Science Concepts I Syllabus
2012-2013
MRS. DILLERY
EMAIL:
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course includes a detailed study of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Topics included are the human body system, atomic structure, properties and structure of matter, conservation of matter, motions and forces, classification of energy, energy and magnetism, and interactions of matter and energy. Mathematical calculations and laboratory work are incorporated to enhance the learning experience and help students acquire basic laboratory skills.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to experience the richness and excitement of knowing about and understanding the natural world; use appropriate scientific processes and principles in making personal decisions; engage intelligently in public discourse and debate about matters of scientific and technological concern; and increase their economic productivity throughout the use of the knowledge, understanding, and skills of the scientifically literate person in their careers.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
A $10.00 lab fee, 3-ring binder (minimum of 1-inch), notebook paper, graph paper, colored pencils, and calculator (4 function or the same one used for math) are required. Also a flash drive would be helpful to save and share work between computers.
TEXT: Physical Science with Earth Science (Glencoe, 2008) and others.
WEB INFORMATION: gpescience.com
Great information exists on this website to aid the student in the review and mastery of important concepts in the study of physical and Earth science.
BOOK CODE NUMBER
YOUR GRADE IS BASED ON:
Total accumulated points divided by total possible points.
Grading Scale:
90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
59% and below F
You Can Expect To:
1). Learn, rehearse, and practice procedures until they become routines. For a safe and productive class there are ways (procedures) to accomplish things.
2). Work Hard. You will have multiple readings, lectures, worksheets, questions, labs, and/or group activities everyday. It is strongly suggested that you do the assigned work every day. In order to master the course objectives you must participate fully everyday. Success can be yours but you must work for it.
3). Write, write, and write. This semester I am incorporating even more writing in science than ever before. I expect that you will use complete sentences, proper punctuation, grammar, and spelling. You will be asked to make more than one draft of a paper or report. One portfolio assignment is expected each semester.
4). Watch VIDEOS for content. These VIDEOS have been intentionally chosen to reach required course objectives. I expect that you give them your full attention.
6). Have grades updated several times each week. Grades can be viewed on Infinite Campus at home or in the library. Students must get a password from the guidance department.
7). Complete the Earth Science Core Content objectives independently on Study Island. This online assignment is 10% of your grade for the first marking period.
Classwork:
Daily work and Homework. If you miss a class it is your responsibility to get the work that you missed and get it turned in. All daily work and homework is designed for practice of course objectives. The assignments are posted on the bulletin board and worksheets are labeled and located in the crate under the bulletin board.
Common Assessments, Unit Tests and Final Exam. These tests may be essay, open response, multiple choice, short answer, T or F, and/or matching. The tests are constructed to assess student mastery of objectives. Lab Tests may also be included as part of the Unit Test. The daily work is practice of the objectives. If you are absent on the day of the test you must make the test up at ESS/Homework Help within one week. The final exam will be cumulative. All students are required to take the semester exam and final exam.
Class Rules:
Respect others by your words and actions.
Be responsible for your materials, school materials, and all assignments.
Don’t do anything to cause a problem to you or anyone else.
Unit 1 Science and Technology?Timeline / August 7-August 26, 2012
Big Idea / Science Skills
Objectives / 1. Identify and clarify research questions and design experiments
2. Manipulate variables in experiments using appropriate procedures
3. Collect, organize, and analyze data accurately and precisely
4. Interpret results and draw conclusions, revising hypotheses as necessary and/or formulating additional questions or explanations
5. Write and speak effectively to present and explain scientific results, using appropriate terminology and graphics
6. Safely use laboratory equipment and techniques when conducting scientific investigations
7. Use appropriate SI units for length, mass, time, temperature, quantity, area, volume, and density, and describe the relationships among SI unit prefixes (e.g., centi-, milli-, kilo-) and how SI units are related to analogous English units
8. Compare science and technology
Review Concepts / Scientific Method
Metric Measurement
Scope and Sequence / Ch. 1 Nature of Science
Ch. 2 Science, Technology and Society
Instructional Activities / Class discussions, cooperative groups, internet search, assigned VIDEOS and readings
Project: Testing Claims-Saving Paper Towels
Labs: Metric Measurement, Spark Inquiry Scientific Method
Activities: Comparing Graphs
Assessment / Quizzes
Metric Mastery Test
Lab/Activity Questions
VIDEO and Reading Homework
Open Response Test
Unit 2 Chemistry
Timeline / August 27- September 23, 2012
Big Idea / Chemical Reactions Are All Around Us
Objectives / 1. Identify subatomic particles and describe how they are arranged in atoms
2. Describe the difference between ions and atoms and the importance of ions in biological processes
3. Compare the types of bonding between atoms to form molecules
4. Show how chemical reactions (e.g., photosynthesis, fermentation, cellular respiration) can be represented by chemical formulas
5. Explain the difference between organic and inorganic compounds
6. Explain the fundamental principles of the pH scale and the consequences of having the different concentrations of hydrogen and hydroxide ions
7. Define and explain the unique properties of water that are essential to living organisms
Review Concepts / Atomic Structure
Graphing and Metric Measurement
Scope and Sequence /
Ch. 6 Chemistry in Biology (Glencoe BIOLOGY)
Ch. 19 Properties of Atoms…, Ch. 22 Chemical Bonds, Ch. 23 Chemical Reactions (Physical Science)Instructional Activities / Class discussions, cooperative groups, internet search, assigned VIDEOS and readings
Project: Make it Rust (or Not)
Labs: Water Cohesion/Adhesion, Spark pH, Spark Buffers, Spark Energy Content of Food, Cool Blue Bioluminescence, Redox Reactions
Activities: Balancing Chemical Equations
Assessment / Quizzes
Lab/Activity Questions
VIDEO and Reading Homework
Multiple Choice/Open Response Test
Unit 3 Living Things
Timeline / October 8-December 19, 2012
Big Idea / Diversity and Unity
Objectives / 1. Explain how organisms are classified into a hierarchy of groups and subgroups based on similarities that reflect their evolutionary relationships
2. Explain classification criteria for fungi, plants, and animals
3. Describe the basic mechanisms of plant processes, especially movement of materials and plant reproduction
4. Compare the major divisions of animals
5. Identify major types of animal cells and tissues
6. Describe the major components and functions of physiological systems, including skeletal, muscle, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, nervous, reproductive, and immune
Review Concepts / Plant vs Animal Cells
Cell Structure
Scope and Sequence / Ch. 17 Organizing Life’s Diversity
And other
Instructional Activities / Class discussions, cooperative groups, internet search, assigned VIDEOS and readings
Project: Build-a-Body
Labs: Classification, Spark Regulation of Body Heat, Dissections, Virtual Dissections
Activities: Health Connections
Assessment / Quizzes
Lab/Activity Questions
VIDEO and Reading Homework
Multiple Choice/Open Response Test