The Mississippi science framework provides the basis for curriculum development. In two years, I taught five different science courses; biology I, biology II, introduction to biology, aerospace, and geology. The courses have the common goal of teaching students to apply inquiry-based and problem-solving processes and skills to scientific investigations. To help students strengthen their scientific literacy, I strive to teach in a way that will hone the students' innate sense of curiosity. This was accomplished through experimentation, teacher demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
After studying the history of rocket development, propulsion systems on solid and liquid fuel rockets, and the failed NASA launch of the Antares rocket on October 28th, 2014, our students were prepared to engage in rocket science. The aerospace students (9th-12th grade) performed a scientific investigation of aerodynamics and Newton's Laws of Motion by working in teams to construct solid fuel rockets. After learning the launch safety procedures, the students determined that the football field would be the safest launch site. On the day of the launch, the students connected the launch controller cables to the igniters on their rockets. Using the altitude measuring device, students calculated that each rocket soared to altitudes above 1,500 feet. The rocket recovery systems were successfully deployed in the air for a slow and safe landing.
Sample Slides From Rocketry LessonAerospace Rocket Assessment |
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Prior to experimenting with rockets, the students investigated Newton's Third Law of Motion using thrust produced by balloon powered rockets. This lesson was also designed to be fun and engaging while providing students with an in-depth understanding of experimental validity. The students selected their balloon shape after forming hypotheses for maximum velocity. After analyzing the results and concluding that the uniform shaped balloons produced maximum velocity, I reminded them to consider the validity of the experiment. Every student was able to identify and explain multiple experimental errors.
In addition to rockets, the students studied the components and forces that affect the flight of fixed wing aircraft (propeller airplanes, jet airplanes, gliders) and rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters, autogyros). A challenging aspect of teaching aerospace classes with 9th-12th grade students is the varying levels of background knowledge and learning abilities. Therefore, I designed the tests with a personal goal of class averages above a 60%. One of the most rigorous components of the aerospace curriculum is on the structure and function of jet and rocket engine. Prior to teaching rockets, the classes scored averages above 70% on the portion of the quiz that covered jet engines, which is why I taught rocket engines in a similar manner, then increased the difficulty of the test. I attached the sample slides from the jet engine lesson, quiz, and the youtube video that was embedded in the lesson below.
Explanation For Visual Learners |
Sample Slides From Jet Engine LessonAircraft Propulsion Quiz |
Lab SafetyPrior to completing lab work, the students must learn and be assessed on the lab safety rules and procedures. When students are dissecting organisms, it is imperative for them to understand how to protect themselves while handling the tools, organisms, and chemicals.
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Identifying Organ Systems |
Final Lab Biology I |
Food Web Lesson
Below are examples of activities, guided notes, and worksheets for the biology I curriculum
1.d__bubblegum_experimental_design_validity__.docx | |
File Size: | 98 kb |
File Type: | docx |
2.g_biogeochemical_cycles.docx | |
File Size: | 603 kb |
File Type: | docx |
3.c_resources,_bio_magnification,_hierarchy_organization.docx | |
File Size: | 1034 kb |
File Type: | docx |
5.b_codominance_incomplete_dominance_punnett_square_ws.pages | |
File Size: | 338 kb |
File Type: | pages |