Science

Summer School prior to 9th grade
Health (If available)

9th Grade
Earth Science
(If Earth Science was taken in 8th grade Biology Honors may be substituted)

10th Grade
Biology Honors & Chemistry

11th Grade
IB Biology (SL)
IB Physics 1 (HL)

12th Grade
IB Physics 2 (HL)

Natural Sciences Program Aims
Rowland High School students will actively experience science as they learn about the natural and technological world in which they live. They will develop an interest in and responsibility for protecting the environment. They will be engaged in constructing knowledge of the basic concepts of science and encouraged to explore, experiment, and ask questions.

During their study of the natural sciences, students at Rowland High School will discover the relationship between science process skills and the accumulation of scientific knowledge. Science is directed toward a greater understanding of and fascination with the natural world. It should be enjoyable, meaningful, and valued for its own sake. It is not a matter of belief; but rather it is a matter of rational thinking and deductive reasoning. Using a variety of resources, including technology, students will contend with the "big ideas" of science as they learn the inner workings of the universe. As they gain understanding of the major concepts through active engagement and inquiry, they will realize that themes integrate the three major disciplines: Earth, Physical and Biological Sciences. The development of problem solving skills will be emphasized, preparing students for decisions they must make as adults, decisions that are increasingly dependent upon a clear understanding of science.

The staff of Rowland High School recognizes that scientific literacy is important in today's complex, challenging world. Our student will carry the appreciation of science all through their lives and use it to learn more about the world in which they live. Through our science curriculum, they will become well-developed citizens and participants in a rapidly changing international society.

Assessment

Class Assessment
The assessment for the course will closely follow the structure and criteria of both the external and internal assessment guidelines provided by IB. Grades for students in the course will derive from a variety areas including but not limited to: homework, tests (both multiple choice and essay), quizzes, lab work, student participation, oral and written presentations, and their science notebook.

External Assessment - Standard Level
Component: Paper 1

Overall Weighting: 20%
Approximate Weighting of Objectives 1 and 2: 20
Duration (hours): .45
Format and Syllabus Coverage: 30 multiple choice on the core

Component: Paper 2

Overall Weighting: 32%
Approximate Weighting of Objectives 1 and 2: 16
Approximate Weighting of Objective 3: 16
Duration (hours): 1.45
Format and Syllabus Coverage:
Section A: 1 data-based question several short answers on the core (all compulsory
Section B: 1 extended response on the core (from a choice of 3)

Component: Paper 3

Overall Weighting: 24%
Approximate Weighting of Objectives 1 and 2: 12
Approximate Weighting of Objective 3: 12
Duration (hours): 1.00
Format and Syllabus Coverage: several short answer questions in each of the 2 options studied (all compulsory)

Component: Internal Assessment

Overall Weighting: 24%
Duration (hours): 40 hours SL, 60 hours HL
Format and Syllabus Coverage: Labs and Group 4 Project

External Assessment - Higher Level
Component: Paper 1

Overall Weighting: 20%
Approximate Weighting of Objectives 1 and 2: 20
Duration (hours): 1.00
Format and Syllabus Coverage: 40 multiple choice questions (+ 15 common to SL + 5 on the core and about 20 on the AHL)

Component: Paper 2

Overall Weighting: 36%
Approximate Weighting of Objectives 1 and 2: 18
Approximate Weighting of Objective 3: 18
Duration (hours): 2.15
Format and Syllabus Coverage:
Section A: 1 data-based question and several short answers on the core and the AHL (all compulsory)
Section B: 2 extended response on the core and the AHL (from a choice of 4)

Component: Paper 3

Overall Weighting: 20%
Approximate Weighting of Objectives 1 and 2: 10
Approximate Weighting of Objective 3: 10
Duration (hours): 1.15
Format and Syllabus Coverage: several short answer questions and 1 extended response question in each of the 2 options studied (all compulsory)

For both SL and HL, calculators are not permitted in paper 1 but are required in papers 2 & 3, where programmable graphic display calculators are allowed.

External Assessment
Student will respond to three papers. Paper 1 will be 30 multiple choice questions testing the candidates overall knowledge of the core material. Paper 2 will be in two parts. Section A will contain a data-based question in which candidates will be expected to analyze, manipulate, and/or draw inferences from a given set of data. The remainder of Section A will be a series of short answer questions taken from different parts of the syllabus. In section B candidates will answer one extended response question in which students will solve a problem or carry out a substantial piece of analysis or evaluation. Paper 3 comprises a compulsory set of questions on each of the options and candidates should only answer the questions on the options that they have studied. The questions will short answer and structured questions.

Internal Assessment
The Internal Assessment will be based on a summary of the practical/investigative activities conducted during the course. These will include the practical scheme of work (lab activities) and the Group 4 Project. These activities will comprise approximately 40 hours of the course with the Group 4 Project consisting of 10 hours. The lab work will be conducted throughout the course and will allow students to perform simple and complex experiments.

The Group 4 Project will emphasize interdisciplinary cooperation and knowledge. Students will be encouraged to become familiar with the processes involved in scientific investigations rather than the products of the investigations.

The Group 4 Project will be assigned during the second semester to allow students to familiarize themselves with the nature, practices, and information of the course. Peer, other subject area teachers', and course instructor review will be utilized in evaluating the project.

A student portfolio will also be kept for each candidate. This portfolio will contain a Science Laboratory Notebook that each candidate must keep. Contained in the notebook will be the written work connected to the labs, full write-ups of a few labs, including written instructions and worksheets, and their Group 4 Project notes and work. Also students will keep a separate logbook for their own use to write down thoughts, ideas, or recollections of their work.

The assessment criteria will be emphasized at the beginning of the course. Students will be given a copy of the IB Biology assessment details including the specific assessment criteria. These include Design, Data Collection, Data Collection and Processing, Conclusion and Evaluation, Manipulative Skills, and Personal Skills. Both formative judgments (for individual pieces of work) and summative judgments will be utilized to assess candidate work and achievement level.

As evidence student portfolios, across the range of scores, will be submitted to IB for external moderation.