Newark Academy Science Department Course Reflection 2014-2015

Q1 Select from the following:

Answered: 13

Skipped: 0

Teacher

Select

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Newark Academy Science Department Course Reflection 2014-2015

0%

10%

Ms. Berkefeld
Ms. Hone

20%

30%
Mr. Bitler

Mr. Kesler

40%

50%

Ms. Celente
Ms. Palmer

60%

70%

Mr. Erlandson
Ms. Reeves

80%

90% 100%
Dr. Hobson

Mr. Ryan

Ms. Tavares

Course

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Newark Academy Science Department Course Reflection 2014-2015

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Newark Academy Science Department Course Reflection 2014-2015

Select

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Newark Academy Science Department Course Reflection 2014-2015

0%

10%

20%

Interactive Investigation
Chemistry

30%

40%

70%

90% 100%

Biology

Physics Honors
Engineering, Technology& Design

Advanced Physics Seminar

IB Chemistry

80%

Interactive Systems

Physics

Biotechnology

Neuroscience

AP/IB Environmental

60%

Interactive Discovery

Chemistry Honors

Anatomy and Physiology

STEMinar

50%

IB Biology

IB Physics

Slot

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Newark Academy Science Department Course Reflection 2014-2015

Select

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

Teacher
Ms. Berkefeld
Select

0.00%
0

Mr. Bitler

Ms. Celente

0.00%
0

Mr. Erlandson

0.00%
0

Dr. Hobson

100.00%
13

0.00%
0

Ms. Hone
0.00%
0

Mr. Kesler
0.00%
0

Ms. Palmer

Ms. Reeves

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

Mr. Ryan
0.00%
0

Ms. Tavares
0.00%
0

Total

13

Course

Select

Interactive
Investigation

Interactive
Discovery

Interactive
Systems

Biology

Chemistry

Chemistry
Honors

Physics

Physics
Honors

Anatomy
and
Physiology

Biotechnology

Engineering,
Technology&
Design

STEMinar

Neuroscience

Advanced
Physics
Seminar

IB
Biology

AP/IB
Environmental

IB
Chemistry

IB
Physics

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

100.00%
13

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

Slot
A

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Total

Total

13

Newark Academy Science Department Course Reflection 2014-2015

Select

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

100.00%
13

7 / 15

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

13

Newark Academy Science Department Course Reflection 2014-2015

Q2 Please rate how strongly you agree or
disagree with each of the following
statements below based on your personal
experiences in this course thus far.
Answered: 12

Skipped: 1

I have found
that my teac...

I have
received...

I have
received tim...

I have been
given...

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Newark Academy Science Department Course Reflection 2014-2015

I have been
given...

I have found
the learning...

The teacher
has been...

0%

10%

Strongly Agree

20%

30%

Agree

40%

50%

Disagree

60%

70%

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

Agree

80%

90% 100%

Not Applicable

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Not Applicable

Total

I have found that my teacher explains course material and expectations clearly.

58.33%
7

41.67%
5

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

12

I have received helpful feedback from my teacher on my work and performance.

41.67%
5

58.33%
7

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

12

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Newark Academy Science Department Course Reflection 2014-2015

I have received timely feedback.

33.33%
4

58.33%
7

0.00%
0

8.33%
1

0.00%
0

12

I have been given opportunities to demonstrate my learning on a variety of assessments.

25.00%
3

75.00%
9

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

12

I have been given opportunities to engage in independent thinking.

58.33%
7

41.67%
5

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

12

I have found the learning environment appropriate and positive.

66.67%
8

33.33%
4

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

12

The teacher has been sensitive to my needs.

75.00%
9

25.00%
3

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

0.00%
0

12

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Newark Academy Science Department Course Reflection 2014-2015

Q3 Describe your experience in this course.
Answered: 12

Skipped: 1

Responses

Date

While this has been a fascinating course, and I do believe that the overall grading system for test is fair, I sometimes feel that the effort or product I
produce in a laboratory, does not match the grade I feel I should receive. In other words, after I have spent hours writing and perfecting a lab to
create an "A" lab report, I have sometimes received a "B" as a grade for the lab. Obviously, I understand that I probably won't, nor should I, receive
an A on every lab report. However, I feel that if I did in fact right what was close to, if not definitively, an "A" level paper, I should receive an A minus
or B+. Instead, I have received high B's on many of these labs and it is very frustrating since I don't believe the lab reports deserved that low of a
grade. Of course, if the lab was in fact a "B" paper, then (upon reviewing the lab to see why it was deemed a B) I will generally be fine with it. I just
believe that in the case of some of the labs, they were graded too harshly.

