Welcome to the world of Middle School Science! Over 60% of your child’s time will be spent on investigations and laboratory experiments in the classroom. Students will work independently and in small groups for these activities. The purpose of these experiences is to identify misconceptions, generate new ideas, and data for reflection. Much of the remaining class time is spent on individual and collective and collaborative reflection on class experiences. Additionally, students will expand their scientific literacy through both reading and writing assignments, which require students to gather information and make connections between science and their own lives.
The curriculum is based on these three concepts:

1. Students learn by doing. They learn how science develops new knowledge.
2. Students develop an understanding of basic science concepts. They progress through a sequence of laboratory and field activities that build on concepts and skills that have come before.
3. Students develop basic thinking skills and creative thinking skills. We encourage students to wrestle with problems and pursue their hunches by trying various solutions. Instead of giving answers, the teacher poses the kinds of questions that scientists ask as they attempt to solve similar problems.

Materials

In science class this year, students will be required to organize large amounts of data. To promote self-discipline, organization, and responsibility, they will be required to maintain a science notebook. The notebook will be a section of their binder. All students are expected to bring their binder to class everyday. All pages are to be left in the book during the year. In the event that a student loses a notebook, that student will need to replace the lost notebook immediately and copy any current information into the new notebook. This may involve copying numerous pages of information.

Required materials for every class:

Please bring these to science each day.

• Agenda book
• Binder
• Pencil or pen

Optional and useful

• Clear plastic metric ruler
• Highlighter
• Colored pencils
• Calculator

The science program is based on student involvement in classroom investigations. Therefore, your child’s attendance is extremely important to their success. Due to the hands-on nature of the course, any absences will likely be a detriment to your child’s experience in science. The class investigations are unique to each individual class and consequently, are difficult to reproduce without a serious commitment to making up the work. If your child does miss school for any reason, it is his/her responsibility to make up work with the teacher as soon as possible and in accordance with the student handbook. It is not possible to send lab activities home. I am available for makeup work school Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I am also available after school from 2:15 until 2:45 most days.

Homework and Classwork

Most often I do not differentiate between class work and homework. As we work on a particular problem in class we may occasionally need to complete a portion of the work at home. Typically, work that may be completed at home will not require new skills, but will involve practice or refinement. It is each student’s responsibility to maintain a complete and accurate agenda book and to have the agenda book in class every day. Having said this I do occasionally assign specific homework. Homework is meant to give students an opportunity to review class activities and synthesize data we have collected in class as well as encourage students to develop positive work habits. Homework is due at the beginning of class on the due date. Due dates for classwork will be posted. Homework and classwork completed after the due date will have a 1 point (on the five point scale) grade reduction for each day it is late.

Makeup work

Students who miss a lab assignment will need to schedule a makeup before school. Students should bring a friend along with them, someone who has already completed the lab. Students are also responsible for copying any of the day’s notes on their own time. They may copy the notes from a friend or from the class binder. Test and quiz make-ups will be scheduled before school or during afternoon activity block but must be completed within one week of the original test or quiz date. Special arrangements may be made for students with prolonged absences.

Communication

The best way to reach me is through email using r_biche at sau9 dot org. If you use email please add my address to your address book and send me a quick note so that I may add your address. If you do not have email you may call the school at 447-6364 and leave a message. I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Final note

My classroom is a room of learning, mutual respect and individual responsibility. I will treat you with dignity and respect at all times; I expect the same from you towards everyone who shares our learning environment. Learning to think in science requires risk-taking and encouragement from others. We will all work together to create an atmosphere where all of us can learn, grow, challenge ourselves, and enjoy science!