Science Department
Introduction | Faculty Contacts | Faculty Biographies
Introduction
WebQuests and Standards
PHYSICAL SCIENCE/EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 9,10
Credit per Semester: 1.0 Science or Elective
Prerequisite: None (Credit will not be awarded to students with credit for Intro to Science.)This course will provide the foundation for the basic concepts of physical science to include heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, light and sound, mechanics of motion, bonding of chemical molecules, atomic structure, and conservation of mass and energy. In the areas of earth and space sciences, the basic concepts of geologic time, weather and climate, earth and moon system, stars and galaxies, rocks and minerals will be covered.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE/EARTH AND SPACE SCI HONORS
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 9,10
Credit per Semester: 1.0 Science or Elective
Prerequisite: None (Credit will not be awarded to students with credit for Intro to Science.)
NOTE: Students from the regular PES classes will be selected at the end of the first quarter to be enrolled for the HONORS credit. Students accepted for HONORS should have an average of 85% or higher in PES during quarter 1.This course is intended for students with a strong interest in science. Students are expected to do independent research, plan investigations, and give evidence of applying knowledge outside the classroom. The course will cover a more comprehensive investigation of the fundamental concepts of physical science and earth/space sciences. This course will provide the foundation for the basic concepts of physical science to include heat and thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, light and sound, mechanics of motion, bonding of chemical molecules, atomic structure, and conservation of mass and energy. In the areas of earth and space sciences, the basic concepts of geologic time, weather and climate, earth and moon system, stars and galaxies, rocks and minerals will be covered. NOTE: In addition to the regular PES science requirements, students will complete a major project and research paper. Extra questions will be added for exams.
BIOLOGY 1, 2
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: Recommended satisfactory completion of Physical Science/Earth and Space ScienceThis is a comprehensive course designed to provide students with the key biological concepts to meet state and district standards. Topics include cell structure and function, general plant and animal biology, and ecological interactions among organisms. Biology skills and processes include problem solving, critical thinking, and hands-on laboratory experiences.
BIOLOGY: A SURVEY COURSE 1, 2
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: Recommended satisfactory completion of Introduction to Physical, Chemical, and Earth Sciences
This class surveys the major biological concepts with an emphasis on hands-on laboratory investigations and practical application. This content will enable students to meet required state and district standards. Themes such as change over time, stability, and homeostasis and ecology are developed and provide a wide range of experiences that help students to develop and apply thinking process skills. Course studies include the following options: classification; ecological interactions; cell structures, functions, and processes; human genetics and heredity; plant growth and development; and animal body systems and their functions.
BIOLOGY 1, 2 HONORS
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation and recommended satisfactory completion of Physical Science/Earth and Space Science or demonstration of proficiency in course criteria on CSAP examHonors Biology is a science course for high school students with a strong interest in science. Instruction includes analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information obtained from print and laboratory research. Students are expected to do independent research, plan investigations, practice self-evaluation, and give evidence of applying knowledge outside the classroom. This is a comprehensive course designed to provide students with the key biological concepts to meet state and district standards.
NOTE: Students need to be self-motivated and possess a strong work ethic. Students will complete a variety of assignments outside of class.
BIOLOGY 1, 2 ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry
This class includes molecular, cellular, organism, and population biology as taught systematically at the college level. Instruction includes analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information obtained from both print and laboratory research. The lab is used extensively, including some sophisticated instrumentation. Individual student study and extended laboratory work is encouraged. This course prepares students to take the National Advanced Placement Examination near the end of the school year.
GENERAL CHEMISTRY 1, 2 Lab fee: $5 per year
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: satisfactory completion of Algebra 1, 2This is a qualitative, quantitative and analytical study of matter. Elements, compounds and their interactions are explored through laboratory investigations. Possible topics include chemical bonds, the mole concept, energy, states of matter, the Periodic Law, acids, bases, electrochemistry and organic chemistry.
