Thus, the curriculum treats science exploration as a vital part of everyday life at the same time it emphasizes academic rigor and deep conceptual understanding. Each unit of the Sunflower curriculum is presented in a full color activity book for children. Activities are introduced by a multicultural cast of characters, most of whom are immigrants or the children of immigrants from Latin America. The complexions and experiences of the characters in the student activity books reflect those of students in many urban school systems and help children in less diverse classrooms recognize and value difference. Professional Development Resources and Program Costs.
Participants also discuss ways to invite parental involvement and boost student achievement.
Reviewers found the program goals to be challenging and appropriate. Sunflower facilitates the development of inquiry skills and makes science relevant by having students use their home, community, and school environments to make sense of the science around them. Strengths of the program include its instructional design, alignment between lesson goals and experiences, and varied opportunities for students to learn concepts and engage in inquiry. Assessment is appropriate and designed to provide accurate information about student learning. The design of an appendix with rubrics describing the depth of student learning is a valuable program feature.