CSEL SCIENCE
Differentiate Learner Experiences.
Both versions of the student packet include the same science content and instructional activities. A more scaffolded version is available for students who need additional support with oral or written responses. These scaffolds include vocabulary defined in the text and in the margins, sentence frames, sentence stems, word banks, and model responses.
Students who complete assignments early can engage in extension activities. Shorter extension activities include crossword puzzles that reinforce the science vocabulary introduced in each session. Longer extension activities provide opportunities for students to apply, extend, and deepen their understanding of the concepts presented in each module through engaging, content-aligned tasks.
Varied Scaffolding in Student Packets
Description of key features:
1
Group 1 student packets define important words and phrases in context and in the margins.
2
Group 1 student packets also include supports to help students respond to questions/writing prompts and communicate their ideas. In the example, a sentence frame is provided to help students answer the question.
3
Group 2 student packets include the same core content/activities and embedded visual and linguistic supports, like labeled images, defining words in context, and defining words in the margins.
4
Group 2 student packets have fewer supports related to student responses. For example, the Group 2 version of the activity does not include a sentence frame.
The images below show part of an activity from Session 7.3:
Sickle Cell Inheritance Lab in two versions of the student packet. Both versions include the same core content and activity, while the Group 1 version includes additional supports for student responses. Numbered circles in the images highlight key features that are explained below.
Group 1 Version of Student Packet
Group 2 Version of Student Packet
Extension Activity
The image below is an example of an extension activity associated with Session 7.3: Sickle Cell Inheritance Lab. All extension activities relate to the core content of the session (inheritance of sickle cell alleles). This extension activity elaborates on environmental factors that impact inheritance (malaria). Extension activities are used for students who complete the session activities earlier than their classmates or for extra credit.
