Thinking Like a Scientist
The R.E. Mountain Science Department is implementing an authentic experimentation theme in all classes at all levels. The unofficial slogan has been “Thinking Like a Scientist.” The primary focus of this initiative has been on Science processes, not only outcomes. We are trying to help students learn to work as a scientist, not simply use the results of the past. Labs are open ended rather than followed like a recipe. Problems are presented and equipment provided. Students have to use their scientific skills and knowledge to solve these problems. This differs significantly from providing students with a list of resources and an instruction sheet that might lead the into determining an outcome. As this is a new initiative for us and many of our students and many of our teachers have not done this in a class before there have been some successes, some things to work on and modifications along the way. We are working with rubrics that are trying to emphasize process and academic attitude. In addition, testing is done in a cumulative manner building on previous knowledge in each unit. |
General Course Information
Study Aids + Cornell Notes:
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Pre-IB Science 9 Expectations
The Pre-IB Science 9 course is academically rigorous. Students can expect an increased workload compared to the Science 9 course, along with more open-ended learning goals. The pace is swifter, and students are expected to be self-driven and highly accountable. A big focus for our Pre-IB Science 9s is learning how to learn ; more focus will be on application of skills rather than reliance on rote memorization. This can be a challenging and at times frustrating learning curve for students who are used to being very successful. We encourage students to trust the process and embrace the fact that with the right attitude, areas of struggle and mistakes made are learning opportunities.
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Unit 1 + 2 : Scientific Skills + Chemistry
Unit Resources
Links for support/ practiceAmoeba Sisters Video: Scientific Method IV and DV quiz IV and DV lesson + practice DRY MIX video Sci Method Quiz Control Variable video Volume practice (reading grad cyl) Mass practice (reading balance) Gizmos added for mass and volume practice Metric conversions video (unit factor method) Metric conversions practice (with solutions) Scientific Notation help and practice (with solutions) Scientific Notation practice quiz WHMIS QUIZ HHPS + WHMIS Quiz Lab Safety Chem vs Phys CHANGE Quiz Chem vs Phys PROPERTIES Quiz Hunting for Properties Video (shown in class) Science of Lunch Video (shown in class) - Properties Interactive Periodic Table Periodic Table practice quiz Periodic Table practice quiz II Video - Bohr Models and Patterns in table (incl Atomic Radius) Atomic Size + Electron Shielding Bohr practice quiz I Bohr practice quiz II Bohr practice quiz III Lewis Diagrams (video) Generally GREAT sites to learn from: Chem4Kids Sciencing Khan Academy Even playing Kahoots are a GREAT way to practice!! There's some good ones!! Just search topics :) |
Labs
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Unit 3: Biology
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Labs
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Links to Support Learning:
- Amoeba Sisters - Cell Cycle + Cancer
- Amoeba Sisters - Mitosis
- Amoeba Sisters- Chromosome Numbers During Division
- Mitosis in animal cells (video)
- Mitosis in plant cells (video)
- Mitosis Rap - Mr. W
- Meiosis Rap - Mr. W
- Mitosis vs Meiosis Rap Battle - ASAP Science
- Meiosis step-by-step - (video)
- Amoeba Sisters - Meiosis (video)
- Amoeba Sisters - Mitosis vs Meiosis (video)
- Amoeba Sisters - Chromosome numbers during division (video)
Unit 4: Physics
Links to support learning: Static Electricity (video) Static Electricity (info) Static Electricity (info) Current Electricity (video) Making a lemon battery (video) |