Science
Science: The Door To Discovery Enter with curiosity and wonder!
Google Classroom
Our Learning Management System is Google Classroom (GC). All assignments and student announcements are posted on GC.
These are the codes that students will use to join their science GC:
2nd Per. (Orange): d2naa5l
3rd Per. (Yellow): cye73t3
4th Per. (Green): pnawuua
5th Per. (Blue): uor36w5
7th Per. (Pink): zpaayxz
Boom! whwgmi7 (All Thunder Students)
Resources
We will be using a variety of print and online resources. Students can access many resources through their Clever digital portal (this includes the digital textbook, BrainPop, EdPuzzle, Kahoot, Padlet, etc).
The textbook is McGraw Hill iScience, Grade 8 (aligned to MA standards).
Meet the Teacher
I am so excited to share my enthusiasm for science! I am a geologist, environmental engineer and groundwater hydrologist (B.S. from MIT, M.S.E. from University of Michigan). I love rocks and I love teaching.
I have been at Ottoson Middle School for 7.5 years. Before teaching, I was a project manager with an environmental engineering consulting firm and I conducted investigations of hazardous waste sites and designed remediations systems. I have also been a tutor, a classroom presenter, and was a long time youth group leader.
My 3 children have all attended Arlington Public Schools. I enjoy knitting and walking and reading and being outside. I also work with Arlington EATS and lead youth service trips each year with my church. I'm looking forward to a year of curiosity and amazement!
For the Love of Science
XKCD Webcomic and What If
YouTube Channels:
Veritasium
Smarter Everyday
PhysicsGirl
Kurzgesagt
Crash Course
Stated Clearly
It's Okay To Be Smart
How It's Made
Mark Rober
FranLab
Suggestions? Let me know!
A little about Grades
The Thunder LC has implemented a minimum grade policy. The lowest available grade is 50% of the assignment value. You can read more about this on the home page of the Thunder website.
Science grades are based on the demonstrated level of understanding of concepts and use of science skills. Assignments that are early in a unit that are for learning and practice are not counted in the grade, although students will receive feedback and I will record completion.
Assessments, projects, models, labs, and presentations which demonstrate a student's understanding and growth of skills will be included in the grade, with the opportunity for students to continue learning and demonstrate greater understanding (revisions).
Behavior, organization, and compliance are not included in science grades, rather students will participate in year-long check-ins and reflections regarding timeliness, organization, participation, behavior, etc.
Students and Parent(s)/Guardian(s) should use the Grade Portal to keep track of a student's progress in class.
Please remember that as the term continues more assignments will balance out the grade.
If marked "M" or "Missing" with an orange circle it was not submitted at the time the assignment was due or checked in class.
If marked "A" or "Absent" with a green-circle student was not present when checked or when it was assigned. Students are still responsible for this work.
Both (M - missing and A - absent) assignments are recorded with the lowest grade (50/F) until completed and turned in. Assignments labeled A - absent can be submitted for full credit. Assignments labeled M - missing can be submitted for partial credit. Students should notify me specifically when turning in late assignments.
Please check the assignment itself for comments or feedback.