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An Introduction...
First, to give you a little background about myself… I graduated from DSA as a seven year Creative Writing major. I was an instrumental music minor (I play the flute) but have been involved with all the art forms. I then attended the University of Denver and received two degrees: Environmental Science (the integration of life, earth, and physical sciences) and Conservation Biology. I worked at the Denver Zoo after graduation as an instructor of 4 and 5 year-olds and discovered that I loved teaching science. I then obtained my teaching license from the University of Colorado at Denver while working as a substitute teacher at DSA. This is my first year with my own classroom and I am very excited to have the privilege of teaching at DSA!
In my classroom we explore science with hands-on experiments and demonstrations. I focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills while following the physical science fundamental units as approved by the District:
Physical Science Units
Unit 1—Foundations Scientists believe that all events can be explained in terms of the interactions between objects. Scientists study interactions through observations and experimentation to determine the properties of objects and the nature of the interactions.
Unit 2—Interactions and Energy Scientists can describe, analyze, and explain interactions by considering the energy transferred between the objects.
Unit 3—Interactions and Forces Scientists can describe, analyze, and explain interactions by considering the forces between objects such as the gravitational forces between Earth and other objects.
Unit 4—Interactions and Conservation Despite the changes that often occur during interactions, some things remain the same. During interactions in closed systems the total mass and energy stay the same.
Unit 5—Materials and Other Interactions Scientists classify materials by their characteristic properties and interactions. When two materials interact and a new material is formed it is called a chemical interaction; otherwise, it is a physical interaction.
Unit 6—Physical Interactions and Phases Scientists use models to help them think about things at scales too small or large to observe directly or with tools that extend the senses. The Small Particle Theory is a powerful model for thinking about matter and how it interacts with other matter.
Unit 7—Chemical Interactions Scientists use the Small Particle Theory to understand what is happening to the mass and energy of a chemical system during a chemical reaction.
Class Syllabus
Student Expectations My classroom is a safe place for all students. I hold high expectations for all students to be respectful and considerate of others and others’ property, always acting with integrity. Please remember to listen quietly to instructions and the opinions of fellow classmates. I will conduct my class according to Denver School of the Arts’ Classroom Management Ladder. In addition, all students’ work must be their own. Plagiarism will result in a 0 that can not be made up. Please bring to class everyday: ~ Paper and writing utensils ~ Science notebook ~ Text book (InterActions in Physical Science, 2006) ~ Activity booklet ~ Your creativity! Please do not bring to class: ~ Cell phones and/or pagers ~ I-pods, walkmans, etc.—please, no earphones in ears during class ~ Recording devices—unless given to me before class
Grading I will grade students according to the following: (A rubric will accompany each assignment if necessary.) 1. Participation/Attendance 10% of final grade 2. Science Journaling Notebook 10% of final grade 3. Lab Reports 20% of final grade 4. Cumulative Unit Projects 20% 5. Class work/Homework 20% of final grade 6. Exams 20% of final grade
A 100-90% B 89-80% C 79-70% D 69-60% F 59-0%
Unexcused/Late Work Policy All students will be expected to complete and return all assignments on time. One class period late will result in a 25% reduction in points. Two class periods late will result in a 50% reduction in points. If the assignment is more than 2 class periods late, it will not be accepted. If the student has a legitimate reason for the assignment being late such as illness, family emergency or in-school performance, please let me know before the due date and adjustments will be made. I do not assign or accept extra credit assignments. However, if a student wishes to improve their science notebook or lab report grades they may correct and re-submit their assignment no later than three days after it was returned for a higher grade. Please note that points deducted for a late assignment can not be made up.
Attendance/Tardy Policy I expected students to be present and punctual to class. Denver School of the Arts’ attendance/tardy policy will be up-held. If your student will be absent they need to be excused through the main office and have two days to complete missed assignments. If a student is late to class it will be recorded by myself and the main office. Students need to bring a note from the main office to class if they are late. A tardy will result in the student not receiving their full participation/attendance points for that day. If a student is absent or late, it is their responsibility to collect work they missed.
Safety For safety’s sake, no food or drinks are allowed in my class because chemicals may be present. Water bottles are acceptable on days where we are not conducting a lab. If labs are being conducted, students must follow all safety instructions given.
