4 Stage Cycle
First, students focus on what they
already know about a topic.
Next, students explore a scientific
phenomenon or concept following
a sequence of classroom
investigations.
Third, students reflect on their
observations, record them in science
journals, draw conclusions, and share
their findings with others.
Finally, students apply their learning
to real life situations and to other
areas of the curriculum.
Students write observations and make
conclusions, comment on their
readings, and record their reflections.
NOTEBOOKING…
enhances student writing skills.
offers practice in organizing.
provides an opportunity to
express themselves clearly.
connects science to other
areas of the curriculum.
provides an opportunity to express
themselves clearly
connects science to other areas of
the curriculum
NOTEBOOKING provides a
unique form of assessment…
for the student
for the teacher
for the parent
There are no student
textbooks for Inquiry
science. However the text
book can be found under
readings on my webpage.
That being said, a well
maintained NOTEBOOK
is the place your student
will record learning,
concepts, and vocabulary.
You and your student
should review the
Science notebook
REGULARLY.
Writing a
Scientific Explanation
The Claim – the answer to the question.
The Evidence – the supporting information
used to arrive at the answer.
The Reasoning – making the connections to
explain why the claim is correct.
Scientific Explanation…
A New and Necessary Skill
for Students to Acquire
Scientific Explanation…
A New and Necessary Skill
for Students to Acquire
How Are Grades Weighted?
Summative Assessments (tests,
quizzes, performance
assessments) = 50%
Labs and Class work = 35%
Homework = 15%
Assessment Retake Policy
 Retake only a summative assessment.
 100% is the maximum score awarded any
retake.
 Students scoring less than 70% are
required to retake a summative
assessment.
Why a Retake ?
Essentially…it’s all about
reinforcing the
acquisition and mastering
of skills and concepts.
Should choosing to fail
be an option?
PRIOR TO A RETAKE
 A tutoring or conferencing session
Or
To reinforce concepts from the
original assessment.
 Previous assignments must be
completed
Stay in Touch… Be Informed
 When in doubt, check the Homework Hotline on the
school website daily or my webpage.
 Monitor your student’s work progress and current
grades on the Parent Viewer
 Visit my website through the Wilson School District
site.
Topics
 Ecology and Ecosystems
 Magnets and Motors
 Science Fair
 Catastrophic Events
Ecology & Ecosystems
 Students create and observe
ecocolumns, which house with a
terrarium and aquarium.
 Photosynthesis
 Chesapeake Bay and the effects of
pollution
Magnets & Motors
 What can magnets do?
 Building a compass
 Creating magnetism through electricity
 Making a motor
 Building a spinning coil motor
Science Fair
 Group project where each student actively
participates
 Opportunity to take the project to the fair
 The Reading-Berks County Science and
Engineering Fair will be held at Albright
College in February.
 1st year implementing science fair as part of
our middle school curriculum
 Excellent opportunity for students to
collaborate on a science fair project!
Catastrophic Events
 Thunderstorms, tornadoes, and
hurricanes
 Forecasting weather
 Temperature, pressure, cloud
formation
 Earthquakes
 Volcanoes
Thanks
for
Visiting
!