2014-2015 MYP Syllabus
Name of course: General Science
MYP Level: 3
Teacher: Kimberly Merlene
Contact Information: 480-308-7419
I. Course Description:
Scientific investigation grows from the contributions of many people. Emphasis is stressed on the importance of historical perspectives and the advances that each new development brings to technology and human knowledge. This course will challenge students to become more knowledgeable about ecological, physical, and chemical connections in their world. Instruction will focus on discovering the relevancy of these concepts in neighboring communities, states, and countries around the world.
II. IB Aims & Objectives
AZ STATE STANDARDS IB MYP AIMS
Inquiry ProcessC1: Observations, Questions, and Hypotheses
Formulate predictions, questions, or hypotheses based on observations. Locate appropriate resources.
C2: Scientific Testing(Investigating and Modeling)
Design and conduct controlled investigations.
C3: Analysis and Conclusions
Analyze and interpret data to explain correlations and results; formulate new questions.
Concept 4: Communication
Communicate results of investigations. / · develop inquiring minds and curiosity about science and the natural world
· develop skills of scientific inquiry to design and carry out scientific investigations and evaluate scientific evidence to draw conclusions
· think analytically, critically and creatively to solve problems, and make decisions in scientific and other contexts
· communicate scientific ideas, arguments and practical experiences accurately in a variety of ways
History and Nature of Science
C1: History of Science as a Human Endeavor
Identify individual, cultural, and technological contributions to scientific knowledge.
C2: Nature of Scientific Knowledge
Understand how science is a process for generating knowledge. / · appreciate the benefits and limitations of science and its application in technological developments
Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
C1: Changes in Environments
Describe the interactions between human populations, natural hazards, and the environment.
C2: Science and Technology in Society
Develop viable solutions to a need or problem. / · understand the international nature of science and the interdependence of science, technology and society, including the benefits, limitations and implications imposed by social, economic, political, environmental, cultural and ethical factors
· demonstrate attitudes and develop values of honesty and respect for themselves, others, and their shared environment
Life Science
C2: Reproduction and Heredity
Understand the basic principles of heredity.
C4: Diversity, Adaptation, and Behavior
Identify structural and behavioral adaptations. / · acquire knowledge, conceptual understanding and skills to solve problems and make informed decisions in scientific and other contexts
Physical Science
C1: Properties and Changes of Properties in Matter
Understand physical and chemical properties of matter.
C2: Motion and Forces
Understand the relationship between force and motion. / · acquire knowledge, conceptual understanding and skills to solve problems and make informed decisions in scientific and other contexts
III. Topics:
Unit Topic / Unit Title / Unit Question / Significant Concept/Learning ExpectationsHeredity / Whose Genes are These? / How does genetics impact health and social attitudes? / Understanding the characteristics of living things and the diversity of life.
Adaptation / Change Is Good? / How do organisms and populations change over time? / Survival of the fittest
Motion & Forces / May the Force be with you! / What affect does Force have on the world around us? / Understand the relationship between force and motion.
Properties of Matter / What’s the Matter? / Why does Matter matter? / There are many forms, states, and interactions of matter
IV. Global Context
With each unit of study, students will develop an understanding of the people integral in that field of study, investigate the scientific issues through research and labs using the scientific method, and evaluate the ethical, environmental, and cultural impacts through Socratic discussion. Reflection on and evaluation of knowledge acquired always follows each unit. Refer to above chart indicating specific units of study and in which Global Context they focus.
V. Internationalism
Students will realize the global perspective through participation and interaction in classroom discussions and activities. Consider and study other cultural perspectives within each unit. Reading current global events and having Socratic discussion.
VI. Teaching Methods
Instructional strategies and methodology include: Direct Instruction for introduction of safety, technique, vocabulary, etc.; Socratic Discussion; Guided Discovery; Inquiry Learning; and Demonstrations. Students partner with each other, in groups of two to four, for lab assignments. Approaches to Learning are imbedded into all instruction and group work so students become reflective on the process of learning and gain a deeper awareness and understanding of their own learning processes.
VI. Assessment
Students will participate in small and large group discussions, inquiry-based investigations, reflective and analytical writing, and long-term projects. Students will be assessed in their content and skills knowledge through a variety of formats including ongoing formative assessment, written tests and quizzes, written reflection, research projects, case studies, oral and media presentations, and Socratic discussions. Students for most projects will receive a rubric, linked to IB MYP assessment criteria, outlining the details of the assignment and the grading criteria based on a scale of 0-6 with 6 showing the highest level of achievement.
VII. Resources
Holt Science and Technology textbooks
Relevant newspaper and magazine articles
Video and computer animations and simulations
Discovery Education
Outdoor environment
Arizona State University – contact Meg Hufford
Boeing
Freescale Semiconductor
Desert Botanical Gardens
Salt River Project
Arizona Game and Fish Department