Phunsics: Student-Designed Physics Class

Wed, 16 May 2012 08:22:42 -0600

This year saw the introduction of a new type of physics class at LJHS. This class became known as “Phunsics” since students were free to embark on nearly any exploration of the physical sciences that interested them. Throughout the year phunsics students produced two different prototype hovercraft, a 10ft-tall trebuchet, a potato cannon, hot air balloons, and a wind tunnel as well as carrying out several different experiments investigating physical phenomena.

Students were asked to recap the year by producing videos that might show other students why phunsics was so “phun.” Please visit this YouTube channel of the videos they produced to see their projects in action.

Podcast: A Conversation About Standards Based Grading

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 23:55:05 -0700

Several teachers at La Junta High School are using standards-based grading with their students this year. Kelly Jo Smith invited us to sit down with her to explain why we chose to use standards-based grades and what our classes look like now as a result of the change. We discuss some problems with points-based grading, the benefits and challenges of standards-based grading, and ideas for future directions in our classrooms.

Blogs in the Science Classroom: Year 2

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:04:28 -0600

Science students at La Junta High School are using personal blogs to collect evidence of their learning in a variety of skill and content-area standards. Please leave them comments if you see some good evidence of learning or have a suggestion for improvement.

Links to student blogs by subject area:
★ Anatomy and Physiology Student Blogs 2011-2012
★ Biology Student Blogs 2011-2012
★ Chemistry Student Blogs 2011-2012

Student Digital Portfolios: Blogs in the Science Classroom

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 19:55:00 -0600

This year’s classes are using blogs to collect and show off evidence of their learning. As you read them, look for useful learning artifacts that you might want to pass on to other students. Feel free to leave constructive comments on their blogs, they’ll appreciate it!

Links to student blogs by subject area:

Anatomy and Physiology

Biology

Chemistry

Chemistry: Chemistry and Technology

Fri, 2 Apr 2010 09:22:54 -0600

Interested in how things work? Of course you are! So are the students at La Junta High School. Chemistry students have created informational glogs about modern technologies that may change our lives in the future. Learn and enjoy!

Anatomy and Physiology: Muscle Physiology Digital Storytelling

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 20:21:48 -0700

Students created digital stories using Xtranormal and Domo Animate to help review how muscles contract.

Muscle Anatomy
Muscle Fiber
Muscle Anatomy

Sliding Filament Theory
Sliding Filament Theory, Yo
A-T-M Muscle Video
Lisa and Ang Sliding Filament Theory
Sliding Filament Theory
Sliding Filament Theory of Muscle Contraction

Neuromuscular Junction
The Neuromuscular Junction
NMJ Events
Groovy Smarticles
Neuromuscular Junction
The Rob and Lauren Show

AP Biology: Alternation of Generations in Plants

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:53:07 -0700

AP Biology students created videos to demonstrate the different life cycles of moss, fern, and flowering plants.

AP Biology: What Are Prokaryotes?

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:32:55 -0600

Prokaryote Comic Books:
The History of Prokaryotes Plus More!
Notes on Prokaryotes
Prokaryotes Are Taking Over!

Prokaryote Prezi’s:
Prokaryotes Uncovered
All These People Have Prokaryotes
Prokaryotes Overview
My Life Without a Nucleus
Prokaryotes...They’re Almost Everywhere
Prokaryotes: Built for Success
Prokaryotes Put Simply

Prokaryote Jeopardy:
Prokaryote Jeopardy

Chemistry: Atomic Structure Review

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 15:22:42 -0600

Student-generated Prezi’s that connect major ideas in the development of the modern quantum mechanical model of the atom:

Atom Concepts
Atomic Structure
Atom: the Major Concepts
The Atom