Discipline: Science
Grade Level: 6-8
Course: 8th Grade Science
©Literacy Design Collaborative. September 2011
Skills Cluster 1: Preparing for the Task
Optional pre-test
Administer classroom assessment as pre-test if the teacher needs to gather information.
1 day
Bridging conversation:
Ability to connect the task and new content to existing knowledge, skills, experiences, interests, and concerns.
Short response
In a Quick-write, write what you already know about kinetic energy.
No scoring
2. Task analysis
Ability to understand and explain the task’s prompt and rubric.
In your own words, write a brief explanation of what the task is asking you to do.
Teacher planned
3. Project planning:
Ability to plan so that the task is accomplished on time.
Timeline
Skills Cluster 2: Reading Process
1. Pre-reading
Ability to understand how reading science is different than reading stories.
Explain how scientists define words and concepts to help reader gain knowledge.
Meets
Identifies term and definition of key science vocabulary in context.
Identifies features of a good definition.
Explains how informational writing differs from narrative.
Not yet
Attempts to meet the criteria for “meets.”
3 days
2. Active reading
Ability to select appropriate texts and understand necessary reading strategies needed for the task.
Student note cards with information from reading and completed source cards.
Use active reading strategies to understand text with appropriate supports.
Demonstrated active reading and completed source cards for each reading.
During 3 days of reading
3. Essential vocabulary
Ability to apply strategies for developing an understanding of a text by locating words and phrases that identify key concepts and facts, or information.
Student note cards
In your notebook, identify key words or phrases as you read and define them in context of the passage in the work you are reading.
Identifies vocabulary, phrases and notes their meaning in context of the passage.
4. Note-taking 1
Ability to read purposefully and select relevant information; to summarize and/or paraphrase.
Definition
Define “kinetic energy.”
Defines “kinetic energy” using relevant information from the texts.
2 days
5. Note-taking 2
Note cards
Explain what happens to particles as they lose and gain energy.
Accomplishes task by selecting relevant source material to support explanations.
Skills Cluster 3: Transition to Writing
1. Bridging conversation
Ability to transition from reading or researching phase to the writing phase.
Class discussion. After teacher modeling, students add to note cards.
How do scientists communicate their ideas?
Skills Cluster 4: Writing Process
1. Initiation of task
Ability to establish a controlling idea and consolidate information relevant to task.
Paragraph
Write a summary paragraph that includes a controlling idea and sequences the key points you plan to make in your composition.
Writes a concise summary statement or draft opening that establishes a controlling idea and identifies key points that support development of information and/or explanation.
Must include definition of “kinetic energy.”
2. Development
Ability to construct an initial draft with a thesis statement.
Opening paragraph and first draft
Redraft an opening for your composition with one or more paragraphs that establishes the controlling idea and provides a lead in for your reader. Write an initial draft to include multiple paragraphs: an opening, paragraphs developing of your process, and an ending that includes a comment, conclusion, or implication.
Provides an opening to include a controlling idea and an opening strategy relevant to the prompt.
Provides an initial draft with all elements of the prompt addressed.
3. Revision
Ability to apply revision strategies to refine development of information or explanation, including line of thought, language usage, and tone as appropriate to audience and purpose.
Revised drafts (two or more)
Apply revision strategies for clarity, logic, language, cohesion (students should do at least two drafts).
Demonstrates use of revision strategies that clarify logic and development of ideas; embeds relevant details; improves word-usage and phrasing; and creates smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs.
Applies a text structure to organize reading material content and to explain key points related to the prompt
Sources are cited throughout text..
Bibliography is complete.
4. Editing
Ability to apply editing strategies and presentation applications.
Final draft
Finalize draft for the readership; apply finishing touches (e.g. visuals, neatness, formatting, copy editing).
Demonstrates use of strategies that enhance the readability and appearance of the work for presentation.
Final Draft:
Submit your final draft before or on due date for scoring and feedback.