The Grammar of Nature
name Dr David Pence
subjects Chemistry, Physical Science, Astronomy. Ecology
Contacts
507-388-2997 Mpls97@aol.com
The goal of all our science courses is to prepare students to understand the fundamental canons of nature. All of my classes except Ecology begin with a review of the six parameters of Physical Science. These are fundamental categories of thinking which the student needs to understand the physical universe. This approach provides an integrated teaching of the basic four strands of Minnesota Science Standards(Physical Science, Life science, Earth and Space Science and principles of Engineering and Scientific thinking.) These parameters are 1)Orientation in Space; 2)Orientation in time from the Big Bang to present, 3) Temperature/Pressure Environments on Earth and in Space; 4) A sense of size and scale from the electron to the galaxies; 5) Matter and 6) Energy and the Fundamental Forces.
All classes except ecology are set up with two days of lectures accompanied by worksheet notes which are the substance of the formal tests. The third day of each week is devoted to artistic renditions of the work(“drawing back” the forms and patterns of nature) as well as MTC exercises. Materials, Technology and Craftsmanship projects are meant to develop the students ability in research, coherent presentation and craftsmanship in dealing with the physical world. The fourth day of classes is devoted to Quantitative Reasoning. This day is usually centered on graphic and quantitative problems which rise from the material being studied at the time but the day also can be devoted to practicing the graphic and data interpretation of practice ACT tests. 
Bio: Dr Pence has an AA from Nazareth Hall Seminary in Theology, a BA in Physiology from the University of Minnesota, a MD from the U of M and completed a residency at the U of M in radiation oncology. He worked as a general practitioner at the Indian Health Board in Minneapolis and for twenty years as a radiation oncologist in Mankato, Minneapolis and St Cloud. He continues to work during vacations as a radiation oncologist. Dr Pence completed course work at Mankato State University in Life Science, Earth and Space Sciences, and Secondary Education. In 2009, he received his Minnesota license for secondary education in those specialities and will work in 2010 to get his Masters in Education. Dr Pence is a member of St Peter and Paul parish. He is married with eight mostly grown children and is also the science tutor at Blessed Jose Sanchez del Rio Minor Seminary in Mankato.
Courses with linked syllabi, powerpoint presentations, and worksheet keys in week preceding test.
Physical Science 2 and 5
Chemistry 3 and 8
Ecology
Ten Event Class Physical Science.ppt
Six Parameters