Contact Information I am committed to helping students succeeded-- so please let me know if I can help in any way. I am available during access, lunch, my free period, and after school until 3:15. If you plan to come after school, please let me know ahead of time. My e-mail is katrina_marzetta@dpsk12.org, which is the best way to contact me. You may also reach the main office at 720-424-1700 to be transferred to my room (B112).
Formal Lab Write-Up Rubric(Please use this format for all formal lab write-ups until otherwise notified.) The following is the different sections required for a formal lab writ-up. Also, included are the expectations for each section and the amount of points it is worth. Please have all lab write-ups typed. This format is very similar to what you would encounter in higher academia. If you have any problems or concern please see me before each lab is due—I will be more than happy to help. Have fun being scientist!
I. Title of lab, date, class, and your name 2 pts
II. Introduction: Clearly state… 1. Why are you doing this lab? (2 pts) 2. The question(s) you are trying to answer. (2 pts) 3. Your hypothesis (in “if…then…because” format). (2pts) 6 pts
III. Material and Methods: 1. What ere the needed materials? (2 pts) 2. Step-by-step description of how the experiment was performed. (2 pts) 4 pts
IV. Results: Data should be collected form your experiment and presented in an organized, clear table(s) and/or graph(s). Please include a title and a brief legend with tables and/or graphs so I know what the data is depicting. Please do not explain the data, just record it. 10 pts
V. Discussion (data analysis): A summary paragraph where the results are fully explained. 1. Did your data answer your question(s)? Why or why not? (3 pints) 2. Was your hypothesis correct? Why or why not? (3 pts) (Please remember you are not graded on the "correctness” of your hypothesis. Instead you are graded on the thoroughness of you experiment, data collection, and analysis.) 3. How would you improve your experiment? (3 pts) 4. Do you need to perform further experiments? (3 pts) 5. Dou you need to change your hypothesis based on your data? (3pts) 6. Were there any sources of error? If so how would you correct hem? (3 pts) 18 pts
Lab write-up total: 40 pts Conducting lab: 10 pts Complete lab grade total: 50 pts
Daily Topics/Homework
Tuesday: 8/21/07 - Journal entry #1: Leaf observation - Today we discussed the importance of observations in science by noting a leaf's characteristics - Discussed the class syllabus Homework: - Please read the syllabus with your parent/guardian - Complete the signature paper with your parent/guardian signifying the syllabus was read and understood. Please return this paper by Friday to receive full credit. It is worth 5 points.
Wednesday: 8/22/07 - Journal entry #2: Imploding pop can demonstration - Discussed the scientific method - Assigned text books and work books
Friday: 8/24/07 - Journal entry #3: What is a pendulum? - Discussed types of errors, averages, outliers, hypotheses, and variables (independent and dependent) - Pendulum Experiment part 1(Standardizing an Experiment; Exploring a Pendulum)
Monday: 8/27/07 - Journal entry #4: Define: hypothesis, variable, data, average, and outliers - Completed Pendulum Experiment part 1 - Began Pendulum Experiment part 2 (Relationship Between Pendulum Length and Period)
Wednesday: 8/29/07 - Journal entry #5: Define: a relationship and conclusion in science - Introduced uncertainty values for data sets - Discuss types of relationships: inverse (indirect), direct, and null - Complete Pendulum Experiment part 2 - Begin Magnet Experiment (How a Magnet's Size Controls Its Strength) Homework: - Prepare for Quiz over the last 2 journal entries; please be able to define/understand hypotheses variables, data, averages, outliers, relationships, and conclusions.
Friday: 8/31/07 - Quiz #1 - Complete magnet experiment - Vinegar/baking soda demonstration - Discuss good vs. poor experiment design--what is a fair test?
Wednesday: 9/5/07 - Journal entry #6: Why is evidence important in science? - Relationship among variables review - Concluded discussion on experiment design - Discuss types of evidence for scientific interactions - Discuss static electricity - Static Electricity Experiment - Non-Newtonian fluid demonstration-- The need to collect different types of evidence
Friday: 9/7/07 - Journal entry #7: What is an electric circuit? - Introduced Electricity - Electricity Lab part I
Wednesday: 9/12/07 - Journal entry #8: What happens when you flip open a switch in an electric circuit? - Electricity Lab part II Homework: - Prepare for Quiz #2 on Friday over the 3 different types of relationships, the 2 types of variables, electric currents/circuits, and the 2 types of circuits. - Look over the Formal Lab Write-Up Rubric.
