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Transitioning Dragonfly to Macaw

Introduction

What Dragonfly features are improved in the 2010 program?

The Miller & Levine Biology program has long been considered the most authoritative and respected biology program on the market. To this day, it continues to be the overall market choice for high school biology. The 2010 Macaw edition of Miller & Levine Biology is a totally new and exciting version of the program.

Teachers who have already been using the Dragonfly version of the program will be excited to know that the 2010 version of Miller & Levine Biology includes many of the features that they have come to know and respect. When Ken Miller and Joe Levine began the process of writing the 2010 version, they reflected on what made the Dragonfly version effective and popular. This guide looks at the Dragonfly features that have been updated and improved for the new Macaw version.

Many of the features from the Dragonfly version have been updated and improved in the 2010 version.

One important feature of the Miller & Levine program is that the content is presented in a clear and engaging style. The Miller & Levine program has long been recognized for its clear narrative style. Text and visual analogies are used to help students make connections to difficult content. Many concepts are presented in a graphic style that summarizes complex biological processes.

Another feature of the program is the assessment tools that help students master state exams. Each chapter ends with a checkpoint to

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved.2

What is new to the program?

ensure student understanding. Assessments are included at the end of each lesson, chapter, and unit. The Assessment Program Workbook also provides tests based on student ability levels.

Additionally, the program is written in a way that pays close attention to the learning styles and abilities of all learners. Various comprehension tools are introduced throughout the program. These tools place an emphasis on vocabulary development, summarization and note-taking skills, and application of lesson concepts. The chapter planner provides teachers with a way to target instruction for English language learners (ELLs), struggling learners, and advanced learners. Not only does the program include support for all learners, but it now offers a version of struggling learners.

Finally, the program options include digital ancillaries and author updates through Biology.com. This Web site serves as a digital hub for the entire program. A wealth of digital tools are included on this site. These tools allow teachers to plan lessons, edit worksheets and tests, make assignments, assess, and remediate.

The 2010 version of Miller & Levine Biology includes some new features in addition to the updated features from the Dragonfly version.

The 2010 Miller & Levine Biology program is an entirely new version. The authors started with a new table of contents and wrote new content. The Dragonfly book featured ten units and forty chapters. This content has been condensed and reorganized into eight units and thirty-five chapters. The new content features

• an emphasis on Biotechnology;• a systematic approach to animal diversity;• a Revised Taxonomy based on the latest molecular and genetic

findings;• updated biology topics including stem cells and genetics.

Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved.3

Also, there are now four versions of the program. The Miller & Levine Biology program is one program, but the content is made available through four different groundbreaking pathways. There is a text solution to fit many teaching styles.

The Comprehensive On-Level Text is the best textbook solution for the traditional classroom. It provides opportunities for students to interact with the latest biology information while placing an emphasis on meeting standards. The textbook features content written in a narrative style, and graphics that are easy to understand. This solution also provides links to rich digital content available on Biology.com.

The Completely Digital version of the program is available at Biology.com. Virtual schools or schools that seek an environmentally friendly alternative can go completely digital. The online edition of the program, including full versions of the Student Edition and Teacher’s Edition, is available online through Biology.com. In addition to a digital text, additional online tools are available to, plan instruction, assign editable worksheets and study guides, and remediation. Students can complete online assignments, and participate in games and activities that support vocabulary and concepts. They will also watch engaging videos, and complete online tests.

The Core Edition provides a concise textbook plus premium digital content. This option is for teachers who prefer teaching with technology, but like students to use a textbook as a student reference. This version features the chapters that address 90% of the most common national biology curriculum standards. This solution is supported by Biology.com, which includes access to an online version of the complete Student Edition of Miller & Levine Biology.

Comprehensive On-Level Edition

Foundations Series

Core EditionDigital Version

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The Foundations Series version of Miller & Levine Biology delivers the same content that is available in the Comprehensive On-Level version. However, this textbook is written at a lower reading level, making this a perfect solution for low-level readers and inclusion classrooms. This textbook offers additional reading support embedded in the text. This solution also provides links to digital content that may be used for whole group or individual instruction.

The 2010 version of the program is designed using the Understanding by Design® framework (the UbD™ framework). Within the UbD™ framework, the curriculum is not just a series of discrete facts and skills. Big Ideas give context and meaning to the content.

A Big Idea is a working concept, theme, or issue that a student uses to make sense of otherwise discrete content elements. Essential Questions are designed to challenge theories and force students to stretch their thinking, using course content to support and inform answers. In doing so, students find meaning, value, and connections to what may have previously felt like rote memorization of “boring” content. The UbD™ framework does not help students just know a series of facts. It helps them understand why it matters and how they can apply what they have learned.

Additionally, each chapter is framed around a Chapter Mystery. Within the UbD™ framework, real-world connections, activities, and inquiries make material relevant and meaningful. The authors have incorporated this concept into the Biology program through the use of the Chapter Mystery. Throughout the chapter, students gather important clues to solve the mystery by the end of the chapter. In the process, they build a meaningful understanding of the content and how it relates to the real world.

Finally, the textbook includes a visual phylogenic reference guide. The Visual Guide to The Diversity of Life is an easy-to-use guide that addresses the latest understandings concerning phylogenic relationships within the three domains of life. Students use this reference tool to explore the classification and characteristics of organisms. Students may research the habitat, ecology, behavior, and other important facts about a variety of organisms.

*UNDERSTANDING BY DESIGN® and UbD™ are trademarks of ASCD, and are used under license.

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Review The new Macaw version of the Miller & Levine Biology series honors the tradition of clear and narrative style, valuable assessment tools, inclusive learning, and digital ancillaries. However, this completely new version offers updated content and topics, four customizable solutions to fit any classroom, a version written just for struggling learners, a completely digital option, and new visual reference tools.