1/5/2015 2:02 PM

This class has been difficult for me in terms of the labs. I eventually managed to do much better on tests in this course, yet I was frustrated,
because I always struggled with labs and I was never able to drastically improve my performance. Also, I had trouble with some of the technological
aspects on this course. For example, I initially had trouble downloading Cmap and I also had trouble downloading and figuring out how to use
STELLA. This hurt my performance in the class.

1/5/2015 2:01 PM

I'm really interested in the material in this course, but I struggle with it. I find it hard to satisfy whatever Mr. Earlandson's looking for. Being that it is
difficult to succeed, it takes away from my happiness in the class. I have to put in a lot, a lot of effort to produce only mediocre results.

1/5/2015 2:00 PM

I enjoy the course overall, the class discussions are always lively and we usually cover everything necessary with time to spare; the tests and lab
reports vary in difficulty but I suppose that that's on par with an AP/IB level course

1/5/2015 1:57 PM

This is a challenging, but very solid and informative class. The class moves very quickly, and there is a lot of material to remember, but that's the
nature of a typical AP/IB class.

1/5/2015 1:57 PM

Overall I have been satisfied with my experience in this class. while in the beginning it was a little difficult to get adjusted to the new expectations
and the assessments, over time I have become more familiar and comfortable with the class. I like how there is usually a fun energy to the class and
that we have discussions about the course material.

1/5/2015 1:55 PM

This course lends itself to a wide range of learners that are interested in the environment and many factors that are important in the environment.
Mr. Erlandsson clearly is very passionate about the material and that is conveyed through the positive experience I have had in the class.

1/5/2015 1:53 PM

My experience has been fine, i was originally a bit overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of lab work- i don't find it as interesting, and lab reports are
always a challenge for me, but i think i'm getting more used to it.

1/5/2015 1:53 PM

Overall this course has been very helpful and interesting. The power-points are very useful when understanding the material and there is always
time to talk and ask questions if we are confused. The labs do require a lot of independent thinking and in the beginning it was a little difficult to
create our own lab because we had no idea where to begin.

1/5/2015 1:52 PM

10

Its been ok. He's not a great teacher.

1/5/2015 1:51 PM

11

I have enjoyed this class so far. It is interesting and exactly what I expected it to be.

1/5/2015 1:50 PM

12

I have had a great experience thus far. i have learned a lot and appreciate the content.

1/5/2015 1:50 PM

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Newark Academy Science Department Course Reflection 2014-2015

Q4 How effectively do the assignments, inclass activities and labs help you
understand the material and develop your
skills? Please be specific.
Answered: 12

Skipped: 1

Responses

Date

On the other hand, the assignments, in-class activities, and labs have been very effective at helping understand the material we review and discuss
in class. They always connect to the material being discussed in that particular unit and are very fascinating (as well as enjoyable) labs to perform. I
also feel that my skills in the sciences have improved after taking this class, with the exception of how the lab reportswhich I am still struggling
with. However, it is quite plausible, if not the most likely answer, that this is the result of my own flaws and not those of the teacher. There have been
a few instances where I thought the labs were being graded to harshly, but overall I am enjoying this class.

1/5/2015 2:02 PM

They do help me slightly, yet I usually have difficulty setting up labs. Also, my lab grades stayed the same (they were low) so I had trouble using
these labs to help improve my understanding in future labs.

1/5/2015 2:01 PM

We mostly go over the material in class and that's definitely helpful. The labs also relate directly to what were covering and allow for a deeper
understanding. What I find most effective are the activities-- for example, the ENSO demonstration-- because they are a quick model of what we're
learning and make everything clearer. That being said, I don't think we do things like that enough.

1/5/2015 2:00 PM

The lab reports are mostly design-style labs which, while improving my skills regarding design labs, do not always best help me to understand the
material. Mr. Erlandson's teaching style has been effective so far in presenting the material (big use of powerpoints) whereas the homework is
mostly reading--both textbook and articles--which is what I'm accustomed to in a Science course.

1/5/2015 1:57 PM

They provide practice both for tests and for the exam, and have been very useful in this purpose. The course material is challenging, but it is
necessary to discuss it as deeply as we do in class because of the tests at the end of the year.

1/5/2015 1:57 PM

The In class activities are usually discussion based, which is essential to my understanding of the topics. The only time I felt there wasn't enough
explanation and attention to in class discussion and activities for a test topic was the math based topics in the earlier chapters (energy conversions,
etc.) The labs and activities and assignments are important to the furthering of my knowledge but not more important to my actual test grades than
test prep.

