中學生物與化學概論

In this 15 week class, we will learn the basic concepts of both biology and chemistry. My classes are interactive and hands-on! Each week we will build on what we learned the week before. I will use google slides presentations, short videos, class discussion, hands-on activities and Kahoot games to teach about each topic. I consistently involve students in class discussions by asking review questions. I love seeing students have "lightbulb" moments in class when they understand topics and can explain them to others.
Week 1 - What is a biology? What is a cell? What does prokaryotic and eukaryotic mean?
Week 2 - Plant cells - make a Play-doh or clay cell. Chloroplasts and photosynthesis.
Week 3 - Animal cells - make a Play-doh or clay cell. 
Week 4 - What is Mitosis and Meiosis? Gummy worm project.
Week 5 - DNA - Candy DNA project. History of the discovery of DNA and its structure. Review Biology 
                concepts. (2 twizzlers, 10 toothpicks, gumdrops of 4 different colors)
Week 6 - What is an ecosystem? Niche? Biotic vs Abiotic factors. 
Week 7 - Animal Classification, Vertebrates vs Invertebrates characteristics.
Week 8 - What is chemistry? History of the periodic table, what is an atom? Protons, Neutrons, Electrons.
Week 9 - Molecules vs. Compounds. Different types of chemical bonds, covalent vs. ionic. Make CANDY   
                 molecules. (gumdrops and toothpicks)
Week 10 - Properties of H2O water, cohesion and adhesion (blooming flower activity - handouts, cookie sheet and water)
Week 11 - States of matter (solid, liquid, gas, plasma and Bose-Einstein condensate) how do the states of   matter change from one to another? (make oobleck - a Non-Newtonian substance)
Week 12 - Freezing point and boiling point of different substances. How does salt change the freezing point of water? Make ice cream in a bag.
                  (measuring spoons, measuring cup, sugar, half and half, milk or heavy cream, vanilla extract, salt (table salt or rock salt), ice cubes, small sealable ziploc bags (2), gallon ziploc bags (2), small 
                  towel or oven mitts, timer/clock
Week 13 - Physical vs. Chemical Reactions (blow up a balloon with science - need empty water bottle, 
                  vinegar, baking soda, 2 balloons, funnel or paper to make a funnel)
Week 14 -  Endothermic vs Exothermic reactions and Review
                   (elephant toothpaste - A clean 12 or 16-oz plastic water bottle, 
                   1/2 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
                   1 Tablespoon (one packet) of dry yeast.
                   3 Tablespoons of warm water.
                   Liquid dishwashing soap.
                   Food coloring optional
Week 15 - Review everything we learned, Final student presentations - choose a famous biologist or 
                  chemist and present about their life and work. Final KAHOOT game.