Sellwood School
January 2010 - Happy New Year
Submitted by Jan Manley on Tue, 01/05/2010 - 1:25pm.
Trimester 2 Plan:
We finished an introduction to physics in December and completed a small health unit on Jan. 4. Jan. 5 we move into introduction to basic concepts in chemistry.
January 4 "progress report" - Packet 1 graded and returned; they keep this in their science folder that comes to class daily so they can share graded packets with their parents. Ask to see this. 80% and above is good. Above 90% is very good. Missing work is the biggest reason for low grades. Another reason is "no name" papers that never get claimed. Please remind students to fill out a make-up work request on the the day they return from an absence. The next graded packet will be later in January just before mailed progress reports.
January - March: We study the structure of matter, classifying matter (periodic table), making scientific observations and measurements, specific properties of matter (with a focus on density), and the role of chemistry in technolgy and modern life. We will review metric measurement and scientific notation. As always, lab safety rules are reviewed and reinforced.
Tests:
1. We have small tests about basic concepts and vocabulary. Students will have a study guide and we also spend time in class reviewing. Simply participating well in class work is often enough to do well on the quiz, but extra review can be helpful. Poor attendance can affect test performance. Students should use their Sellwood planner to remind them to study before a test.
2. The "big test" is the elements test scheduled for Feb. 12 at this point. They will learn the symbols for 50 of the more common elements. Students will get a study guide two weeks ahead and will make flash cards to use in class and for home study. Ten minutes of study per day is often enough to do well. Students with a perfect score get to sign my lab coat. Low scores on this test are simply due to not practicing. Students should practice orally and in writing. They may be asked to write the symbol or the word. Yes, spelling does count! The symbol has to be written in proper form also. All this is reviewed and practiced in class.
I am trying to put together a field trip for February and will need chaperones. Stay tuned.
Trimester 2 Plan:
We finished an introduction to physics in December and completed a small health unit on Jan. 4. Jan. 5 we move into introduction to basic concepts in chemistry.
January 4 "progress report" - Packet 1 graded and returned; they keep this in their science folder that comes to class daily so they can share graded packets with their parents. Ask to see this. 80% and above is good. Above 90% is very good. Missing work is the biggest reason for low grades. Another reason is "no name" papers that never get claimed. Please remind students to fill out a make-up work request on the the day they return from an absence. The next graded packet will be later in January just before mailed progress reports.
January - March: We study the structure of matter, classifying matter (periodic table), making scientific observations and measurements, specific properties of matter (with a focus on density), and the role of chemistry in technolgy and modern life. We will review metric measurement and scientific notation. As always, lab safety rules are reviewed and reinforced.
Tests:
1. We have small tests about basic concepts and vocabulary. Students will have a study guide and we also spend time in class reviewing. Simply participating well in class work is often enough to do well on the quiz, but extra review can be helpful. Poor attendance can affect test performance. Students should use their Sellwood planner to remind them to study before a test.
2. The "big test" is the elements test scheduled for Feb. 12 at this point. They will learn the symbols for 50 of the more common elements. Students will get a study guide two weeks ahead and will make flash cards to use in class and for home study. Ten minutes of study per day is often enough to do well. Students with a perfect score get to sign my lab coat. Low scores on this test are simply due to not practicing. Students should practice orally and in writing. They may be asked to write the symbol or the word. Yes, spelling does count! The symbol has to be written in proper form also. All this is reviewed and practiced in class.
I am trying to put together a field trip for February and will need chaperones. Stay tuned.
Jan Manley
Welcome to Grade 7 Physical Science
ABOUT MY CLASS:
This year students study matter and energy, divided into two basic areas: physics and chemistry. We also include a little health around the theme of healthy choices. If you were unable to attend open house to get handouts, I sent them home with those who needed them.
Pay close attention to the fall conference handout. There will not be appointments - you simply walk in - no waiting. Students lead the conference, review their work, and set a goal for trimester 2. You may take as much time as you wish. Several conferences may be going on at once and I circulate to meet individually. This is the only way I can accomodate 160 parents.
Please review class expectations and grading on the open house handout. There are also hints for success in science.
There is no text to go home so there is little homework. Projects re completed in class together with ample time to finish. We also study for tests together but of course they should use their study guide at home to review. All due dates are posted in class with daily oral reminders. Students will be guided in how to use a planner to keep track of due dates.
LAWS OF MOTION AND FORMS OF ENERGY: This unit kicks off the year. There will be a small project soon. They have turned in PACKET 1 on 9/21 for grading. They will get those back in about one week. Please ask to see their science folder as graded packets act as mini-progress reports and are a good way to judge success on a daily basis. You may alo see the nature of the daily work completed.
I put a big emphasis on completing work neatly, in an organized manner, and show thoughtful responses and good effort. We practice writing skills such as paragraph organization, and will apply these skills in short reports. Students also practice reading for understanding, and we do regular science article reviews together.
I will be posting major projects and tests, but not a daily homework plan as there usually is none. Any homework would be small, such as a small activity or finishing an assignment. Sometimes students are asked to bring SIMPLE materials for a project.
