The 2007-8 SIRIUS Science Curriculum 2007-2008 Eli Rosenberg Eli@fc.mpsvt.org 225-8634 This chromosome contains more than a thousand genes.

Course syllabus

Trimester 1: space, time, and matter

Rocket Science: Students become engineers and use design strategies and tools solve mechanical problems. Highlight: water rocket design! Topics include engineering, design philosophy, and the physics of flight.

Newtonian Mechanics: Students learn about the physical laws that confront real rocket scientists. Highlight: rollercoaster testing! Topics include classical physics, the interaction between forces and friction, and accurate measuring techniques in the lab.

AlChemistry: Students theorize about the nature of matter through a series of thought-provoking experiments. Highlight: oxidizing reactions (fire)! Topics include chemistry, the history of scientific thought, and critical thinking skills.

Trimester 1 Learning Objectives:

Designs and conducts an experiment

Makes a recommendation based on experimental findings

Understands relationships between pressure, temperature, and volume

Understands the relationships of force, mass, and motion

Understands the relationship between mass, volume, and density

Trimester 2: human diversity

The Normal Curve: Students learn about human diversity as they investigate the anatomy and function of the eye. Students consider the meaning of ‘normal’ as it applies to the diversity of experimental results. Highlight: sheep eye dissection! Topics covered: anatomy, statistics, and hypothesizing skills

Genes and Traits: Students study genetics and molecular biology as they learn how the genes that they have inherited have influenced their development. Highlight: Make your own family tree! Topics covered: genetics, molecular biology, and statistics.

Trimester 2 Learning Objectives:

Designs and conducts an experiment

Makes a recommendation based on experimental findings

Understands mitosis and meiosis

Understands how traits and genes are inherited through reproduction

Trimester 3: ecology and sustainibility

The Blue Marble: Students study the earth’s most precious resource, water, and how the patterns of water distribution have shaped life. Highlight: Caesar’s last breath! Topics covered: ecology, environmental chemistry, and natural resources.

Life in the Valley: Students learn about the ecology and water chemistry of the North Branch of the Winooski river, and apply this knowledge in a debate on land use. Highlight: Water Week! Topics covered: ecology, environmental chemistry, and natural resources.

This year, SIRIUS science students will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate their mastery of the following science learning objectives:

Trimester 3 Learning Objectives:

Designs and conducts an experiment

Makes a recommendation based on experimental findings

Describes the impact of human activities on the earth’s environment

Understands how natural resources are managed

Identifies factors that impact a local ecosystem

Understands the relationship between adaptations and natural selection.

SIRIUS Science Skills

Lab Skills: Students perform experiments safely.

Each trimester, students are expected to learn how to accurately collect data, carefully perform experiments, and successfully record their observations.

· Use field guides (plants, stars, birds, etc.)

· Collect data

· Phenology (observe through time)

· Use map and compass

· Make creative and formal observations

· Keep a journal

· Sketch

· Think creatively (brainstorm)

· Communicate (listen and speak)

· Use lab equipment

· Use computer probes

· Document evidence using cameras and video recorders

Scientific Reasoning Skills: Students use logic and critical thinking

Students are expected to learn how to use scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and logic to explain their observations, justify their conclusions, and evaluate problems and solutions.

· Make ethical decisions

· Understand scientific validity

· Use metacognition (learning how you learn)

· Ask testable questions

· Independently develop a logical hypothesis

· Design a valid experiment

· Appropriately report and represent data

· Analyze data to draw valid conclusions

· Explain how experimental findings are relevant

Scientific Knowledge: Students learn and remember information.

Students are expected to gain in scientific literacy by learning how important scientific facts are relevant and useful to their lives. Students will develop their scientific literacy every class, through hands-on experience, readings, discussion, and lecture.

· Take notes

· Read fiction and non-fiction

· Take tests and exams

· Write lab reports and papers

· Write using a scientific perspective

· Make Photographs and movies that show scientific relevance

· Research using the library and internet

· Make formal scientific presentation

Grading “The one at the top of the mountain did not fall there.”

On the report card, there are two types of grades: one overall letter grade and several learning objective number grades.

Learning Objective Number Grades:

Each trimester, SIRIUS science students have several learning objectives. Students will be given multiple assessments to demonstrate that they have met each objective. Some of these assessments use writing to demonstrate science learning, while others use artistic ability, mathematical ability, or other methods to demonstrate science learning. Each assessment is scored from one to five, and the average of all assessment scores for an objective will be marked on the report card.

1 = No evidence of science learning objective

2 = Science learning objective is defined

3 = Science learning objective is defined and described

4 = Science learning objective is defined, described, and applied

5 = Science learning objective is defined, described, applied and evaluated

Overall Letter Grade:

SIRIUS science students also receive an overall letter grade that reflects how well students meet classroom expectations for science learning. Classroom expectations include:

ü Challenging yourself to learn new concepts

ü Successfully completing every science learning assessment

ü Using your planner every day

ü Doing all homework, and passing it in on time.

ü Keeping a neat, complete journal

ü Participating in lab groups appropriately

Students keep a record of their work and behavior in each unit. Students who meet each expectation completely will earn an A. Students who do not attempt to meet any expectation will earn an F. As in much of life, if you want to reach the top of the mountain, you must work each and every day to get there.

Teacher- Parent- Student Agreements

Lab safety agreement

The science lab is a wonderful place to work and learn, and it should be one of the safest places in school. I require all students to agree to the following rules:

I will follow all directions

I will always wear appropriate protective equipment (goggles, gloves, etc.)

I will not waste supplies

I will not horseplay

I will not play with fire

I will report all unsafe behavior immediately

I will clean up my area and the area of other students

I will participate to the best of my ability

I will ask questions when I do not understand

Failure to heed any of these rules may result in immediate removal from the science lab, and exclusion from future laboratory activities.

I agree to the above conditions

Student _____________________

Parents of SIRIUS students:

Please take time to review this information with your student, and sign off below. If you have any questions, please contact me or visit school. I look forward to meeting you all at open house on September 10^th! -- Mr. Rosenberg

Student _____________________ Parent/Guardian _____________________