HS+ English and Life Science (2020)
Overview
This theme-based English course integrates reading, writing, listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills around assignments and activities focusing on life science. This competency-based class allows students to work at their own pace, exit at a level appropriate to demonstrated skills and knowledge, and earn high school credits in English, Lab Science, Science and/or electives.
About this course
This theme-based English course integrates reading, writing, listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills around assignments and activities focusing on life science.
Topics include:
- Life Science And Ways Of Knowing
- The Smallest Units Of Matter And How They Connect
- Cells, The Building Blocks Of Living Matter
- Genetic Makeup: The Code For Living Matter And Replication
- Communities Of Life And Their Interdependence
This competency-based class allows students to work at their own pace, exit at a level appropriate to demonstrated skills and knowledge, and earn high school credits in English, Lab Science, Science and/or electives.
Culturally Responsive Approach
This course was intentionally developed to align with the Washington State Board for Community and Technical College’s vision, mission, values and strategic plan. The Culturally Responsive Scorecard, developed by NYU Steinhardt, was a guiding document in the development of this course. Sincere efforts were made to develop a culturally responsive curriculum that is inclusive of all students, with particular emphasis on highlighting the histories, experiences, and strengths of historically underserved populations. Faculty planning to teach this course should review modules thoroughly prior to presenting material to students. The HS+ Instructor Resource Guide provides resources and strategies that may be a useful starting place for faculty to address gaps in knowledge and confidence.
Course Outcomes
- Identify, define, and describe terms and concepts related to Ways of Knowing, Chemistry of Life, Cells, Genes, and Ecology.
- Identify tools to use in academic reading and reflecting on readings
- Know types and methods for data collection
- Explain differences and similarities between experimental testing and observational research.
- Conduct and record research.
- Identify the methods of scientific presentation
- Describe the economics of environmental exploitation.
- Identify Indigenous and Western Methodologies of scientific research
- Use a rubric for self and peer evaluation
- Demonstrate research and organizational skills
- Understand the value of science communicators.
College and Career Readiness Standards
Throughout the course students demonstrate the following:
Reading
- Reading anchor standard 4: Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
- Reading anchor standard 5: Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.
- Reading anchor standard 10: Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
Writing
- Writing anchor standard 5: Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
- Writing anchor standard 6: Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.
- Writing anchor standard 7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
- Speaking and Listening
- Speaking and Listening anchor standard 5: Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.