1/5/2015 1:55 PM

Science courses tend to be rigid in structure, adhering to strict Lab and Test schedules. Along with all the things IB requires of students in the
course, theres not much wiggle room. ;However, by engaging us in an environment of learning mediums, we clearly learn a lot.

1/5/2015 1:53 PM

I feel that the assignments and activities are pretty helpful for the most part- some of the labs don't really seem to relate, or he doesn't explain them
well, so they don't make much sense until the very end of class.

1/5/2015 1:53 PM

The power points are the most effective in helping understand the material. Working in groups to solve problems does not help as much because
sometimes I feel that I get distracted. The labs are nice since it allows us to apply what we learned in a hands-on way and be able to experience
different reactions first hand.

1/5/2015 1:52 PM

10

Eh. The labs are pretty stupid. He doesn't tell us what to do and then expects us to have stellar results. Also, when we finally figure out what to do,
the data doesn't really help me learn. In fact, i don't learn anything, i just do them for a grade.

1/5/2015 1:51 PM

11

All of the assignments help me understand the material. While the labs are very challenging, they are fun and make sense and help me understand
further the things we read in the book.

1/5/2015 1:50 PM

12

I would say reading an entire chapter for one homework assignment in the textbook has been the least effective means of learning given that it can
be a lot to take in all at once. However, we review everything in class and the labs, powerpoints, etc. are really great.

1/5/2015 1:50 PM

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Newark Academy Science Department Course Reflection 2014-2015

Q5 What has been most effective for you
about this instructor's teaching? What has
been least effective for you about this
instructor's teaching?
Answered: 12

Skipped: 1

Responses

Date

I really like every aspect of this instructor's teaching method. It is extremely effective at teaching me the material.

1/5/2015 2:02 PM

Mr. Erlandson is effective in conveying the course material and enthusiastic about the concepts. In regards to labs, I would like better feedback from
him in terms of understanding expectations.

1/5/2015 2:01 PM

Most effective: Mr. Earlandson really know what he's talking about and that comes through in class. Least effective: He is extremely specific when
looking at labs-- I feel like he is looking for one specific thing in each sections and if you don't fulfill it, you get a lot of points taken off. This is
frustrating because I've always understood that there are multiple ways to write a lab as long as they are make sense and achieve whatever the lab
was supposed to. On that note, sometimes I think there is a disconnect between Mr. Earlandson and the student because he doesn't always seem
open minded to things that stray from his way. Also, on a separate note, meeting with Mr. Earlandson is tricky. Sometimes he's really helpful and
willing, but other times I get the sense that he doesn't want to be there/the meeting wasn't helpful.

1/5/2015 2:00 PM

The information is presented on Powerpoints which are then posted online, which has been pretty effective for me so far. Mr. Erlandson can
appreciate a good joke now and then which, while creating a fun class environment--I'm certainly not complaining--occasionally results in lack of
focus. My biggest issue is understanding what material is important and what is just filler (a question that is only solved once I do the textbook
reading).

1/5/2015 1:57 PM

The review sheets he provides for the class are helpful because they give some information about the test but not so much that would hinder
studying otherwise.

1/5/2015 1:57 PM

The organization, planning and attention to specific topics are effective aspects of Mr. Erlandson's teaching. He is also a very thoughtful and
explicative teacher, which I appreciate. Sometimes we glaze over certain topics and go a little fast, which is maybe the more inneffective part of his
teaching. Also I feel sometimes there is little explanation on ideal answers on short answers, which could be helpful.

1/5/2015 1:55 PM

Probably his passion and conviction with which he speaks about the subject. His interest immediately transform into our interest due to his
enthusiasm.

1/5/2015 1:53 PM

Most effective is his tests. They are pretty close to what we have learned and he's always fair with grading. Least effective is his approach to lab
reports or complex detailed assignments. he leaves them very open ended often until the last moments, or makes us come up with a conclusion that
he already knows regarding the assignment. In labs, even if you do the lab wrong, he won't tell you what you've done wrong until after you have
finished the lab, which is incredibly frustrating when it comes to write the report. There is also no lab rubric online for what he's looking for, and I
can't seem to have everything he wants in the report, as he won't tell us in class, and its nowhere online.

1/5/2015 1:53 PM

Sometimes reading the textbook can be a little monotonous but once we begin to go over it in class it helps clear up a lot. Doing labs and having
class discussions on different topics is the most effective.

