Science Research 1:  Block 4A

Course Content:  

This independent study course is designed for students that have demonstrated an interest and an aptitude in science. Students learn to conduct independent laboratory-based research using the methods of scientific investigation, while safely utilizing laboratory equipment and technology to collect and analyze data.  Students develop this individual research project in any of the scientific disciplines based on their personal interest.  Findings will be presented for formal evaluation and participation is required but not limited to the Woodbridge Township Science Symposium and other forums of scientific exposition as available. 

Class Materials:

It is required that all students bring a fully charged and functioning Chromebook to class everyday along with any applicable handouts required for the daily lesson.  A folder for such documents is recommended but not required.     

Expectations:

I have very high expectations for this class and so should you.  To meet these expectations, a few ground rules should be laid out.  

• Be on time:  Lateness to class will not be accepted without a pass.  2 lates = school detention, 4 lates = ACS, 6 lates = loss of credit.

• Be prepared:  please bring all of the above materials to class everyday.  Passes to your locker will not be given if you fail to bring one of the necessary materials.

• Homework:  you can expect to be assigned homework everyday, plan for this.  All homework is due the following day unless a specific date is assigned.  If you are absent on a day homework is collected, it is your responsibility to hand it in upon your return.  I will not chase you down for homework, be responsible for yourself!

• Proper conduct is expected at all times:  I will strive to make this an enjoyable and fun class for all.  Open dialogue and question asking are important in the learning process and I will entertain any questions that are pertinent to the current topic.  However, when it is work time, I expect your full cooperation and I expect all questions to be of an educational nature and topic specific.

• Advocate for Yourself:  Science Research is a much different class from any other that you have previously taken.  The information is presented in a way that is more college like and the pace in which we cover material is very accelerated.  It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to come to me if you need extra help or clarity about a specific topic, project, or expectation.  As a class that aims for independent learning and research I will check in with you sporadically to gauge your progress, but it is your responsbility to stay on task, keep up with deadlines, and express your need for help if you are having difficulty.  

• Safety guidelines must be followed at all times.  We will conduct a number of labs in this class .  I expect all students to participate in the labs in a safe and constructive manner.  If you break any rules of the lab at any time, you will be asked to leave and will receive a zero on the lab.  

Other Rules

• Cell phones:  Cell phones are not permitted in the classroom at any time.  Any phone seen in use will be immediately confiscated and turned into the office.  This is your warning.      

• Bathroom:  You may use the bathroom whenever it is unlocked and supervised by the teacher on duty.  It is your responsibility to make up any work you miss while you are out of the class.  I ask that you do not disrupt notes or other instructional times to ask to go to the bathroom, it is disrespectful to me and your fellow classmates who are trying to teach/learn.  Please ask during breaks in the class or before we start notes.  

• Conduct:  This classroom will be a place of respect and courtesy, not only for me, but for your fellow students.  If I ask you to do something that is within the realm of acceptable behavior (sit down, stop talking, etc), please do this.  When I ask you to do something, it is for your own good as well as your fellow students.  There should be no name calling, stealing from, or criticizing your peers.  Treat others how you wish to be treated.  As pertaining to questions, there are no stupid questions and no one shall be criticized for asking a valid question pertaining to the topic at hand.  Please raise your hand and wait to be called on.  You should not be talking over me or a fellow classmate, it is disrespectful and distracting.  

• During drills:  

  • Fire drills:  proceed to the nearest fire exit in a quite and orderly fashion.  Stay together so that I can take attendance when we get to our assigned location.  

  • Lockdowns:  When a lockdown is announced, please follow my instructions carefully and quickly.  It is important that all students follow these instructions carefully.  We will treat all lockdowns as if they are actual emergencies, we will remain absolutely silent and await further instructions.  Cell phones are not to be used during these drills!  

  • Evacuations:  during evacuation drills, please proceed to the designated location using the advised route.  Stay together so I can take attendance when we get to our location.  

What to do if you’re absent

• Check the Google Classroom for missed work and assignments

• Hand in any assignments that were due the day of your absence.  

• Extra Help:  If you require extra help from days you missed, I have office hours every morning before school.  Please let me know if you plan to attend.  

Grading:

• Your grade will be calculated using the 50/50 equation:

  • 50% of your grade will be major assessments

    • Tests

    • Projects (both written and oral presentations)

  • 50% of you grade will be minor assessments

    • Homework

    • Day work

    • Labs

    • Quizzes

Google Classroom:

• All assignments and important dates will be posted on the Google Classroom.  You should check this resource DAILY!

Keys to success:

• Listen carefully during all class discussions, lab experiments and all activities.  

• Take good notes and refer to them often.  

• Actively participate:  When you are active in the class, you will get more out of it

• Be prepared to work, everyday:  Mondays and Fridays are not weekend extensions; we will be working all five days of the week.  

• Complete all assignments on time.

Course Outline:

This course runs for the full year and is on an A/B schedule.  Roughly, most course work is done during Marking Period 1 and 2  as seen below.  Marking Periods 3 and 4 will mostly be utilized for independent research and development of presentable research papers and posters.  This schedule will be adjusted as needed to accomadate any and all symposia, fairs, or competitions that might arise through the year.  

Unit 1: Safety (Sept)

Unit 2: Introduction to Science (Sept)

Unit 3: Experimental Design (Sept)

Unit 4: Graphical Analysis and Data Presentation (Oct)

Unit 5: Statistical Analysis (Dec)

Unit 6:  Conducting Independent Research (Oct for planning, Jan - May for experimentation)

Unit 7:  Reporting Results (Nov)

Unit 8:  Reporting Results as a Formal Poster (April - May)

Unit 9:  Independent Research, creation of formal research paper and presentation, applications to various science fairs and symposia.  (Nov - June)