scienceinthemiddle

Learning about “what science is” can be overwhelming for middle schoolers.  That’s one of the reasons science teachers review this at the beginning of almost every grade level.  Our review is taking it one science skill at a time.  We started out learning that the process of doing science itself is not linear, but can go in many different directions.  Then we discussed the difference between observations and inferences and the students learned that in science there are two type of observations–qualitative and quantitative.  We practiced finding the different types by looking at a magazine picture.  We finished up the week learning that there are two main methods of science investigation–descriptive and experimental.  Ask your child what the difference is between the two…they should know.  They will have a quiz on all their new terms on Thursday (Monday for the Regular classes).

In future posts I will have to separate between our Regular and Advanced classes as we get more differentiated the further we get into the curriculum.  This week look for the What is Science? powerpoint on the class wiki site.

Keep your eyes on the skies…

The summer is over and our first week of science is complete.  Whew!  Students received a packet of papers from me regarding several aspects of our science class.  I included a cover letter to explain everything.  Along with the Class Policies and Procedures, there was a Student/Parent Information card to be completed, a letter describing our class recycling program with print cartridges, and a Lab Safety contract.  If you have questions regarding any of the pages, please send me an email for clarification.

The first three days of school the students and I got to know one another and the policies of the classroom.  Thursday we dove into science with our mystery tubes lab.  Students had to figure out how the tubes were constructed without peering inside.  They had a blast trying to figure the tubes out.  Friday we discussed the misconception that all science follows THE scientific method.  We will finish the activity on Monday.

All in all, it was a great week and I am excited about having the students this year.  They have been amazing!