Differentiated Instruction for the Middle School Science Teacher

THE AUTHORS JOAN D'AMICO, M.A., L.D.T.C., is a learning disabilities teacher and consultant in the Garfield School District in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of experience as a learning disabilities teacher and consultant in both public and private schools, and also has a private practice as a learning disabilities specialist. KATE GALLAWAY, M.A., teaches science and math methods to beginning teachers and graduate students. She has worked with districts and teachers nationwide on differentiated instruction. Joan and Kate are also the co-authors of Differentiated Instruction for the Middle School Math Teacher and Differentiated Instruction for the Middle School Language Arts Teacher.

• About This Book viiAbout the Authors ixAcknowledgments xiForeword xiiiPart One: Being Successful in the Inclusive ClassroomChapter 1: Collaborating Effectively 3Collaborating for Intervention 3Collaborating with the Child Study Team 4Collaborating with Parents and Families 13Tips for Talking with Parents 16Chapter 2: Preparing for Differentiated Learning 17Working with Core Curriculum Standards 17Assessing Learning Styles 18Multiple Intelligences and Learning Strengths 20Planning for Students with Special Needs 21Chapter 3: Effective Teaching Strategies for Differentiating Instruction 25The Effective Inclusive Classroom 26Measuring Success 28Part Two: Science Activities for the Inclusive Middle School ClassroomChapter 4: Scientific Inquiry 33Activity 1: Scientific Method 34Activity 2: Famous Scientists 40Chapter 5: Physical Science 45Activity 1: Force 46Activity 2: Motion 52Activity 3: Properties of Matter 58Activity 4: Phases of Matter 63Activity 5: Acids and Bases 69Activity 6: Using the Periodic Table 76Activity 7: Alternative Energy Sources 82Chapter 6: Earth and Space Science 89Activity 1: Types of Rocks 90Activity 2: Volcanoes 95Activity 3: Minerals 101Activity 4: Oceans and Seas 107Activity 5: The Solar System 115Activity 6: Stars and Galaxies 123Activity 7: The Water Cycle 129Chapter 7: Life Science 137Activity 1: Classification of Organisms 138Activity 2: The Structure and Function of Cells 145Activity 3: Cell Division—Mitosis 150Activity 4: Cell Division—Meiosis 155Activity 5: Heredity and Genetics 160Activity 6: Plants 166Chapter 8: The Human Body 173Activity 1: The Skeletal System, Joints, and Muscles 174Activity 2: The Cardiovascular System 180Activity 3: The Central Nervous System 188Activity 4: The Digestive System 194Activity 5: Blood 200Activity 6: The Ear 207Activity 7: The Eye 213Answer Key 219National Curriculum Standards 225Glossary 229Bibliography 237Index 238