Thursday, July 9, 2009

About the Curriculum

CPO Science
7th -9th Grade students will be using the CPO science curriculum for their respective subject areas. CPO Science provides everything needed to teach a wide variety of topics, systematically organized into complete, coordinated, inquiry-based teaching and learning systems. CPO Teaching and Learning Systems help teachers teach more effectively and meet state and national standards. Plus, from the very first lesson, science is exciting and accessible to all students, with the widest range of achievement levels and learning styles. Only CPO Science features completely integrated materials within each system, including student text, investigations manual, equipment, teacher’s guide, and technology tools. (from www.cpo.com)

7th Grade Life Science
With engaging inquiry-based investigations, large, full-color diagrams and illustrations, and real-world connections, students enjoy and retain key biology concepts. Includes cells, the human body, heredity, evolution, DNA structure and functions, classification, and many other topics, including the vital relationships between our physical environment and our bodies. (from www.cpo.com)

8th Grade Physical Science
After using CPO Science hands-on lab equipment, you’ll wonder how you taught motion, forces, matter, the atom, or Newton’s laws with textbooks alone. Exciting modules such as Car and Ramp and Pendulum are fully integrated into active investigation activities, student, reading, and teacher support. (www.cpo.com)

9th Grade Integrated Science
This program covers eleven major units of science content. Students build on their basic skills to achieve a more complex level of understanding. Students explore the relationships that exist between physical energy, atomic structure, forces, systems, and properties of matter and the natural world. Additional topics include the oceans, water chemistry, climate, erosion, stars, and solar energy. (www.cpo.com)

Prentice Hall Biology
Written by Miller & Levine the "Dragonfly Book" and it's supporting curriculum are some of the best high school biology materials available. We will regularly complete laboratory activities and guided inquiry exercises.

Chemistry for Changing Times
This popular book is a useful and interesting read for the layperson, as it is colorful, conversational in tone, and easily understandable. Knowledge of chemistry leads to better understanding about the hazards and benefits of this world, enabling better personal decision-making. Extensively revises key subject areas such as Energy, Fitness and Health, and Drugs. Features new color photographs and diagrams throughout to help readers visualize chemical phenomena. Personalizes chemistry for today's reader, encouraging a focus on evaluating information about real-life issues rather than memorizing rigorous theory and mathematics. For anyone interested in learning about chemistry and its effect upon our everyday lives.This best-selling text for liberal arts chemistry through six editions continues to feature unparalleled writing and excellent applications.

Advanced Biology
This course will not focus on a specific curriculum but will rather be a culmination of a variety of sources. We will use resources from CPO science, inquiry based laboratory activities, individual research, as well as Physiology Labs for Vernier probeware. This course will broadly cover anatomy & physiology but will primarily be focused in the direction of student research interests.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Greetings from the new teacher!

Hello!
As your new science teacher I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and welcome you all to visit our classroom and especially to attend our first open house on August 26. At the open house we will be showcasing the many improvements we have made this year as we strive to improve the quality of programs at Carrizozo High School. The new science program is focused on hands-on learning, technology integration, and exposing students to careers in math, science, engineering and technology (STEM fields) as well as acquiring practical skills and information.

NM MESA Program
One of the most exciting new additions is becoming a member school of NM MESA which is an organization that encourages students to attend college and enter STEM occupational fields. NM MESA provides opportunities for students to improve their academic skills, participating in community service, developing a resume, travelling and interacting with peers, academic competition, and providing scholarships for college (learn more at www.nmmesa.org ). The NM MESA program will be open to all students in 6th through 12th grade and I highly encourage all students to participate!

About Me:
My name is Mrs. Ashley Ivins and I live near Capitan. I am a graduate of Capitan High School and my family has lived in Lincoln County for many years. I am the daughter of Isidro & Betsy Eldridge-Peralta. I will be teaching 7-12 grade, courses including 7th grade Life Science, 8th grade Physical Science, 9th grade Integrated Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Advanced Biology for 11th & 12th grade. I am also certified in Technology Education, Physical Education, Family and Consumer Science Education, Agriculture, Special Education, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. I have five years teaching experience prior to arriving in Carrizozo. I have a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education from Eastern New Mexico University and a Master of Arts in Education from New Mexico State University. I am still a college student- currently working on a degree in Administration and completing a second Master's in Science Teaching. I also teach online part-time for the NM cyber academy IDEAL-NM. My husband Ronan is an electrical contractor and we have two children- Ryleigh, a girl who is 4, and Grady Le, a boy who is 6 months old.