COLLEGE PREP CHEMISTRY 1, 2 Lab fee: $5 per year
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science or Elective)
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Algebra 1,2This is a quantitative and descriptive science that deals with the composition of matter, the change of composition of matter, and the energy involved in these changes. Chemistry is also concerned with the properties and structures of matter. Independent problem-solving and open-ended labs are required.
COLLEGE PREP CHEMISTRY 1, 2 HONORS
Lab fee: $5 per year
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: Strong performance in Algebra 1,2This is a quantitative and analytical study of the composition of matter, the change of composition of matter, and the
energy involved in these changes. Properties and structures of matter are analyzed. This course deals with the topics from College Prep Chemistry in greater depth and complexity. Higher reasoning skills are demanded, more out-of-class work is required, and independent study skills are utilized.
CHEMISTRY 1, 2 ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Lab fee: $5 per year
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: College-Prep Chemistry or Chemistry 1, 2 Honors, Algebra 3, 4 completed or concurrentThis is a college-level chemistry program emphasizing chemistry concepts in much greater depth than found in the College-Prep Chemistry course. College-level texts, laboratory situations, and laboratory instrumentation are used. Independent study is utilized whenever possible. Students are encouraged to take the National Advanced Placement Examination near the end of the course.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 1, 2
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: Recommended satisfactory completion of Physical, Chemical, and Earth Sciences (PES) and Biology or parent request.Environmental Science is a systematic study of living systems with emphasis on interaction of the living systems with the natural environments. It teaches students to view the environment as an integral part of their lives and community. This is an issues-oriented environmental studies course that investigates and analyzes community problems and uses knowledge and processes of science to suggest options for the solutions of these problems. This course emphasizes problem solving, decision making, and hands-on learning.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 1,2 AP
Course Length: Two (2) Semesters
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Biology, two (2) years of Mathematics beyond Algebra
Credits per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)This course is a study of the natural sciences in an interdisciplinary context that examines people and how they have influenced the Earth’s systems. It includes many aspects of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, and human population dynamics.
GEOLOGY 1, 2
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: None, PES recommendedThis is the systematic study of the earth's history, through geologic time, rocks and minerals of the crust, mapping of the earth's surface, erosion and depositional process, and the earth's dynamic processes. Field studies, laboratory exercises, and activities provide a solid foundation for future studies in the natural sciences.
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 1, 2
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: BiologyThis course is a systematic study of the structure and functions of the human body. The curriculum covers the major organ systems of the human body as they relate to health and disease. Instruction uses laboratory activities including dissections to enable students to visualize basic anatomical structures comparable to those in humans. This course serves as initial preparation for study in physical education, health, and medical sciences.
HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 1,2 HONORS
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: BiologyThis course is an in-depth systematic study of the structure and functions of the human body. The curriculum covers the major organ systems of the human body as they relate to health and disease. Instruction uses laboratory activities including dissections to enable students to visualize basic anatomical structures comparable to those in humans. This course serves as initial preparation for study in physical education, health, and medical sciences. This honors course deals with the content and objectives in greater depth and complexity. Higher reasoning skills are needed, more out-of-class work is expected, and independent study skills are utilized. An independent project is required.
MEDICAL EXPLORATION 1, 2 HONORS
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Elective)
Prerequisite: Anatomy/Physiology (or concurrently)This class involves a partnership with Penrose-St. Francis Health Services. Through classroom, hospital and other clinical shadowing experiences, students will be introduced to the terminology, pathology, and technology associated with body systems; and to skills and professional attitudes applicable to many different careers in health care, from entry level through professional level.. Hospital personnel and other speakers will present updated information within the classroom. Students will join the Penrose/St. Francis Teen Volunteer Program.
