Scroll down to see where we are now Go to Science Assignments page for notebook checks Middle School Earth and Space Science for 2013-2014
Environmental Science - ecosystems and human influences
Overarching Science Content: Inquiry: Doing science - observing, questioning, gathering, recording and evaluating data. Learning to think like a scientist. Experimental Design - asking testable questions, determining variables, designing effective experiments with clear graphic representations and evaluating results. Scientific Discourse - engaging in meaningful discussion about outcomes of investigations, about phenomena in nature, and about the meaning of science, scientific laws, and theories.
Systems: Learning the interconnectedness of the elements of a working system. Being able to draw and explain representations or models of a system.
Application: Learning how technology is used in life science and applying new understandings to solving health and environmental problems with technology.
Science Literacy: "All of us have a stake, as individuals and as a society, in scientific literacy. An understanding of science makes it possible for everyone to share in the richness and excitement of comprehending the natural world. Scientific literacy enables people to use scientific principles and processes in making personal decisions and to participate in discussions of scientific issues that affect society. A sound grounding in science strengthens many of the skills that people use every day, like solving problems creatively, thinking critically, working cooperatively in teams, using technology effectively, and valuing life-long learning. And the economic productivity of our society is tightly linked to the scientific and technological skills of our work force."
— Richard Klausner, Chairman National Committee on Science Education Standards and Assessment
Inquiry - Our first inquiry will be
Systems - Our first "system" will be the
Application - We have the good fortune of a visit from the Seattle Children's Hospital Mobile Laboratory in November. Carrying out experiments in the mobile lab elevates student awareness of scientific procedures, focus on precision and accuracy in measurement, drawing conclusions based on evidence, and working cooperatively to achieve results.
Doing Science - what does it mean to "do science" - a probe into student thinking which will be revisited as the year progresses. First Experiments- learning experimental design through designing and carrying out experiments which test various factors in chemical interactions. Students learn the meaning of the scientific process, beginning with observing and questioning, followed by brainstorming all the variables that could affect outcomes. They learn the scientific vocabulary and meaning of manipulated and responding variables, controlled variables and testable questions. They are then able to set-up a fair test with a Control and Test in which the variable is changed. The results are recorded in a table and converted to a graph before students practice the art of drawing conclusions. All experiments will conclude with a "white-board talk" where students will present their data to fellow students, just as scientists always do. Microscopy - learning the history of the microscope, understanding the technology and the importance of microscopy in advancing our understanding of the living world. We will read, watch videos, learn the parts and of course learn how to use a microscope properly. This will allow us to do the following work.
Ecosystems: Making sense of life in specific environments requires a system of organization. Both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) factors affect every environment. Organisms in a specific area form Populations of just one species. These, in combination with other populations, form Communities. Communities and abiotic factors (like sunlight, weather, temperature, water, air, soil) make up ecosystems. There are limiting factors in any ecosystem which may determine whether a population thrives or decreases.