Individual feedback on your student’s exam will be included in the PowerSchool comments. As a reminder, unit summative assessment grades are final and are not curved or eligible for corrections/redos. Assessment scores reflect applicable accommodations and modifications for students with individual academic plans, in accordance with their documented educational requirements.
Overall Class Average:Â 75.6%
Grade Distribution: A – 25% -- B – 21% -- C – 18% -- D – 14% -- F – 22%
Nearly two-thirds of students (64%) earned a C or higher, including 46% who earned an A or B.
Overall, the exam gave us some valuable information about where students are doing well and where we need continued practice as we move into Unit 2.
Students generally showed a good understanding of the big ideas of the unit and were able to identify concepts related to energy, systems, and generators. Many students could determine what was happening in a system and select relevant scientific ideas and evidence.
1) The biggest challenge was scientific writing and explanation. Students were often able to give the correct answer or identify appropriate evidence, but had difficulty explaining why the evidence supported their answer using precise scientific vocabulary and fully explaining their scientific reasoning. We will continue practicing our scientific writing structure: ANSWER → VOCABULARY → EVIDENCE → EXPLAIN WHY
2) Another important takeaway was the value of complete, organized notes. Students who maintained complete notes throughout the unit had a stronger resource available for studying and reviewing key concepts.
These are skills we will continue developing throughout the year. Eighth-grade science requires students to move beyond simply identifying the correct answer and toward explaining and defending their scientific thinking.
As we begin Unit 2: Force & Motion, we will continue working on strong note-taking, scientific vocabulary, evidence-based reasoning, and complete written explanations.Â
Hello Science Families!
I’m sending home a short homework assignment connected to our Amplify science simulation. We worked through the simulation together in class as a demonstration, and I wanted students to have the opportunity to create and explore their own simulations as well.
If your student is unable to complete the assignment due to internet access, a late practice/game, lack of access to a computer, or another circumstance, that is completely okay. Please simply write the reason on the homework page and include a parent/guardian signature. I will excuse the assignment for them.
Thank you for your support, and please feel free to reach out with any questions!Â
- Mrs. Scheidt (vscheidt@bfcsaz.com)
Dear BFHS Science Families,
As we begin a new school year, the BFHS Science Department will be making a small adjustment to our grading categories. After thoughtful discussion, we have decided to transition away from the separate “Scholarship” grading category.
This change helps ensure that student grades more accurately reflect mastery of the science standards and the academic work completed throughout the course.
Beginning this year, the weight previously assigned to “Scholarship” will be redistributed among our existing academic categories:
Classwork/Homework: 20% → 25%
Labs/Projects: 30% → 35%
Assessments: 30% → 40%
Although “Scholarship” will no longer exist as a separate grading category, the qualities it was designed to encourage remain central to our classrooms. At BFHS, we believe that intellectual curiosity, thoughtful participation, careful attention to directions, virtuous conduct, and the pursuit of excellence are essential habits of a scholar. Rather than being assessed independently, these habits of scholarship will be embedded within individual assignments, laboratory investigations, discussions, and projects whenever they naturally support the learning objectives. In this way, students will continue to demonstrate the habits of a thoughtful, curious, and virtuous learner through authentic academic work while grades remain focused on evidence of learning.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your student’s education. We appreciate your support as we continue to develop not only scientific understanding, but also the habits of mind and character that prepare students for a lifetime of learning.
If you have any questions, we welcome you to reach out for further discussion.Â
Sincerely,
The BFHS Science Team
Dear Charger Families! 💙💛
We had a fantastic first week of school! Students began our Science Foundations unit by learning what it means to THINK and Investigate like scientists. Throughout the week, we explored how scientists ask questions, evaluate trustworthy evidence, follow safe laboratory procedures, design fair investigations, and use evidence to support scientific explanations. Students also participated in our Hot vs. Cold Lab, where they practiced making observations, identifying variables, collecting data, and discussing evidence like real scientists.Â
Our focus this week was on building the habits of scientific thinking rather than simply memorizing facts.
Next week we officially launch Amplify Science Unit 1: Harnessing Human Energy! Students will begin investigating how the body uses energy and will continue developing their skills in observation, questioning, modeling, and evidence-based reasoning.
Beginning next week, students should expect 10–15 minutes of homework most evenings. I encourage students to complete this work during Conference period.
Thank you for your support during a wonderful first week! I am excited to continue building a classroom where students learn to think, question, and reason like scientists. Have a wonderful weekend! đź©· Mrs. Scheidt