Scientific Methods and Thinking-How do you know what to believe?

9^th-10^th Grade Science
1^st Trimester, Blue Year

"How do you know what to believe?"  is a question that will run through all our investigations this trimester.  You will be encouraged to look within yourself to sort science from science fiction and myth from fact. 

We will begin this task by designing and conducting original experiments where you will attempt to prove the credibility of your own scientific results.  This will be followed by in-depth research that will be presented as a web page on a controversial scientific topic that captures your interest.  "Is seeing truly believing?" will be looked at closely as we study light waves and the anatomy of the human eye.  "Do you believe everything you hear?" will open our study of sound waves and the anatomy of the human ear. 

Our numerous in-class explorations including individual and group projects, research and presentations will afford you ample opportunity not only to explore the scientific process by to explore how you view the world of science.

Goals: By the end of the course, it is our goal that each of you will be proficient at:

·         Designing, conducting, and presenting a scientific experiment,
·         Critically analyzing the scientific process and experiments of others,
·         Communicating ideas and understandings through a variety of mediums,
·         Explaining the properties and effects of light and sound waves.

Outline: Here is a basic outline of what we will be covering this trimester:

·         Introduction to "How Do You Know What to Believe?"
·         Design and conduct an original scientific experiment.

·         Research the scientific studies of other scientists and present as a web page.
·         Is seeing truly believing?  The exploration of light and the study of the human eye.
·         Do you believe everything you hear?  The exploration of sound and the study of the human ear.
·         Final Projects

Projects and Activities

·         Create your own lab
·         Research projects on controversial topic|
·         Create web sites and presentations on topic
·         Pendulum lab
·         Sound Speed lab
·         Perception posters
·         Light and color on-line simulations
·         Editing Project

Knowledge Journals:  We are going to be using Knowledge Journals to keep track of the work for this science class.  It will consist of a 3-ring binder where you have as the first page your table of contents, and as you add to the journal, you will fill out the table so t hat you can easily access work throughout the semester.  We will almost always begin class with a written reflection in knowledge journals, so it is important that you have those with you every day.  I will be reviewing your knowledge journal every Friday and I will return it on Mondays. 

Here are some basic recommendations for keeping your Knowledge Journal organized: 

• • Always File it!  Nothing should EVER be found in the pockets.

  • Date all materials before putting them into the master notebook (handouts, class notes, grade reports, etc.)

  • Use only one side of the page in your note taking (We'll explain more about this later... when we introduce and review 2-column note taking.)

  • All graded work should be filed as soon as it is handed back and added to the table of contents (remember to always save everything for Round Tables!)

Learning Styles: We have done a significant amount of research on study strategies and we will be challenging you to continue to discover how you learn best.  We insist that you remain organized (to keep detailed track of all work in learning journals and study supplies), and I want to encourage you to try a variety of study strategies.

This class will seek to teach to all types of learning styles and be multi-modal, multidimensional, hands on, and fun.  You can expect a combination of lecture, discussion, written reflection and projects, problem solving, interactive activities, and laboratory investigations.  There will be lots of work required, and lots of thinking.  So, get ready!

Best of all, we will be collaborating with Antioch University Graduate Students and Eric!

Assessment: You will be assessed through a variety of projects and activities, some of which will include but are not limited to: creating and completing your learning journals, your own lab, a research project on controversial topic, a website creation and presentation on controversial topic, a pendulum lab(s), a light lab(s), a speed, a sound lab(s), and a final project.

Please Note: All final projects must be completed in order to pass this course.

Homework/ Policy: Homework is a vital part of the learning experience and research proves that doing homework allows learners to transfer knowledge from the working/short term memory into long-term memory. 

Homework assignments will be posted in our Class Website (see your teachers' links at www.compass-school.org).

We do not accept late work handed unless a prior arrangement has been made.  Please do not count on being able to print out homework during our class period-all of your printing and emailing must be completed PRIOR to class start.  You may email your homework to us, however at beth@compass-school.org or ron@compass-school.org.  Please note, if work is not completed prior to class, students may be automatically assigned a study hall for that day to complete the assignment. 

Tests/Quizzes: You should expect regular tests, quizzes, and written evaluations, which will help serve as checkpoints for your understanding.  Research has shown that testing actually increases retention of material.  All major tests will follow a review on the day prior to the test.  During this time, you will be exposed to a variety of techniques to help you review and learn the material, (e.g. jingles, explaining to others, games, demos, etc.). 

Please note that students absent on the day of the test should plan to take the test on their first day back to class-this may require staying after school to complete the test, so plan accordingly and email us regularly.

Materials Needed

* 3 ring binder-this is a must, if you cannot get one, please come to me or drop me a note/email ASAP
* Paper for your binder

* Pen and Pencil-EVERYDAY!  We recommend that you have a little pouch or pen/pencil case
* Daily Planner

 Student Responsibility

It is very important first and foremost to create a Constructive Classroom Environment, where each student may feel safe as s/he arrives prepared to be actively engaged in class.  Students will exhibit and receive respect.  In addition to adhering to all rules and procedures of the student handbook, students are asked to take full responsibility for their learning and behavior.

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Scientific Methods and Thinking—What floats?

9^th-10^th Grade Science

1^st Trimester, Green Year

This trimester we will be developing scientific methods and thinking through the detailed study of the interaction of molecules in various situations.  The big ideas we will cover include buoyancy, density, fluid dynamics, and others.  In addition to exposing students important science concepts, the sequence of activities are designed to develop laboratory skills, scientific thinking skills, and communication skills.  

