Innovative Waves

Middle School Science / 8th Grade

In the culminating unit of the 8th grade course, students consider the driving question: Is RFID technology an appropriate, effective way to improve schools? Why or why not? To answer this question, students represent different stakeholders in a hypothetical school community that is considering adopting Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. This unit blends content learning related to physical and digital waves with the ethical considerations and varied perspectives inherent in the project scenario. Over the course of the unit, students create a scientific argument using the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning framework to develop their stance toward adopting RFID technology. The unit ends with a simulated School Board meeting in which all stakeholders present their arguments and attempt to persuade the School Board members to vote for their proposal.

Unit length: 4 weeks (20 hours)