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





Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Science 7 - Week of 11/1

BIG SCIENCE TEST II 3 WEEKS - CHAPTERS 1 - 9

We are about 1/2 a week behind in our classwork. This week we will catch up!

Monday 11/1

In Class: Begin Lesson 7- The Sun As A Source Of Energy
* Have students read page 87 aloud in class.
* Complete "Getting Started" on page 88.
* Hand out solar worksheet.
* Examine radiometers an explain how they are used.
Homework: Complete Planning Sheet for Inquiry 7.1. IT WILL BE GRADED!

Tuesday 11/2

In Class: Inquiry 7.1 - Investigating The Effects Of Radiant Energy
* Using their planning sheets, the students will complete Inquiry 7.1.
* Students will enter all observations into their science logs.
* Students will be graded on participation during this lab period.
Homework: Complete all Reflections on a reflection sheet.

Wednesday 11/3

In Class: Review Inquiry 7.1 and Plan for Inquiry 7.2
* In class review of Inquiry 7.1. Students are expected to correct their own work
before turning it in to the teacher a the end of the period.
* Inquiry 7.2 involves students creating an experiment based on Inquiry 7.1.
Each group is expected to design an experiment and complete a planning sheet for
teacher approval.
Homework: Be sure your planning sheet is completed for tomorrow. We will begin the lab as soon as you enter the room.

Thursday 11/4

In Class: Carry out student experiments.
* Upon entering the room, students are expected to meet with their group and
complete the experiment they have created.
* Each group will have only one period to complete the Inquiry.
* The teacher will check with each group and look at their experiments.
* Student grades will be based on their planning sheet and reflections.
Homework: Create a puzzle or game for review of chapters 1 - 8. We will use them during our review before the test. Due next Tuesday.

Friday 11/5

In Class: Sum up Lesson 7
* Each group of students will present their experiment and results to the class.
* Teacher will provide the class with a lesson review sheet.
Homework: Have a wonderful weekend!

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