1. Back-to-School Night G-8-ors Team Science Jessica Geissler

2. Welcome to Science Jessica Geissler 2009-2010 jgeissler@waunakee.k12.wi.us 849-2060

3. Topics Covered Physical Science Physical Science Scientific Method Scientific Method Matter Matter Properties of Matter Properties of Matter Interactions of Matter Interactions of Matter Work and Energy Work and Energy Forces and Motion Forces and Motion Earth Science and Beyond… Earth Science and Beyond…

4. Classroom Expectations and Procedures Home work vs. Class work Home work vs. Class work Expect class work every day, occasional homework Expect class work every day, occasional homework Discussed and placed in binders Discussed and placed in binders Occasional homework checks Occasional homework checks Science Binders Science Binders Expectations: complete, accurate, and neat/organized Expectations: complete, accurate, and neat/organized

5. Classroom Expectations and Procedures Grade Sheet Grade Sheet Students will keep track of their own progress and grades. They are expected to know their current science grade at all times. Students will keep track of their own progress and grades. They are expected to know their current science grade at all times. Always located in the front of the science binder. Always located in the front of the science binder. Please ask your student about this grading sheet throughout the year. Please ask your student about this grading sheet throughout the year.

6. Classroom Expectations and Procedures Assessment Assessment Quizzes Quizzes Given about every two weeks Given about every two weeks Occasional retakes offered Occasional retakes offered Tests Tests End of each main unit End of each main unit No retakes of tests No retakes of tests

7. Classroom Expectations and Procedures Extra Credit Extra Credit Occasional bonus points offered Occasional bonus points offered Must be completed at that time Must be completed at that time No other major extra credit “assignments” or “projects” will be offered No other major extra credit “assignments” or “projects” will be offered

8. Classroom Expectations and Procedures Unit Projects Unit Projects Pick a project from a given set of choices on different subtopics relating to the main unit Pick a project from a given set of choices on different subtopics relating to the main unit Reflections upon progress throughout the quarter are expected Reflections upon progress throughout the quarter are expected Project presentations given at the end of the unit Project presentations given at the end of the unit Copies of unit project packet available (see me!) Copies of unit project packet available (see me!)

9. Classroom Expectations and Procedures General Expectations General Expectations Be prepared! Be prepared! When in science class, we will be DOING SCIENCE the entire class period When in science class, we will be DOING SCIENCE the entire class period Be respectful! Be respectful! Know what it LOOKS and SOUNDS like Know what it LOOKS and SOUNDS like Assume personal responsibility! Assume personal responsibility! Do your best work Do your best work

10. CoMPASS Project What? What? Two exciting instructional units using design-based hands-on investigations, computer simulations, and a hypertextbook Two exciting instructional units using design-based hands-on investigations, computer simulations, and a hypertextbook Who? Who? Through University of Wisconsin- Madison Through University of Wisconsin- Madison Funded by the National Science Foundation and the United States Department of Education’s Institute of Educational Sciences Funded by the National Science Foundation and the United States Department of Education’s Institute of Educational Sciences

11. CoMPASS Project Why? Why? To understand how students learn science best To understand how students learn science best To foster deeper science learning of physics concepts To foster deeper science learning of physics concepts To move beyond memorization of science vocabulary to understanding and applying science ideas and principles. To move beyond memorization of science vocabulary to understanding and applying science ideas and principles.

12. CoMPASS Project Why? Why? Opportunities to engage in authentic inquiry-based science experiences Opportunities to engage in authentic inquiry-based science experiences Encourages students to take an active role in their own learning Encourages students to take an active role in their own learning

13. CoMPASS Project How? How? Students presented with engaging, real-life challenges Students presented with engaging, real-life challenges Conduct research on the CoMPASS hypertextbook Conduct research on the CoMPASS hypertextbook Manipulate simulation environments Manipulate simulation environments Test ideas during physical investigations Test ideas during physical investigations Second year participating in this project! Second year participating in this project!

14. And lastly… Students are welcome to come in for help before school, after school, or during lunch. Feel free to contact me throughout the year with any questions or concerns. I look forward to an exciting year of science! Students are welcome to come in for help before school, after school, or during lunch. Feel free to contact me throughout the year with any questions or concerns. I look forward to an exciting year of science!

15. Questions?