solved, then propose a possible solution to that problem. Often, there are no specific right or wrong solutions, but sometimes one particular solution may be better than others. The key is making sure you fully understand the problem, have researched some possible solutions, and have proposed the solution that you can support with information / evidence.Begin by reading the problem statement in Step 1. Take the time to review all the information provided in the statement, including exploring the websites, videos and / or articles that are linked. Then work on steps 2 through 8 to complete this problem-based learning experience.

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

ATP as Cellular Energy

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In this seminar you will read closely and analyze the structure of ATP- Adenosine Triphosphate. You will curate your own  information about the importance of ATP in a cell by listening and reading text as to what the experts have to say.  By modeling the function of ATP in an inquiry lab you can accurately identify the  various levels of cellular work done by Adenosine Triphosphate.StandardsBIO.A.3.1.1 Describe the fundamental roles of plastids (e.g., chloroplasts) and mitochondria in energy transformations.BIO.A.3.2.1 Compare and contrast the basic transformation of energy during photosynthesis and cellular respiration.BIO.A.3.2.2 Describe the role of ATP in biochemical reactions

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Carbon Cycles

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In this seminar you will examine the path of carbon as it transforms from one molecule to the next in the processes of photosynthesis and cell respiration. You will accurately create the chemical equations of photosynthesis and cell respiration and further your practice by using comparison and contrast skills to explore the different types of respiration.StandardsBIO.A.3.1.1 Describe the fundamental roles of plastids (e.g., chloroplasts) and mitochondria in energy transformations.BIO.A.3.2.1 Compare and contrast the basic transformation of energy during photosynthesis and cellular respiration.BIO.A.3.2.2 Describe the role of ATP in biochemical reactions

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains

Chloroplast and Mitochondria in Cellular Energy

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In this seminar you will use images to differentiate the structure of a chloroplast and mitochondria. You will follow an animation to learn about the two essential processes that take place in each cell organelle to accurately determine the importance of structure and function. You will also analyze data from mice to determine the effects of exercise and performance enhancing drugs on the presence of mitochondria in a cell, or extract chlorophyll from various levels to examine its function outside a chloroplast.StandardsBIO.A.3.1.1 Describe the fundamental roles of plastids (e.g., chloroplasts) and mitochondria in energy transformations.BIO.A.3.2.1 Compare and contrast the basic transformation of energy during photosynthesis and cellular respiration.BIO.A.3.2.2 Describe the role of ATP in biochemical reactions

Material Type: Lesson Plan

Authors: Bonnie Waltz, Deanna Mayers, Tracy Rains