Science
The essential intent of the School District of the Chathams is to discover and grow the gifts within each child. The science department accomplishes this by turning students' wonderings into exploration and experimentation that leads to a full understanding of natural phenomena.
INSTRUCTIONAL OVERVIEW
K-5:
In the School District of the Chathams, our science program is about curiosity and wonder. Our focus is about discovering science through investigations both in person and virtual. It is not about learning vocabulary or getting the right answer, it is about finding the pieces of the puzzle to figure out connections in the natural world.
Assignments will all be provided to students via Google classroom.
Teachers will use class time for science demonstrations or hands-on investigations.
Students will be asked to watch videos, read passages or follow up with online simulations.
Occasionally, optional at-home investigations will be provided.
Teachers will provide feedback on students notebooks, presentations and FlipGrids.
6-8:
Science at the middle school level provides students with a deeper understanding of science topics and further explanations of science phenomena. Students will continue their ability to practice science and become more involved in planning investigations and using evidence to devise science explanations. Teachers will assign more project based learning experiences as students explore how science affects our natural world.
Assignments will all be provided to students via Google classroom.
In addition, other platforms such as Google Docs, Slides, Sheets and Jamboard may be used for collaboration and feedback.
9-12:
Science is discipline specific at Chatham High School, however topics build upon the foundation students received in Grades K-8. Teachers will lead students through science investigations that enable them to practice science as scientists do. Experiments, both in person and virtual, will provide hands-on experience. Students will then analyze data, draw models and argue their conclusions using evidence collected during investigations. Finally students will apply these scenarios to real world situations. Teachers will provide all materials, including videos, labs, practice problems and presentations or any other resources via Schoology and the Google Education Suite applications.
Lessons will be posted in Schoology.
Science topics will be introduced via phenomena.
Students will investigate phenomena through demonstrations and hands-on learning in person.
Supplemental material will take the form of readings, lab simulations, videos, animations and will be provided to students through Schoology.
Formative and Summative assessments will be given to assess students' learning.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
K-3:
Assignments will be given through your teacher's Google classroom.
Students will document their thinking, observations, drawings, models and data in their Science Notebooks.
Students may be asked to shared during Google Meets or FlipGrid.
4-8:
Assignments will be given through your teacher's Google Classroom.
Students will document their thinking, observations, drawings, models and data via Google Doc, Slides, & Sheets.
Students may be asked to share during Google Meets, FlipGrid or Jamboard.
9-12:
Students are expected to review the materials (videos or pre lab assignments) provided by the teacher prior to each lab experience.
Although science is a collaborative subject, students are expected to contribute to discussions, projects and labs.
Students will have an opportunity to meet with teachers in small groups for assistance whenever needed.
