What are the elements of an STS module? In this inquiry activity you will use the four instructional levels of STS modules to sketch the elements of an STS module.

Materials

None

Procedure

1. Select an STS issue that you think would be interesting and suitable for secondary students. You might want to refer to the next section in this chapter for some suggestions of STS themes including issues such as tropical rainforests, water conservation, global warming, pesticides, nuclear energy, recycling, population growth, and acid rain.

2. Create a concept map for the STS module that you have decided upon. The concept map should identify the main concepts (unifying themes) related to the STS issue. Work with someone else while you develop the concept map.

3. Using the following instructional levels, briefly describe two or three lessons for each category in the STS module. The descriptions should identify the purpose of the lesson, and what the students would do.

4. Identify an evaluation plan for the STS module. How are going to find out what the students have learned?

Minds On Strategies

1. What unifying concepts did you identify? How did these unifying concepts compare with those identified by other students in your class?

2. What social action (of the part of the students) did you suggest in your module?