Welcome to Science with Ms. Quimby
Units of Study
Measuring Time
Students engage in active and scientific inquiry as they construct water clocks; assemble, troubleshoot, and improve a working clock escapement and engage in activities related to measuring time. Students learn that time can be measured by observing the cycles of the sun and moon, and that mechanical devices can be constructed to measure intervals of time. The process of technological design are addressed as students design, implement, evaluate, and communicate the processes of designing a water clock, pendulum, clock escapement, and a one-minute timer. Classroom investigations enable them to appreciate that the accuracy of such instruments depends on appropriate design.
Magnets and Motors
Students explore systems, organization, form and function through their investigations of electric motors. These investigations encourage students to develop an appreciation for technology. The processes of technological design are addressed as students build and test a working generator. Physical science concepts include motions and forces, and transfer of energy. This unit mirrors the historical development of our understanding and use of magnetism, electricity, and electromagnetism and progresses through these phenomena in the same order that people discovered them-magnets and compasses, electricity from batteries, and electromagnetism.
Ecosystems
This unit provides the student opportunity to understand the relationships between plants and animals and the interdependence of living things within an environment. By modeling complex systems, students investigate the relationships between life and earth sciences while simultaneously exploring science in social and personal prospective. As students observe the structure and function of model ecosystems, they grapple with the effects of pollutants, overpopulation, and natural hazards on these systems.
Classroom Expectations
Materials
- Science binder
- Lined paper for binder
- Pencils
- Planner
- Colored pencils
Work Presentation
- Legible and complete
- All written work will have first and last name on it, and be written in complete sentences unless otherwise specified
Learning Strategies
- Students will record daily homework and projects in planners
- Students will complete assignments on time
- Students will keep materials organized
- Students will work collaboratively with a science lab partner or in a group
- Students will follow oral and written directions
- Students will develop proper laboratory techniques including the use, care and safety of material
Homework
- I cannot stress enough how important it is for homework to be done on time.
- Homework ensures that students come to class ready to learn.
- Homework will be assigned at the beginning of class so each student has the opportunity to write down the assignment in their planner and to ask questions.
- Homework assignments will always be posted in the same spot on the board, and put on the team web page.
- If homework is not completed or brought to class, the student’s planner will be stamped with a no homework today stamp.
- Student may obtain half credit for work turned in one day late.
- Choosing not to complete homework will negatively impact the ability to be successful in this class.
Grading
-Tests/quizzes -Homework completion
-Science binder -Science lab work
-Projects/presentations
-Participation in classroom activities
- A parent/guardian signature will be required for any test score or major project grade below 70%.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about your child.
Thank you,
Raven Quimby
Rhode Island Science Grade Span Expectations K-12
Life Sciences: LS 1 All living organisms have identifiable structures and characteristics that allow for survival (organisms, populations and species).
LS 2 Matter cycles and energy flows through an ecosystem
LS 3 Groups of organisms show evidence of change over time (structures, behaviors, and biochemistry).
LS 4 Humans are similar to other species in many ways, and yet are unique among Earth’s life forms
Earth and Space Science: ESS 1 The Earth and earth materials as we know them today have developed over long periods of time, through continual change processes.
ESS 2 The Earth is part of solar system, made up of district parts that have temporal and spatial interrelationships.
ESS 3 The origin and evolution of galaxies and the universe demonstrate fundamental principles of physical science across vast distances and time.
Physical Science: PS 1 All living and nonliving things are composed of matter having characteristic properties that distinguish one substance from another
PS 2 Energy is necessary for change to occur in matter. Energy can be stored, transferred and transformed, but cannot be destroyed.
PS 3 The motion of an object is affected by forces.
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