Boys' Latin Science Summer Reading by Trey Smith

Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Latin of Philadelphia Charter School junior chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers

science.boyslatin.org/summer

In the summer of 2013, rising sophomores and juniors at Boys' Latin of Philadelphia will read Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma (Young Readers Edition) as part of the school’s SCIENCE Summer Reading program.!

Why Summer Reading?! !

Continuing Academic Progress! Learning does not begin with the ringing of the school bell and end with the onset of ! summer. Research shows that learning gains made during the school year can retreat ! if students are not engaged in reading and learning during the summer.! ! Building Community! When families, students, and school communities read together, they learn from one ! another. The selected book will open up conversation about nutrition and health.! ! !

Why SCIENCE Summer Reading? !

Putting Science in Context! Science in textbooks is useless when it is not connected to the real world.! ! Grappling with Modern Challenges! An increasing global population requires current generations to consider issues of ethics, globalization, inequality, justice, and technology. Science is connected to problems and solutions.!

About the Book

What Will Students Do?!

! 1.  Pick up a copy of the book. ! Every rising sophomore (class of 2016) and junior (class of 2015) is required to read Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma (Young Readers Edition) before August 31. Suggestions about how to obtain a book are on the next page.! ! 2.  Read the book. (You’ll enjoy it.)! July is probably the best time to do this. It may be fun to have a family member read it too. The book connects concepts from first- and second-year science courses and will be part of science class discussion and assignments at the beginning of the year.! 3.  Complete a journal response for each chapter.! Journal responses should be kept together and may or may not be typed. At the end of each chapter, include two parts to your reflection: what stands out to you from the chapter and what questions do you have after reading? Each reflection should be about 1-2 paragraphs. Turn these in on the first day of science class for a test grade.! 4.  Submit at least 3 journal responses online to be published.! Each student’s writing will help drive conversation when the school year begins. Your writing will be read by others. Use a smartphone or computer to type your responses. Submit them at http://science.boyslatin.org/summer before August 31.! 5.  Engage in discussion with classmates and community members when the school year begins.! September will include guest speakers and class conversations about the book. !

As the saying goes, “You are what you eat.” So, what are you? The author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma helps reader answer this question and so much more. Michael Pollan opens up the complex world of the supermarket and the even more complicated chicken nugget. He explains how corn is now part of almost every product on the shelf and at the drive-through window. Genetics, politics, calories, consumerism, diabetes, and culture are all part of the discussion about what is in our food and how it got there. Every chapter is full of surprises.!

Science at Boys’ Latin

At Boys’ Latin, teachers and students are teaming up with families and members of the community to build a science program that nurtures a generation of citizens capable of, confident about, and committed to making contributions to the world around them. ! ! Whether you are a family member, a student, a scientist, or simply a supporter of science education, we believe that there is a role for you in our effort to create the spaces for learning that our students deserve. ! ! Contact Trey Smith, Science Department Chair at jsmith@boyslatin.org to find out how you can support STEM at Boys’ Latin.!

INVENIAM v! iam AUT!faciam!

How Do I Find a Book?!

You should look for the YOUNG READERS EDITION of the book. This version is more accessible to students. To find your copy, try some of the suggestions below:! •  Check out a copy from the Free Library of Philadelphia.! •  Purchase a copy from a bookstore or an online store. It costs less than $10 new and can be purchased used for even less.! •  Share a copy with a friend. ! •  Bring in $9 to Mr. Smith before May 31 to obtain a copy from the school.! •  E-book copies are available for Kindle, iPad, and other e-readers. It should not cost more than $10. An e-book is also available through the Free Library.!