Summer Workshop Plans

NSF 7th - 12" Grade Science Institute
July 10 - 14, 2000 from 8 AM - 3 PM at Chase Middle School

Science Education Applications of Computer-based Technology

Science Mini-sessions

Time of Session	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
1:30 - 2:05 PM	setting up and using the wave wiggler / using stations in the lab set up - 7th and 9th Rm. 140 - Jim K. & Jim S. integrating organic chemistry and Mendelian inheritance - 10h Rm. 142 - Hank M., Luanna F., Heather M. & Jeff C. using the Science Sleuth program as enrichment - 7th & 8th Rm. 134 - Roed F. & Larry B. integration possibilities in 9th grade with chemistry and atmospheric science Rm. 136 - Karen M. & Cinda P.	use of the ripple tanks to illustrate wave phenomena - 7th Rm. 134 - Jim K. & Bob G. maximizing the use of the cars and ramps apparatus - 8th and 10th Rm. 142 - Eric M. teaching to the key chen-ticalchange concepts at 8th grade Rm. 136 - Ginny L-K., Dawn Z. & Jeff C. using the sound and light probes in the 9th grade physics unit Rm. 140 - Jim S. science journaling techniques to improve student communication and understanding - 7 - 10 Library - Debra S & Luanna F.	classification / taxonomy instruction - 8th and 10th Rm. 136 - Hank M, Luanna F. & Ginny L-K. teaching circuits and electricity - 9th Rm. 140 - Jim S. more on the Cosmology activities at 10th grade Rm. 142 - Joe G. & Bob G. more on the 7th grade Human Biology activities in the revised unit Rm. 134 - Debra S. & Heather M. using the "modeling" instructional approach Library- Pat Daisley

 

Science Mini-sessions

2:10 - 2:50 PM

the key chemistry and water concepts in the core units at 7th grade Rm. 134 - Scott S. using the motion probes in the 8th grade physics unit Library - Jim S. & Roed F. teaching nuclear chemistry / radioactive concepts _ 9th Grade Rm. 140 - Karen M. & Cinda P. the key chemistry instructional activities at the 10th grade Rm 142 - Luanna F. & Jeff C.

teaching the force concept - Whand I 0th Rm 142 - Eric M. & Ginny L-K using Internet weather web sites in the 9th grade weather unit Library - Bob Q. & Cinda P. using the sound probe software and decibel meter in the 7th grade physics unit Rm. 134 - Jim S. & Jim K. using student work samples and assessment data to improve student learning - 7 through 10 Rm. 136 - Scott S. & Bob G. using the thmodelingth instructional approach Rm. 140 - Pat Daisley

Mendelian inheritance (macro to micro) and using Genscope - I 0th Grade Rm. 142 - Hank M. & Heather M. using the weather CD-ROM effectively in the 9th grade atmospheric science unit Library - Joe G. & Bob Q. possible integration opportunities in the water and chemistry u-its - 7th Grade Rm. 134 - Scott S. & Debra S. more on the 8th grade geology activities Rm. 136 - Ginny L-K., Dawn Z., Roed F., & Ernie G.

 

Science Education Planning Guide
Grades 7-12

The K-12th grade educational reform process in the state of Washington has established learning goals and science education content standards for all students in the public schools. The Spokane School District has responded to this reform initiative by developing a K-12th grade science program that provides all youngsters with the opportunity to learn challenging science content. The overall goal of science education is that all students attain a fundamental level of scientific literacy.

The K-6th grade science program in the Spokane School District provides students with a core curriculum at each grade level. The instructional units at each grade level provide youngsters with engaging learning experiences in the life, earth/space, and physical sciences. Kindergarten level has two major core units, first grade has three core units, and second through sixth grades each have four core units. Each of the units involves approximately six to eight weeks of instruction, and provides an opportunity for students to develop an understanding of basic science concepts and to acquire scientific reasoning abilities and problem solving skills.

