Using Current Events to Generate Interest

This article presents a lesson about a current science-related issue from the newspaper, specifically about the gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park. These authors used this current iss... See More

This article presents a lesson about a current science-related issue from the newspaper, specifically about the gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park. These authors used this current issue to generate greater interest in science in their classrooms. This article presents a complete lesson that was developed about this issue. It should cover three fifty minute periods. All parts are included as well as some tips to help the reader successfully use the lesson in their classrooms.

Inquiry-based activity using current headlines

The authors wanted to use current issues to create learning experiences that would generate student interest in science and help students appreciate its significance in both personal and soc... See More

The authors wanted to use current issues to create learning experiences that would generate student interest in science and help students appreciate its significance in both personal and societal contexts. They began by designed a jigsaw-style lesson plan (instructions on how to facilitate a jigsaw activity were included in the article)that allowed students to manipulate and analyze important ecological content, while appreciating the diverse points of view framing both side of this debate. This article presents both the lesson and tips for using the lesson in the classroom. The authors have carefully developed the scope and sequence of this activity completely and clearly. Although they used the controversy of reintroducing Grey wolves back into Yosemite National Park, they listed several other possible newsworthy headlines that could be substituted. The web site resources listed were also excellent and designed to be used with this lesson. Although designed for a high school introductory biology course, the concept and framework provided by this article can be used both in middle school and in other subjects such as economics, history, social studies, literature, etc. I highly recommend this inquiry-based article to both middle and high school teachers of all subject areas.