Advanced Topics in Science

E Module, Quarter 2 2003-2004

Syllabus

 

 

Introduction

In this course students will have an opportunity to explore advanced areas of science. Our objective is to work together as a team to discover and learn as much as we can. We will explore advanced topics in physics, chemistry, and biology, as well as some interdisciplinary or cross-disciplinary topics.

 

Course Topics

Relativity

Quantum Physics

Particle Physics

String Theory

Chaos Theory

Complexity

Self-Organizing Systems

 

Assignments

Presentation #1 ¨C Speech and Visual

Each student is assigned two class presentations.  The first of these presentations is a speech with visuals. The presentations can be selected from a list of topics, or students may develop new topics with teacher approval. I expect your speech with visuals to be polished, practiced, and well organized. The key word is professional ¨C I want professional presentations from each student, presentations that could be given to experts. We will spend some time in class working on developing quality presentations and explanatory visuals.

 

Teaching

Once students have developed their speech and visuals presentation, they will present it to another science class in the school. As the ¡®leaders¡¯ of Science in the school, you will act as a role model for how to present scientific information, how to use proper procedure, and how to approach information scientifically.

 

Presentation #2 ¨C Science Fair Project

The second presentation students will prepare is a ¡°Science Fair¡± type project. However, as this is ADVANCED science, we will be holding an ADVANCED science fair. The fair will be presented to the public, with students standing with their projects and demonstrating them. We will talk more about possibilities for projects and how to prepare them in class.

 

 

 

 

 

Guerrilla Paper

During one class period, we will work on ¡°guerilla papers¡±. In this assignment, your objective is to put together a quality position paper in 55 minutes. You may bring in visuals, graphs, books, audio, etc.  ¨C whatever source materials you like ¨C to use in creating your paper. The paper should have quotes, references, and citations. Computers will be available for students to type their papers.

 

Position Papers

In addition to the ¡®guerrilla paper¡¯, each student is asked to write a more traditional position paper. The purpose of the position papers is to allow students the opportunity to present an argument in favor of or opposed to a specific scientific theory or approach. Your paper needs to outline positives in favor of your position, as well as addressing any objections that might be raised to your position. As always, your paper will need an introduction and conclusion. You may also require diagrams, data, or photographs to make your point properly.

 

 

Points Breakdown

 

Presentation #1 ¨C Speech and Visual                             20

Presentation #2 ¨C Science Fair Project              25

Teaching (Speech and Visual)                           10

Guerrilla Paper                                                 10

Position Paper                                                              15

Seminar                                                                        10

Classroom Discussion / Activities                                  10

                                                                                    100% Total