Reading Assignments Template #2
CTS - Concept Reading Assignments
A. Big Picture of Adult Science Literacy
Read: CTS Section IA- SFAA Chapter __ pp __
As you read this section, think about science literacy and the “culminating big picture” of
your topic. What should all adults know about the concept you are exploring?
B. Elementary Learning Goals
Read: CTS Section IIIA and IIIB- Elementary Grades; BSL K-2 bulleted learning goals
on pp __, BSL grades 3-5 learning goals on pp __ ,and NSES K-4 learning goals on p
__.
Look for the bulleted learning goals that relate to the concept you are exploring.
Highlight or record the learning goal, word for word, paying attention to the
sophistication of the idea and underline any terminology used. What are the similarities
and/or differences between the BSL and NSES? What appears to be the emphasis and
level of sophistication for elementary learning?
C. Middle School Learning Goals
Read: CTS Section IIIA and IIIB- Middle Grades; BSL 6-8 bulleted learning goals on p
__ and NSES grades 5-8 learning goals on pp __.
Look for the bulleted learning goals that relate to the [insert example here] concept you
are exploring. Highlight or record the learning goal, word for word, paying attention to
the sophistication of the idea and underline any terminology used. Are there similarities
between the BSL and NSES? Differences? What appears to be the emphasis and level
of sophistication for middle school learning?
D. K-12 Overview of Content and Curricular and Instructional Considerations
Read: CTS Section IIA – BSL K-12 Overview Essays pp __.
As you read the K-12 overview essay for __, think about the general implications for K12 curriculum and instruction related to the concept you are exploring. How does this
reading inform overall K-12 considerations for teaching and learning about the concept
you are exploring?
E. Elementary Instructional Implications
Read: CTS Sections IIA and IIB- Elementary Grades; BSL K-2 essay p __, grades 3-5
essay pp __, NSES grades K-4 essay p __.
As you read these essays look for suggestions or alerts to difficulties that would inform
teaching ideas related to the concept you are exploring. What instructional implications
A Leader’s Guide to Science Curriculum Topic Study
www.curriculumtopicstudy.org
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Reading Assignments Template #2
did the readings surface? How do the K-2 instructional opportunities and considerations
differ from grades 3-5?
F. Middle School Instructional Implications
Read: CTS Sections IIA and IIB- Middle Grades: BSL grades 6-8 essay pp __, and
NSES grades 5-8 essay pp __.
As you read these essays look for suggestions or alerts to difficulties that would inform
teaching ideas related to the concept you are exploring. What instructional implications
did the readings surface?
G. Research on Student Learning
Read: CTS Sections IVA and IVB- BSL pp __ and Making Sense of Secondary Science
pp __.
Look for summaries in the research that are related to the concept you are exploring.
What does the research say about common misconceptions, developmental
considerations, or difficulties students encounter related to the ideas that may affect
understanding of the concept you are exploring?
H. Assignment #8: K-8 Connections among Ideas and K-8 Articulation
Read CTS Section V- __ Map in Atlas __, pp __. Examine the strands __. Examine the
flow of conceptual knowledge from K-2 to 6-8. What ideas seem to be precursors for
more sophisticated understandings? What connections to other areas of science are
made on the maps?
------------------------------------------------------------Connection back to state standards, frameworks, or curriculum materials: How
will the CTS clarification of learning goals, instructional implications, research on
learning, and K-12 articulation and connections help you be a better consumer of your
state standards, frameworks, or instructional materials. Do you see areas where there is
a strong match? Are there any gaps in your standards or curriculum materials that need
to be addresses in order to provide a coherent learning sequence?
A Leader’s Guide to Science Curriculum Topic Study
www.curriculumtopicstudy.org
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