"There is a freshness to Purcell and Leppien′s approach transforming the curriculum into a platform for active investigation of our rapidly changing world. Your learners become 21st-century social scientists as they engage in probing timely issues and problems." —Heidi Hayes Jacobs, Curriculum Expert and Author President, Curriculum Designers, Inc. Design Parallel Curriculum units for in-depth learning in social studies! The Parallel Curriculum Model (PCM), as described in the best-selling book The Parallel Curriculum, is a framework for developing a dynamic curriculum that helps students acquire expertise in specific subject areas. This resource deepens teachers′ understanding of how to use the PCM to provide rigorous learning opportunities for students in social studies. In Parallel Curriculum Units for Social Studies, Grades 6–12, experienced teachers contribute sample social studies units that demonstrate what high-quality curriculum looks like within a PCM framework. Covering history, geography, sociology, and interdisciplinary studies, these field-tested units each contain: Teacher explanations of the unit design Connections to concepts, skills, and standards Step-by-step directions for delivering the lessons and units Modification strategies and methods for assessment Use these examples to design your own units and enhance your ability to provide challenging curriculum tailored to the abilities, interests, and learning preferences of each learner.

"Teachers at various stages of professional development in curriculum design will find these materials powerful examples that will guide their growth and development and sharpen their skills." —Mary L. Slade, Professor James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA Supercharge your science curriculum to challenge all students Based on the best-selling book The Parallel Curriculum, this professional development resource gives multifaceted examples of rigorous learning opportunities for science students in Grades 6–12. The four sample units revolve around genetics, the convergence of science and society, the integration of language arts and biology, and the periodic table. The editors and contributors provide user-friendly methods for creating more thoughtful lessons and show how to differentiate them for the benefit of all students. Included are field-tested and standards-based strategies that guide students through: Exploring the nature of knowledge Discovering connections between science and other subjects Deepening science comprehension according to their interests and abilities Connecting science to society through the study of genetics, historic events, literature, and chemistry Each unit includes subject matter background, a content framework, study components, teacher reflections, and sample lessons. Also available are online content tools such as handouts, PowerPoint presentations, and research activities. Breathe new life into science learning with this powerful guidebook written by master educators!

Maximize your mathematics curriculum to challenge all students This collection of lessons from experienced teachers provides multifaceted examples of rigorous learning opportunities for mathematics students in Grades 6–12. The four sample units focus on fractions, linear programming, geometry, and quadratic relationships. The authors provide user-friendly methods for instruction and demonstrate how to differentiate the lessons for the benefit of all students. Included are standards-based strategies that guide students through: Understanding secondary mathematics concepts Discovering connections between mathematics and other subjects Developing critical thinking skills Connecting mathematics learning to society through the study of real-world data, proportional reasoning, and problem solving

"The Parallel Curriculum Model (PCM) holds the power to help students and teachers ′see the whole′ of what they are learning. We invite practitioners to read more about this model and join us on a professional journey that we believe will yield that joy and wisdom that comes from seeing the whole. To address the varying needs of teachers across the K–12 grade span—as well as different content areas—we decided to create a series of curriculum units, based on PCM, that could be used by practitioners. It is our hope that the lessons not only underscore important and discipline-specific content, but also illuminate the four parallels in unique and enduring ways." —From the Introduction Design exemplary language arts lessons based on the Parallel Curriculum Model! Want to create rigorous learning opportunities for students in language arts based on a deeper understanding of pedagogy and curriculum design? As demonstrated in the best-selling book The Parallel Curriculum, the Parallel Curriculum Model (PCM) allows teachers to determine student performance levels and design intellectual challenges that help students develop expertise in specific subject areas. Parallel Curriculum Units for Language Arts, Grades 6–12 provides sample language arts units written by practicing teachers to demonstrate what high-quality curriculum looks like within a PCM framework. Covering a variety of topics—including narrative voice, literary criticism, and writing original pieces—these field-tested units each contain: Teacher rationales explaining the unit design Connections to concepts, skills, and national or state standards Step-by-step directions for delivering the lessons and unit Modification strategies, assessments, and reproducibles Use these examples to design your own units and deepen your understanding of how the PCM framework helps tailor curriculum to the abilities, interests, and learning preferences of each learner.

Based on the Parallel Curriculum Model, this book provides curriculum units in social studies, science, art, and language arts for use in primary, elementary, middle, and high school settings.

Maximize your mathematics curriculum with this powerful guidebook that shows how to create a high-quality curriculum and differentiate lessons to benefit all students.

Thematic units on a variety of social science topics, including the U.S. Constitution, the Civil War, the global economy, current events in the Middle East, political polling, and cultural diversity in 21st century America.