PHYSICS 1, 2
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: Algebra 3, 4 (or concurrently)Physics is the study of motion, forces, energy, light, sound, electricity, and magnetism. Students will be expected to demonstrate a command of science process skills. They will solve problems by observing demonstrations, conducting experiments, and applying math procedures and skills. Physics has applications in many fields including athletics, engineering and technology, liberal arts, and medicine and health.
PHYSICS 1, 2 HONORS
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 10, 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: Algebra 3, 4 (or concurrently)Honors Physics is the study of motion, forces, energy, light, sound, electricity, and magnetism. Students will be expected to demonstrate a command of science process skills. They will solve problems by observing demonstrations, conducting experiments, and applying math procedures and skills. Physics has applications in many fields including athletics, engineering and technology, liberal arts, and medicine and health. This honors course deals with the content and objectives in greater depth and complexity. Higher reasoning skills are needed, more out-of-class work is expected, and independent study skills are utilized.
PHYSICS 1, 2 ADVANCED PLACEMENT
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 11,12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Physics, concurrent with Calculus recommendedThis course forms the first part of the college sequence that serves as a foundation in physics for students majoring in the physical sciences and engineering. The subject matter of the course is principally mechanics and electricity-magnetism. Strong emphasis is placed on solving physics problems, some of which will require calculus. Additionally, students will be expected to demonstrate, in a variety of ways, a rigorous understanding of the concepts central to the above domains of physics and will perform appropriate experiments through the two semesters. Students will be prepared to take both parts of the AP Physics C exam upon completion of the course of study.
IBMYP BIOLOGY 1,2 HONORS
Grade: 9
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement)
Prerequisite: IBMYP ProgramIB Biology is a course that either introduces or reinforces basic scientific skills. These skills include: scientific method, scientific lab write-up form, development of concise pertinent hypotheses and conclusions, scientific discussion and analysis of laboratory results, graphing, current scientific literature review, and use of concept maps to conceptualize and organize. These basic processes can be utilized in any advanced scientific discipline. An inquiring approach is used to provide a basic science background in understanding the current trends in biology.
IB BIOLOGY 5, 6, 7, 8 HIGHER LEVEL
Course Length: 4 Semesters
Grade: 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: IB ProgramBiology is the study of living organisms, applying the techniques and approach of the experimental sciences. This study is undertaken at a variety of levels from the molecular to that of the biosphere, each with its own distinctive approaches and methods. The student will develop an appreciation of the interactions between these levels, and of organisms as functioning entities within the biosphere. The higher level biology includes compulsory core material which is intended to be supplemented.
IB ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 11, 12
Prerequisite: IB Program
Credit per Semester: 1.0 Science or ElectiveThis course provides IB students with a coherent perspective on the environment that is essentially scientific and, above, all enables them to adopt an informed and responsible stance on the wide range of pressing environmental issues that confronts them. Environmental Systems is an experimental science and a course that contains 60% core (required) materials. In addition, students must choose three options of 20 hours of study each. Students will select one of the following ecosystems to analyze: marine ecosystems, terrestrial ecosystems, or fresh water ecosystems. Students must select two topics to study from the following options: resource exploitation, conservation and bio-diversity, or pollution. All students must participate and complete the required science Group 4 project.
IBMYP CHEMISTRY 3, 4 HONORS
Lab fee: $5 per year
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 10
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: IBMYP Program, strong Algebra 1,2 skillsThis is a course which serves as an introduction to chemistry and provides students with a substantial preparation for both subsidiary and higher level chemistry. Upon completing this course students will be able to perform complex chemistry calculations, execute sophisticated experiments, keep a lab notebooks, and read, effectively, a chemistry text. The chemistry concepts include atomic structure, chemical calculations, periodicity, kinetic theory, and quantum mechanics.
