Syllabus

CCSD Highly Gifted Academy

Summer 2013
June 17th July 5th

Ahead of the Curve

Science of Energy & Technology
Contact Information_____________________________________________________________________

Instructor: Kimberly Carriero, M. Ed

Email: klcarriero12@interact.ccsd.net
Phone: 702-429-3098
Website: www.teachingthegifted.com
Course Description:

This course is designed as a problem-based, environmentally focused,

service-learning project. The course material includes energy
transformations, renewable/nonrenewable energy sources, energy
conservation, human impact on environment, and environmental issues.
Students will design experiments and use technology such as Probeware,
iPads, computers, the Internet, N.E.E.D. Science kits, multimedia, and online
learning tools. Our coursework integrates science with other subject areas
such as math, writing, reading, social studies, art, speaking, and music. For
the final project, students will use research and evidence to initiate, develop,
and implement a project to propose solutions for local and/or global
concerns. Guest speakers and environmental groups have been invited to
join our course to share their research and expertise. On the final day of the
course, parents, faculty, and other visitors will be invited to a showcase in
which the students will share their findings and initiatives.
Universal Concepts:

Gifted students demonstrate the ability to make in-depth, complex

connections.
We use Universal Concepts to help students connect new information to big
ideas that transfer to future experiences.
CHANGE

Is continuous
Can be good or bad
Is necessary for growth
Causes change
Occurs everywhere

Interdependence

Can create order or conflict

Can affect perception
Can causes associations or
affiliations
May balance or imbalance
the whole
Can be positive or negative

Course Objectives:
1. Engage in scientific inquiry including evaluating results of investigations,

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

observations, theoretical and mathematical models, and explanations proposed

by others.
Investigate how chemical and physical changes involve transfers of energy.
Investigate different forms of energy (heat, chemical, light, electricity,
mechanical motion, sound, and nuclear).
Explain the value of collaboration in developing scientific understanding.
Accurately record and use information obtained while conducting investigations.
Design, conduct, and evaluate a controlled investigation.
Present results and data to the class, defending a scientific explanation using
evidence.

Skills:

Dispositions:

Problem-solving
Creativity
Critical Thinking
Decision-making
Effective Citizenship
Communication
Research/Inquiry
Self Reflection

Leadership
Perseverance
Initiative
Time Management
Independence
Responsibility
Curiosity
Delay gratification

Evaluation:

1. Attendance/Participation 10%
2. Assignments
20%
3. Quizzes and Exams
10%
4. Laboratory
15%
5. Interactive Notebook
15%
6. Final Project:
30%
Grading Scale:

A
B
C
D
F

90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
59% and below

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance is mandatory. Because this is a short summer session, only one

absence can be excused. Any missing coursework resulting from an absence
needs to be made up and turned in the following day. It is the students
responsibility to find out what was missed. If a student is absent more than
one time, it will result in an automatic F grade for the course. Tardiness
policy will follow CCSD Summer School Policy.
Course Schedule:
Week

Week 1

Date

Schedule

M
6/17/13

Introduction
Pre-assessment
Ice Breakers
Science PowerPoint
Teacher Demonstration Lab
Topic: Using Probeware

T
6/18/13

W
6/19/13

Th
6/20/13

Week 2

Lab Safety
N.E.E.D. Science of Energy
Kits
Stations 1-3
Inquiry Labs
Presentations
Discussion
N.E.E.D. Science of Energy
Kits
Stations 3-6
Inquiry Labs
Presentations
Discussion
Quiz 1
Topic:
Renewable/Nonrenewable
Energy Sources

F
6/21/13

Topic: Energy Conservation

M
6/24/13

Quiz 2
Topics:
Problem-based learning
strategies using technology
Inquiry labs- building with
materials provided

Tu
6/25/13

Continued inquiry labs

Topics:
Interactive Notebooks
Causes/Competitions
Breakout session:
Independent research

W
6/26/13

Quiz 3
Topic: Genius
Guest Speaker
Developing project

Th
6/27/13

Topic: Creative Thinking

Independent research
Developing project

F
6/28/13

Week 3

Quiz 4
Topic: Written expression
Developing Project

M
7/1/13

Independent research
Developing project

Tu
7/2/13

Final Exam
Turn-in Interactive Notebooks
Set up showcase

W
7/3/13

Final Showcase

Th
7/4/13

No Class- Independence Day

F
7/5/13

TBA

Assistance:

If something is unclear or causes difficulty, please contact me. It is the

students responsibility to take initiative and ask for help.
Late/Missing Work:

Late assignments will not be accepted. Please start early rather than wait
until the last minute so that if something happens, you are still able to hand
in your assignment. You will be granted one leniency in case of emergency.
More than three missing assignments will result in an automatic F grade for
the course.

Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty:

Plagiarism involves directly quoting, summarizing, or paraphrasing the work

of others without specific indication of sources, or handing in work that is not
the students own.
Academic dishonesty is the unauthorized giving or receiving of information in
examinations or other exercises.
All assignments, quizzes, and exams are to be completed by each student
individually, unless otherwise documented by the instructor. The use of
books, notes, mobile devices, or other reference materials and
or/collaboration with other students is strictly prohibited on all quizzes and
exams unless specific permission is given by the instructor. Deviation from
this rule is considered academic dishonesty.
The grade of a 0 or F will be given for any assignment, quiz, or exam in
which plagiarism or academic dishonesty is discovered.
Costas Learner Outcomes:

1. Students will persevere when the solution to a problem is not immediately apparent.
2. Students will develop strategies to decrease impulsivity.
3. Students will listen to others with understanding and empathy
4. Students will practice flexibility in thinking.
5. Students will develop awareness of their own thinking (metacognition)
6. Students will check for accuracy and precision.
7. Students will question, pose/find problems and seek solutions.
8. Students will draw on past knowledge and apply it to new situations.
9. Students will be precise in language and thought.
10. Students will utilize all their senses.
11. Students will demonstrate creativity through ingenuity, originality, and insightfulness.
12. Students will demonstrate thinking through wonderment, inquisitiveness, curiosity, and
the enjoyment of problem solving.
Useful websites and resources:
Feel free to add your own and bring them to class.
National Energy Education Development
www.need.org
Understanding how science really works
http://undsci.berkeley.edu/index.php
Science Matters from NSTA Tips for busy parents
http://www.nsta.org/sciencematters/tips.aspx
Activities from US Science and Engineering
http://www.nsta.org/sciencematters/websites.aspx
U.S. Department of Education Science
http://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/science/part_pg7.html#p7
Nevada Next Generation Science Education
http://www.nevadangse.net/