safety first!
The safety of all students is our first priority. Science experiments often include the use of expensive equipment or materials, (ie: glass beakers, live animals, scales, etc). When a child does not follow safety procedures in a responsible manner, the safety of everyone is at risk. For this reason, students in my science class will be expected to sign an agreement with me in which they commit to responsible, cooperative classroom behavior during science class. Parents will be asked to sign this agreement as well. Students will not be able to actively participate in science activities until this form is signed by both parent and student and returned to me. Remember, students who do not follow safe procedures and class directions will become observers rather than participants in these activities.
Academic expectations:
Students are expected to come to class prepared, participate in daily classroom activities, complete weekly homework assignments, review and study a weekly list of vocabulary, and complete periodic investigations/experiments/projects.
We will be investigating our science topics in a variety of ways. These learning experiences rely on active participation and observations. Therefore, a large portion of our science grades will be based on participation and thoughtful comments during class activities and discussions. Students will often hear me say, "show me what you know," but it is equally important to share thoughts, comments, and questions during class. This lets me know you are paying attention and whether or not you understand important concepts So, be sure to let me know what you're thinking!
Another large part of our science grade will come from our science notebook! Students are expected to bring their science notebook with them every day. We will use our notebooks to:
We will be investigating our science topics in a variety of ways. These learning experiences rely on active participation and observations. Therefore, a large portion of our science grades will be based on participation and thoughtful comments during class activities and discussions. Students will often hear me say, "show me what you know," but it is equally important to share thoughts, comments, and questions during class. This lets me know you are paying attention and whether or not you understand important concepts So, be sure to let me know what you're thinking!
Another large part of our science grade will come from our science notebook! Students are expected to bring their science notebook with them every day. We will use our notebooks to:
- ask questions
- do background research
- form and record a hypothesis
- record observations during experiments/demonstrations
- collect and analyze data
- draw conclusions based on results
Grading Procedures in Science
Participation 25%
Science Notebook 25%
Quizzes/Tests 20%
Vocabulary 15%
Classwork and
Homework 15%
Science Notebook 25%
Quizzes/Tests 20%
Vocabulary 15%
Classwork and
Homework 15%
learning targets for first quarter:
I can identify the observable properties of matter.
I can use properties of matter to identify materials.
I can develop a model to describe the structure of matter.
I can provide evidence to support what happens when matter (substance) dissolves.
I can provide evidence to support that gas is matter.
I can measure and compare the solubility of different substances.
I can explain and give examples of a mixture.
I can observe and describe what happens when two or more substances are mixed.
I can explain what happens to matter when substances react or change.
I can use evidence to show what happens to the total weight of matter when substances react or change.
I can use properties of matter to identify materials.
I can develop a model to describe the structure of matter.
I can provide evidence to support what happens when matter (substance) dissolves.
I can provide evidence to support that gas is matter.
I can measure and compare the solubility of different substances.
I can explain and give examples of a mixture.
I can observe and describe what happens when two or more substances are mixed.
I can explain what happens to matter when substances react or change.
I can use evidence to show what happens to the total weight of matter when substances react or change.