IB CHEMISTRY 5, 6 STANDARD LEVEL
Course Length: 2 Semesters Lab Fee: $5 per year
Grade: 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: IB Program, strong algebra skills and a year of chemistryThis course is concerned with the study of the materials of our environment, their properties, and the way in which they react with each other. As there is no other way of "questioning" a physical or chemical system but that of performing experiments on it, chemistry is a discipline which rests firmly on the practical. The laboratory work should have a direct bearing, wherever possible, upon the student's growing body of descriptive and theoretical chemistry. Through such an approach the student should gain factual knowledge drawn from the whole field of chemistry, and at the same time be able to correlate and unify this knowledge in terms of the most important underlying principles and concepts. Chemistry Standard Level (General) is designed as a terminal course.
IB CHEMISTRY 5, 6, 7, 8 HIGHER LEVEL
Lab fee: $5 per year
Course Length: 4 Semesters
Grade: 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: IB Program, two years of algebra and a year of chemistry
Chemistry is a science concerned with the study of the materials of our environment, their properties, and the way in which they react with each other. As there is no other way of "questioning" a physical or chemical system but that of performing experiments on it, chemistry is a discipline which rests firmly on the practical. The laboratory work will have a direct bearing, upon the student's growing body of descriptive and theoretical chemistry. Through such an approach the student should gain factual knowledge drawn from the whole field of chemistry, and at the same time be able to correlate and unify this knowledge in terms of the most important underlying principles and concepts. Higher level chemistry is designed for the student who will pursue more advanced chemistry at the college or university level.
IB PHYSICS 5, 6 STANDARD LEVEL
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: IB Program and Honors Physics or HL MathThis course is a study of general physics. The core syllabus gives a non-calculus presentation of the fundamental parts of physics, while the optional part requires calculus in several parts. The optional lead to a deeper understanding of the fundamental parts of physics, and/or discuss some of its technique-oriented applications. This class places an emphasis on historical development and social implications.
FUND SCIENCE 1,2 (Fundamentals of Science)
Course Length: 2 Semesters
Grade: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit per Semester: 1.0 (Science requirement or Elective)
Prerequisite: Student requires alternative curriculum as stated on current IEP.These individualized courses are tailored to student needs. This course may focus on a variety of scientific topics. Course topics may include a systematic study of the interaction of living systems with natural environments, basic concepts of the world experienced by everyone, conservation and usage of natural resources.
Faculty Contact
Faculty Contact Information |
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| Staff Member | Office Phone | Voice Mail Dial 328-5199, then extension |
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| L. Bartel | Bartel@d11.org | 328-5051 | x 65007 |
| K. Crosson | Crosskl@d11.org | 328-5091 | x 65053 |
| M. Davidson | Davidmp@d11.org | 328-5052 | x 65065 |
| N. Hampson | Hampsne@d11.org | 328-5052 | x 65056 |
| G. Lewis, Chairperson | Lewisgt@d11.org | 328-5049 | x 65078 |
| N. Pellow | Pellona@d11.org | 328-5049 | x 65098 |
| T. Scott | Scotttr@d11.org | 328-5050 | x 65113 |
| M. Simmons | Simmomh@d11.org | 328-5091 | x 65118 |
| S. Smith | Smithsj@d11.org | 328-5112 | x 65191 |
| J. MacFarlane | Mcfarca@d11.org | 328-5050 | x65138 |
| C. Bach | Bachce@d11.org | 328-5090 | x65172 |
| M. Alvarez | Alvarmj@d11.org | 328-5090 | x65165 |
Faculty Bio's
Martha Alvarez | Don F. Cameron | Karen Crosson | Nancy Goodwin | Nancy Hampson | Geoff Lewis | J. MacFarlane | Melanie Phelps | Tim Scott | Mary Simmons | Sandy Smith | Katrina Trujillo
Martha Alvarez
M.A.T. in teaching secondary science from Colorado College
B.A. in biology from Carleton College, with a concentration in natural historyClasses you currently teach:
biology, IBMYP biology, HL Biology for seniors
Years of experience in education:
13 years of teaching in public schools, 4 at Palmer, an additional year of teaching environmental education including a season on the tall ship, AdventuressEducational Philosophy:
What do you like about teaching at Palmer? The diversity of the staff, students, and downtown community.Don F. Cameron
B.A. Chemistry – The Colorado College
M.S. Chemistry – Florida Institute of Technology
M.S. Education – University of New HavenClasses you currently teach:
Advanced Placement Chemistry
College Preparatory Chemistry
Years of experience in education:
Instructed general, organic, and analytical chemistry laboratories at F.I.T. – 2 years
Instructed environmental science, general chemistry, and chemistry of hazardous material courses at the community college level – 3 years
Taught Chemistry and A.P. Chemistry at the High School level – 7 years
I will be finishing my first year (partial) at Palmer this springEducational Philosophy:
I believe the study and knowledge of the natural world is essential for the establishment of a positive future for mankind.What do you like about teaching at Palmer?
