• Ms. Tracey Vacco

    Science Department

    412-833-1600 x 2658

    tvacco@uscsd.k12.pa.us

    MYP Academic Chemistry and Forensic Science Teacher

    Background:

    I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1997 with a B.S in chemistry. During my undergraduate years, I was a Teaching Assistant. Through this experience, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in education. I was a student teacher at Upper St. Clair High School in 1998 and received my chemistry teaching certificate from the University of Pittsburgh. Initially, I taught for three years at Butler Area High School. In 2000, I was hired by the school district to teach chemistry. I have taught Conceptual Chemistry, Academic Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, and developed the curriculum for Forensic Chemistry. Additionally, I obtained my Masters in Administration and principal certification from Duquesne University.

    Course Taught:

    Academic Chemistry : Using a laboratory-oriented approach, the students study the properties and forms of matter, the means whereby transformations occur in matter, the energy changes accompanying these processes, and man's use of these changes in his adaptation to his environment. The course is designed to meet the needs of those who enroll as a matter of general interest, as well as those who may need to take a science as a part of their program at the college level.

    Forensic Science: Forensic Science is the application of science to criminal investigation.  This hands-on laboratory course will focus on scientific inquiry, logical thinking skills and problem solving procedures to understand how science can be crucial in solving crimes and how this information is gathered and used in a Court of Law.  Students will develop a theoretical and experimental background in science as well as written and oral communication skills.  This course will combine many types of teaching strategies including scientific inquiry, hands-on qualitative analysis experiments, use of the Internet and libraries for research papers, and "murder mystery" scenarios that encourage students to utilize their knowledge learned in class to "solve a crime."

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