8TH GRADE CURRICULUM NIGHT FEBRUARY 2013

FRESHMAN BIOLOGY

Science

BiologyStudiesGrade 9

BiologyHonors/Pre IB,

Advanced, Academic

Physical ScienceStudies

ChemistryHonors/Pre IB,

Advanced, Academic

Grade 10

Grade 11 PhysicsIB/Honors,

Advanced, Academic

Anatomy & Physiology Adv

Elective Offerings

Integrated Earth SystemsAcademic, Studies

Biology 1 AP

Chemistry IB

Biology: DNA* Adv

Biology 2 IB

* West Morris Central only** West Morris Mendham only

Forensic Science Stud/Ac*

Biology 1 IB

Physics “B” AP

Physics 2 IB

Chemistry: Forensic Science*Adv

Physics “C” AP

Sports, Exercise & Health Science IB

Chemistry 1 AP

Chemistry 2 IB

Environmental Issues Adv

Environmental Systems &Societies IBEnvironmental Science AP

Considerations:

1. 8th Grade Science Teacher’s Recommendation

2. NJBCT(New Jersey Biology Competency Test) for all students taking a first year biology course- Given in May

3. State and District Science Lab Requirements for Graduation – 3 years

4. Rutgers Recommendation for Business and Science Majors: have a science core background( Biology, Chemistry and Physics)

5. IB/AP Demands

BIOLOGY CHOICES STUDIES

ACADEMIC ADVANCED

HONORS

LEVEL DESCRIPTION

FOUND IN YOUR HANDOUT

REQUIRED SKILLS STUDIES ACADEMIC ADVANCED HONORS

READING EXPECTATIONS

 

Below grade level At grade level At/above grade level Above grade level

WORK INDEPENDENTLY 

Very Little Little Average Extensive

DEPTH OF COVERAGE All levels will address the New Jersey Core Content Standards (NJCCS)

Basic Info: Scientific

Process Organization

and Development

Matter and Energy Transformation

Inter Dependence / Ecology

Heredity and Reproduction

Evolution and Diversity

Overall view: Scientific

Process Organization

and Development

Matter and Energy Transformation

Inter Dependence / Ecology

Heredity and Reproduction

Evolution and Diversity

Overall view in moderate depth: Scientific

Process Organization

and Development

Matter and Energy Transformation

Inter Dependence / Ecology

Heredity and Reproduction

Evolution and Diversity

Specialized view in detail: Scientific

Process Organization

and Development

Matter and Energy Transformation

Inter Dependence / Ecology

Heredity and Reproduction

Evolution and Diversity

CONCURRENT MATH COURSE      

Algebra I Studies Academic Algebra*Metric system*Basic math*Basic statistics and

probability

Academic or Advanced Algebra*Metric system*Basic Math*Basic statistics and probability*Formula and algebraic computations

Minimum level of Advanced Algebra I*Metric system*Basic Math*Basic statistics and probability*Formula and algebraic computations

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION:LECTURE AND INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION *GROUP WORK*HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES*LABORATORIES 

TYPICAL HOMEWORK LOAD:

 

 Approx. 1/4 -1/2 of class time *Daily      Varies (1-2/wk)Minimal

 Approx. 1/3-1/2 of class time *Daily      Varies (3-4/wk)30 minutes/class

  Approx. 1/2-3/4 of class time *Daily      Varies (4-5/wk)30-45 minutes/class 

 

 Approx. 1/2-all of class time *Daily      Varies (4-5/wk)30-60 minutes/class

STUDIES Holt Biology -

Teaches the fundamental aspects of biology

Constructivist approach

Lab inquiry focus Highly structured Close monitoring of

student organization skills

Collaborative teacher support

ACADEMIC BIOLOGY HOLT BIOLOGY CELLULAR &

ORGANISM LEVEL APPROACH

BASED ON CONSTRUCTIVISM

INQUIRY BASED/ LABS

MODERATE DEPTH OF CONTENT COVERAGE

SOME COLLABORATIVE SECTIONS

ADVANCED BIOLOGY HOLT BIOLOGY MOLECULAR &

CELLULAR LEVEL APPROACH

BASED ON CONSTRUCTIVISM

INQUIRY BASED/ LABS

DETAILED DEPTH OF CONTENT

HONORS BIOLOGY BSCS BLUE INTENSIVE

MOLECULAR APPROACH

INQUIRY BASED/ LABS

INDEPENDENT PROJECTS/ WRITING

ASSESSMENTS REQUIRE APPLICATION

CONTACT

msheldon@wmrhsd.org

908-879-5212 X3770

Common Core Standards

The Freshman Learning Experience

• An Interdisciplinary Approach

• Centered Around 3 Themes: Systems, Inquiry, Evidence

• Use of common rubrics for:Writing, Participation, Presentation, and Research

APPROACHES TO LEARNING

Focuses on:Listening for Understanding & Note-takingOrganization Skills &Time ManagementMeta-Cognition & Self-EfficacyAssessment Preparation

Work smarter

not harder

Reflective on Learning