Density Unit

Specific Vocabulary Programs can create an Effect Size of 0.62. Strategic vocabulary instruction can be folded into content instruction without being programmatic, and still keep the focus on the content.

Background Read Aloud

As possible, either read to students personally or allow them to use a tool like Immersive Reader. Immersive Reader loads on Pages in Canvas LMS. Demonstrate to students (or insert a video) how to use Immersive Reader. This allows them to hear a pronunciation of key vocabulary.

Plan to distribute a variation of notes that takes into account the varying levels in your classroom. Craft a strategy that allows you to confirm accuracy while engaging the students in evaluation.

Vocabulary Support

Identify the vocabulary that have specific meaning to your subject. Consider how you want to make that accessible to students through out the topic. This can be vocabulary cards, a word wall in the classroom and their notebook, or a Redirect in your Canvas LMS course navigation to a running Word/PowerPoint document of vocabulary in your class this term (Settings>Apps>Redirect Tool):

Actively Listen Together

Whether you model taking notes or not, listen to a podcast together as a class. I recommend Episode 22 that discusses density in the context of plate tectonics (previous or future topic). This may help them understand how to listen for the big concepts, how to interact with your notes in class, or just get them ready to craft their own podcast.

Background Information

Archimedes* Eureka* moment with the classic golden crown challenge video discussion - what else might they need to find the density of to know the identity of? *model pronunciation focuses learners on the problem-solving potential of density.

References

Lewis, G. (2020, June 8). Convergent plate boundaries - subduction, collision and Island arcs - what are their features? GEOetc. https://geoetc.com/episode22/

Science ABC [@Scienceabc]. (2020, December 15). Archimedes principle: Explained in really simple words. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wChr0hCga5g