Earth Science

Earth Science
Have you ever wondered why the Earth looks the way it does? How do mountains and lakes develop and change? This year long course will focus on the ways and whys our Earth looks and behaves the way it does. We’ll study rock types and their formation, plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes, as well as weather systems. This class is open to all interested and is strongly recommended for 8th grade students.

The following MN State Science Standards will be covered in class:


Earth Structure and Processes
• Plate tectonics
• Earth’s changing surface
• Rock sequences & Earth history

Interdependence within the Earth System
• Sources & transfer of energy
• Weather and climate
• Materials cycles

Human Interactions with Earth Systems
• Interaction with the environment

Life Science


This course is designed to answer some of the fundamental questions in the life sciences such as: what is a living organism and how does it function within its environment? Students will learn how organisms interact with each other through predator/prey and symbiotic (mutualistic, commensalistic and parasitic) relationships. We will use an inquiry-based approach to discover and learn the key concepts that define the kingdoms of life.

Topics

Cells and their organization

Cellular Functions and Processes

Living vs. Non-living

Instructor: Julie Greene
Subject Area: Science

Classification of Life
Plants
Animals

In our study of these organisms and their survival, we will cover the following standards:

IV. Life Science Strand

A. Cells—The student will comprehend that all living things are composed of cells and the life processes in a cell are based on molecular interactions.

B. Diversity of Organisms—The student will classify, compare and contrast the diversity of organisms on Earth and their modes of attaining the requirements for life.

F. Flow of Matter and Energy—The student will describe and explain the cycling of

matter and flow of energy through an ecosystem’s living and non-living components.

The Nature of Science and Engineering


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.

Animals & Adaptations


Instructor: Julie Greene

Subject Area: Science

Animals and Adaptations is a coursed designed to further develop student understanding of the animal world. Study will focus on animal survival techniques, environmental interactions and physical and behavioral adaptations. There will be two main student projects during the trimester. The first will be an individual research project on an animal family and the second will focus on an individual animal species.

Topics

Animals and survival

-Differentiate between innate and learned responses of animals

-Understand the basics of animal systems and how they help an individual survive and function
Animal interactions

-Identify examples of mutualism, commensalism and parasitism

-Analyze effects of change from one species in an ecosystem
Animal adaptations

-Explain the coevolution of species and how it affects survival in an ecosystem
Student Projects

Each student will research animal families to determine how responses are learned or inherited and how the animal depends on other species within the ecosystem for survival.
Standards

The student will describe how the environment and interactions between organisms can affect the number of species and the diversity of species in an ecosystem.

The student will classify, compare and contrast the diversity of organisms on Earth and their modes of accommodating the requirements for life.

Ojibwe History


Instructor: Ona Kingbird

Subject Area: Social Studies

Ona Kingbird is a Twin Cities Ojibwa elder who has taught for 36 years in Minnesota public schools and prisons. As a Red Lake tribal member and bearer of the pipe given by her father, a medicine man, she preserved the culture of her students throughout the state of Minnesota.

Ona teaches Ojibwe history, language and culture all tied up in a course based on learning history through the understanding of land, language and personal experience.

Arts & Crafts


Instructors: Ona Kingbird, Shannon Hartwig & Penny Scheffler

Subject Area: Art

We will learn how to make dream catchers and head dresses. You may learn how to make moccasins and bone chokers. It is uncertain if we will be able to offer beading. We will also learn some about cultural, and spiritual meanings of some Native American art. We hope that you have fun, and enjoy your creativity. You can also earn credit for the following:

The amount of credit you can earn in this class will be determined by your attendance and the number of art projects that you complete:

80% attendance for full credit;
successful completion of art projects.

Grading:
2 art projects completed per week (exception beading);
respect for other students and instructors;
cleaning up after yourself.

Online Math


Instructors: Cam Stottler

Subject Area: Math

Students are able to complete online course work under the guidance of Math Instructor Cam Stotler. Students are able to study a diverse offering of mathematics and work towards "catching up" on the basics or challenging your mathematic abilities with AP coursework.