The K-6th grade science program provides students with a strong foundation on which they can further develop their scientific literacy in the secondary (7th-12th grade) science program.

Parental/guardian support and encouragement of children in science is an important contributor to student success. We encourage all parents/guardians to play an active role in their child(ren)'s . education and to develop an understanding of the learning experiences in which their child(ren) are engaged in the district science program. Discussions with the child's teacher about the nature of the science program and the learning goals and activities in the program are strongly encouraged.

7th-12th Grade Science Program - An Overview
The 7th-10th grade science program has been redesigned to provide all students the opportunity to develop a fundamental level of scientific literacy in order to fulfill personal and societal responsibilities as well as possible career aspirations. State science assessments will be administered in the future to all students at the fifth, eighth, and tenth grade levels to determine their degree of proficiency in science. Also in the future, students will need to demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency on the tenth grade state science assessment (as well as in the areas of mathematics and communication arts) in order to obtain a Certificate of Mastery that will be needed for high school graduation.

In the Spokane School District, the 7th-10th grade science program involves a coordinated approach at each grade level that provides students the opportunity to learn science concepts and principles in each of the discipline areas (biology, physics, chemistry, and earth/ space science). Within the science program students also develop reasoning and problem solving abilities, and acquire scientific inquiry skills. In the four core units in each of the grade level courses, students are engaged in in-depth learning experiences that enable them to develop a deep understanding of the ideas of science and the ability to apply them appropriately. Each grade level course has been designed so that it provides an opportunity for students to learn key ideas that develop scientific literacy. At the end of the four year sequence (7th-10th), students will have acquired the competencies needed for successful participation in our scientifically and technologically oriented society.

Science 9 & 10 Honors
Students who demonstrate exemplary performance in the Science 7 and Science 8 courses will have the opportunity to apply to participate in the science honors program in the 9th and 10th grades. The science honors program is a challenging experience, and is designed for students who have demonstrated exemplary academic performance, have an interest in the sciences, are highly motivated, and may have aspirations of pursuing a scientific or technical career.

The 1lth and 12th grade science program contains a number of science "pathway" options which could be selected based on student interests, abilities, motivation, and future aspirations. Students who successfully demonstrate proficiency on the tenth grade state science assessment will have an opportunity in the 11th and 12th grade levels to select a course of study from the science "pathway" options. These courses of study provide students opportunities to continue their preparation for post-secondary education and/or the world of work.

Science 7

2 Semesters Grade 7 - First Year of a 4-Year Sequence

The four major units in the seventh grade course include: human biology; nature of waves and sound; nature of matter and physical and chemical change; and the nature of water in the earth system.

• Human Biology Unit - Topics
  life functions performed within the human organism; cells to body systems - their structure and function; organ systems; interaction among body systems to maintain health; human reproduction and an introduction to genetics.

• Water in the Earth System Unit - Topics
  physical and chemical properties of water; physical changes and states of water; water as a component of the earth system (oceans, atmosphere, and land); water cycle and involvement of water in weather; the effect of ocean currents and wind patterns on climate; human uses of water/aquifers and problems with aquifer contamination.

• Waves and Sound Unit - Topics
  properties of waves; types of waves; waves in water; affects of the medium on waves; nature of mechanical waves; nature of sound; characteristics of sound.

• Structure Of Matter/Physical & Chemical Change Unit - Topics
  introduction to the particulate nature of matter; physical properties and changes involving matter; atoms and molecules; compounds, mixtures and solutions; and introduction to chemical changes and reactions.

2 Semesters Grade 8 - Second Year of a 4-Year Sequence

The four major units in the eighth grade course include: organisms, diversity, evolution, and ecosystems; geology and changes in the earth system; nature of motion/nature of light and color; chemical substances, chemical changes, and materials.

• Biology unit - Topics
  biological diversity; classification of organisms; natural selection; ecological principles - matter and energy; natural resources.

• Earth Science Unit - Topics
  geological principles - plate tectonics, earth materials, landforms, and geological hazards; geological time and the fossil record; brief review of astronomy.

