Parallel Curriculum Units for Social Studies, Grades 6-12

Book excerpt: "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.