Unit Planning (Chapter 4)

Lesson vs. Unit Plans...my thoughts....
The difference between lesson plans and unit plans comes down to the full picture.  Lesson plans are the individual lessons taught within the unit. Multiple lesson plans will be created to fulfill a unit plan.  The Unit Plan is the big picture broken into multiple lesson plans.  Lesson plans are short lessons only lasting a week or less, while a unit plan is taught over along period of time.  Unit plans introduce the goal connected to the standards, while lesson plans contain objectives to be taught to reach goals.

Unit plans consist of concepts and learning goals that are taught over a period of time and are woven together, often across subject areas. A unit plan lasts two or three weeks (or longer) and includes several standards, skills, and desired outcomes for interconnected learning.

Videos From Audrey:

Chapter 4 Notes:
Scopes of Science Curriculum

Link to Newburgh Central School District Curriculum Here

• Earth/space science-astronomy, geology, meteorology
• Life science-molecular biology, zoology botany, ecology
• Physical science-physical & chemistry (matter & energy)
• Technology & engineering

Guidelines for planning curriculum:

1. Relevant & meaningful content
2. Relate learning to student first
3. Use concrete approach first before abstract
4. Sequence of topics is logically connected

Unit Planning:

using test books, keep it simple, covers the whole topic

Lesson Planning:

1. Content to be taught: Identify what you want students to learn
2. Identify misconceptions commonly held about the core ideas
3. Performance objectives (observable behaviors)
• condition for learning, observable performance to indicate learning & criteria to grade level of performance
4. Concept Development-engagement, exploration, explanation
5. Evaluation (assessments)
6. Accommodations-provide LRE for all students
• multiple means of Representation, expression, engagement

Resource Articles:

• Unit plan Design Steps
• Check list for creating Unit Plans
1. Describe the unit's focus, scope, mission, target concepts, questions, performance, & standards
2. Identify Resources- speakers, partner-teach resources, technology, community resources
3. Develop Experience that meets objectives and supports- 
4. Collect and Devise handouts and intro teasers
5. Lock down-break unit into 3-5 segments
6. Develop flex time for re-teaching or make up, lessons plans, handouts, material key ideas
7. Create- Routines, Rubrics, description and directions for assessments
8. Go Time- Teach, review, & chart performance, reflect & redesign

• The basics of lesson and unit planning
• Intro
• set a purpose; key concepts, topics, ideas; engage, make relevant.
• Foundation
• check & review prev. knowledge, link to standard, check for understanding, introduce vocab
• Brain activity
• Ask questions, build on knowledge; brainstorm main ideas; clarify misconceptions
• Body of new information
• teacher input
• Clarification
• check for understanding
• Practice and review
• Independence practice
• closure

• The Essential Elements of unit plan design
• Each strategy, activity, or assessment you use within an instructional sequence should naturally be embedded into a particular lesson, but it is important to note that each lesson resides within a greater unit of study predicated on overarching goals.

• Solving Problems in Unit plan design
• Teacher-student continuum - Dr. Smirnova's lecture for student teachers.