Palevitz, B., Lewis, R., & Latourelle, S. 2002. Issue Oriented Biology: Merging Technical & Popular Science Writing in the Classroom, American Biology Teacher. , 64, 250-259.
Summary: It is sometimes difficult to make science material relevant and accessible to students. Although textbooks may help, teachers must go to the next level with lecture outlines and lesson plans based upon issues familiar to students, like those seen in the media. Biology encompasses large amounts of policy issues and real world applications. Using media, specifically articles from journals or newspapers, either scientific or popular in nature, students are effectively introduced to issues and scientific writing. Throughout the process, ideas and content are reinforced. This article gives examples of mass media articles and introductions to lesson plans that may be framed around them. Concept maps are integrated into the lessons. They are used to guide classroom discussions. They also help to expose students to a step-wise scientific method by organizing data.
Reaction: This article displayed how concept maps can be used as a supplement to a lesson or activity. I liked that they used the map to show how the scientific method may be used and its efficiency. The concept map example did a good job of organizing the topics discussed in class and found in the articles. Their map however went from specific to more general, which is opposite of the hierarchy we use in class. It could have also been more detailed. However, I believe it served its purpose well by acting as an organizational and graphic tool. It would be extremely helpful when looking at scientific journal articles and technical writing opposed to popular media. It helps the students break the articles down and understand the topics.