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Jennifer Bradshaw, Science

Jennifer Bradshaw, Science
Phone: (302) 645-7795

My name is Jennifer Bradshaw. I taught Biology, Advanced Biology, and Integrated Science at POLYTECH High School from 2005 to 2019. I graduated from the University of Delaware in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Coaching Science. I was a four-year letter-winner in softball for the Blue Hens and played and coached softball in Europe during the summer of 2004. I earned my Master's Degree in Instruction from UD in 2010 and Certificate of Advanced Study for School Administration from Wilmington University in 2013. I was the 2013 - 2014 POLYTECH School District Teacher of the Year and a 2017 State Finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. In June 2018 I became a Google Certified Educator Level 1. My husband is a social studies teacher at Cape Henlopen High School and we have three children.

8th Grade Science

Course Requirements: Amplify Science is a phenomena-based curriculum that blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists and engineers. Each unit of Amplify Science engages students in a relevant, real-world problem where they investigate scientific phenomena, engage in collaboration and discussion, and develop models or explanations in order to arrive at solutions.

There are nine units of study in eighth grade:

  • Harnessing Human Energy
  • Force and Motion
  • Engineering Internship: Force and Motion
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Thermal Energy
  • Phase Change
  • Engineering Internship: Phase Change
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Light Waves

This course is Gamified. This means elements of video gaming are integrated into the classroom experience. As students move through each level of the game, they tackle quests, earn badges, and attempt to climb the leaderboard. Gamification provides an opportunity for students to be proud of a multitude of unique accomplishments that are independent of the grades they receive on quests. There are over forty badges students can earn and each achievement earns points that can be redeemed in the virtual item shop. There are over twenty items in the shop but some popular items include: charge passes, flexible seating options, extra pens/pencils/papers, first graded Epic Quest, extra time on Quests, etc.

Course Materials

  • Charged iPad
  • Three-ring binder
  • Amplify Science workbooks
  • Pen or pencil

Grading Policy

  • Formative Assessments - 40%
    • Side Quests (assignments)
    • Lab Quests (labs)
    • Social Quests (arguments)
  • Summative Assessments - 60%
    • Epic Quests (tests, performance task)
    • Heroic Quests (quizzes)
  • Late work will be accepted but students should reference the rubric for each assignment to see if there is a penalty. Students have the ability to purchase an extension (before the due date) or forgiveness (after the due date has passed) to remove the late penalty from an assignment.

Rules & Procedures

  • Be respectful of everyone, their ideas, and their property.
  • Be safe in the laboratory.
  • Be prepared for class