I have received a lot of support and enjoyment from my colleagues in the Science Department. The students are enjoyable to teach.Karen Crosson
B.S. - Colorado State University
Masters in Science Education- Colorado CollegeClasses you currently teach:
Biology, Honors Biology and Anatomy and PhysiologyYears of experience in education:
23 years of teaching in District 11
6 at Palmer High SchoolEducational Philosophy:
Labs! Labs! and more Labs!What do you like about teaching at Palmer?
I love the diversity of the students, faculty, and the downtown community.Nancy Goodwin
B.A. Biology Mount Holyoke College
M. Ed. Secondary Science George Mason UniversityClasses you currently teach:
Physical Earth and Space Science and at night school Physical Earth and Space Science, Astronomy, and Forensic Science.Years of experience in education:
1 year at Palmer HS, 6 years at Mitchell HS, 3 years at Harrison HS, and 5 years at South Lakes HS in Fairfax County Virginia.Nancy Hampson
B.S. in Zoology from CSU
Masters in Education from Leslie College
Classes you currently teach
MYP Honors Chemistry
IB SL Chemistry 5,6
Years of experience in education:
32(I think) Years at Palmer; elaborate if necessary: 10 (counting this year)
Educational Philosophy:
What do you like about teaching at Palmer? The diversity and creativity of the students; a lively department.
Geoff Lewis
Davidson College, 1991 BS-Biology
Colorado College, 1995 MAT-Secondary Science
University of Phoenix, 2001 Principal Licensure ProgramClasses you currently teach:
Honors Biology
Advanced Placement BiologyYears of experience in education: Years at Palmer; elaborate if necessary:
12 years total
11 years at Palmer`
1 year at Escuela Americana, San Salvador, El SalvadorEducational Philosophy:
Each new school year has the potential to be the best year yet for all students. I will facilitate student learning to the best of my ability while each student will do everything that he or she can to be successful. Together with parents, this partnership will result in a positive year for each student in terms of academics, personal growth, and maturity.
What do you like about teaching at Palmer?
The diverse student body always makes teaching here fun and exciting. We have so many different students with so many different backgrounds and experiences that every day brings with it something new. I also enjoy working with such a tremendous staff that cares deeply about the students.J. MacFarlane
B.A. Physics 2000 Colorado College
M.A.T. Secondary Science 2002 Colorado CollegeClasses you currently teach:
Honors Physics 1,2
Physics 1,2
IB Physics SL
AP Physics C-Mechanics & E&MYears of experience in education:
6 years at PalmerEducational Philosophy:
I teach simply because I enjoy seeing minds come alive. Teaching is the only profession that allows you to repeatedly witness this event not only in students, but in yourself as well. Because of this enjoyment, I honestly cannot imagine doing anything other than teaching as a career. To ensure success, I try to guide not only what I teach, but how I teach, by a few basic philosophies.
First and foremost, a class should be enjoyable for everyone involved. No amount of learning will occur if students do not want to be in your classroom in the first place. This does not mean that it should be all fun and games. A teacher can create an engaging and fun classroom with activities that engage and challenge students. If the teacher creates a climate of hard work, while having fun, the learning will follow.
