Grades 9-10 Science Cycle
Grades 9 and 10 cycle through a two year curriculum which includes study of the scientific method, information analysis (“How do you know what to believe?”), basic chemistry, cell biology, genetics, forensic science, cosmology, geology, evolution, anatomy and physiology, and electives in topics of ecology and design engineering.

Blue Year

1^st Trimester: “How Do You Know What to Believe?”  

Through the lens of the essential question “How do you know what to believe?”, students research scientifically controversial questions. Through this work students improve their ability to judge the reliability of information and formulate opinions based on analysis of evidence. One content thread is the study of waves, sound, light, and perception, learning the basics of the physical science involved, and connecting this learning to our essential question.

Sample Projects:

• Major research paper on a scientifically controversial topics
• Originally designed web page
• Inquiry-based labs which challenge students to build a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.
• Perception museum display
• Culminating project -- Science Portfolio Exhibition; students reflect on and display work from the trimester and engage in a formal interview presenting their work to an outside evaluator.

2^nd Trimester: Chemistry

We begin the trimester by exploring the Kinetic Theory, conducting a few heat challenges that lead us into discussing molecular structure. We then focus on the periodic table and many of the more common elements in our universe.

Sample Projects:

• Birthday Candle heat challenge
• Element research power point
• Periodic table written assessment
• Fireworks Lab

3^rd Trimester: “Where are we and how did we get here?”

Students examine how the universe, earth, and life on earth has changed over time. Under the general heading of Evolution, we study topics ranging from cosmology and the solar system to the origin of life, the history and classification of life, natural selection and organic evolution, genetics, human evolution, and biotechnology.

Sample Projects:

• Creating a brochure describing possibilities for life on other planets
• Creating original artwork depicting the hypothetical evolution of humans in the future
• Completing a set of genetics challenge board activities
• Reading an evolution-related book and writing reflections
• Final formal essay
• Final synthesis project

Green Year

1^st Trimester: Scientific Methods and Thinking/What Floats?   

In this introductory unit we create a strong foundation upon which we can build our continued science learning. Students undertake labs, challenges, and experiences within a whole range of science fields. This “tour” of the fields of science introduces students to the broad diversity of scientific disciplines. Perhaps more importantly, our focus is on the scientific method and scientific thinking itself.  

Sample Projects:

·        Concept map of the fields of science.

·        Lab reports in a number of formats.

·        Reflective essay on personal preferences within the fields of science.

·        Excel spreadsheet to present data.

·        Original piece of experimental research.

·        Annotated literature search.

·        Formal scientific paper presenting an original experiment.

·        Graphic portfolio display and interview for the culminating science fair.

·        Web page presenting at least one of the above works as a portfolio piece.

We work on critical thinking skills as we investigate such science concepts as buoyancy, gas laws, states of matter, and fluid dynamics.  Students take on numerous hands-on challenges and present their results and thinking in a variety of formats including formal written reports, posters, interviews, and animated Power Points. The trimester culminates with students creating a reflective portfolio poster of their best work and formally presenting it to outside evaluators.

Sample Projects:

• Self designed lab
• Vacuum lab power point
• Cardboard boat challenge
• Portfolio poster presentation

2^nd Trimester: Biology, Design Engineering, Psychology 

This course in Biology is taught in two sections. One is Cellular Biology, looking at the organelles within a cell and their functions. We expand our understanding by looking at cellular respiration and photosynthesis. We also focus on the processes of Mitosis and Meiosis, leading into a study of how plants and many other organisms reproduce. The other section of this unit is an in-depth study of DNA and genetic engineering. Students begin by building a foundation of knowledge about the structure and function of DNA. With this grounding, they are then able to grapple with the complexities of genetic engineering and its many ethical questions.

Design Engineering

During this six-week elective, students work in design teams that compete with each other on small engineering challenges. The class is very hands-on, involving building, tinkering, problem solving, and teamwork. Through this process, students learn a lot about physics, mechanics, and engineering. Work is documented in the form of individually written lab reports in which students present their results in detail and reflect on their learning process.

Psychology

This six week elective covers topics in the fields of psychology and sociology. Class starts with an investigation of Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, helping students better understand themselves as learners as they dissect a major theory in modern psychology. The class surveys popular psychological theories from the 20^th century, studies the anatomy of the human brain, and completes a neurology lab, before moving on to an in-depth sociological exploration of human behavior. Students analyze and discuss concepts of social-deviance, ableism, and social Darwinism, and complete the course by researching individual topics in Sociology and crafting a five-part lab report analyzing their findings in their chosen area.

Sample Projects:

• Research psychological theorist
• Neurology lab
• Sociology paper with lab and research component

3^rd Trimester: Geology & Computer Science

In this 5-week unit, students learned some basic geology as applied to the observed landscape of our region.  Some of the major concepts we studied were rocks and minerals, tectonics, glaciations, and river dynamics. Two projects that students created were a computer animation explaining the tectonic history of our region and a dynamic model of river or glacial action.  Students also completed a quiz and a final comprehensive exam.

Sample Projects:

• Pet rock research project
• Journal of site visits
• Final synthesis essay

Computer Science

This elective is an introduction to Web page design. Students are first introduced to XHTML and learn how to hand-code pages using a basic text editor. With this foundation in place, they then learn how to use Adobe Dreamweaver to create pages with XHTML and CSS layout and styling. Web graphics and a short introduction to Flash animation are also covered. The final project for this class is an individual Web site each student creates using all of the concepts covered.