9th Grade Goals

1. Introduction of the nature and logic of science:
1. Science as a process
2. Scientific method
3. Writing laboratory reports, and data tables
4. Learn basic laboratory techniques and procedures
5. Perform meaningful laboratory experiences to develop student abilities to recognize and solve scientific problem
2. Introduction to scientific literature:
1. Introduction to scientific writing, types of, styles, etc.
2. Primary vs. secondary literature
3. Analysis of a journal article
4. Skills in searching college libraries
1. Use of classification systems
2. Use of indices
3. Use of abstracts
4. Use of computers and searching strategies
5. Use of general references
3. Introduction to descriptive statistics:
1. Use of statistics in science
2. Sampling and randomization
3. Measurements of central tendency (mean. mode, and median)
4. Measurements of dispersion (range, variance and standard deviation)
5. Introduction to inferential statistics
6. How to read and use statistics in a scientific report
4. Development of computer keyboarding skills to use in writing a laboratory report and searching the Internet.
5. Completion of a Research project:
1. Each student will complete a one-semester biology library investigation or a biology laboratory investigation.
2. Each student will be expected to present a short description of his or her research investigation to there class.
3. Each investigation will be written to specific guidelines and turned in for evaluation.
4. Each student will present a poster presentation of their project and field questions from guests.
6. Student's will be encouraged to attend posted science seminars around the community.
7. Completed student outcome expectations and an abstract of their investigation will be recorded in their portfolio.
8. Evaluation/Credit/ Comprehensive Exam. Students will be evaluated on the design and presentation of their research projects at each grade level plus a test of content presented. For credit a comprehensive test will be given at the end of the 11th grade and pass/fail credit will be assigned.