1. An “A-Peeling” Look: Writing in Science and Social Studies
Developed by Mary McDonald
West Leesville Elementary
Vernon Parish
Edited & redelivered by Amy Cummings

2. Participants will be able to:
Set up a Science and Social Studies Writing Structure within their subject matter. (PEEL)
Choose paired text based on a Inquiry Question (Big Idea Question) for the Unit of Study (UnPACK GLEs)
Model UNRA(A)VEL and Annotation to their students as a reading strategy for nonfiction text.
Design a rubric for writing structure and demonstration of content knowledge.
Consider next steps for personal use and redelivery.

3. WHY? Job Readiness Statistics
PEEL is a tool or strategy to use as an assessment that is consistent with OPSB’s current Literacy Design Collaborative efforts via the SREB and the use of the RACE method for writing.

4. PEEL Writing Structure
Reuse GLE as point or claim.
P - Point or Claim E - Evidence from the Text E - Explanation of the Evidence L - Linking or Conclusion Sentence What will attainment look like?
Why did I say that?

5. Backward Design
Standards/GLEs
Assessment Exemplar

6. Consult GLEs & UNPACK for Big Idea Inquiry Questions for Unit of Study
Objects in the Sky (Unit Example)
64. Describe and sequence the phases of the Moon and eclipses (ESS-E-B2)
65. Compare a solar and a lunar eclipse (ESS-E-B2)
66. Diagram the movement of the Moon around Earth and the movement of Earth around the Sun (ESS-E-B2)
67. Explain the changing appearance of the Moon and its location in the sky over the course of a month (ESS-E-B3)
68. Identify the relationship between Earth’s tilt and revolution and the seasons (ESS-EB4)
69. Explain how technology has improved our knowledge of the universe (e.g., Hubble telescope, space stations, lunar exploration) (ESS-E-B6)

7. What does UNPACK mean? Dissect the standard. What does it say EXACTLY?
Determine the depth and rigor of each standard at a particular level.
Match essential questions with outcomes.
Determine what proficiency looks like.
Make a scoring guide.
What are the necessary steps to demonstrating proficiency?
Determine prior knowledge.
Determine scaffolding skills with level, above, and below.
Identify reliable resources.
Use clear and concise language for students.

8. Dissect the Standard
Define what the standard is actually asking the students to know or accomplish.
Students may rewrite the standard based on their definitions.
Work with students to define the depth and rigor of the standard.
Use brainstorm activities or thematic units with students based on the definition and rigor of the standard.

9. Science Standard
69. Explain how technology has improved our knowledge of the universe (e.g., Hubble telescope, space stations, lunar exploration) (ESS-E-B6)
Determine Depth and Rigor.
Determine Essential Questions.
Determine Scoring and Proficiency.
Now what does this look like in writing????

10. PEEL Writing Structure
Reuse GLE as point or claim.
P - Point or Claim E - Evidence from the Text E - Explanation of the Evidence L - Linking or Conclusion Sentence What will attainment look like?
Why did I say that?

11. PEEL format to develop a
Rubric Design
Use the
PEEL format to develop a
scoring rubric.
What does
attainment
look like?

12. Rubric Design Keep it SIMPLE! Let students help! Point/Claim
Evidence from Text
Explanation of the Evidence
Linking or Conclusion Sentence
Use of Specific Vocabulary
Yes, clear hypothesis or claim statement. (2)
Yes, correctly cited or restated and connected. (2)
Yes, connected and clear. (2)
Yes, linked to student’s personal hypothesis or conclusion. (2)
Used all suggested vocabulary correctly. (2)
Yes, but with errors. (1)
Yes, but not clear. (1)
Used some vocabulary correctly. (1)
No (0)
TOTAL: _____/10

13. Exemplar PEEL Paragraph
TASK: Using the information from the video and your text, write a well organized PEEL paragraph explaining how technology has changed our view of the universe. Use ideas from both resources to help defend your claim. Be sure to use Hubble Telescope, lunar exploration, and space stations in your writing.
*** Teacher prepared exemplar
*** Make expectations clear from the beginning.

14. Model Lesson: To the Moon
GLE 69. Explain how technology has improved our knowledge of the universe (e.g., Hubble telescope, space stations, lunar exploration) (ESS-E-B6)
Active Listening and Reading with the “Big Idea” in mind.
Video:
Text (To the Moon pages )
Annotation and UNRA(A)VEL
Exemplar PEEL Paragraph Writing based on the video and text.
Use your Model Lesson handout to record evidence as you review the resources given.

15. Video

16. Text UNRA (A)VEL Underline the title.
Now predict what the passage is about.
Run through and number the paragraphs.
Are you reading the questions?
Are the important words being circled?
Venture (Read) through your passage.
Eliminate obviously wrong answers.
Let the questions be answered and provide proof of your answers next to the question.
Annotate the text using your preferred method.
Use any best practices and/or reading strategies that suit your classroom.
BIG IDEA: Explain how technology has improved our knowledge of the universe (e.g., Hubble Telescope, space stations, lunar exploration) (ESS-E-B6)

17. Annotation

18. TASK using PEEL Paragraph
Using the information from the video and your text, write a well organized PEEL paragraph explaining how technology has changed our view of the universe. Use ideas from both resources to help defend your claim. Be sure to use Hubble Telescope, lunar exploration, and space stations in your writing.

19. REFLECT
Unpacking the Standards for those BIG IDEA Questions. (LDC/SREB calls these Critical Focus Questions, a.k.a. Essential Questions)
Identify measures of ATTAINMENT through Rubrics or Checklists.
Establish PEEL Structure as an acceptable written response in your Science and Social Studies Classroom.
Model, Model, Model.

20. NEXT STEPS Writing is EVERYWHERE. How do I get started?
How do I get my school “bought in”?
PLCs/PD
Grade Level Meetings
Subject Meetings
What planning do I need to do?
How can I support my fellow teachers with this plan throughout the year?