Language Arts

    We have drawn on the Mid-Continent Writing Standards [http://www.mcrel.org/standards-benchmarks/standardslib/langarts.html]. These standards provide excellent guidelines for teachers on how to focus language arts work in their classrooms.

    An evaluation of how the Exploring Space Fact and Fiction Unit addresses some of the McREL writing standards:

Students will:

• Develop "competence in writing fictional ... essays" (Standard 1).
• Incorporate feedback from peers and teachers to revise and edit drafts (Standard 1).
• Develop "competence in the stylistic and rhetorical aspects of writing" (Standard 2).
• Gather and use information for research purposes (Standard 4).

Science

    We have drawn on the National Science Education Standards, standards which have been outlined by the National Academy of Sciences [http://www.nap.edu/nap/online/nses/html/6a.html]. These standards provide excellent guidelines for teachers on how to focus science work in their classrooms.

    An evaluation of how the Exploring Space Fact and Fiction Unit addresses some of the National Science Education Standards:

Students will:

• Develop the "skills necessary to become independent inquirers about the natural world" (Science as Inquiry Standard).

• Understand the place of earth in the solar system (Earth and Space Standards).

• Understand the structure and evolution of the universe (Earth and Space Standards).

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