A deadly virus that explodes out of victims searching for new hosts to rampage is hiding somewhere in the world. Will it ever surface again? Can my 9th grade Biology students in an urban school determine where it lurks?
On a whole, our urban students don't find reading as intriguing as their other innumerable past times. Our school's sinking SAT scores, especially in the verbal areas, are powerfully supporting our fears that our kids are not reading enough. One exacerbating issue is that our daily reading material (text) is hard to access for many of our diverse learners. Most students need reading material that relates to their world and, unlike their textbook, doesn't bore them to the point of finding an alternative activity.
When my students hook into the true story thrill of "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston they will remember that reading is truly amazing and rewarding; while also realizing that Biology is much cooler than their textbook. The intrigue that the opening chapter delineates will certainly cause my students to yearn for more of the book, craving its every word. The readings will power student-led discussions about viruses and the ecology that supports them. The readings will propel independent projects such as researching the Ebola virus and recent outbreaks in Africa to supplement the book's information. The readings will breed extension activities where my students contact local Public Health facilities to learn more about our City's readiness for an outbreak. Overall, reading is fun again and could be looked upon with new eyes by our youth.
The best part: you made this all possible for them. Chances are you already understand how gratifying and enlightening a book can be. This is your chance to explode a viral onslaught of addictive reading to future generations.
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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