Friday 9/14/07 - Quiz # 2 - Discuss Formal Lab Write-Up Rubric - Begin Electricity Lab part III (Does the number of cells in an electric circuit effect the strength of an electric current?)
Monday 9/17/07 - Review Quiz # 2 - Complete Electricity Lab part III - Introduction to electromagnets - Begin Electromagnet Lab Homework: - Formal Lab Write-Up over Electricity Lab part III (workbook page 63, Exploration 5) due Wednesday the 26th at the beginning of class.
Wednesday 9/19/07 - Journal entry # 9: What is an electromagnet? - Complete Electromagnet Lab - Measurement activities Homework: - Formal Lab Write-Up for Electricity Lab part III is due Wednesday the 26th.
Wednesday 9/26/07 - Journal entry # 10: What is the difference between mass and volume? - Review measurements (volume, mass, density, length, properties, graduated cylinders) - Review electromagnets with "Dirty Jobs" from Discovery Channel - Read about motors to conclude electricity/electromagnets - Lab on measurements
Friday 9/28/07 - Quiz # 3 - Measurements Lab continued - Lemon vs. Lime density demonstration
Monday 10/01/07 - Journal entry # 11: Describe a characteristic property of water. - Measurements Lab continued - Mass of air demonstration - Density of frozen liquids demonstration
Wednesday 10/03/07 - Journal entry # 12: How do you calculate density? - Density demonstration with frozen liquids - Density activities - Introduce Picture Book End of Unit Project
Friday 10/05/07 - Journal entry # 13: Do planes need engines to fly? - Guest Speaker, First Officer Marzetta, presenting the physical science behind flying Homework: - Remember to work on your picture books due Monday 10/15/07
Wednesday 10/10/07 - Hand back labs - Journal entry # 14: Describe an energy interaction. - Introduction to energy interactions - Read text on pages 114-115 - Notes on energy interactions - Light/Eye interaction demonstration, sight games, and notes - Begin lab on types of energy interactions
Friday 10/12/07 - Discuss labs - Journal entry # 15: What is the difference between an energy source and energy receiver? - Notes on Human Constructed Energy Interactions - Wind Turbine model - Exploration with different energy interactions (hand generator, solar cell, buzzer) Homework: - Picture books are due Monday-- the stories need to be typed, divided into pages, and illustrated. Please see the above rubric for more information. - Corrected labs are also due Monday if you wish to improve your lab grade.
Monday 10/15/07 - Turn in picture books/corrected labs - Journal entry # 16: What can create waves? - Introduction to Mechanical waves with Slinky exploration and vocabulary game
Wednesday 10/17/07 - Quiz # 4 on Friday -Journal entry # 17: What is the relationship between amplitude and energy? What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength? - Review with vocabulary game - Complete Slinky exploration - Cork demonstration - Waves in Water lab
Friday 10/19/07 - Quiz # 4 - Water waves: Water lab discussion, Tsunami video clip - Earth waves: Earthquakes and Jell-O demonstration - Sound waves notes
Monday 10/22/07 - Journal entry #18: What does the Richter Scale measure? - Complete earth waves/ sound waves - Sound wave demonstration (Penny Flute, penny wave, wave energy transfer with a candle flame) - Create a game based on waves - Tsunami video clip
Wednesday 10/31/07-- Happy Halloween! - Journal entry #19: Is the ocean really in a sea shell? - Read/review wave frequency and amplitude - Chemical reactions of acids (invisible ink) and fire (different colored flames) - Finish game based on waves/play games Homework: - Completed game due Friday
Friday 11/2/07 - Journal entry #20: How do you measure position? - Play wave games - Read about speed - Speed experiment (data collection and analysis) Homework: - Complete data speeds and graph by Monday
