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Science

Department Goals

Department Goals

In each core science course and science-based elective offered at the AAE, our capable staff of science instructors endeavor to provide each student with...
  • A stimulating rigorous and thought provoking curriculum.
  • A laboratory experience that emphasizes critical thinking and the scientific method.
  • Experiences that encourage them to become life-long science learners.
  • A scientific knowledge base that will lead to successful career choices.
  • Reasons to respect the balance between humanity and the natural environment.
  • Opportunities to use a variety of technologies related to science.
Department Philosophy

Department Philosophy

At the AAE, we believe that science is an important part of education in the life of each of our students. We encourage parents and students to keep in mind that studying science is not merely an excellent way to prepare for a career, but also represents an opportunity to gain a better understanding and a fuller appreciation of the world in which we live. Such knowledge protects us from being misled and allows us to make informed decisions. Informed decision making must surely be one of the most vital responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society.
AAE's Expected School-Wide Learning Results

AAE's Expected School-Wide Learning Results

Science Instructors at the AAE will endeavor to build into their daily lessons, activities and personal example, opportunities that help their students grow toward experiencing the following Expected School-wide Learning Results (ESLER's) in their daily lives, work and outlook. Students who graduate from the AAE will:

 

Academic Achievement

  • Use acquired knowledge and skills to connect school to life by being able to prioritize goals, access information, and use time effectively.
  • Demonstrate academic excellence by achieving and exceeding California Content Standards.
  • Identify academic strengths and career interests.
 

 
 
 

Analytical Thinking

  • Demonstrate problem solving skills and critical thinking.
  • Logically evaluate, synthesize, and apply new information.
  • Use acquired skills to be a responsible citizen at the school and in the community.


Effective Communication
  • Articulate ideas, opinions, and information clearly.
  • Use verbal, written, technical, and creative expression.
  • Develop individual and collaborative working skill.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

What we all need to start learning how to use by 2015...

Well, they are here, the next generation of science standards (NGSS). This new set of standards are available for states to adopt. At the present time California will be adopting (current adoption and review timeline) them but have the option to add or delete components. As administrators, teachers, parents and students, it would be a good idea to get to know these as soon as possible so that current curriculum maps can be overhauled, curriculum developed, materials and textbook purchased, and crucial staff development offered before students will be asked to master proficiency expectations (PE's) on state-wide standardized tests. With that in mind, here are some. For more information visit the departments " Teaching The Next Generations Science" page.
VVC-AAE College & Career Access Partnership... Agricultural Science & Natural Resource Pathway

VVC-AAE College & Career Access Partnership... Agricultural Science & Natural Resource Pathway

High School Honors Environmental Science(s)
  • (11th & 12th w/ concurrent enrollment @ VVC)

Fall 2016
VVC Offerings [late August to mid-Dec ~16 weeks]:
  • AGNR 170 {Mr. Huffine's 'Draft' Syllabus} : Environmental Science & Sustainability [4 units]


Spring 2017 VVC Offerings [mid-Feb to 1st week of June ~16 weeks]:

  • AGNR 175 {generic syllabi}: Sustainable Agriculture, Environment & Society [3 units]
  • AGNR   74 {generic syllabi}: Conservation & Sustainability practices [student-led, instructor-mentored field/research studies/project] [1-6 units; open to grades 9-12]

Science Resources

Science Resources


The following pages contain resources that you might find helpful along the paths that your scientific pursuits take you:

  • Mojave Desert Studies ~ a compendium of internet resources that will help you along your search for information about the Mojave Desert... Our Desert Home
  • GLOBE & Field Studies ~ (The "Field Studies" site is under reconstruction pending led student participation)
  • Wildlands Water Walk ~ all about outdoor education opportunities at the Mojave River Campus of the Lewis Center for Educational Research
  • Tortoise Terrace... ~ a home and refuge for captive raised adoptable Desert Tortoise's and a resource licensed owners.
  • Joshua Trees... ~ How to grow this Mojave Native from seed using home made "paper" and "tall" pots.
  • Fishing around for the Facts... a high school oriented WebQuest for teachers using the "Trout in the Classroom" experience to provide context to their units on ecology and biodiversity.
  • MSDS (Materal Safet Data Sheets)
  • The AAE Seismocam    

Science Policies and Procedures

Science Policies and Procedures

Learning, Doing & Sharing Science

Learning, Doing & Sharing Science

Want to start working smarter and not harder?
  • Visit Learning Science and read about some selected research proven study skills that might just help you learn your lessons faster without working harder !
How do scientist do science? What is science anyway?
  • Visit Doing Science and find out how real scientists do real science. Learn about the methods that scientists use to collect useful information about the world around us.
How do scientist share what they have learned with other? How should I share my science project with others?
  • Visit Sharing Science to learn how scientists share what they have learned with other scientists. Find out how you can share your science fair project more effectively with others.
    • ...SCIENCE PROJECT HELP, SCIENCE FAIR INFORMATION, FORMS, REGULATIONS..
Looking for a WebQuest to Further Your Horizons... try

In Quest of Getting to Know Your Celestial Neighborhood