Enhancing Middle School Science Learning

1. Back to School Night AES Middle School Science 7 Richard Frazier, Ph.D. August 2015 Email: rfrazier@aes.ac.in Blog: rfrazier.msblogs.aes.ac.in

2. Background / Information • BlogAES WebsiteCalendarPORTALS • TCK? I raised two who endured/flourished in my 7th grade science • Philosophy of Science Education • Rich firsthand experience with phenomena • Extensive conversation, collaboration, and communication leading to proficiency in scientific practices and experiential understanding of scientific ideas

3. Syllabus Science 7 We would like to promote inquiry and investigation through the following topics: • Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions • Energy • Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation • Growth, Development, and Reproduction of Organisms • Natural Selection and Adaptation

4. Science Standards Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) http://www.nextgenscience.org(2013) Formative assessments—on-going Summative assessments—culminating—often investigative projects integrating disciplinary core ideas, cross-cutting concepts, science/engineering practices Standards Based Grading and Reporting: Meeting, Approaching, Beginning, No Understanding Learning Habits: Responsible, Respectful, Perseverant, Collaborative (Consistently, Usually, Sometimes, Never)

5. Big Ideas & Specific Examples • Engaging phenomena • Scientific explanations • In-depth exploration of specific examples • Practicing scientific investigation, analysis, discourse, communication • Thinking about observation, thinking, learning • Multiple-modes of expression—Science and Art

6. This week: Arranging a “tie”

7. Motion

8. Energy / Electromagnetic Radiation

9. Reproduction, growth, development

10. Natural Selection and Adaptations

11. Interpreting students’ conceptionsTracking students’ learning

12. Your child needs: • Ipad (Digital Science Notebook & portfolio of finished work, various apps, free iBooks) • The notebook should be substantial, regular, reflective. • The DSN constitutes an essential piece of evidence for student learning. • Entry for each class: Do, See, Talk about, Think, Sketch, Picture • Paper science notebook—every class (back up / field work and for any handwritten notes and hand drawn sketches) • Folder for any paper handouts • Writing utensils /pencil and pen—every class

13. How to help your child in science? • Be interested. Provide opportunities for your child to share and to explain. Use these occasions to listen. • Ask your child to show you his/her work and even to demonstrate appropriate aspects of our activities and investigations. • Ask to see your child’s science notebook/blog and encourage her/him to keep it complete and up-to-date. Use the notebook as a conversation starter. • SUCH CONVERSATIONS WILL HELP US COMMUNICATE ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING.

14. How to help your child in science? (continued) • Encourage your child to explore and investigate science related topics through conversations, excursions, hobbies; suggest following the news. • For EAL students, have academic conversations with your child in his/her first language. When a child develops concepts in the first language, understanding of the scientific ideas AND fluency with the new language are much easier to promote.

15. You do not need to try to instruct your child about subject-matter questions where you are not confident. • It is better to maintain the role as an interested and caring parent who values listening to his/her child. • I am available to help your child at lunch and before/after school with prior arrangement. • Whenever you are concerned about your child’s understanding of some concept or progress in learning, please contact me (rfrazier@aes.ac.in). Our effective communication is essential as the school moves to SBGR. • If you have any questions regarding any aspect of our science course, please contact me.