Monday 11/5/07 - Journal entry #21: What are the two pieces of information you need to calculate speed of an object? - Reviewed data speeds and graph - Discuss linear relationships, slope, and constant motion with student speed experiment data - Play wave and speed science Bingo - Show movie clip about waves
Wednesday 11/7/07 - Journal entry #22: How do animals communicate using waves, other than talking as humans do? - Read and discuss uses of waves (radar, sonar, echolocation) - Video clip of dolphin sonar - Slinky wave speed experiment: Using distance and amplitude to control wave speed - analyzing class data
Friday 11/9/07 - Journal entry # 23: How does amplitude and distance effect wave speed? - Complete Slinky experiment on wave speed - Answer the questions: How does distance effect wave speed? and How does amplitude effect wave speed? - Complete graphing and analyzing class data Homework: - Make sure in class graphs are completed - Research what other scientists have found regarding how amplitude effects wave speed
Wednesday 11/14/07 - Journal entry #24: What have other scientists discovered about the relationship between wave amplitude and wave speed? - Discuss journal entry - Review/discuss wave properties, how to find average speeds, the difference between speed, velocity, and acceleration -Newton's First Law of Motion demonstration (the falling apple) Homework: -Quiz over waves on Friday
Friday 11/16/07 -Quiz # 5 - Motion/Energy Day: - Introduction to nonlinear relationships, velocity, acceleration - Potential vs. Kinetic energy marble lab - Newton's Third Law of Motion demonstration (partner balance)
Monday 11/19/07 - Journal entry #25: What is the difference between Potential Energy and Kinetic Energy - Review energy, motion, forces: potential energy, kinetic energy, Newton's 3rd law, Newton's 1st law - Create science "Turkey's" of energy, motion, forces - Read in text book about motion energy and mechanical interactions - Read "A Thanksgiving Tale"
Wednesday 11/28/07 - Journal entry #26: Give 2 examples of how friction effects your every day life. - Introduce new energy, motion, and forces vocabulary - Begin lab on motion energy of friction using elastic bands
Friday 11/30/07 - Journal entry #27: Define friction - Finish lab on motion energy of friction - Go over friction, analysis, explanation, and evaluation vocabulary - Students read their picture books to the class Homework: - Finish lab if not completed in class
Monday 12/03/07 - Journal entry #28: Define gravity - Introduction to gravity and microgravity - Reading on microgravity in space and food preparation for such an environment - Experiment on food preparation and preservatives in space for a microgravity environment Homework: - Prepare for Quiz 6 on Wednesday
Wednesday 12/05/07 - Quiz # 6 - Simple machine, input/output force vocabulary - Finish microgravity food lab - Microgravity demonstrations - Reading on "Orbiting Space Craft" - Moon observations assignment - Video clip on space travel Homework: - Moon observations- every day until next Wednesday record the date and draw the moon's shape and any major features that you see.
Wednesday 12/12/07 - Collect moon observations - Announcements: I need to collect all missing work by next Wednesday if you wish to receive credit for it. The final will be on 12/17 and cover what is on the review sheet (given out today). - Journal entry #29: Does your weight change on other planets? - Lecture/Discussion on our Solar System - Moon phase activities Homework: - Study for the Final on next Monday!!
Friday 12/14/07 - Journal entry #30: What is a star? - Review any questions for the final - Introduction on stars and constellations - Make your own constellation activity - Begin introduction on planets Homework: -Study for the Final on Monday!!
