Sample Units by Teachers

One of the goals of the Earth Science by Design program is for teachers in the program to produce Earth science units that follow the Understanding by Design approach. Teachers in ESBD begin work on their units during the second week of the summer institute and complete them in the next several months. During the Fall semester, the units are revised through the process of teaching, reflecting on the results, and receiving feedback from colleagues.

We have collected some sample units produced by teachers in the ESBD project. You are free to reproduce, modify, and use these units in your own teaching and learning. Our goal is eventually to have many Earth science units to share.

If you have thoughts you would like to share about these units, contact the project through the project director, Harold McWilliams, harold_mcwilliams@terc.edu

A River Runs Through It - Emily Wendt, Andover High School

Change in our Earth System - Anne E. Jones, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Earth's Place in the Cosmos - Jody-Lee Moro, Weston Middle School

Earthquakes and Volcanoes - Jessica Epstein Baron, Chenery Middle School

Heating the Earth: The Atmosphere and Wind Formation - Christie Chiappetta, Morse School

Moon Phases: The Role of Light, Cycles and Illusions - Laura Sylvan, Graham and Parks School

Scientific Revolution: The Development of the Theory of Plate Tectonics - Samantha Genier, F.A. Day Middle School

The Earth's Atmosphere: Fragile blanket of air or protector of life? - Mark Murphy, F.A. Day Middle School

The Earth-Moon System - Phases of the Moon and Eclipses - Sean OConnor, McGlynn Middle School