Big Changes - Forces ans Motion Unit

Science 7

Louise Maionchi



Forces and Motion



We are about to begin our new unit on forces and motion, also known as physical science. This unit will provide a variety of experiences through guided scientific investigation. As we begin all students will start with Lesson 1, of the text. Each student will proceed at his or her own pace. A required amount of work is to be completed by everyone. The weekly assignment sheets will reflect student expectations for that week. Students capable of successfully working at a faster pace will have access to materials needed to complete each successive lesson. From time to time I will pull the class together for a mini-lesson on the important topics covered by the text.



I believe that this method of learning maximizes differentiation within the classroom. It also enables me to guide students through the process of investigation, while each child learns at a comfortable rate. I have used this same style of teaching very successfully for many years in my home state of New York. The students were excited and had the opportunity to work with other children with similar skills in small groups. I will personally check with each child, on a daily basis to see what is accomplished. Look for my initials in your child’s notebook.



Students must complete the following rubric before approval to begin the next lesson:




Lesson Completion Grid

Number and Title of Lesson______________________________________________

Section 1 – Notebook

Date Completed Teacher’s Initials or Comments

Dates included in Notes



Number and Title of the Inquiry included in Notebook



Notes and Calculations from the Lesson



Summary of the Inquiry



Answers to Questions imbedded in the Lesson



Summary of Readings Within the Lesson



Section 2 – Student Generated Study Guide

Date Completed Teacher’s Initials or Comments

Definitions of Key Terms



A List of Major Concepts how they are used in the Lesson.



Important Diagrams



Section 3 - Completed and Corrected Inquiries

Title and Number of Inquiry Date Completed Teacher’s Initials or Comments















Section 4 – Completed Test

Test Score Date Completed Teacher’s comment




Thursday, September 9, 2010

Science Plans for the week of September 13th

There will be a test tomorrow, Tuesday 9/14
Please study review sheets, Inquiries 1 & 2 and class notes.

Monday 9/13
In Class:

  • Complete and sum up Inquiry 2.2 and check each student's notebook.

  • Distribute review sheets in preparation for tomorrow's test.

Homework: Study for tomorrow. The test is short and easy!


Tuesday 9/14
In Class:

Test today - Lessons 1 & 2

  • Begin Lesson 3, page 22 After completing the test, students will read page 22 -23 and list the objectives in their notes.

  • All students will write the answers to "Getting Started" in their notes. We will discuss the answers in class.

    Homework: Read, "How To View The Sun Safely", pages 36 - 39. Write your own paragraph on viewing the Sun. BRING IN INQUIRY PACKETS DISTRIBUTED THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL. YOU WILL NEED THE TOMORROW FOR THE INQUIRY.



Wednesday 9/15

In Class:

  • Discuss "Getting Stared" with the class. Re-read, " How To View The Sun". Show students the Solar Viewing Glasses.

  • Explain the SEM board to the class.

  • Preview Inquiry 3.1, page 24 - 26, and read "Solar Noon", page 26.

  • Have students remove Inquiry 3.1 from their packets. Explain how we will use the Inquiry sheets.

  • Discuss graphing, and label time and length along the x and y axis of the graph.

Homework: Be prepared to go outdoors tomorrow. If it is cool, bring a jacket to class. We will be outside for part of the period.



Thursday 9/16


In Class:

  • We will be going out towards the beginning of the period. Please bring Inquiry 3.1, your text , the SEM Board and supplies, to our outside location.

  • We will make two recordings 15 minutes apart.

  • While you wait answer these questions: What do you notice about the position of the Sun in the sky? Are there any clouds today? How might they affect your readings? Why does the board have to be placed in the same position for each class?

  • Read the Anasazi on page 40 - 41. Answer all questions.

  • When we return to the class complete the Reflections on page 26.


Homework: Complete Inquiry 3.1 We will review it tomorrow.



Friday 9/17

In Class:

  • Review and collect Inquiry 3.1. Students are encouraged to make corrections as we review.

  • Begin Inquiry 3.2 (page 29 - 30) and complete as a group. Student lab groups will be given a copy of the transparency to complete the Inquiry.

  • Complete the reflectionson page 30.

Homework: Have a wonderful weekend!

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