Monday 12/17/07 - Take final Homework: - Bring coat and walking shoes to class on Wednesday - All make up work is due Wednesday
Wednesday 12/19/07 - Review solar system notes and constellations - Return graded final, time to ask questions on final - Planet walk
Friday 12/21/07 - Journal entry #31: What is your favorite thing you learned this semester in science and why? - Introduction to black holes - Introduce Solar System Project - Solar System bash - Space Race video segment - The myth of Perseus-- why the constellation was named after him
__________________________________ 2nd Semester____________________________________ Wednesday 1/9/07 -New seating assignments -Review Solar System project -Journal entry #32: What is a falling star? -Solar System notes II- introduce solar system cycles and events and demonstrations -Review exam Homework: -Solar System project (due next Friday)
Friday 1/11/07 -Quiz over notes on Wednesday -Journal entry #33: What is the difference between a meteor and a meteorite? -Complete Solar System notes II -Comet demonstration -Read text about star luminosity -Time to work on Solar System project Homework -Study for Quiz (Wednesday) and complete Solar System project (due Friday)
Monday 1/14/08 -Journal entry #34: Does mold grow in space? -Mold in Space experiment -Reading on Galaxies and AU's -Time to work on Solar System project Homework -Study for Quiz (Wednesday) over Solar System Notes II and complete Solar System project (Friday)
Wednesday 1/16/08 -Quiz # 7 -Mold in Space experiment observations -Gravity experiment Homework -The Solar System project is due this Friday. If you have any questions about it, please e-mail me. Also, if you are bringing food that will spoil, please bring it to me before school on Friday so I can put it in my refrigerator.
Friday 1/18/08 -Journal entry # 35: How do the other planets affect Earth? -Solar System Project Presentations
Wednesday 1/23/08 -Journal entry #36: What is a chemical compound? -Mold observations -Solar System Project Presentations continued -Introduction to chemical mass conservation -Sugar/water lab
Friday 1/25/08 -Journal entry #37: What is a chemical interaction? -Mold observations -Complete Solar System Project Presentations -Continue chemical mass conservation -water/rubbing alcohol -sodium sulfate and calcium chloride -workbook pg. 371--
Wednesday 1/30/08 -Journal entry #38: What is an element? -Mold observations -Finish workbook pgs. 371-375 discussion on mass conservation -Chemistry notes on precipitates -Alka-Seltzer demo and discussion on CO2 production reactions Homework: -Prepare for Quiz # 8 over Chem notes and lab safety
Friday 2/01/08 -Quiz # 8 -Closed vs. Open Systems reading -CO2 lab
Monday 2/04/08 -Begin Energy Conservation -Mass and open system movie
Wednesday 2/06/08 -Journal entry # 39: What is energy conservation? -Mold observations -Review of Closed and Open Systems -Mass and energy conservation notes (thermal energy vs. temperature) -Thermal energy lab (hot vs. cold water) Homework -Completed data table and graph for thermal energy lab due Friday if not already completed in class.
Friday 2/08/08 -Journal entry # 40: What is the difference between thermal energy and temperature? How are they connected? -Complete thermal energy lab -Einstein's Conservation of Mass-Energy law -Read/Discuss solar radiation energy -Quiz 8b: a review of chem notes and conservation laws -Mold observations
Wednesday 2/13/08 -Journal entry # 41: What is an acid? What is a base? Give examples of each. -Notes on Dalton's Atomic Theory and acid-base reactions -Acid-Base reaction Experiment
Friday 2/15/08 -Journal entry #42: Why did scientist create the periodic table? -Read a review on acids and bases -Notes on the periodic table -Element project research and presentation of elements Homework -Finish research on element if not completed (due Wednesday) Wednesday 2/20/08 -Journal entry # 43: What is a common compound? What are the elements in it? What do humans use it for? -Element presentations -Read text on the periodic table -Mold observations and conclusions Homework -Study for Quiz # 9 on Friday over Dalton's Atomic Theory and acids/bases -Finish conclusions from mold observations, due Friday
Friday 2/22/08 -Quiz # 9 -Finish element presentations -Discussion/reading over diffusion of molecules -Diffusion of molecules lab
Wednesday 2/27/08 -Journal entry # 44: What is diffusion? -Complete diffusion worksheet and lab -Elements bonding discussion and practice -Begin atom reading from National Geographic
Friday 2/29/08 -Journal entry # 45: What is the difference between an ionic and covalent bond? -Review Quiz # 9 -Finish notes on elements bonding -Finish reading on atoms from National Geographic -Lab on Ionic Precipitates
