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.

• INTRODUCTION 1 Unit I: The Impact of Inventions on Our Lives Lesson 1.1: Conducting Research Lesson 1.2: Exhibit Proposal Lesson 1.3: Creating the Exhibit Lesson 1.4: Exhibit Presentation Lesson 1.5: Exploring the Impact of Inventions Lesson 1.6: Redesigning Inventions for Further Improvement Unit I: Culminating Essay Prompt Unit II: Remnants of a Past Life Lesson 2.1: What Happened After Smallpox? Lesson 2.2: Traditions Maintained Lesson 2.3: “Not Just the Ojibwe”: Broadening the Scope Lesson 2.4: Put on a Play Unit II: Culminating Essay Prompt Unit III: Nature Versus the Human Spirit Lesson 3.1: Interpretations of “Dust of Snow” Lesson 3.2: Metaphor Poetry Lesson 3.3: Opinions on Natural Disasters Unit III: Culminating Essay Prompt Unit IV: Overcoming Struggles Lesson 4.1: Interview With a Character Lesson 4.2: A Monologue Lesson 4.3: The Movie Poster Lesson 4.4: A Series of Trading Cards Unit IV: Culminating Essay Prompt ANSWER KEY REFERENCES ABOUT THE AUTHOR 45 COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS ALIGNMENT

I would recommend this book specifically to teachers of gifted students, from third to fifth grade, depending on the levels and needs of the students. The book and units meet the requirements of gifted education by providing units that are rigorous, challenging so students can learn beyond grade-level concepts and skills, and provide an opportunity for students to produce “high-end” work that is meaningful and meets the Standards. You will be pleased with the results.,Linda Biondi,MiddleWeb, 9/15/16