Science Teacher, Taunton High School
Taunton, Massachusetts, USA
"Where Hard Work Prevails"
THS MISSION:
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
CIVIC PRIDE
Welcome to my website!
Hi there! I'm Steve Kilpatrick, Science Teacher at Taunton High School. During the 2008-2009 schoolyear I am teaching 2 sections of Physical Science Standard, 1 of Environmental Science, and 3 of Introductory Astronomy.
Physical Science is a great introduction to physics! The course encompasses the reason why, for instance, does a plate stay on the table when you pull the tablecloth off fast? Why does a car horn sound different when it's coming near you, and going away? What makes a lightbulb shine?
All Physical Science teachers will be using the CPO Science program for the schoolyear. This is a hands-on, lab-based curricula that should make Physical Science a much more enjoyable course than one you just sit in and take notes. Lab investigations are even worth more than tests in calculating grades!
The Environmental Science course is designed to give students a better understanding of their impact on the environment, and to show you the many different ways you interact with nature. The concentration in this course is mostly meteorology and geology, with practical applications in GPS use, water sampling, and soil testing.
I developed the astronomy course with the intent to instill a 'wonder' of the Universe. Topics covered include: constellations, motion and mechanics of the Solar System, history of astronomy, astronomical instruments, planetary formation, galaxies, black holes, and answering the question "Are we alone?" The highlight of this course is our Starlab Portable Planetarium from Learning Technologies in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is a large, inflatable dome 14' high and 27' x 24' wide that can seat 60 adults inside, or even 90 little kids! Also included with the dome is a fiber-arc projector and 14 cylinders to show not only the night sky accurately from any location in the Northern Hemisphere, but how celestial navigation was used by Lewis and Clark, plate tectonics, ocean currents, deep-sky objects, etc. It is a *fantastic* addition to our school, and I am very much looking forward to using it with many different grades and age groups!
I post homework assignments, related class news, and notable topics here, so be sure to come back often to double-check that you're up to date!
I try to respond to e-mail within a day, so please be patient!
The links to the left get you easily to the many internet resources I refer to in class. Check some out!!
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:
This web page and the pages within are solely the intellectual property of Mr. Kilpatrick. Any opinions expressed on these web pages are solely his own and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Taunton High School Science Department, the Taunton Public Schools, the Taunton School Committee, or the City of Taunton. Any similarity to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Names have been changed to protect the innocent.
Homework for the Week of April 27th, 2009:
Disclaimer:
Homework is a very volatile subject. The homework listed here may change during the schoolweek without being updated. Mr. K takes no responsibility for any injuries that occur while doing homework for his classes.
Environmental Science
Monday: 2 paragraph summary on "Niagara Falls"
Tuesday: 2 paragraph summary on "Grand Canyon"
Wednesday: No homework!
Thursday: Article! Study for test tomorrow on rivers & glaciers
Friday: None!!
Introductory Astronomy
Monday: "Moonshot" paper due next Monday!
Tuesday: p. 162, 19-21, 26-31, 40-42
Wednesday: None!
Thursday: Article! Read 7.1 - 7.6
Friday: p.196, 1-3, 5-9
