General Information: Science
The Curriculum: Middle school science includes content from biological, physical, and earth sciences. Specific content is presented according to the Indiana standards. There is also emphasis on understanding the nature of science and process skills, information access and evaluation, and developing science literacy skills. Every effort is made to engage students in hands-on, inquiry based activities. Instructional strategies are designed to accomodate different learning preferences and styles and to provide opportunities for success for all students.
Tips for success in science class. There are habits you can develop now that will make learning easier while you are in middle school and beyond.
- Bring a pencil, pen, notebook paper, and your science folder to class every day.
- Use your agenda book to help you get and stay organized.
- Make the commitment to give your best effort.
- Practice active listening. Balance talking and listening.
- Participate actively in class activities and discussions.
- If you are confused or unsure about anything, ask questions.
Homework. Homework is designed to reinforce what you learn in class, to help prepare for a lab or lesson, or to help relate science to the everyday world.
- Most homework assignments can be sucessfully completed in 15-20 minutes.
- Turn homework in on time. Ask for more time or assistance if you need it.
- Missed homework assignments will be made up or replaced with an alternate assignment.
- All homework will be expected to be turned in.
Assignments and Grading. Every effort will be made to differentiate instruction. Students may not all be doing the same assignments. Student assessments will be as equitable (fair) as possible.
- Assignments are graded on science skill and science content mastery.
- Some assignments and tasks are assessed upon effort and completion only.
- Assessments types vary, providing all students an opportunity to demonstrate learning. Labs, written assignments, reading and vocabulary reinforcement, quizzes, test, and projects are common.
- Student grades may also reflect individual and group effort, and participation.
- In class, all assignments are written on the board and spoken verbally.
- Homework assignments and large project timelines will be posted on this web site as often as time allows. Frequent reminders are given for long term assignments.
- Many assignments may be resubmitted with corrections to ensure mastery of skills and content.
- Grades are guaranteed to be entered into the Skyward Gradebook application at the end of the 2nd and 5th weeks of the grading period. Most grades appear far more often - usually within one week of the assignment due date. Students have access to the Skyward Gradebook through Skyward Family Access. (Parents: You may contact the office to sign up for Skyward Family Access so that you can see grades too! Click here for more information.)
- The students in academic lab are creating and maintaining a school-wide assignment calendar. While it may not be as up to date as individual websites, you might look here to see school-wide assignments. Look here soon for an updated link.
