Welcome to Parent Night

1. Welcome to Parent Night Mr. Schulman’s 6th Grade Science david.schulman@browardschools.com

2. Introduction • I have enjoyed getting to know your children in the past week. • This will be an overview of my class and my expectations of our students. • This same show is online at http://pne.browardschools.com/teachers/pne_David_Schulman/

3. Curriculum • Scientific Methods and Investigations • Astronomy • Geology • Meteorology • Human Sexuality • HIV / AIDS

4. Projects • Students work in Groups of 2 to 4 students • Groups research and create a presentation for the class • Topics throughout the year: • Award Winning Storm Busters Web Quest • Digital Podcasts • Geology Lab exploration • Alien Rescue • Science Fair is optional

5. How you can you help your child succeed in Science • Provide a quiet place and set time for homework and study. • Encourage thinking and reasoning about everyday phenomena. • Have organized folders for each class • Check the Parent Internet Viewer (Pinnacle) weekly • Use the agenda book to organize and prioritize • Have high expectations for your child’s success in science and communicate that expectation. DON’T tell them you are bad at math or science!

6. Books and Notebooks • The new text stays in class. Students tear out one section to work on at a time and keep it in their notebook. • The book has a companion website with links and resources. • I use many of my own labs. • A well organized science folder is a student’s best study tool. • Keep backpack light: folders, rain poncho, agenda, reading book and pencil case full of writing tools.

7. Agenda Book • Use it to: • Remember interim and report card dates • Track your child’s grades and study skills • Organize and remind students of homework • Reference dates and school information • All students receive interim reports - the next interim will be Friday September 28th. • Weekly agenda can be found on my web site.

8. Keeping in Contact • Write a note in the agenda • Check the Pinnacle Internet Viewer • Sign up for the Pinnacle Internet Viewer e-mail notification • Register your email on my website • Follow schulmanlabs on Twitter (text “follow schulmanlabs” to 40404 • Email me at: david.schulman@browardschools.com

9. Lend a Hand, Lend Your Expertise • Mr. Schulman wants you! • Do you work in a science related field? • Are you able to be a lab assistant? • Can you chaperone a field lab? • SAC • In past years I have had meteorologists, astronomers, national park rangers, microbiologists, medical experts, forensic investigators, water resource managers and others as guests in class or in the field. • If you are interested email me your area of interest and contact information. • http://www.getinvolvedineducation.com/volunteers/application.htm

10. Field Trips and Dress Code • Slog in Everglades Jan. 7 or 8 • Canoe Loxahatchee May 7 • Students MUST wear gray Pioneer T-Shirt on ALL trips. • Dress for success on the job everyday

11. “What if my child is absent?” • If your child is sick do not send them to school. • Call the attendance office at 754-323-4102 to excuse the absence. • Upon returning or while at home your student should check my website to copy down missed assignments. • 5 excused absences are permitted.

12. We Learn: • 10% of what we read • 20% of what we hear • 30 % of what we see • 50 % of what we both see and hear • 70 % of what is discussed with others • 80 % of what we experience personally • 95 % of what we TEACH someone else

13. Good Night • This year my goal is to get all of your students excited about Science. • Working together gives our students the best chance of being successful. • Please, push in your chairs. • Thank you for coming and I appreciate your support.