Course Description
Textbook: Interactive Science: Science and Technology. Pearson Education, Inc. 2011.
Additional Resource: Science Explorer- Earth Science, Prentice Hall, 2002.
Overview:
The Science curriculum at St. James Academy is delivered using a multi-sensory approach, including technology, experimentation, and lecture. Students work in cooperative groups to model real life science experiences that are both activity and inquiry based to solve problems, promote interaction, and develop collaborative skills. Students explore the relationship between science and technology and the effect of both on our society. Technology software is utilized at all levels to facilitate project-based learning. By encouraging exploration and open-ended investigation, students develop research skills, problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making, while demonstrating knowledge acquisition of topics covered. Integration of the IB MYP philosophy enhances global awareness, community, caring, environmental responsibility, and encourages a belief in the relevance of scientific study to daily life.
Topics Covered:
Oceanography “Delving Into the Depths”; Hurricanes- “Facing Gale Force Winds”; Biomes “Earth’s Evolution”; Science Fair “A Method To This Madness!”
Formative Assessment:
Class work, homework, weekly quizzes, reflections, drills, exit tickets, experiments/Lab reports
Summative Assessment:
Unit tests, mid-term and final exams, MYP Projects
Areas of Interaction:
ATL’s: Note taking, knowledge acquisition skills, application of knowledge, analyzing skills, observation skills, communication skills, integrating and summarizing skills, scientific inquiry skills, hypothesizing, evaluation skills, integrity, responsibility, and reflection
Community and Service: Investigating scientific issues and their impact on the local community and/or global society, as well as reflecting on the topics studied
Human Ingenuity: Appreciate the nature of scientific inquiry and real life scientific endeavor
Environments: One World, Our Earth; Exploring how human activity and exploitation of natural resources play a role in the sustainability of the natural capital
Health and Social Education: Examine conditions and effects of life on Earth
IB MYP Year 2 AIMS and Objectives:
• demonstrate understanding of basic scientific language by using appropriate scientific terminology, units of measurement and symbolic representation;
• provide scientific information using appropriate modes of communication;
• work effectively as members of a team, by being guided into collaborating, acknowledging, and supporting others as well as ensuring a safe working environment;
• develop inquiring minds and curiosity about science and the natural world;
• formulate a hypothesis and explain it using logical scientific reasoning;
• design scientific investigations that include variables and controls, material/equipment needed, a method to be followed, data to be collected, and suggestions for its analysis;
• analyze and interpret data by identifying trends, patterns, and relationships;
• appreciate the benefits and limitations of science and its application in technological developments;
• draw conclusions supported by scientific explanations and a reasoned interpretation of the analysis of the data.