I chose SEPUP's Science and Global Issues: Biology after I attended a science teacher conference in Ames, Iowa in 2011 and really loved what I saw. When the state of Iowa offered SEPUP Science and Global Issues: Biology as one of the grant opportunities, I applied and received the grant for two of the units, Sustainability and Evolution units. I have since be able to added the rest: Ecology, Genetics and Cell Biology.
I love how each unit ties to a central real life issue, sustainability. I love being able to tie biology content to a real issue, cells and disease and the sustainability of life, and how each unit can fit with the next or can be taught separately.
I love, love how everything is clearly explained. All the Challenges have the needed materials and if they don't you are clearly informed about what you will need to provide. I love how each challenge builds on the next.
My student answers are now more clearly thought out. I see them connected to prior knowledge learn in a previous challenge. It feels like they can answer "Why do we need to know this." In the cell biology unit, they can't deny the connection of the cell to real life disease like cancer and Cell Biology Challenge 13: The Cell Cycle.
The connections for each challenge to NGSS has been very helpful. The biggest shift was the learning was more focused on the students. The students have to collaborate, cooperate, and communicate. I am more of the guide on the side, rather than the sage on the stage. My job has shifted more to listening and providing guidance for the learning when it is needed. I really love the use of the 4-2-1 student group model in several of the challenges. It really helps the students focus on the 21st Century skills as they learn the content in a meaningful, real world issues approach.