Instructor: Julie Greene
Subject Area: Science
In this class we will explore different science topics on an independent study type basis. Students will be given credit for each unit they complete. There will be investigations, experiments and research components in this course. We will focus on how science fields overlap in the process of observation, problem solving, experimentation and discovery. Once completed, each unit will be included in a portfolio. Students can incorporate different media including power point, photography and video.
Unit Topics
Problem solving
Scientific Method
Forensics
Microscope Investigations
Biology
Chemistry
Physical Science
Current Events
Genetics
Earth Science
MN State Standards
The Nature of Science and Engineering—Students will be able to:
-Understand that scientists conduct investigations for a wide variety of reasons: to discover new
aspects of the natural world, to explain recently observed phenomena, to test the conclusions of
prior investigations or to test the predictions of current theories.
-Scientific inquiry is a set of interrelated processes used to pose questions about the natural world and
investigate phenomena. There are multiple sequences that may be used for the process of
inquiry. It requires identification of assumptions, use of critical and logical thinking, and consideration of alternative explanations based on scientifically acceptable evidence.
-Formulate testable hypotheses and demonstrate the logical connections between the scientific concepts guiding a hypothesis and the design of an experiment.
-Design and conduct scientific investigations using various approaches such as field studies, observational studies and experimental procedures.