Instruction in lab safety, lab techniques, and use of tools will be emphasized.  Students will develop their problem solving skills.  Activities will encourage students to ask questions like:

• How is scientific truth revealed?
• How do you design a good experiment?
• What makes a good scientific question?
• How do you “prove” or “disprove” something?
• How do you decide upon and communicate your level of confidence or certainty in a scientific explanation?
• How do you construct a logical argument?
• What is the role of creativity in science?

Students will be challenged to develop their ability to effectively communicate their thinking.  Writing assignments will cover several formats which may include technical report writing, a 5-paragraph essay, and notes/graphic organizers.  Students will be using several computer applications including excel, web page design programs, word processing programs, PowerPoint, and web-based search engines, and digital photography to communicate their understanding/knowledge of the material.  As a culminating project, students will create a graphic display for the Compass Science Fair, where they will be challenged to verbally present their ideas to a public audience.

Unit Overview

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A Little About My Style and the Flow of the Class

• Using Science in Science: Much of what I do as a science teacher is based as often as possible on theoretical and scientific models.  For example, I will only allow water to be consumed in science class, except when food is prearranged.  High fructose corn syrup beverages like soda and many sports drinks are often counter productive to learning, therefore, I encourage each student to bring water—and drink lots of it, as your brain is mostly made of water.  Additionally, if you are one who tends to be cold, I recommend bringing a sweater to class, as I often open windows to increase air ventilation and to keep the air temperature slightly cool, as studies have shown that students learn best in cooler environments. 

·        Scribe: In order to establish a routine for our class times, you can expect to be class 'scribe' a few times throughout the trimester.  Duties for scribes include: coming to class and checking in with Beth, copying the class agenda and putting it in the class binder, recording who is absent from class, and as handouts are distributed, collecting extras for those students who are absent. 

·        Knowledge Journals:  We are going to be using Knowledge Journals to keep track of the work for this science class.  It will consist of a 3-ring binder where you have as the first page your table of contents, and as you add to the journal, you will fill out the table so t hat you can easily access work throughout the semester.  We will almost always begin class with a written reflection in knowledge journals, so it is important that you have those with you everyday.  I will be reviewing your knowledge journal every Friday and I will return it on Mondays.  Here are some basic tips for your Knowledge Journal:

o   Nothing should EVER be found in the pockets.

o   Date all materials before putting them into the master notebook (handouts, class notes, grade reports, etc.)

o   Everything should have a page number on top just in case you drop the binder and it pops open.

o   Place the course syllabus on the second page after the table of contents.

o   Use only one side of the page in your note taking (I’ll explain more about this later…)

o   If you’re taking notes, make a note in your notes when the instructor gives you a handout related to that material and file that handout immediately after that page of notes.

o   Use colored pieces of paper to indicate changes in units/chapters/etc.  (Especially good for when you’re switching between different subject areas within science).

o   All graded work should be filed as soon as it is handed back and added to the table of contents.

·        Learning Styles: I have done a significant amount of research on study strategies and I will be challenging you to continue to discover how you learn best.  I insist that you remain organized (to keep detailed track of all work in learning journals and study supplies), and I want to encourage you to try a variety of study strategies.

Collaboration with Antioch University Graduate Students and STEVE!

This class will seek to teach to all types of learning styles and be multi-modal, multidimensional, hands on, and fun.  You can expect a combination of lecture, discussion, written reflection and projects, problem solving, interactive activities, and laboratory investigations.  There will be lots of work required, and lots of thinking.  So, get ready!

Homework/ Policy

Homework is a vital part of the learning experience and research proves that doing homework allows learners to transfer knowledge from the working/short term memory into long-term memory.  With this said, please note that you must complete 80% of your homework in order to pass this course, and every homework holds equal weight.  Homework assignments will be posted in our Class Scribe Binder and also on my website.

I do not accept late work handed unless a prior arrangement has been made.  I will accept work on the day it is due.  Please do not count on being able to print out homework during our class period—all of your printing and emailing must be completed PRIOR to class start.   Often the class work for that day relies upon your completion of homework assignments. 

If work is not completed prior to class, please note that students will be automatically assigned a lunchtime study hall for that day to complete the assignment.  Students are asked to either email or hand in the assignment directly following the study hall.  Work that is late but handed in that day (after class) will automatically drop a grade.  For Block III classes, students will be assigned to either lunch study hall for the following day or an after-school study hall.  If students are unable to attend after-school study hall, please reschedule with me 24-hours PRIOR to the assigned day.  Students who do not reschedule and do not attend their study halls will be assigned to In-School Suspension and parents will be contacted.

Tests/Quizzes

You should expect regular tests, quizzes, and written evaluations, which will help serve as checkpoints for your understanding.  Research has shown that testing actually increases retention of material.  All major tests will follow a review on the day prior to the test.  During this time, you will be exposed to a variety of techniques to help you review and learn the material, (e.g. jingles, explaining to others, games, demos, etc.).  Students absent on the day of the test should plan to take the test on their first day back to class—this may require staying after school to complete the test, so plan accordingly.   Please know now that there is absolutely NO talking during test taking times, and unless you have prior arrangements, tests will be taken in our classroom.

Extra Help

Please contact me if you would like to schedule time for extra help.  The best way is to reach me by email: beth@compass-school.org.   Please come to me with ANY question, confusion, dilemma, etc.  I AM HERE FOR YOU.

Materials Needed

·        3 ring binder—this is a must, if you cannot get one, please come to me or drop me a note/email ASAP

·        Paper for your binder

·        Dividers for your binder with the following tabs:

o   Notes

o   Labs

o   Tests & Quizzes

o   Homework

·        Pen and Pencil—EVERYDAY!  I recommend that you have a little pouch or pen/pencil case, this helps you stay organized.

·        Daily Planner