Our Science Class
Ms. George, OBJH Science Department
T: 360-462-7991x15204
Dear Science Families,First, let me begin by thanking you for all you do to support your student! This year we have an outstanding 8th grade group and I am truly looking forward to a great year of Science.
We have been working this last month on classroom community, identifying individual learning styles, and lots of opportunities to show me what they already know plus, we have already completed our first class research project, the Gummy Bear Lab!
Because our classroom is designed to be student-centered and student-paced, I have been busy getting to know your student and gathering additional materials specific to their unique learning style so everyone will have the option to practice and demonstrate content knowledge in a way that works best for them. Our motto is “Fair isn’t equal; Fair is getting what you need”. This is the foundation of a differentiated classroom.
With this in mind, I have revised my syllabus and am sending it home today for your signature along with our classroom Science Safety Contract. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding homework, projects or grades.
I’m looking forward to working together with you and your student this year to make this an exciting and educational experience for everybody.
Sincerely,
Debra George
Differentiated Classroom
What does it mean to differentiate?
When we were in school, most instruction was “one size fits all”. Well, not anymore! Research now supports a much more individualized approach to teaching in every subject by;
- identifying misconceptions,
- tailoring follow-up lessons to address where there may still be confusion,
- making available materials designed for specific learning styles and different knowledge levels
- allow for students to work at their own pace
- skip practice on topics they have already mastered
- Complete unit “anchor” projects as an alternative to written exams
- Rely more on small group instruction and peer-tutoring
- Grouped based on specific pretest information.
Sometimes it can seem a little chaotic to have 5 small groups of 4-6 students working on 5 different things… but I can already see students experiencing success, some for the first time. The most time consuming aspect is preparing materials. If anyone has a few hours a week they could donate to help out in the classroom or assemble lab kits at work from home, please let me know! Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Individual Learning Styles
Are you a Visual, Auditory, or Bodily-Kinesthetic Learner?
I have been a long-time believer that everyone learns differently because I learn differently. I also know that a person can learn more indepth and faster if they are working with their learning strengths. I imagine one of the main reasons I even studied science in the first place was because I am a Bodily-Kinesthetic/Visual learner and I LOVED LAB!
There are many different ways to think about learning styles or multiple intelligences, but for simplicity sake, we are only grouping into three styles.
Your student took a simple survey to identify their strongest learning style and although they still will have choices on projects, I am working hard to provide options in all three learning styles.
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