Rainshadow CCHS – Fall 2009 ID Science 3A Syllabus

This course explores science as a means of interdisciplinary inquiry with an

emphasis on the role of the physical sciences in understanding natural phenomena
Joe Ferguson: joe@rainshadowcchs.org * www.joerainshadow.weebly.com
Course Description: The course features investigation of interdisciplinary topics through the
perspective of atomic and molecular structures of matter, energy, and physical and chemical reaction
and interaction. Delivers Rainshadow & State of Nevada standards in the physical sciences.
Course Aims and Objectives for this 9 Weeks:
Upon completion of this 9 week unit, students will;
- Study and understand the physical sciences from the perspective of the laws of motion and force:
action and reaction, gravity and light, electric and nuclear energies.
- Study and understand the physical sciences from the perspective of the structure of matter: atomic
and molecular structures and concomitant chemical reactions.
- Explore practical applications of the discoveries of physics and chemistry to everyday life.
- Discuss current world issues and problems with concern for understanding and conserving ecosystems
by way of comprehending and unifying problem solving through the lenses of physics and chemistry.
Requirements:
- participation in classroom activities every day.
- record of daily activities, current events, notes, and vocabulary flash cards.
- completed portfolio of assignments. (see requirements below)
- completed projects, presentations, quizzes, and exams.
- completed Science Fair Project.

Week / Dates Tuesday Thursday

Intro to the scientific method and
Course intro and class expectations. What
1) Sept. 1, 3 Rainshadow’s first annual science fair.
is chemistry?
Gather science fair project ideas.
Intro to chemistry, elements, and the
2) Sept. 8, 10 Periodic table project.
periodic table.
Intro to the water molecule and it’s
3) Sept. 15, 17 Lab: The incredible water molecule.
amazing properties.
Chemical foundations: atoms, molecules,
4) Sept. 22, 24 Stoichiometry.
and ions.
5) Sept. 9, Oct. 1 Lab: a closer look at a chemical reaction. Types of chemical reactions.
6) Oct. 6, 8 Gases. Thermochemistry.
Lab: changes in temperature during a
7) Oct. 13, 15 Atomic structure and periodicity.
reaction.
8) Oct. 20, 22 Bonding: general concepts. Lab: changes in color during a reaction.
9) Oct. 27, 29 Covalent bonding: orbitals. No Class: Half Day
10) Nov. 3, 5 Liquids and solids Properties of solutions.
Lab: gas production during a chemical
11) Nov. 10, 12 Chemical kinetics.
reaction.
12) Nov. 17, 19 Chemical equilibrium. Acids, bases, and the pH scale.
13) Nov. 24, 26 Lab: acids and bases. No School: Thanksgiving Holiday
Lab: solid production during a chemical
14) Dec. 1, 3 Spontaneity, entropy, and free energy.
reaction.
15) Dec. 8, 10 Electrochemistry. Biochemistry.
Periodic table review, wrapping up science
16) Dec. 15, 17 Lab: biochemistry.
fair projects.
 Putting the finishing touches on our science
17) Jan. 5, 7 Finishing our science fair projects.
fair projects.
18) Jan. 12, 14 Course review. Final Exam.
Last class. Course reflection. Updating the
19) Jan. 19, 21 science section of your Rainshadow No Class: Half Day
Portfolio.

Grading Policy and Assessment: This class will be based on an approximately 2,500 point system
for the 19 week period.
Point Breakdown:
Attendance and Participation – 500 points
Complete Folder of Work – 500 points
- includes classwork, projects, and lab exercises.
Major Projects, Presentations, Quizzes, & Exams – 500 points
Science Fair Project – 500
Literacy Course – 500
Portfolio Contents: You will maintain a folder to be kept in-class with all of the assignments that you
complete for this class. You will also be required to maintain an online portfolio for each of your
Rainshadow classes where many of your assignments will be saved. At the end of the semester you will
complete your modified online school portfolio that will showcase all of your best work from this
course. Work done in this class should be included in the science section of your comprehensive
Rainshadow Portfolio.
 Interdisciplinary Science 3A & B
This course explores science as a means of interdisciplinary inquiry with
an emphasis on physical science.
This Junior-level Rainshadow Science course explores science as a means of interdisciplinary
inquiry with an emphasis on the role of the physical sciences in understanding natural phenomena.
This course features investigation of interdisciplinary topics through the perspective of atomic and
molecular structures of matter, energy, and physical and chemical reaction and interaction. This
course meets Rainshadow & State of Nevada standards for physical science and prepares students to
use science as a tool in careers, higher education, and life.
Objectives
Students will…
 …study and understand the physical sciences from the perspective of the laws of
motion and force: action and reaction, gravity and light, electric and nuclear
energies.
S1 (P.12.B.1-4) Forces and Motion: laws of motion, gravity, machines, pressure, density, buoyancy,
electricity, and magnetism.
S3 (P.12.C.1-6) Energy and Matter: energy forms, changes of state, heat and temperature, waves,
circuits, changes in systems.
S5 (P.12.C.1-6) Nuclear and Electromagnetic Energy: behavior of light, nuclear applications,
nuclear waste disposal, electromagnetic energies.
 …study and understand the physical sciences from the perspectives of the
structure of matter: atomic and molecular structures and concomitant chemical
reactions.
S2 (P.12.A.1-9) Structure of Matter: physical properties, chemical bonding, atomic theory, systems
of particles, molecular theory.
S4 (P.12.A.1-9) Chemical Reaction: conservation of matter, rates of reaction, transformation of
matter, chemical properties.
 …explore practical applications of the discoveries of physics and chemistry to
everyday life.
S19 (N.12.A.1-6) Reasoning and Critical Response Skills: evaluate data, credibility of sources,
cost/benefits analysis, system analysis, hypotheses, laws, theories, rules, generalization, assumption,
analogy models.
 …discuss current world issues and problems with concern for understanding and
conserving ecosystems by way of comprehending and unifying problem solving
through the lenses of physics and chemistry.
S16 (E.12.C.1-5) Natural Resources: consequences of resource use, recycling processes, careers, use
of natural resources, depletion, environmental degradation.
S17 (N.12.B.1-4) Conservation: analyze and evaluate consumption patterns, conservation efforts,
equilibriums, environmental issues, global concerns, trade offs, responsible behavior.

**Complete a Science Fair Project**