Brain Unit at Sandpoint Middle School
An Integrated Thematic Unit
2008

Overview
"Born" from Middle School Philosophy-

• More developmental changes in adolescence than any other time in life
• Brain research is everywhere
• Curriculum changes required new and innovative practices-every discipline is involved
• Implemented in May 2003, added to each year since
• Panhandle Alliance for Education Grant
   

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Library Presentation

• From our Media Specialist

• Guided note-taking for special content

• Sleep Journal

• Dreamy Poetry

• Sleep Spreadsheet
   

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Language Arts/Social Studies

• 8 Multiple Intelligence Centers-Edible Africa, Oral Traditional Play, African Mask, Personal Timeline, World Timeline, Story in a Hat, Nature Movie, African Music Activity
• Mapping of brain on swim caps
• Unifying portfolio of cross-curricular activities

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Math

• Multiple intelligences assessment and graph
• Sleep spreadsheet
• Brain unit activities-Izzi, Bricks and Blocks, Optical Illusions, Quarto, Brass Puzzles
• Other supporting activities- converting hours to minutes, drawing conclusions from graphs, etc.
• Growth Mindset Model of Intelligence (Carol Dweck)
• New type  of Web site collection page http://del.icio.us/stross
• Standards

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Science

• Nervous system
• Brain Structure through models and diagram
• Dissection of sheep brain

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Physical Education

• Step aerobics
• Use of non-dominant hand or foot
• Sequential patterns
• Rhythm coordination (jump rope routines)
• Cross-midline activities
• Balance

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Conclusion

• Teachers collaborate and plan the Brain Unit, share active engagement ideas, student observations, best practices, big meetings and "drive bys"
• Kids begin to transfer skills they identify in Brain Unit to other places... color code notes, organize materials, flash cards, problem solve, use music to study.  Make curricular connections, social growth, self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses
• Kids surprise us- can and can't do
• Administrators have less behavior problems, something to observe :), engaged kids that score higher on in-class tests, proof of collaboration and professional development, happier staff

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