Pre-IB Chemistry/Biology
Instructor's Manual (Word Format)
Background
At Capital High school in Olympia, Washington, highly motivated students have the opportunity to enroll in an advanced course of study called the International Baccalaureate Program (IB). The IB Organization describes this program as “a rigorous pre-university course of studies that leads to examinations, for highly motivated secondary students.” (International Baccalaureate Organization [IBO], 2005) Scores on these junior and senior year exams can be used by colleges and universities to give college credit without a student having to enroll in the college course. A major portion of the IB Science curriculum in the junior and senior years includes laboratory coursework and a year-long research experience called the Group 4 Project in which “practical laboratory skills are developed and collaborative learning is encouraged…” (IBO, 2005) To prepare students for the senior year Group 4 Project, Pre-IB Science students are required to conduct a year-long research project in their freshman year in a course entitled Pre-IB Chemistry/Biology. Throughout the school year the students are presented with a series of assignments and due dates that lead them to their final product. Assignments in the first trimester of the school year include defining the topic, researching relevant sources, writing an informational report, and developing a hypothesis. Assignments in the second trimester include designing and conducting the experiment, collecting and analyzing data, and formulating conclusions. The final trimester is dedicated to writing a formal laboratory report, preparing a PowerPoint Presentation, and presenting to a group of parents, teachers, and fellow students.