CTE – Applied Science: Aquaponics

Instructor: Mrs. K. Lee - Room B3

Dear Students and Parent/Guardians,

Welcome to our 8th Grade Career Technology Education (CTE)Applied Science Program. I have an exciting trimester planned for you. The following charts map out the topics for the Applied Science Wheel course; and are designed to give your child the opportunity to experience science through the fields of Aquaponics. Students will design investigations, conduct research, and construct prototypes, while learning and applying basic concepts and principles of Physics, Chemistry, and Ecology. Students will also explore careers related to agriculture, engineering, environmental sciences,and business. I look forward to working with all of you and believe that together we can make these 12 weeks a success.

Hawaii Content Performance Standards and Benchmarks for CTE – Natural Resources Career Pathways:

Standard / Benchmarks
Standard 1: NCO 1.1 - Natural Resource Systems and Society
  • Evaluate how NR systems interface to fulfill society’s needs
/ NCO 1.1 Analyze the interconnectedness between (living and non-living) biotic and abiotic systems to determine how each system interacts with other systems.
NCO 1.4 Analyze global implications of new and emerging technologies to determine their impacts on NR.
Standard 2: NCO 2.0 - Careers in Natural Resources
  • Evaluate personal interests, strengths and compatibility with various NR careers
/ NCO 2.1 Examine research, production, and resource management in NR abiotic and biotic systems to distinguish features and characteristics of a variety of career choices.
NCO 2.2 Evaluate personal attributes to determine the level of compatibility for NR careers.
Standard 3: NCO 3.0 - Safety in NR (Natural Resources)
  • Assess and evaluate NR work environments for health and safety
/ NCO 3.2 Apply injury prevention measures to minimize risks in NR work environments.
Standard 5 – NCO 5.0 Investigation, Problem-Solving and Interventions in NR
  • Generate/create solutions that enhance and/or sustain NR systems
/ NCO 5.1 Develop solutions or interventions using information and data from inquiry or investigations in order to mitigate issues or problems in NR.
NCO 5.2 Use appropriate quantitative reasoning and skills to inform decision-making and solve problems.
NCO 5.3 Use scientific principles in investigating, assessing and solving a NR problem.
NCO 5.4 Select and use appropriate tools, technology and equipment to investigate and/or solve NR problems.
Standard 6 – NCO 6.0 Communication
  • Use communication skills to effectively transfer and exchange NR information
/ NCO 6.1 Decode a variety of NR work-related documents to acquire pertinent technical terminology and information.
NCO 6.2 Write technical information and ideas in a clear and industry appropriate style to convey information.
NCO 6.3 Communicate orally to convey and/or receive NR technical information and ideas.

Course Topics by Week

Week / Topic
1 /
  • What is CTE?What is Applied Science?
  • Interest Inventory – Possible career pathways

2 /
  • Safety

3 & 4 /
  • Math Applications in Science:
  • Accuracy using the Metric System and English Measurement System
  • Measurement Conversions
  • Scientific Notation and Significant Figures

56 /
  • Seed Germination - Scientific Inquiry

78 /
  • Compare/Contrast Aquaponics, Hydroponics, & Conventional Farming
  • The Science Behind Aquaponics
  • Water Power: Gravity, Surface Tension, Capillary Action, Pressure, Siphoning
  • Abiotic Factors- Bio geo chemical cycles (water, carbon/oxygen, nitrogen)
  • Biotic Factors- Roles of organisms in an ecosystem
  • Replanting seedlings

9-12 / Innovative Aquaponic System Design – Introduction to the Design Thinking Process
(Selected Design will attempt to be constructed)
  • Engineering = Design (sketches, scale diagrams, animated)
  • Science = Explain form and function
  • Business = Purpose, benefits, and drawbacks, and cost to produce
  • Construction = Build miniature prototype

***Throughout the course, students will monitor and record changes they observe in our aquaponic systems; collecting data and adjusting the systems’ balance is an ongoing process.

Reference Textbooks: Prentice Hall Series – Science Explorer
Titles - The Nature of Science and Technology
-Environmental Science
-Earth’s Waters
Quizzes, Tests and Major Assignments: Students will receive a quarterly calendar mapping out the due dates for Mrs. Lee’s assignments
Class Preparation:
Students should wear covered shoesto participate in labs. Students without proper footwear will be asked to complete an alternate assignment so that they may still earn points for the day.
IMPORTANT!!! - Please notify Mrs. Lee of any possible allergies that your child may have, such as bee stings, mosquito bites, sun sensitivity, plant allergies, etc. Your child’s safety is my priority.
Guidelines for Student Behavior:
Science classrooms and activities provide unique learning opportunities. At the same time their very nature provides greater opportunities for accidents. The following guidelines were established to ensure that each student has an equal opportunity to learn, taking full advantage of the science setting. For this to occur, safe and considerate behaviors are essential. Parents and/or guardians are asked to review these guidelines with their child and then sign and return the
bottom of this form as soon as possible.
Guidelines: Student will…
  1. Obey all classroom, school, and Department of Education rules in and out of the classroom
  2. Always show calm, orderly behavior in and out of the classroom
  3. Remain in the assigned work area until instructed otherwise(i.e. at seat, at lab tables, in garden)
  4. Listen to and follow all directions
  5. Work safely and carefully at all times, wearing the proper safety equipment as instructed (i.e. covered shoes, goggles, sun screen)
  6. Remember to wear proper footwear and apply sun screen (Sun screen is self-application only)
  1. REPORT – All accidents or injuries, even minor ones, to the instructor immediately
-Any possible allergies to the instructor
-All broken or malfunctioning equipment
-Any chemical spills or broken glassware – The instructor will give further instructions or take care of the clean up, depending on the severity of the situation
-
  1. Provide restitution if horseplay or failure to follow instructions causes damaged or broken equipment
  2. Clean work areas, including the sink and lab equipment and put away supplies as instructed
  3. Allow teacher to instruct the class and not interfere with the rights of others to learn
  4. Be removed from the lab or garden activities if they compromise the safety of others and or self. Decision of removal will be at the discretion of the instructor.

Please read, sign, and return to the instructor by ______
I will not hold the school or teacher liable for injuries that may result from use of these tools if permission is granted, and understand if permission is NOT granted that my child will not be penalized and will have alternate assignments of equal value to address the standards and benchmarks set for this course. If students use any tools at home, they should review safety precautions and have adult supervision.
*These tools may include but are not limited to (battery powered drill/screwdriver, PVC cutter, box cutter, hammer, pliers, file)
Please check the appropriate box:
My child MAY USE tools in class
MAY NOT USE tools in class
We have read the information and agree to its contents
Student Name (Print): ______Date: ______
Student Signature: ______
Parent/Guardian Name (Print): ______Date: ______
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______
Please list allergies here: