Waldman Assignments/HW (1/14-18, 2008):
Co-op:
*** ALL PSR REFLECTIONS (1 math, 1 LA, 2 sci. or social sci.) DUE THURS., JAN 17 ***
- Current Portfolio Contents as per Waldman's Co-op:
• Portfolio binder - labeled/organized
• PSRs
• PSRE
• Goals
• Goals reflections for Oct., Nov., Jan.
• Contribution to the CHOICE Community reflection (2)
• 1/2 of Service Learning hours completed & recorded/signed-off on CI log
LA (Blk. 1/2):
- Rehearse and learn your lines!!! -- consider :20-:25 appropriate;
- REMINDER!!! Submit book reviews as books are completed;
Final due date for submission is Feb. 11
*** PLEASE NOTE: Students may not submit more than one review per day.
Life: Inside and Out (Blk. 3):
- Wed. - HW: Complete notebook DUE Friday 1/18
- See below for "Expectations" handout (includes Notebook requirements)
Questions? concerns? triumphs and delights?
Contact:
seth.waldman@bvsd.org
* * * Life!: Inside and Out * * *
Expectations for Life Science
Mr. Waldman
Goals & Objectives:
• Students will gain comprehensive knowledge of the life sciences;
• Students will become experts on one organism - it's biological attributes and it's place in the ecosystem;
• Students will become amateur scientists as they study and explore the concepts, processes, and issues in contemporary study of life science;
• Students will improve research and "I-search" skills in the field, laboratory, library, and computer settings; students will improve note taking skills, writing skills, and problem solving; students will demonstrate and present their long term projects.
Requirements:
1) 3-ring notebook* with 3 tabbed sections; your notebook will hold all work - this includes class notes, handouts, homework, and LTP elements - labeled as follows:
a. Notes/Handouts - blank loose-leaf paper, class work & handout materials
b. Sci. Journal - this will be an area to record all field and lab studies
a. LTP/POL (Long Term Project/Presentation of Learning) - this section will consist of all materials related to your long term project such as note cards, outlines, rough drafts, etc.
[*Notebooks must be completed by Friday, Jan. 18]
2) LTP/POL - this is your culminating project in which you become an expert on one specific topic related to the natural world. Your project will commence with finding a topic, completing background research, conducting interviews, making observations, and writing a comprehensive report which will include all aspects of your research topic as well as specific case studies. - students are highly encouraged to complete research of an organism or system that is observable. The final component to your LTP is your POL - this will be comprised of reporting out on your topic, presenting case studies, and exhibition of your direct research project.
3) Assignments are due on the designated date from when they are assigned. This is in compliance with CHOICE Homework Policy.
Evaluation & Assessment:
1) Class participation - individually and in groups, and in the field;
2) Short-term projects, labs/daily assignments - overall effort toward quality & personal achievement;
3) Organization & neatness;
4) Presentation of written, oral, and artistic skills;
5) LTP/POL - quality, scope, structure, clarity, and materials; final presentation, model.
Educational Components
1. LTP: Each student will pick a topic within the field or related fields of life science. Information search time will be allotted in the school library, school computer labs, field trips, and the Boulder Public Library. In addition, students are responsible for making arrangements for their own access to libraries, research facilities, and conducting interviews on their own time after school hours.
2. Written component: Aside from specific components within the LTP, written assignments and labs will be produced in high quality throughout the semester; these may be overnight or short-term assignments; proper grammar, spelling, and neatness is expected; some assignments may be required to be typed.
3. Reading Component: Each student will be required to complete various readings, both assigned and those found on your own; response, orally or written, may be required.
4. Oral Component: Each student will give a Presentation of Learning (POL) near the semester's end; additionally, all students will participate in individual and group presentations during the semester.
5. Practical component: A significant portion of this course will include hands-on experience with various projects and labs; here the student will be involved in problem solving, data analysis and hypothesis, and direct work utilizing the scientific process.
6. Reflection Component: Upon successful completion of this course students will reflect on their learning and experiences.
Important Dates** (MARK YOUR CALENDARS!): [**dates are subject to change]
• 2/4 - LTP Start
• 2/6 - ADI #1 - Denver Zoo
• 2/8 - LTP Topic Approval (may be requested any time between 2/4-8)
• 2/11 - LTP Note card check #1
• 2/20 - LTP Note card check #2
• 2/29 - ADI #2 - Denver Museum of Nature & Science
• 3/3 - LTP Formal outline due
• 3/14 - LTP Rough draft
• 4/1 - ADI #3 - Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
!!! Note: this is an extended day - no electives, late return !!!
• 4/4 - LTP Final Draft due (may be submitted any time up to 4/4)
• 4/7 - Physical Project due
• 4/10-11 - POLs
• 4/15 - Last day
I have reviewed the detailed requirements & calendar above with my parents.
I understand and acknowledge my responsibilities for this course.
Student Name (Print) __________________________________
Student Signature_______________________________________
Parent signature _______________________________________
Date __________________________
[Signatures DUE with Notebook on Friday, Jan. 18]