• Physics Unit - Topics
  nature of motion - position, relative speed, and change in speed; representing motion information using graphs, tables, and pictures; nature of light; wave characteristics; behavior of light; nature of color.

• Chemistry Unit - Topics
  chemical properties and changes; chemical substances; elements and compounds; materials; chemical change and the nature of chemical reactions; factors affecting chemical reactions and their rates; conservation of matter and energy.

2 Semesters Grade 8

MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement) is a special course that the district and Washington State University jointly operate for selected students. The course syllabus is similar to Science 8, but provides additional enrichment opportunities and academic support for the young people participating in the program. The course is designed for students from groups who have been traditionally underrepresented in science and technology professions.

Approval is needed to enroll in this course.

Science 9 - A & B 2 Semesters Grade 9 - Third Year of a 4-Year Sequence The four major units in the course include: atmospheric science, structure of matter and physical & chemical change; nature of energy and energy transformations; and matter and energy in living systems, human impacts, and extinction.

Science 9 - A & B - Honors

2 Semesters Grade 9

This ninth grade science option follows a course syllabus that is similar to Science 9 - A & B, but will go into greater depth in the development of the course concepts, move at a more rapid instructional pace, and deal with a greater amount of course content. The course *is designed for young people who have demonstrated high levels of academic achievement, have an identified or emerging interest in science, and wish to acquire an in-depth science background. Students enrolled in this course option will participate in academic challenging course work, and will be expected to complete individual and/or group science projects or research activities each quarter. An application is required and counselor approval is needed to enroll in this course option.

Science 9 - A& B MESA

2 Semesters Grade 9

Approval is needed to enroll in this course.

Science 10 - A & B

2 Semesters Grade 10 - Fourth Year of a 4-Year Sequence

The four major units in the course include: astronomy/cosmology; quantitative aspects of force and motion concepts; nature of atomic structure and factors that affect physical changes and chemical reactions; and control mechanisms in living systems and factors affecting biological diversity, speciation, and adaptation.

Science 10 - A & B - Honors

2 Semesters Grade 10

This tenth grade science option follows a course syllabus that is similar to Science 10 - A & B, and the general course experiences and expectations are similar to those described under the Science 9 - A & B - Honors description. An application is required and counselor approval is needed to enroll in this course option.

Science 10 - A& B MESA

2 Semesters Grade 10

Approval is needed to enroll in this course.

11th and 12th Grade Science Pathway Options

Students will have an opportunity during their K-10 science education experience to participate in career awareness, orientation, and exploration activities. These experiences will assist them in making wise and informed "Pathway" choices once they have attained Certificate of Mastery status at the tenth grade level. Many interesting and rewarding post-secondary opportunities are open to youngsters who are academically prepared in the sciences (as well as mathematics and the communication arts).

The Spokane School District science course offerings at the 11th and 12th grade levels as well as programs available through the Skill Center provide young people with educational opportunities that will prepare them for direct entrance to the workplace, technical careers, or professional programs in higher education institutions. Youngsters, with their parents/guardians' assistance, need to set personal goals for their future and plan carefully so that their educational program prepares them adequately for the aspirations that they have.

The following science courses are available to students in the 11th and 12th grade:

Human Biology 1 & 2
2 semesters 11 or 12 Grades

Second Year Biology -Advanced Placement Option 3 & 4
2 semesters - 11 (qualification needed) or 12 Grades

Chemistry 1 & 2
2 semesters - 11 or 12 Grades

Environmental Chemistry 1 & 2
2 semesters - 11 or 12 Grades

Second Year Chemistry 3 & 4
2 semesters - 11 (qualification needed) or 12 Grades

Physics 1 & 2
2 semesters - 11 or 12 Grades

Second Year Physics 3 & 4
2 semesters - 12 Grade

Ecology 1 & 2
2 semesters - 11 or 12 Grades

Outdoor Living 1 & 2
2 semesters - 11 or 12 Grades