WEEK OF September 17, 2007
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1st ASSESSMENT = September 20&21
Topics: The Scientific Method, Experiment Design
Main ideas:
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
1. MAKE OBSERVATIONS
2. ASK A QUESTION
3. FORM A HYPOTHESIS
4. TEST THE HYPOTHESIS
5. ANALYZE THE RESULTS
6. DRAW CONCLUSIONS
7. COMMUNICATE RESULTS
SCIENTIFIC METHOD DEFINITIONS
1. SCIENTIFIC METHOD: The series of steps that scientists use to answer questions and solve problems.
2. QUALITATIVE OBSERVATION: An observation related to characteristics, descriptions or traits.
3. QUANTITATIVE OBSERVATION: An observation that involves taking measurements or using numbers.
4. HYPOTHESIS: A possible answer to a question based on information you have gathered.
5. FACTOR: Anything in an experiment that can influence its outcome.
6. VARIABLE: Any factor in an experiment that could affect the results and is therefore tested separately.
7. CONTROLLED EXPERIMENT: One that tests only one factor at a time.
8. CONTROLLED FACTORS: The factors that are the same for the control group and the test group.
9. All of the factors for the control group and the test group are the same except for one. The one factor that differs is called the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE.
10. DEPENDENT VARIABLE: The results of the experiment; something you have to measure.
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Ongoing:
1. Consistent review of each day's lesson (Science is complicated!!!)
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"ACTIVE READING" INSTRUCTIONS:
Create a 4-square grid with the following symbols as the titles for the 4 squares. Write in ideas/questions/facts from the reading in the appropriate boxes.
--> "check mark" = I UNDERSTAND THIS.
--> "+"= I WANT TO KNOW MORE.
-->"*" = LET'S DISCUSS THIS.
-->"?" = I DON'T UNDERSTAND THIS.
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INFORMATION re: Mr. Mulholland’s Science Class
Dear Partners in Learning,
My name is Daniel Mulholland. I am the science teacher for the 7th grade Knights team. I am looking forward to serving as a facilitator for your child’s learning this year! I will include many interactive labs designed to spark your child’s interest in science. Like true scientists, students will conduct the scientific method to reach an understanding of many concepts, processes and things pertaining to the Earth and our universe. In addition, the students can use this systematic way of thinking to solve ALL problems that they encounter in life. I believe teacher-parent communication is crucial to the success of a student. Please do not hesitate to call (215-619-8000 X2218) or email (Dmulholland@wsd.k12.pa.us) with any questions or concerns.
SPECIAL SUPPLIES:
Please use a 3-ring binder (1/2 inch wide) and loose-leaf paper as your notebook for Science. In addition, please obtain a one-subject notebook to be used as an in-class journal. Thank you!
It is my job to establish a positive environment so that teaching and learning can take place. Thus, I run my classroom by the set of rules and expectations you will find on the back of this sheet. Please review this information with your child and sign at the bottom. This paper is the first homework assignment of the year and should be returned tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Daniel Mulholland
P.S. Please return the “Parent/Guardian - Partner in Learning” form (page 3 of this packet) on or before Back to School Night.
Expectations & (Consequences - Positive & Negative)
1. COME PREPARED! Students must bring their textbook, notebook, assignment book and at least one pen or pencil every day. No one is permitted to return to his or her locker after class has begun. (0 for “Prepared?” points for that day)
2. BE READY TO LEARN! All students are expected to be in class, in their seats and ready to start working when the late bell rings.
3. Before speaking, students must raise their hand and be recognized by the teacher. The rest of the class must be courteous and listen.
4. Students must ask permission to leave their seat during class to use the trash can, sharpen pencil, etc.
5. The teacher, not the bell, dismisses the class at the end of the period. No one shall stand up until the teacher dismisses the class. (I will not dismiss the class until the person, who stood up early, returns to his or her seat)
6. Horseplay will not be tolerated.
7. NO GUM CHEWING!! Your parents pay a lot in school taxes and they would not like to see textbooks, floors, desks, walls and water fountains littered with gum.
**Sequence of consequences for 2,3,4,6 & 7 = POSITIVE: verbal praise, complimentary call home and extra privileges. NEGATIVE: verbal warning, written warning, parent contact, action plan, team detention, conference, administrative referral.
Textbook
Textbooks must be covered at all times. I will check frequently. If your book is not covered, points will be deducted from test grades.
Assignments
1. Papers torn out of a spiral notebook will not be accepted.
2. Homework is to be handed in on time. Late assignments will not be accepted.
*EXCEPTION: Absences
In the case of an excused absence from school, it is the student’s responsibility to come to me to make up the missed work. The student has the exact number of days that he/she was absent to make up the work.
STUDENT PROMISE
“I have read the above stated rules and expectations, and they have been explained to me to my satisfaction. If I break a rule, I will accept the consequences for my actions.”
STUDENT NAME (PRINT)_______________________________________________
Extremely important! Please return this entire page, as I need it for my files! I will make a copy and send the copy home with the student.
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GENERAL INFORMATION Mr. Mulholland
Homework is very important. Undone homework is recorded as a zero. If a student completes the assignment by the next day, he or she will receive “almost full credit”.
Tests will be announced roughly one week in advance. Everyone takes the test on test day. In the case of an excused absence from school, it is the student’s responsibility to come to me to make up the missed test. The student has the exact number of days that he/she was absent to make up the test.
Class notebooks will take the form of a 3-ring binder, holding loose-leaf paper and class handouts. This way, students can review notes and worksheets in sequence. Class notes are extremely valuable.
Journal notebooks, used for in-class writing assignments, will remain in school.
Students must have a study buddy in the class. If one student is absent, the “buddy” will remind him or her to check the “ABSENT?” bulletin board. On this board, students will find an example of the worksheet handed out on that particular day. Copies of the worksheet are located in the drawer of the desk below the bulletin board.
Grading will be based on the following list of criteria: tests, quizzes, curriculum-based assessments, labs, homework, writing assignments, being prepared for class AND behavior (class participation, cooperation with others, etc.)
Students may obtain extra credit points as a reward for writing a position paper outlining their view on the topic of an article regarding a current science – related news item. The paper must be a minimum of ½ page in length.
All students are expected to have their Agenda Books with them in class every day. If I write a note to parents in the assignment book, students will show it to their parents who will initial it that evening. Students must show it to me the next day.
I would like to encourage all parents to check their child’s agenda book on a regular basis. The more closely homework is monitored, the better a student performs. This monitoring also provides parents with the knowledge of when tests and quizzes are, so that they may assist the students in any way possible.
“Open Door” policy If you have any questions or if I can be of any assistance to you, please contact me. Open lines of communication serve as the foundation for a successful learning environment!
WMS room: 218 Phone: 215-619-8000 x2218
email: Dmulholland@wsd.k12.pa.us
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