1/5/2015 1:52 PM

10

Well, I'm not sure because he teaches the same way every class. With a powerpoint that is unhelpful on the projector while he speaks at us.
Basically always ineffective. Some new teaching styles would be nice.

1/5/2015 1:51 PM

11

Mr Erlandson is very nice and always caters to our needs and is understanding.He is a fair grader and I never am left questioning or second
guessing our homework, labs, or tests.

1/5/2015 1:50 PM

12

I really like the presentations in this class and the available resources online published on canvas.

1/5/2015 1:50 PM

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Newark Academy Science Department Course Reflection 2014-2015

Q6 Which labs were most helpful? least
helpful?
Answered: 12

Skipped: 1

Responses

Date

Again, I think all the labs were very helpful in terms of the material it was connected to, but as previously stated, I think some of the labs were
graded too harshly.

1/5/2015 2:02 PM

The most helpful lab was the LD50 toxicology lab. The least helpful lab was the yeast lab, I had a lot of trouble setting it up correctly and
understanding it.

1/5/2015 2:01 PM

Most helpful: probably the ENSO demonstration. It wasn't really a lab but it displayed very tangibly the effects of upwelling and other such things. I
also enjoyed the toxicology lab. Least helpful: Probably the energy budget lab. This is mostly because it was an earlier lab and it was pretty unclear
how to conduct it, which is hugely important in a lab where the set-up is key.

1/5/2015 2:00 PM

Unsure about most helpful, but the Lightbulb/reflectivity lab was not that helpful.

1/5/2015 1:57 PM

The least helpful one was the light lab. We didn't spend much time going over the uses of the different sensors so the lab ended up being too
difficult and not really understandable. However, the other labs have been very informative and have related to the course material.

1/5/2015 1:57 PM

The most helpful were the Yeast and Toxicology labs, the least helpful was the energy budget lab.

1/5/2015 1:55 PM

I like the LD50 toxicology lab and also the yeast lab. I didn't find the lab with the metal absorbing energy helpful nor accurate, though.

1/5/2015 1:53 PM

i haven't found any of the labs very helpful, maybe with the exception of the yeast lab.

1/5/2015 1:53 PM

The yeast lab was helpful as with the small lab we had done when recreating El Nio. I did not enjoy the soil lab as much.

1/5/2015 1:52 PM

10

They are all pretty useless.

1/5/2015 1:51 PM

11

I have enjoyed all of the labs, they have all helped and were all fun and engaging.

1/5/2015 1:50 PM

12

Least helpful was the the Energy Budget Lab. The most helpful was the yeast lab.

1/5/2015 1:50 PM

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Newark Academy Science Department Course Reflection 2014-2015

Q7 Was the average workload for this
course reasonable?
Answered: 12

Skipped: 1

Responses

Date

Yes, the workload was completely reasonable, and I had no qualms with having to complete this amount of work.

1/5/2015 2:02 PM

In my view, the amount of labs was excessive, but that is probably because I didn't do well with them. However, we did have a lot of labs in this
course. Furthermore, I felt like we spent little time on material from the textbook.

1/5/2015 2:01 PM

Somewhat. The reading can be really long-- I would prefer breaking it up more and distributing class time so that the more important and
complicated things are paid more attention to over the smaller concepts.

1/5/2015 2:00 PM

Yes, with the exception of the lab reports. They take me unreasonably amounts of time, as I have to figure out solo how to arrive at the analysis and
graphs which Mr. Erlandson expects.

1/5/2015 1:57 PM

Yes,

1/5/2015 1:57 PM

Yes

1/5/2015 1:55 PM

It's a manageable course but you can't be fooled into thinking it will be a walk in the park. If you do the work and put in the time, you will succeed. If
we could review some of the concepts pertinent to the tests in class sometimes, that would be helpful. Sometimes the material rather than the
workload can be overwhelming.

1/5/2015 1:53 PM

its fine, a lot of times the reading is really heaped on for one night, or he doesn't update canvas very quickly, but its been managable. His outlines
for tests are also very helpful.

1/5/2015 1:53 PM

Yes the work is reasonable the reading doesn't take too long but it still is informative. Sometimes it gets to be a lot when we are given multiple
packets to read and have a lot of different links to go to.

1/5/2015 1:52 PM

10

He gives a lot of reading. Less would be appropriate.

1/5/2015 1:51 PM

11

Yes, very reasonable. I am very happy with this course and am glad I have taken it.

1/5/2015 1:50 PM

12

I would say it was reasonable.

1/5/2015 1:50 PM

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