Advanced Research

North Harrison High School

School Year 2017-2018

 

Instructor:                  Ms. Martin                 

Classroom/Lab:         A206  

Course type:              Research/Applied Lab

Text:                           Supplemented by instructor

Lab Activities:           Supplemented by instructor

 

Course Objectives:

      This course is designed for the student interested in pursuing a career in science or math. It focuses on the methods and techniques used in institutional research settings. Students are exposed to technology, research techniques, grant writing, critical thinking, and scientific ethics. To facilitate research, students have the opportunity to work with mentors and are required to enter their research in the various scientific competitions that occur throughout the state. In addition, throughout the year, these concepts will be researched and applied: robotics, engineering, physics, chemistry, biotechnology, environmental and geosciences.

 

Course Criteria:

• Assignments will be turned into the “red basket of courage” BEFORE the second bell rings.

• Homework/Assignment Questions need to be addressed BEFORE school begins, not when class begins.

• Make-up work may be picked up BEFORE school or during advisory.

• Students are required to keep a science journal. Examples will be available to view.

• NO BACKPACKS, it is a safety issue!

 

Grades/Grading Scale:

Grades are determined by the accumulated points from projects and research.

99 –100                       A+

92-98                           A

90-91                           A-

88-89                           B+

82 –87                         B

80 –81                         B-

78 –79                         C+

72-77                           C

70-71                           C-

68-69                           D+

62-67                           D

60-61                           D-

59 or lower                  F

Cheating:

      Cheating is considered to be an attempt to use or provide unauthorized assistance, materials, information, or study aids in any form and in any academic exercise or environment. Any student caught cheating will be given an F for their grade and referred to the assistant principal for additional consequences.

 

Course Outline:

      The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus when necessary to meet learning objectives or to compensate for missed classes and other unforeseen events.

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SEMESTER 1                                               SEMESTER 2

            Unit I Robotics                                              Unit VI Alternative Energy 

Research field                                                 Research field

Building a robotic arm                                    Hydrocars/bioenergy

Evaluate findings                                            Evaluate findings                   

                                   

Unit II Engineering/Physics                         Unit VII

Research field                                                 Research field

            Bridge Building                                              Water Quality/Biosphere

            Collisions                                                        Evaluate findings

Evaluate findings

                                                                        Unit VIII Research Project

Unit III Biotechnology                                  Independent Research

Research field                                                 Science Competitions

DNA/Osteoporosis/Forensics

Evaluate findings

                                                                       

            Unit IV Geosciences                         

            Research field

            Orienteering

Evaluate findings

           

Unit V Chemistry

Research field

Pain relievers/air bags                                     

Evaluate findings                                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advanced Research

Classroom Expectations and Rules

2017-2018

      The expectations, rules, procedures and consequences of my classroom are intended to keep the classroom environment safe, orderly, and productive.  Please respect the rules so that we can maximize learning time together.  The rules are not hard to follow; they are simply expected behaviors for high school students in this classroom.  Thank you for your cooperation! 

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

1. Show respect for the teacher, yourself and others at all times.

• Respect others’ property.  Avoid touching or writing on anything that does not belong to you (including desks, textbooks, teacher’s belongings, walls, etc.). Don't expect that others will clean-up your messes. Please pick-up after yourself. 

• Respect yourself and the rest of us by using appropriate language and wearing appropriate clothing.

• Be a kind person.

 

1. Always do your own best work.

• Put learning ahead of getting good grades. 

• Put quality ahead of just getting it done.

 

1. Come prepared with all materials necessary:

• An organized class binder containing all necessary materials and handouts

• Loose-leaf paper, pens (blue or black), and pencils

• A planner to help keep you organized - the most successful students are organized.

 

1. Follow directions when given.

• When directions are given, do your best to follow them the first time.  If you are confused or have questions, ask.   

 

1. Pay attention, participate and ask questions.

• Engage in what is going on in the classroom.  If you have a question, ask it!  Otherwise, I might not know until the test that you didn’t understand something. 

• There are no stupid questions, and chances are, if you are wondering about it, someone else in the class is also.  Be proactive about your learning and don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

 

1. Preserve a positive learning environment.

• Student actions that interfere with teaching or learning in the classroom will NOT be tolerated. 

• Use class time to learn chemistry.  Please do not spend your time grooming, sleeping, talking, writing notes, or doing work for other classes.

• Minimize classroom interruptions by arriving to class on time and not leaving the classroom during the hour.

 

1. Take responsibility for your actions.

• If you are confronted about a rule infraction, own up to it.  Don’t deny it, lie about it, or blame someone else.

• Take responsibility for missed assignments.

 

CLASS RULES

1. Turn off cell phones & electronic devices.

• Cell Phones should be turned off and invisible during the class period.  If I see or hear your phone it will be taken away and given to an administrator, according to cell phone policy outlined in the handbook.  Refusal to turn over the cell phone will be treated as insubordinate behavior.

 

1. No food or drink.

• No food or beverage is permitted without a doctor’s note.

 

1. Arrive to class on time & ready to learn.

• When the bell rings, you need to be sitting in your assigned seat. 

• Be “physically” and “mentally” present in the classroom

 

1. Never line up at the door before dismissal.

• Please remain in your seat until the bell rings. 

