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Rowan University

Differentiated interdisciplinary science instruction in a fourth grade inclusion classroom

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>This action research project explored what would happen if interdisciplinary, differentiated instruction was used during a science unit on recycling in a fourth grade inclusion classroom of 20 students. The project also focused in particular on the progress of two throughout the project's implementation. Four differentiated techniques were used throughout the unit. These included a tiered writing assignment, student choice based on interests, centers, and a RAFT, which was a summative assessment that allowed for student creativity based on their own interests and readiness. Using field notes, journal entries, student grades, and student surveys the data revealed a notable difference between previous science test grades and the project grades, with the science project grades being higher than the test grades. Students also revealed a greater interest in writing assignments when the writing assignment is based around science concepts. Student writing greatly improved, with students being more engaged in writing and writing more when the writing assigned was based on science concepts taught in class.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
M.S. in Teaching
Level thesis:degree_level
Thesis
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Interdisciplinary and Inclusive Education
Year dc:date.available
2009

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Oliver, Laura
Contributors dc:contributor
  • McBee, Robin Haskell

Subjects

dc:subject × 2

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/653
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:rdw.rowan.edu:etd-1652

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Rowan University
Base URL
rdw.rowan.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Oliver, Laura. Differentiated interdisciplinary science instruction in a fourth grade inclusion classroom. Thesis thesis, 2009. https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/653