The concepts of time and space, matter and energy, optics and waves, mechanics, kinematics,
dynamics, electricity and magnetism (IL Standards 12.C and 12.D) are developed through laboratory investigations, class
discussion and problem solving.
Throughout the course, principles of scientific inquiry will be applied to everyday experiences.
(IL Standard 11.A) Familiar phenomena examined in unfamiliar ways will
challenge the students to formulate alternative hypotheses to explain unexpected results and use available technologies to
report and defend their conclusions. (IL Standard 11.B)
Students will develop their aptitudes of scientific practices with each laboratory investigation
or scientific demonstration that is performed. (IL Standard 13.A) They
will be able to explain the criteria that scientists use to evaluate the validity of scientific claims and theories as well
as describe how scientific knowledge, explanations, and technological designs may change with new information over time. Applying concepts that describe the interaction between science and technology, they
will be able to compare and contrast scientific inquiry and technological design as pure and applied sciences (IL Standard
13.B), specifically towards their springtime bridge building project and competition.
This laboratory science course is designed to unify themes of scientific inquiry, technological
design, (IL Standards 11.A and 11.B) interaction between science, technology and society, and accepted
practices in science. (IL Standards 13.A and 13.B) In their laboratory
work, they will learn and apply the concepts, principles, and processes of scientific inquiry, and will center on applying
accepted practices of science safety. Using available technology, the students
will report, display and defend conclusions drawn from investigations.
In the first semester of this course, students will study models and describe the chemical
and physical characteristics of matter (e.g., atoms, molecules, elements, compounds, mixtures). They will use kinetic theory, combined with a little wave theory and quantum theory, and the laws of thermodynamics
to explain energy transformations as well as to analyze and explain the atomic and nuclear structure of matter. (IL Standard
12.C)
In the second semester, students will focus on explanations and demonstrations of how forces
affect motion (e.g., action/reaction, equilibrium conditions, free-falling objects).
They will examine the factors that affect the gravitational forces on objects, and explain and predict motions in inertial
and accelerated frames of reference. Describe the effects of electromagnetic
and nuclear forces including atomic and molecular bonding, capacitance and nuclear reactions. (IL Standard 12.D)
This new course remains under development.
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Scientific literacy is the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision
making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity. Never before in the history of mankind has
scientific information been more available to citizens.
Teaching and Learning are ACTIVE processes for teachers, students,
and parents. Maximum success in learning requires a team effort on the part of each.
It is the purpose of the science
offerings in Decatur Public Schools to meet the needs of all of our students, those for whom a basic needs must be met and
those who require a more in-depth study.
In order to prepare the student for our future, we state these goals:
1. To enhance natural interest in science and science related fields.
2. To develop scientific attitudes toward the thinking process.
3. To apply principles of scientific research to
problem solving.
4. To understand the importance of living within the limitations of the environment.
5. To establish
familiarity with scientific equipment.
Click the picture at left for more Star Tripp'n, eipsodes!
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