Classroom News

  • Welcome to the News page!

    Communication is a key to any teacher-student-parent relationship. Under this section, you may find current or archived news.


    FOSS Science Kits for experimenting and learning -  Scroll down to see brief descriptions of each kit/module.


    Grades 5 & 6:  The school year starts off with the teacher and students getting to know each other.  Classroom rules/procedures are discussed.  Grades 5 & 6 science students will learn/revisit a unit on the Scientific Method.  Throughout the school year, students will use the steps of the Scientific Method when they conduct classroom experiments. 


    *Grade 5 FOSS Units of Study: 

    The 5th grade curriculum features 4 Units of Study for the school year.   They are as follows (in no particular order):

     

    LANDFORMS

    The Landforms Module consists of five investigations that introduce students to these fundamental concepts in earth science: change takes place when things interact; all things change over time; patterns of interaction and change are useful in explaining landforms. Students also learn about some of the tools and techniques used by cartographers and use them to depict landforms.

     

    SOLAR ENERGY

    The Solar Energy Module consists of four investigations that allow students to experience solar energy firsthand and to investigate the variables that affect solar-energy transfer. 

     

    THE SUN, MOON, and STARS (*not a FOSS unit)

    The Sun, Moon and Stars Module consists of three sequential investigations, each designed to introduce students to objects we see in the sky. Through outdoor observations made during the day and at night, active simulations, readings, videos, and discussions, students study the Sun, Moon, and stars to learn that these objects move in regular and predictable patterns that can be observed, recorded, and analyzed.

     

    MODELS AND DESIGNS

    The four investigations in the Models and Designs Module provide experiences that develop the concept of a scientific model and engage students in design and construction. The atmosphere generated by this module is one of open discussion, free exchange of ideas, and development of ideas into products.  



    *Grade 6 FOSS Units of Study:

    *The 6th grade curriculum features 4 units of study, 3 of which will be presented through FOSS kits.  They are as follows (in no particular order):  


    VARIABLES

    Students learn the definition of what a variable is and how variables can affect the outcome of an experiment.  Students learn to graph results and eventually gain practice in designing and conducting a scientific investigation with less teacher-led and more cooperative group activity.

     

    WEATHER & WATER

    Students learn the importance of weather and how it affects our lives.  How and why water is essential is a topic of discussion as is the water cycles effect on Earth's atmosphere.  The relationship between air pressure and wind is investigated.  Energy transfer is also looked into.


    PLANETARY SCIENCE

    This module investigates how the Earth, Moon, and Sun affect each other.  It also focuses on how the Moon formed and the phases that it goes through.  This kit also raises the question, "How can we make inferences and predictions as to the formation of the celestial bodies using simulated events?" and includes activities to do just that! 


    EARTH'S INTERIOR PROCESSES (not a FOSS unit)

    We will begin our unit on Earth Science with the layers of Earth and how these layers affect life on the surface.  Students will then learn about the Continental Drift Theory and Pangaea.  Soon after that, they will discover how the Earth slowly recycles itself through processes called "Sea-floor Spreading" and "Subduction."

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    HMS SCIENCE FAIR INFORMATION:

    *The Middle School Science Fair will be held on ____________.  However, my students must bring in their projects on ___________for preliminary judging.  

    *  Please note:  For 2014, there has been a change this year in how the HMS Science Fair will be run. 

    • All students whose science fair applications have been approved will submit a project to be judged by teachers during a preliminary round. However, only a limited number of student projects will be selected to move on to the final round (the actual science fair) to be judged for awards.  Set-up and judging will both take place on March 19th in the HMS MEdia Center (Library).  

    All science fair projects have to follow the Steps of the Scientific Method. 

    Students have had exposure to the Scientific Method and have information about it in their Science Fair packet for review.  Other science fair information is also included in their take home packet. 

    Have fun and good luck to all those who plan on participating!

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     MONTHLY CLASS LOG:

    September - Welcome back to school!  Students and I will be reviewing the Scientific Method and proper safety procedures for science labs.  Students will also be introduced to the very important science term, "VARIABLE!"  Please click on the "Resource" tab on my website to view notes and safety procedures.  I will be adding more reference sheets as we go along!  


    October - 


    November - 


    December - 


    January - 


    February - Students finished up learning about the concept of volume and how to measure the volume of regular and irregularly-shaped objects using the formula for volume and using displacement of water and a graduated cylinder.  We are back into the FOSS Variables kit and are conducting experiments on FOSS model planes.  With these investigations, students will get a better understanding of independent vs. dependent variables.         


    March - 


    April - 


    May - 


    June -