Monday 3/3/08 -Journal entry #46: What colors can precipitates form? -Pop quiz over bonds -Data analysis completion -Discuss types of reactions -Scientific Notation
Wednesday 3/5/08 -CSAP testing, reduced class time -Movie/make-up day Homework -All make-up work due Friday by 1 pm
Friday 3/7/08 -Journal entry # 47: Why do we use scientific notation? -Scientific Notation continued -Significant Figures reading, discussion, and practice -Introduce next project: Chemistry Play -Time to work on project
Wednesday 3/12/08 -CSAP testing, reduced class time -Movie day
Friday 3/14/08 -Journal entry #48: What is radioactivity? -Qualitative and Quantitative Measurements -Radioactivity discussion and notes -Time to work on Chemistry Play
Monday 3/17/08 -Journal entry #49: Can one element change into another element? If so, how? -Reading over radiation -Discuss isotopes, radioisotopic dating, and 1/2 lives -Rusting experiment -Discuss Oxidation Reactions -Time to work on Chemistry Play Homework -Chemistry Play due Friday; script needs to be typed and given to me Friday
Wednesday3/19/08 -Journal entry #50: What is an oxidation reaction? -Reading on nuclear energy -Conclude Rust experiment -Balancing Equations discussion and practice -Valence electrons discussion -Time to work on Chemistry Play Homework -Chemistry Play due Friday; script needs to be typed and given to me Friday -Complete Balancing Equations Worksheet if it was not finished in class
Friday 3/21/08 -Journal entry # 51: Why do you balance equations in chemistry? -Review Balancing Equations Worksheet -Chemistry Play Presentations Homework -No homework over Spring Break unless you are presenting your Chemistry Play the Wednesday after we return to school
Wednesday 4/2/08 -Journal entry #52: One aspect of science that you used or noticed over spring break. -Presentations completed -Match experiment -Reading/discussion over activation energy and exothermic vs. endothermic reactions
Friday 4/4/08 -Journal entry # 53: What is a polymer? -Reading activity over polymers -What is gelatin activity? -Polymer gummy bear lab
Monday 4/7/08 -Journal entry #54: List 3 polymers you use in everyday life -Polymer gummy bear lab -Reading Activity of BioChem Homework -Study for Quiz #10 on Wednesday
Wednesday 4/9/08 -Quiz # 10 -Complete Polymer gummy bear lab -Complete Reading Activity of BioChem
Friday 4/11/08 -Journal entry #55: What is light? -Notes on light -Prism demonstration -Color photoreceptor experiment
Wednesday 4/16/08 -Journal entry # 56: Why is the sky blue? -Finish color photoreceptor experiment -Light readings and demonstrations (reflection, refraction, absorption, and transparent vs. opaque)
Monday 4/21/08 -Journal entry #57: What is a lens? -Finish light readings -Light demonstrations on reflection, refraction, convex lenses, and light waves
Wednesday 4/23/08 -Journal entry # 58: What is the difference between a concave and convex lens? -Lab focusing on Solar Radiation and the variables that affect it Homework -Finish the lab if necessary, which is due Friday
Friday 4/25/08 -Journal entry # 59: How does light affect the Earth? -Collect and discuss the lab -What is solar radiation discussion/notes -Video clip on how solar radiation affects Earth (from Planet Earth series from the BBC)
Wednesday 4/30/08 -Benchmark Testing; reduced class time -Quiz # 11 over light -Crab spider and Earthworm demonstration: What is a species?
Monday 5/5/08 -Journal entry: #60: What is a species? -Review lab requirements -What is a species/speciation discussion -Speciation reading -Conservation Biology pre-test -Science questions
Wednesday 5/7/08 -Discussion about science questions generated from my students -Polymer experiment (a review of chemistry) -Snake demonstration (how physical adaptations allow a species to survive) -Documentary of flight adaptations -Discussion of flight adaptations
Friday 5/9/08 -Discussion about science questions generated from my students -Discussion on adaptations/physical adaptations -Articles (both pro and con) about Yellowstone Wolf Reintroduction focusing on predator-prey relationships -Debate on Wolf controversy Homework -Study for Quiz # 12 that will be given on Wednesday over Conservation Biology
**Please note that homework is not usually given unless the student does not complete the assignment in class. **My e-mail has been modified to katrina_marzetta@dpsk12.org and will remain this for the year. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me. **Current grades are all posted. A lot of papers do not have names on them. Please claim nameless papers to correct the 0 given for those assignments. Also, a lot of students have not turned in assignments. Please make sure you do so to avoid 0's.
Thanks!
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