Course Description
Textbook: Interactive Science, Pearson 2011
Additional Resource: Science Explorer—Life Science, Online Textbook
Overview:
The Science curriculum at St. James Academy is delivered using multi-sensory approach including technology, experimentation, and lecture. Success for varying ability level students encourages positive attitudes and interest.
Students work in cooperative groups to model real life scientific 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. Computer software is utilized to facilitate project-based learning. By encouraging exploration and open-ended investigation, students develop research skills, problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making, while exploring life science concepts.
Topics Covered:
Genetics; Skeletal System; Classification of Living Organisms; Muscular System; Integumentary System; Nervous System; Immune System; Digestive System; Circulatory System; Respiratory System; Excretory System; and Ecosystems
Formative Assessment:
Class work, homework, quizzes, oral games, build a skeleton, written and/or oral reflections
Summative Assessment:
Unit tests, mid-term and final exams, MYP projects
ATL’s: Note taking, knowledge acquisition skills, application of knowledge, analyzing skills, observation skills, communication skills, integrating and summarizing skills, scientific inquiry skills, evaluation skills, collaboration, integrity, responsibility, and reflection
Community & Service: Investigating scientific issues and their impact in the local community and/or global society, as well as reflecting on topics studied
Human Ingenuity: Appreciate the nature of scientific inquiry and real life scientific endeavor
Environments: Earth’s Birthday; exploring how human activity and exploitation of natural resources play a role in the sustainability of natural capital
Health & Social Education: Development of healthy habits, discussing social, cultural, and economic ramifications of scientific developments related to health
IB MYP Year 1 Aims and Objectives:
At the end of the first year, students should be able to:
• 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: oral, written, visual representation (formulae, graphs, tables, diagrams) with guidance;
• recognize and recall scientific information relevant to the units of work covered;
• explain and apply simple scientific information to solve problems in familiar, and with guidance, in unfamiliar situations;
• work effectively as members of a team, being guided into collaborating, acknowledging, and supporting others as well as ensuring a safe working environment;
• show respect for themselves and others, and deal responsibly with the living and non-living environment;
• develop inquiring minds and curiosity about science and the natural world;
• acquire knowledge, conceptual understanding and skills to solve problems and make informed decisions in scientific and other contexts;
• appreciate the benefits and limitations of science and its application in technological developments.