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Zoo Syllabus Instructors:
Mr. Jessup, MA, MPA; Mr. Halpern, M.A. Description: Algebra 1-2 is the first course in a three-year sequence of college preparatory mathematics. Biology 1-2 is the first course in a three-year sequence of college preparatory science. These courses will provide students with a strong background in problem solving, reasoning, and real world applications while meeting all the requirements necessary to meet the California State Standards. Passing these courses gives you credit toward high school graduation. Textbook: Larson Algebra 1; McDougal Littell, 2001 supplemented by Personal Student Tutor. Course Evaluation and Grades: There will be 5 Chapter tests worth 100 points each for a total of 500 possible points. If you do miss a class, it is your responsibility to learn all the material covered in class and to be aware of all the announcements made. Makeup exams will be given only for excused absences. It is your responsibility to schedule any makeup exam you need. The PST score will be worth 100 points per chapter for a total of 500 points. . The major project (film of instructional material) will be worth 200 points. Homework is worth 10 points per day for a total of 350 points and will be due daily. All work must be shown to receive full credit. The midterm will be worth 150 points. Class participation will be worth 100 points, I will grade on a basis of active participation in class – not just attending. The total of 1800 points will be graded “straight scale”. Academic Integrity and Classroom Behavior: This class will be conducted in accordance with San Diego City School’s Student Code of Conduct and basic standards of academic honesty. Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty are not acceptable and will not be tolerated. Students are expected to respect and obey standards of student conduct while in class or on campus. If you encounter a problem accessing any portion of this class, please contact me immediately. Students with disabilities who may need academic accommodations should contact me asap. Multimedia: You are attending a multimedia school. Unless specifically denied it is understood that your work and the classroom activities are public domain. In particular the major project will be filmed and used to help other students learn. Many of the classes will be photographed and/or videoed. We will be going to the San Diego Zoo via school bus immediately after lunch on Wednesday’s starting September 19th. This form authorizes the field trips and the use of videos for instructional purposes. These restrictions, together with your commitment to be in this combined Algebra/Biology Class, are what you must agree to in order to participate in this exciting opportunity. By signing below you agree to abide by the restrictions and commitment stated above. Print your name:__________________________________ Sign your name:__________________________________________ Date:_________________ Print parent/guardian name:_________________________________ Parent/guardian signature:__________________________________ Date:__________________ Weekday phone number for 8-11am: _______________________ email:___________________ PROJECT BASED LEARNING: Curriculum for Algebra/Biology at the Zoo
Biology and Mathematics will be teamed in adjoining rooms (700a and 700b) utilizing a shared project based learning curriculum. Identifying the San Diego Zoo as a partner, the lessons will be based around projects at the Zoo. Note that the first visit will be Week 3 of each Term. The Algebra theme is stated first, followed by Biology. The visits are once a week with the rest of the weeks’ curriculum driven by the activities at the Zoo. We will initially meet at 12:15 for a water sampling exercise at either the Hippo, Koi, or Owens as stated in the lessons below. Students will be encourage do develop a photo journal to go along with their class journal.
Goal: To teach key learning concepts in Biology and Mathematics through project based learning in cooperation with the San Diego Zoo.
Approach: Thematic project based learning that integrate state standards
1) Biological themes: a. Evolution: Patterns and Products of Change b. Homeostasis: Maintaining Dynamic Equilibrium in Living Systems c. Energy, Matter, and Organization: Relationships in Living Systems d. Continuity: Reproduction and Inheritance in Living Systems e. Ecology: Interaction and Interdependence in Living Systems f. Scientific Method 2) Mathematical Themes: a. Graphing b. Factors, division c. Solving problems d. Solving with x on both sides e. Linear Equations f. Exponents g. Polynomials h. Linear Inequalities i. Mixtures j. Functions k. Square Roots l. Graphing Polynomials
Students will be able to:
Types of Activities at the Zoo:
1. Environmental Studies: sampling (pH, salinity, temperature, bacterial content, toxicity, water volume, nitrogen content, etc.) 2. Observations: animal behavior (feeding, care of young, reproductive behavior, molting, communication, biorhythms, etc.) 3. Interactive learning sessions with zoo experts (lectures, attendance at special zoo exhibits and events, movies, distance learning) 4. Experimental Design
Activity Protocols:
Types of Classroom activities:
Student Responsibilities:
Week 1 Order of Operations – add subtract multiply Work with Advanced Organizers to get students used to format. Set up backpacks – digital camera, calculator, journal, pencils and rulers (colored), post its, highlighters, organizers.
Graphing, scientific method Develop Rubric for data collection
Week 2 LCM, Factors, division Just the usual but including decimals!
Lab safety, microscope use
Week 3 (12:15 Koi) Orientation (this will be our first visit) Counting and sampling Develop tables, do stats and histograms Take the double decker bus trip 35-45 minutes Cell organelles Microscopic examination of pond water, get 4 different samples of cellular material
Week 4 (12:15 Hippo) Solving Enclosures, develop x by knowing number within and finding the “not at first seen”. Use pig, clouded leopard, gunen’s monkey, turtles and fish aquarium.
Cell process Osmosis and diffusion
Week 5 (12:15 Owens) Solving with x on both sides Owens Aviary, use N sampling of different types—all work will be within this one aviary.
Photosynthesis / respiration Get similar plants from nursery for classroom (rain forest)
Week 6 (12:15 Koi) Linear equations Elephant Mesa – develop equations by measuring around perimeter.
Cancer Can Pathology help?
Week 7 (12:15 Hippo) More Linear equations Include Hunter exhibition use Panda area. Perhaps Wegeforth at 1pm? Flight of etc.
Meiosis Production of sex cells
Week 8 (12:15 Owens) Inequalities and absolute values Predators versus _____+ Bug zoo in children’s zoo. Carrying capacity, endangered species.
Mendel Genetics Children’s zoo populations of goats, sheep
Week 9 (12:15 Koi) Exponents (we need to work on this!) DNA
Week 10 (12:15 Hippo) Polynomials Mixtures – what x, y, z, grouping can occur? Scripps aviary followed by Itury Forest. Use volumes of enclosures versus #s of animals. Assign variables for different species.
Natural Selection Mixed species exhibits – otters and monkeys by Hippos
Week 11 (12:15 Koi) Linear inequalities Polar bear enclosure – carrying capacity, Zebras and Camels
Population Biology
Week 12 M(12:15 Owens) Mixtures Food pans (bird food) and Cat Canyon – food source vs. predator
Ecology Producers – though tertiary consumers
Week 13 (12:15 Hippo) Functions Reptile Mesa deal with Galapagos turtles
Evolution Neck length on basis of Island fauna
Week 14 (12:15 Koi) Functions and square roots Growth rates of babies – perhaps nursery. Use the gorilla versus monkey enclosures.
Viruses
Week 15 (12:15 Owens) Graphing polynomials Identify different conic sections and graph them –use calculator to find polynomial representing the various aspects of the Owens enclosure. Use angle finder and 100’ tape to get points. If extra time the Panda exhibit.
Fungi
Week 16 (12:15 Hippo) Quadratics More pond water, Hippo flow rates, Birds of prey enclosures, flight paths
Protists Examine
Week 17 (12:15 Koi) Conics Epiphytes
Plants
Week 18 (12:15 Owens) Factoring Quadratics Separate out by like kind, disease incident followed by carrying capacity
Animals Genus – species etc.
Week 19 (12:15 Hippo) Celebration Tram
Human Body
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