Science Semester 2 DSLO Reflection

           During the second semester of Science, we covered two main units: Chemistry and Physics. In Chemistry we learned all about phase changes of matter, particles, Kinetic Theory of Matter, calorimetry lab, Law of Conservation of Matter, limiting Reactants, balancing equations, and more. In Physics we are learning about simple machines, levers, mousetrap cars, wheels, and trebuchets, gravitational forces, mechanical and speed advantage etc. I have really enjoyed this semester a lot because Chemistry intrigues me the most and Physics is something I haven't at all learned about yet.

Collaboration

           Collaboration is probably one of the most important skills to develop in today's world, and this semester in science we have really honed those skills. A bulk of our activities were partner activities where we've had to collaborate with each other and conjoin our ideas into a group solution. One ideal example of collaboration was when we were doing the Design to Cool Soda activity, we worked in partners to formulate a group plan on how we best can lower the liquid's temperature. I learned a lot from working on this with my partner (Sriya) because I was able to add my knowledge and she was able to add her knowledge about which materials are the best thermal conductors and insulators.

           Collaboration is a skill that applies so well to the outside world, yet this semester of Science was able to incorporate that skill into its experiments through partner work and peer review. Another activity that was good with collaboration was the Crater Lab because we worked with a partner to observe how the change in height or mass of an asteroid affects the mass of ejecta when the ejecta is different materials (rice, coarse sand, fine sand). We needed good coordination and planning to keep our procedure organized, efficient, and accurate.

Critical Thinking

           I feel like this semester's Science has really pushed us the most in the direction of critical thinking, which is why it's the easiest to write about. Collaboration and critical thinking are like the ying-yang of values in our life, which I've observed science has touched. One of the most evident activities might be the Air Pressure Demonstrations Follow-up because we had to observe the demonstrations the teacher showed and explain our thinking of how it connects to particle theory. This hones our skills to apply situations to what we're learning and critically thinking about our unit and how it applies to our real world.

          I also feel critical thinking is the basis for all the DSLO's. From critically thinking and understanding our topic, we gain knowledge and questions that shape our inquisitive Character and that we later solve with our partners, building on Communication and Collaboration as well. We also learn cultural competence because when critically thinking we are more aware and we can connect the situations in Science to our life. Another activity that showed Critical Thinking was the Investigation 3.1 Analysis Questions because as you can see we basically take our knowledge about particle theory and critically think to answer analysis questions that apply it to situations.

          All in all, I feel this semester was yet again a successful one and one that helped me build on my strengths and weaknesses as a learner. It was wonderful to learn new things (physics!!) and explore others I was interested in (chemistry!!). It is really thought provoking how Science class can cover the DSLO's that shape our identity as a student at SAS and it really makes me enjoy Science more and appreciate its impact on our life.