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 2011-2012 schoolyear I am teaching 3 sections of Introductory Astronomy, 2 of Earth Science, and one Academic Introductory Physics.
Introductory Physics is a great introduction to the world of physics around you! 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 is radioactivity? Why do all the bulbs on cheap holiday lights turn off at the same time.
All Introductory Physics teachers will be using the CPO Science program for the schoolyear. This is a hands-on, lab-based curricula that should make Intro. Physics 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!
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!
The Earth Science course is designed to answer the many questions students may have about the Earth around them. Volcanoes, earthquakes, mountains, and more are explored, as well as how we can find these features around us.
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 May 14th, 2012:
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.
Introductory Astronomy:
Monday: p.346: 9-17
Tuesday: p.373: 1-7
Wednesday: p.373: 9, 10, 14, 17, 19-22
Thursday: Article!
Friday: 2pp summary of "The Illusion of Time"
Earth Science:
Monday: Study for SCIENCE MCAS!!
Tuesday: Study for SCIENCE MCAS!!
Wednesday: Study for SCIENCE MCAS!!
Thursday: None: MCAS testing
Friday: None: MCAS testing
Introductory Physics:
Monday: p.497: CR 7-10; Study for Ch 26-28 Test Thursday!
Tuesday: p.287: CR 5-10; p.288: Problem #3; STUDY!!
Wednesday: Finish lab questions; Study!!!!!!
Thursday: Article
Friday: p.109: CR 1-5
