A Vista is an exemplary curriculum unit demonstrating a cohesive sequence of lessons with a final student product which synthesizes what has been learned in the sequence. Students will enjoy manipulating various sizes of flashlights representing systems in order to discover parts of a system and how they function. By manipulating these flashlights they will predict the effect of removing a part from the system. Experiences with other systems both in and out of the classroom will be available to the students. Living and nonliving systems will be represented.
Creativity is addressed when students are able to design and construct their own system.
Billy Jackson prepares for Robert's Dilemma . Robert's Dilemma engages students in a problem solving experience to determine if a wetland should be left undisturbed, or if it should be used for other purposes. Home groups are formed to share information and compile charts that represent their newly acquired information. By observing discrepant events, the student will analyze relationships between temperature, volume, and pressure of gases in closed systems. As variables are manipulated, students will predict, observe, and explain the behavior of the gases.