Click on the date below for the lesson plans. Specific documents or rubrics for classes are below the class name.
Aug. 24 - New Student and Freshman Orientation - This will be a special schedule for the day. However, breakfast and lunch will be provided for students FREE of charge!
Below is a link the an overview of the lessons for the days indicated. It does not give specific assignment information, but a general plan.
Physics
Physics students study the interaction of forces in nature throughout the year. This is an upper level science course that requires students to evaluate and analyze information to form conclusions about the natural world.
Within the class, there is an average to above average amount of home work that typically is not included in the final grade evaluation. It is important to understanding the skills and concepts we discuss in class, though. It is taught with the idea that these students plan to go on to some type of higher education. With that in mind, tests and quizzes as well as projects have greater emphasis in the final grade. I do include some homework so the transition from traditional high school classes to college is not as difficult as it might be.
We also do quite a lot of lab work. These labs can be simple or much more complex where multiple days of data may be involved. In some labs, students are asked to write formal reports. The rubric below will be used for most of those reports.
Please click on the link below to see the outline for the newest lesson plan.
Chemistry
Chemistry students study the interaction and structure of matter. This begins at the smallest level of the atom and works into not only the structure, but the function and connection between the atoms that make up the matter.
At the beginning of the year we begin by taking a look at measurement and physical properties of matter before we start looking at the actual structure of atoms and molecules. Then we will begin to study the reasons behind the characteristics exhibited by specific atoms. This is where all the excitement happens!
Students are also expected to participate in a variety lab experiences. Most of the labs are designed not only teach students about the interactions of matter, but to provide them an opportunity to experience multiple skills needed in any laboratory setting. These skills will prove to be helpful in higher level science classes.
Chemistry students will be asked to evaluate their lab findings in formal reports. These are reflective of reports expected by college professors. The more skills we can provide to students in high school, the more successful they will be as college students. Below is a link for the rubric used most often for Chemistry lab reports.
Astronomy
Students in Astronomy will learn about the world beyond Earth and its impact on our world. This class emphasizes analysis, research and discussion of issues that have made man study the skies for centuries. It will also allow students to investigate topics that we can only briefly introduce in Earth Science.
Physical Science
Students in Physical Science learn two of the most difficult sciences around during their freshman year. Chemistry which is the structure and interactions of matter and Physics the study of the interaction of forces in nature.
The year is divided typically in two by the semester. The first semester we emphasize the study of matter which is the study of the atom and the interactions of molecules. The second semester we emphasize physics and forces. Both are interesting subjects, but students typically get to do more interactive labs in the physics portion of the year.
Skills we are working to develop are independent thinking and learning, data collection and critical thinking skills. Thinking skills are difficult to measure day to day. As a result, students' ability to write becomes one of the primary ways I can evaluate their thinking skills. This can be frustrating for some students. If your student is having problems with class or a specific part of class like the writing, please ask them to come talk to me. I also encourage you to send me a quick email with any concerns.
Project Information
January Engineering Project
The "Egg machine" is a Rube Goldberg Engineering project that students will complete entirely AT HOME. Below is the link to the performance rubric and the project outline. If you have questions, this is the first place to check. The DUE DATE for 2016 is MARCH 31! I can't wait to see what our students build!!! The written evaluation for the machine is DUE on April 5th!
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