 

1. Do not cheat, plagiarize, or copy work.

• Cheating is completely unacceptable.  If I see you cheating on any assignment… even for another class… I will give you a zero and report the incident to the other teacher as well as the assistant principal and parents. 

• Plagiarism (copying work from another source without giving proper credit) is completely unacceptable.  If you plagiarize on any assignment you will earn a “0” on that assignment with no opportunity to re-do the work for credit. 

 

1. Use polite and appropriate language.

• Offensive, derogatory, and profane terms are not tolerated.  In order to have a safe classroom environment where all students feel comfortable, no put downs, swear words, or slang words with demeaning connotations will be accepted.  Remember, if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it at all!

 

1. Do your best work & turn it in on time.

• Remember that the work that you turn-in is a reflection of your effort on the assignment. 

• Write your full name and date on all assignments.

• All work must be neatly done and legible in order to receive credit. If you print, capitalize properly (do not write using all capital letters).

• ALL MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS, ESSAYS & PROJECTS MUST BE TYPED.  If you don't have a computer at home, the Media Center or library is a great place to work on essays!

 

 

 

Advanced Research

Safety and Laboratory Rules

 

       Chemistry laboratories can be hazardous if the rules are not followed. During a chemistry course a student may handle materials which are carcinogenic, poisonous, flammable, and explosive. Some of these materials and equipment may also cause severe burns, cuts, or bruises if handled improperly or carelessly. Most accidents that occur in the chemistry laboratory are a result of carelessness, impatience, improper or unauthorized experimentation, and disregard for safety rules or proper operating procedures. In order to minimize the chances of an accident in the laboratory certain rules and regulations must be obeyed at all times when one is working or observing in a chemical laboratory. Therefore, it is not advisable for anyone to work in a laboratory without proper knowledge of the dangers involved. Due to the inherent dangers present in a chemical laboratory exercise, it should be understood that the following rules must be obeyed to minimize the chance of an accident. The student is expected to exercise proper judgment and extreme caution at all times when working in the laboratory. The below rules are but a few that you need to learn.

Learn and observe the safety and laboratory rules!

 

1. DO NOT perform unauthorized experiments or work in a laboratory alone.

2. Approved eye protection must be worn at all times in the laboratory. Indiana State law requires the use of such devices. Eye protection must be splash proof chemical goggles and be approved by your instructor. If you do get a chemical in your eye rinse immediately with large quantities of water using the eye-wash stations. GOGGLES protect your EYES not your forehead!

3. Long hair and loose clothing must be confined while in a laboratory.

4. Appropriate clothing must be worn at all times while in the laboratory. Your legs must be completely covered. NO SHORTS! If your clothing does not meet the requirement you will be asked to sit during lab and you will lose all points for the lab.

5. Closed shoes with socks must be worn at ALL times – open-toed shoes, backless shoes, sling backs, clogs, and sandals are not permitted.

6. Know the location and proper use of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, safety showers, eye wash devices, and first aid kits.

7. Before obtaining any chemicals carefully read the label on the reagent bottles.

8. Eating, smoking, and drinking are not allowed in a chemistry laboratory.

9. Thoroughly wash your hands after leaving the laboratory.

10. Use the fume hoods when toxic or irritating vapors are involved.

11. Mouth suction is never used to fill a pipette.

12. Never force glass tubing through cork or rubber stoppers without proper lubrication.

13. Never direct the open end of test tube toward yourself or anyone else.

14. Never pour water into concentrated acid.

15. Learn the proper procedure for igniting and operating a laboratory burner. Always extinguish the flame when the burner is not being used. Make sure that all flammable reagents are well removed before lighting the burner.

16. Liquid and solid waste containers must be properly used at all times.

17. Never place chemicals directly on the balance pan. Always use a proper weighing container when using a balance to weigh a chemical. Never pour chemicals directly over the balance.

18. Never return unused chemicals to their original container (unless directed to do so by the instructor).

19. Securely replace lids, caps, and stoppers after removing reagents from containers.

20. Always wipe spatulas clean before and after inserting into reagent bottles.

21. Report any accident and/or injury, however minor, to your instructor immediately.

22. Never place anything that is not directly required for the experiment on laboratory desks; other items may interfere with the experiment.

23. All personal belongings should be placed at your desk as you enter the laboratory.

24. Clean up any spill immediately.

25. Before leaving the laboratory, make sure your work area is clean and dry. Ensure that all gas, water, vacuum, and air valves are completely turned off.

26. Your instructor is available for any assistance you may need. Never hesitate to ask questions especially if there is any question concerning proper operating procedure. Be sure that you understand every instruction before proceeding.

 

 

 

SAFETY PLEDGE:  This is to certify that I have read and that I understand this paper entitled “Safety and Laboratory Rules”. I also certify that I will obey each and every rule stated in the paper and will adhere to each of them in my chemistry courses. I have received a duplicate copy of this paper and will keep it available for review throughout my chemistry courses.

 

Student Printed Name _______________________________________

 

Student Signature _____________________________________    Date______________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To Be Returned To the Instructor

 

 

SAFETY PLEDGE:  This is to certify that I have read and that I understand this paper entitled “Chemistry Safety and Laboratory Rules”. I also certify that I will obey each and every rule stated in the paper and will adhere to each of them in my chemistry courses. I have received a duplicate copy of this paper and will keep it available for review throughout my chemistry courses.

 

Printed Student Name _______________________________________

 

Parent Signature ______________________________________  Date______________