12-14 Science and Health

		Instructor: Janeen Cohen
		janeen@nnms.org

Course Description:

The purpose of science education is to foster an appreciation of and responsibility for the earth on which we live. Learning occurs in an inquisitive, cooperative and nurturing atmosphere where students build their scientific knowledge through experiences with natural phenomena.

The course of study includes lecture and lab work covering the fundamental principles of Life Science, Physical Science and Earth Science and their connections, as well as Health and Sex Ed topics. 

Students will use the processes of scientific inquiry to conduct experiments and solve problems, as well as investigate the relationships among science, technology and society in both historical and contemporary contexts. In addition, students will participate in City Farm, as well as in Botany and Sustainable Agriculture activities each year. The course is run over a two-year period. 2007-08 is Year 1.

Course Objectives:

• Have a working knowledge of the processes of scientific inquiry to investigate questions, conduct experiments and solve problems
• Analyze data, draw conclusions on evidence, and report results accurately in a variety of formats
• Demonstrate understanding of scientific processes and apply them to experiments: stating a purpose, developing a hypothesis, designing procedures, making observations, collecting data, controlling variables, and establishing relationships based on evidence and logical argument.
• Analyze structures and functions of the human body and compare them with those of other organisms
• Explain and model the interaction and interdependence of non-living and living components within ecosystems
• Analyze qualitatively and quantitatively patterns of change in matter and energy
• Investigate, analyze and explain characteristics of forces and motion, including uniform motions
• Analyze the properties, functions and formation of the earth’s component features
• Describe large-scale dynamic processes occurring in the solar system
• Evaluate the implications of technology for societies, vocations, economies and the environment
• Demonstrate civic responsibility by participating in school, home and community conservation activities
• Recognize international contributions of scientists from diverse cultures, both male and female
• Demonstrate and practice lab safety techniques
• Understand principles of health promotion and the treatment of illness and injury
• Promote and enhance health and well being through the use of effective communication and decision-making skills

Topics of Study (year 1):

Life Science	Musculoskeletal System Nervous System Endocrine System Vision and Hearing, Skin Ecosystems and Interdependence Diversity of Species, Natural Selection Decomposition
Physical Science	Light and Sound Waves Simple Machines Laws of Motion Inertia and Work
Earth Science	Origin of the Solar System Gravitational Forces Geologic Changes, Rock Cycle, Formation of Mountains Water Cycle, Water Systems, Lake Michigan, Chicago River Troposphere, Weather Systems, Weather Maps Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Floods
Technology and Society	Agricultural Practices Use of Rivers and Deserts Effect of Space Exploration Forecasting Meteorological Events Laws Relating to Science and Technology Influential Scientists Careers in Science and Medicine
Health	Infectious Diseases and Prevention Noninfectious Diseases Mental and Emotional Health Stress Management Conflict Management Tobacco Medicine and Illegal Drugs Safety
Sex Ed	Disability and Diversity Issues Gender Identity Preparing for Parenthood Sexually Transmitted Diseases Abuses of Sexuality

Texts and Instructional Materials:

Integrated Science 2  J. M. LeBel Enterprises (student text)

Decisions for Health Holt, Rinehart and Winston
French Fries and the Food System The Food Project, Inc.
An Atlas of Biodiversity Chicago Regional Biodiversity Council
Stories in Stone Lawrence Hall of Science
Science Plus: Technology and Society Holt, Rinehart and Winston
Issues, Evidence and You Science Education for Public Understanding Program
Science and Life Issues Science Education for Public Understanding Program
Issues in Earth Science Science Education for Public Understanding Program
River Citizen Friends of the Chicago River
Our Whole Lives: Sexuality Education for Grades 7-9 Pamela M. Wilson

Additional teacher-made materials, movies and Internet resources

Instructional Methods and/or Strategies:

• A diverse set of science materials, activities and experiences designed to foster an inquiring scientific mind
• The use of interactive notebooks for note-taking (input) and student responses, interpretations, data and diagrams (output)
• A relationship with community resources to enhance observational activities
• A schedule that allows both large blocks of time for in depth investigations and time for smaller groups to meet
• A forum for both peer and formal presentations (science fair – 2nd trimester)
• Elicitation of students’ previous scientific knowledge and perceptions
• Opportunities for choosing a personal mode of expression and incorporation of graphic media and technology 
• Direct instruction
• A classroom environment where open discussion, group collaboration and problem-solving is encouraged

Assessment Methods and/or Tools:

• Interactive Science Notebook
• Posters and presentations
• Demonstrations / lessons to other students
• Formal and informal lab write-ups
• Tests / quizzes
• Class participation
• Homework
• Science Project

Science Skills Checklist:

• Measuring Distance
• Measuring Volume
• Using a Triple-Beam Balance
• Using a Double-Pan Balance
• Measuring Mass
• Measuring Temperature
• Making Qualitative Observations
• Making Quantitative Observations
• Forming Hypotheses
• Identifying Variables
• Defining Variables Operationally
• Identifying Constants
• Making Data Tables
• Making Bar Graphs
• Making Line Graphs
• Using Graphs to Make Predictions
• Writing a Lab Report