Stephanie R. Henderson
Manzano High School
Albuquerque, NM

Introduction to Materials Science – Part A 

Unit Objectives:  By the end of this unit, you should be able to  

  1. Understand the course expectations and how to succeed in this class,
  2. Locate, identify and describe the purpose and proper use of all safety equipment in the classroom,
  3. Describe the processes involved in following the scientific method, and
  4. Classify matter according to natural or synthetic characteristics.
 

Key Terms:

  1. conclusion
  2. control
  3. data
  4. dependent variable
  5. emergency shower
  6. experiment
  7. eyewash station
  8. fire blanket
  9. fire exit
  10. fire extinguisher
  11. first aid kit
  12. fume hood
  13. hypothesis
  14. independent variable
  15. inference
  16. MSDS
  17. natural material
  18. observation
  19. qualitative observation
  20. quantitative observation
  21. results
  22. scientific law
  23. scientific method
  24. scientific theory
  25. synthetic material
  26. variable
 
 
 
 

Assignment Options: 

C LAYER: To earn a C you must earn at least 70 points, but may not exceed 79 points.                       C = 70 - 79 points  

# * Required of EVERYONE * -- 25 points Worth

(pts)

Pts

Earned

Initial
1 Complete a Student Information Sheet and turn it in. 5    
2 Read and sign Safety Contract & Course Survival Guidelines.  Get parent to sign too. 5    
3 Complete a Unit 1A Pre-Test and turn it in. 5    
4 Take the Materials Science Survival Quiz. 5    
5 Work with a partner to complete the Natural vs. Synthetic Worksheet.  Discuss with class. 5    
  TOTAL POINTS 25    
 
# Basic Knowledge – Complete at least 20 points worth of work from this section. Worth

(pts)

Pts

Earned

Initial
6 Listen to lecture and take notes                     (DAY       1        2        3       4 )    5/day    
7 Rewrite all the Unit Objectives as questions and answer them correctly. 2/obj    
8 Based on the lecture notes, write a 10-question quiz and an answer key.  Have a peer take your quiz (orally or written).  Discuss their “score” with teacher 5    
9 Make a definitions list (or flashcards) for all key terms.  (Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words!!)  Have Mom/Dad quiz you randomly on 10.  You’ll get 1 point for each correct definition. up to 10    
10 Design a crossword puzzle using all key terms.  Have a classmate complete it without key.  Hand in. 10    
11 Use all of the key terms to make a concept map (brainstorm).  Explain it to the teacher. 5    
 
# Safety – Complete at least 15 points from this section. Worth

(pts)

Pts

Earned

Initial
12 Complete the Laboratory Safety Worksheet.  Discuss it with a buddy or with teacher. 10    
13 Complete 2 MSDS Cards for different chemicals.  Discuss with teacher. 5    
14 Complete the activity Reading & Interpreting an MSDS. 5    
15 Design a board game that teaches the names, functions & locations of all safety equipment discussed in Safety Lecture.  Game must have a playing surface & clear rules. 10    
16 Draw a map of the class.  Use small objects (coins, etc) to represent all the safety equipment that you learned about.  Place the objects on your map.  Explain map to Mrs. H. 5    
17 Make an 8 ½ x 11-inch cartoon that visually explains one of the safety rules on your contract.  Include some possible outcomes of breaking this rule. 10    
 
 
# Scientific Method – Complete at least 10 points from this section Worth

(pts)

Pts

Earned

Initial
18 Construct a flowchart/graphic organizer that explains the steps of the scientific method. 5    
19 Write the steps of the scientific method in a language other than English.  Explain/translate it for someone in class. 5    
20 Use a specific concept to illustrate and explain the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law.  Write a 50+ word summary. 5    
21 Write an original song or rap on how the scientific method is useful to you in everyday life.  Include at least 5 facts in your song/rap.  Perform it for the teacher and 2 peers. 10    
 

B LAYER: Worth up to 10 points.                                    B = 80 - 89 points 

B LAYER Assignment Description Worth

(pts)

Pts

Earned

Initial
Complete the “Fortune Tell Fish” Activity.  When answering the questions in the activity, WRITE COMPLETE SENTENCES!  Incomplete sentences will earn you only half credit on the assignment!    10    
 

A LAYER:  Worth up to 11 points. Choose only one assignment option!                                     A = 90 - 100 points

 
A LAYER Assignment Choices – Choose only 1! Worth

(pts)

Pts

Earned

Initial
Do scientists use more than one scientific method? 11 pts    
Should science classes include experiments or is the potential risk too great?  11 pts    
Do you think that professionals who work in a laboratory environment should be required to sign (and abide by) a safety contract?  Why/Why not? 11 pts    
 

Criteria for Selected C Layer Assignments: 

Crossword Puzzle 
  • Each work intersects with another in at least one space
  • Correct spelling
  • Accurate definitions
  • Neat writing
  • Blank puzzle & answer key provided
Concept Map/Brainstorm 
  • Has main topic in center
  • Subtopics branch out of main topic
  • Verbs written on lines that connect topics
  • Visually shows relationships between ideas
  • Neat and legible
  • Uses every key term
Song/Rap 
  • Includes use of scientific method in daily life
  • Includes at least 5 facts
  • NO PROFANITY
  • Has a definite rhythm & auditory appeal
  • Words and music/beat go together
  • Performed for teacher & 2 peers
Safety Board Game 
  • Has a playing surface
  • Rules are very clear
  • Clearly teaches about safety equipment
  • Peers understand rules and can play
  • Well constructed
  • Visually appealing
Safety Cartoon 
  • Title is pertinent and clearly spelled
  • Attractive and colorful visuals
  • Clear and neat writing
  • Original and creative
  • Clearly demonstrates safety rule
  • Clearly explains outcome(s) of breaking rule
Flowchart/Graphic Organizer 
  • Pertinent title
  • Items are in sequential order
  • Relationships shown by arrows or lines
  • Labels and items neatly written & spelled correctly
  • Short explanation of each item
  • Example provided for each step

 
Grading Scale

A B C D F
90 – 100 pts 80 – 89 pts 70 – 79 pts 60 – 69 pts < 60 pts