Teaching essays:  
- 5 essays on teaching topics will be due.  
- Each is worth 15 points.  
- I need 2 copies, one to grade and one for the MSG files.


Essay 1:  due September 8 (2nd class)

Read Science for All Americans through the end of Chapter 4.

Read Benchmarks for Science Literacy through the end of Chapter 4.

Write a 3-page evaluation of what you've read.  Don't kill yourself doing
this: I just want a reasoned opinion.  

For each text, be sure to address the following points:
 - what is the purpose of this work
 - who wrote it
 - how old is it
 - how were the contents decided upon
 - usefulness to you as a citizen
 - usefulness to you as a teacher 
 


Essays 2-5:  due no later than Dec 8 (but no more than 1 per week!)

Write up to 3 pages (I will quit reading at the end of page 3).

Content will be based on some aspect of class activities for a
previous week.

You may substitute analysis of a lab, by prior arrangement. 
  
Think about a lesson idea for some aspect of the class content.  This lesson may
teach an astronomical idea, or use astronomy to teach a skill.  Make one up, or
use one you have.  N.B.  I do NOT want a LESSON PLAN; rather, I want evidence
that you've thought about what it'll take to teach the thing you want to teach.

 Write up must include:
   - define the target grade 
   - define two target benchmarks for your lesson idea
     > one content benchmark, probably from Chapter 4
     > one skill benchmark from one of Chapters 9, 10, 11 or 12
   - specify the concept/skill to teach
   - what does the student need to know before-hand
   - outline
     > how will you teach this concept/skill
     > what materials will you need
     > how will you know the material was learned