Budding Botanists

The Center for Gifted Education at The College of William and Mary, a research and development center, was established in 1988 under the direction of Dr. Joyce VanTassel-Baska. The center provides services to educators, policy makers, graduate students, researchers, parents, and students in support of the needs of gifted and talented individuals. Located in Williamsburg, VA, the center has established a national reputation for excellence in research, curriculum development, and service. Several major grants, including funding from the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act, have provided significant support for the work of the Center.

• Part I: Unit Overview Introduction to the Clarion Units Teacher’s Guide to Content . Unit Glossary Teaching Resources Part II: Lesson Plans Lesson Plans Overview of Lessons Preassessment Lesson 1: What Is a Scientist? Lesson 2: What Is a System? Lesson 3: Terrariums as Systems Lesson 4: What Scientists Do—Observe, Question, Learn More Lesson 5: What Scientists Do—Experiment, Create Meaning, Tell Others Lesson 6: A Real-World Problem to Solve! Lesson 7: Animal, Vegetable, or Mineral: What Is It? Lesson 8: Close Up: Using a Microscope Lesson 9: Just a Little Seed Lesson 10: Plant Experimentation on Basic Needs Lesson 11: Follow-Up to Plant Experiments Lesson 12: Independent and Small-Group Investigation Lesson 13: Wrap It Up! Postassessment Appendix A: Concept Paper on Systems Appendix B: Teaching Models Appendix C: Basic Concepts in Early Childhood References Next Generation Science Standards Alignment

With a series of hands-on lessons, Budding Botanists provides an inquiry-based approach to studying plants, ... introduc[ing] students to science concepts, science reasoning, and scientific investigative processes. The goals and student outcomes are aligned with National Science Education Standards. This informative resource was designed for high-ability learners in grades 1 and 2, yet many teachers in elementary grades will find Budding Botanists to be a valuable addition to their science reference collection.,Martha Svatek,NSTA Recommends, 11/23/09[Budding Botanists] helps kids investigate botany with a series of discussions on the life cycles of plants and how plants can be used to various purposes. This book easily keys to curriculum objectives in science and is a fine choice.,Midwest Book Review, 11/1/10