Often, because the teacher determines the learning environment, teaching is referred to as a performance art. I prefer to call it an interactive art. Teaching is not simply the task of pouring knowledge into empty sponges and putting on a show. A master teacher possesses both a solid knowledge base, and the ability to relate content to the students’ lives. Learners should be given many chances to see the subject they are learning in action. These opportunities for hands-on experiences help to ensure students have real experiences with science concepts. This is the most important way to create a classroom that is for all students, regardless of their experiences with science. Experiential opportunities must also be carefully combined with inquiry-based lab questions that challenge students to become involved in the formation of their knowledge. The more direct the involvement with learning, the more interested students will be. Throughout this process, a teacher needs to provide conscious guidance to help build upon the students’ previous experiences. This interaction, with consistent effort from both parties, is necessary to create an environment that emphasizes concept mastery, not memorizing for a grade. I truly believe that most of what students learn is not so much difficult as it is subtle. A great teacher helps students organize the information they already possess and connect new concepts to those preexisting ideas; essentially showing them how to learn.What do you like about teaching at Palmer?
The amazingly talented and diverse students, the dedicated staff, and the amount of pride the school has in its tradition of excellence in the community.Melanie Phelps
Master Arts in Integrated Science
Colorado College Bachelor of Science
University of Northern ColoradoClasses you currently teach:
Biology
General Chemistry
Environmental Science
Classes for Teachers through Colorado School of MinesYears of experience in education:
22 years teaching 2 at PalmerEducational Philosophy:
I believe that people learn by experiencing. We only learn fractions of what we see or hear but learn a great deal more if we experience and interact with the subject. I try to make my classes as interactive for kids as possible.What do you like about teaching at Palmer?
We have fantastic kids at Palmer. Most kids really want to learn and are very involved with their education. Parents are involved and supportive. The Palmer Science Department has some of the best science teachers in the state.Tim Scott
Bachelor’s Degree from University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in Communications with minor in Physics
Master’s Degree from the Colorado College in Secondary Science Education
Classes you currently teach:
Physical, Earth and Space Science
Years of experience in education:
11 years teaching at Palmer High SchoolEducational Philosophy:
To teach is to draw out.
What do you like about teaching at Palmer?
The diversity of students, the staff I work with, the administration has been supportive, the location is dynamic.Mary Simmons
BA – Biology – UCCS
MA – Teaching Secondary Science – Colorado College
Classes you currently teach:
Human Anatomy & Physiology Honors
Human Anatomy & Physiology
Medical Exploration HonorsYears of experience in education:
13 years at Palmer
Educational Philosophy:
What do you like about teaching at Palmer?
The diverse student population, and the great staff, especially the Science Department staff! And I really enjoy the subject matter I teach.Sandy Smith (Ms. Smith)
Click here for Ms. Smith's webpage
B.A. Chemistry Colorado College
M.A. Secondary Education with emphasis in Science
Classes you currently teach:
Honors College Preparatory Chemistry, IB Chemistry HL
IB Chemistry SL, AP Chemistry, Physical, Earth, and Space Science
Years of experience in education:
20+
Educational Philosophy:
'All learning begins when our comfortable ideas turn out to be inadequate.' John DeweyWhat do you like about teaching at Palmer?
Being in a place where people and learning are valued.Katrina Trujillo
After graduating from Palmer High School, I attended Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS. I then graduated from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs with a BA in Biology with an emphasis in Secondary Education.
Classes you currently teach:
I currently teach Biology, Honors Biology, and Survey Biology.Years of experience in education:
I am in my second year of teaching. This is my first year at Palmer High School.Educational Philosophy:
What do you like about teaching at Palmer?
I love being a part of the diverse learning community here at Palmer. I am excited to be here sharing my passion for science and Biology with my students