Unit 1: Information

Overview | English | Math | Texas History | Science | Aerospace | Rubric

Checkpoint Summary (.pdf file)

Overview
Information is only valuable if you know how to use it. We will be studying different ways of collecting, shaping, and utilizing information using the following lenses:

• Information can be positive or negative
• Information can be gathered through experience or research
• Information can be used to make decisions

Project Descripon
Students will research the impact of a famous scientist, shape the information they collect into a research-based speech, and present their information at the Famous Scientist Symposium. Students will also demonstrate what they have learned about data collection and analysis through a comprehensive data analysis assessment.

English
Research is all about locating information, filtering it so as to select the information one needs, and then shaping that information into a coherent, meaningful form. We will complete a research based writing project in English class, moving through information selection and notetaking, source citation (MLA), outlining, drafting, revision, and final draft as each student completes a speech from the point of view of a famous scientist. Checkpoint 1 will be the research portion of this project and checkpoint 2 will be the written portion.

Math
Information can be collected in many different ways and it can also be represented in many different forms.  After the information is collected, it will be analyzed to give the students an idea of how data is used to drive decisions.  For Checkpoint 1 we will be discovering attributes of the typical 7th grader and graphically representing these by individual classes and overall class. 

For Checkpoint 2, the students will be collecting current event mathematical data and representing that data in graphical form as well.  Students will have a choice of current events to select from in order to obtain the appropriate data.

Texas History
For Checkpoint # 1, students will complete an atlatl. This is the first rocket and launcher.  The grading rubric for this checkpoint will be based on completion of the atlatl. For Checkpoint # 2, students will throw the atlatl at a target. This grade will be based on participation. Data from this activity will be graphed and integrated into the math curriculum.

Science
Data is information that scientists collect and analysis to help them make decisions.  In science, students will focus be measuring forces and energy.  With this information, students will be asked to determine if simple machines, like a lever or wedge, change the amount of work that is being performed.  Students will learn to manipulate visual representations of information, such as charts and graphs, to help them draw conclusions.

What we know about the scientific world is passed on the work that was done by individuals before us.  As part of the integrated project, students will be asked to select a famous scientist and research the contributions he or she made to the world.  Students will prepare and give a speech based this research and then participate in the 7K Famous Scientist Symposium.  This symposium gives students the chance to meet and greet with scientists throughout history.

Aerospace
In Aerospace Technology, students will construct a model of the V2 rocket.  They will study the history and development of the V2, and proceed to conduct an engineering experiment with their model: Students will launch the V2 three times, changing their recovery system each launch to achieve a target flight time.

Through the V2 experiment, students will make decisions based on information they collect at the launch site.  They will record the flight time for the first launch, then plan and make changes to better achieve their target time for the next launch.  By the third launch, students will have a flight time very near their target time due to the information-based changes.

Unit 1 Rubric
Final Product: Famous Scientist Symposium