What is Life Science? FAQ
Life Science is the study of living things. Some examples of ideas being studied include: cells, plants, fungi, bacteria, and animals.
What is expected from the students in Life Science?
Students will have a quiz after every lesson (about every 1-2 school days). On the quizzes, students are allowed to use their notes that they took. All of the answers for the quizzes will be based on their notes and discussion in the classroom.
There is not much homework in Life Science, maybe only two assignments per chapter. There will always be a end of chapter assignments, and sometimes there will be an essay assignment throughout the chapter.
Life Science tests are difficult. Students are expected to study diligently for them.
You mentioned notes. How do the students get their notes?
In class, an outline has been shared with the students. An example can be found here. This outline is filled in halfway, and the students are expected to fill in the other half. The students will know what to fill in based on the lessons in class. I will orally give the notes to the students, so they need to listen carefully to the words spoken. The notes are not displayed on the board; they are only given verbally. I will repeat them in class to make sure that everyone has all the notes. If a student has difficulty keeping up with typing in class, I would recommend filling in the notes ahead of time.
My child has been sick or absent from school. How do they get their notes in that case?
There is no perfect substitute for when a child misses school. That is why our handbook states, "Families are not to take vacation during school days." However, medical reasons do arise, so the students need a way to make up the work they missed. Down below, in the list of Chapter Outline presentations, are the completed notes for the school year. Students may fill these into their outlines if they missed something. It would also be a good idea to note the pictures in the presentations, as they are included for good reason.
You said that the tests were hard. How are they supposed to prepare for the tests?
At the start of the chapter, an outline of the expected material to know for the test is posted on the board. An example can be found here. This outline persists on the board throughout the whole chapter, guiding the students in what they should learn for the test. The tests will always be short answer or essay questions. Students are also given time during class to gather and study their notes before the test. They work with a partner to ensure they are ready for the test. The students should also ask the teacher questions if they have any.
My child said that there were questions on the test that they weren't told to study for or in their notes. Is that true?
All of the questions are based on the notes and classroom discussion. Some of the questions may not be directly from the notes, but rather an application of the concepts from the notes. This is why is important to know and understand the material. So, even though the notes may not directly state an answer, they provide enough information to solve the problems. There may be some questions based on diagrams or charts as well, but all of that information is provided on the test, so there is nothing for the child to study for those questions. Ultimately, the answer to this question is no; the students are provided with everything they need to prepare for the test.
This sounds like a lot to process. How can I help my child be successful?
If your child is having difficulty preparing for tests, here are some suggestions for you to implement and enforce at home:
Check every Monday (or first school day of the week) for the weekly assignments. This will let you know when a test is coming up and when a new chapter will start. They can be found here.
Your child should copy down the outline of expected material to know from the board immediately, as soon as they see it. Ask them on the day that a new chapter has started if they have the list when they get home. If they don't, ask them everyday until they have it.
Have your child come to this website (www.sites.google.com/site/mrdefrain) under Life Science and fill out their outline from the notes provided online (they should know how to do this already). They could start working on this step anytime in the school year.
After they have the outline of notes filled out and the outline of expected material for the test, start finding answers for the test in the notes. When they find them, they should bold them or change the color of them. If they can't find an answer, ask me at school. You may certainly help them find the information.
After all of the information is found, they should start a new Google Doc, with only the information needed for the test. Put the idea from the test outline (e.g. Rotation and how long) with the provided answer afterwards. This will limit the words needed to look through when finding answers.
Study that abbreviated list of material often and early with your child. Waiting until the night before to study is going to be difficult. The sooner you can start studying the better.
What if I have other questions?
Email me any other questions or concerns you have. Thanks!