Course Description

The biosphere, the living collection of life on Earth, and how it is supported by the Earth's resources is the subject of year of study. We will be looking at the relationship of organisms to their environment, the interaction of matter, life and energy on a microcosmic level, in practical terms, and in a comprehensive scope. We will use biological, chemical and astrophysical analyses in trying to understand the patterns of the universe.

Specifically, we will study the nature of matter, the Earth and its composition including the atmosphere, ecology, evolution, AIDS, evolution and global warming.

Students will be engaging in frequent hands on activities, exercising skills in experimentation and laboratory procedure. They all participate in tasks required for the operation of a laboratory. We will take several field trips to experience the benefits and beauty of native environments, starting with one to the Woodland Park Zoo to observe endangered species.
Students will be following environmental issues of local and national concern in the news, and discussing how problems in our natural world impact our lives. Science fair projects will be started before the February holiday, an opportunity for students to engage in independent experimentation and research, and to present it to their classmates and families.

AIDS Education:
Parents have the opportunity to view the state approved AIDS education curriculum materials during Open House. State law requires that students have AIDS prevention lessons annually and that parents may review the program in person if they wish to determine whether to have their child excused from these classes.
Goals:
Students will take the WASL in Science in the spring. They will be required to display knowledge of facts and vocabulary appropriate to their level, and describe scientific concepts and relationships accurately and clearly.
Students will be studying how the science relates to their neighborhoods, and be able to write reasoned opinions supporting recommendations for action on issues of concern.
Students will be observing patterns in space and on earth, and be able to explain those relationships and define natural systems in terms of personal experience.
Students will design and carry out independent research and analysis and participate in a science fair.

Washington State Standards Taught in Class
Systems: The student knows and applies scientific concepts and principles to understand systems. Inquiry: The student knows and applies the skills, processes, and nature of scientific inquiry. Design: The student knows and applies the design process to develop solutions to human problems in societal contexts.

Assessments:
The students will have three types of assessed activities: classwork including laboratory procedure, homework and projects, and tests.
Students will show that they understand the experimental process by engaging in experiments in class, as well as by studying the necessary vocabulary, and question and analysis to clarify cause and effect and other relationships. They will need to work cooperatively and present information to other students.
Students are responsible for homework investigations, creating their science projects, and mastering of the assigned subject matter.
Students will take written tests to demonstrate their ability to explain the topics and concepts.

Materials: Students will use Newspapers and Internet sites and textbooks including Prentice Hall Ecology; Prentice Hall Matter; Merrill Life Science; Glencoe Earth Science; Smithsonian The National Academies Properties of Matter; and Smithsonian The National Academies Earth and Space.

Teacher's biography
This is my tenth year as a middle school teacher, most of them at Denny Middle School. Before my teaching career, I worked with international organizations focusing on world peace and environmental protection, including Solar Cookers International, Sierra Club, Climate Solutions, Lawyers' Committee on Central America and as a lawyer with Legal Services.
My education includes a BA in Philosophy from Pomona College, a JD from Boston University, a Primary Certificate from Montessori International, and extended terms of study at London School of Economics, University of Pittsburg Semester at Sea, and University of Washington School of Education.
My favorite readings are Stormy Weather, 101 Solutions to Global Warming, Worldwatch publications, the New York Times, Orion Magazine and High Country News.
I like to hike, kayak, swim, grow organic vegetables, and listen to oldies.