Dear Parents/ Guardians:

Welcome to the wonderful world of science!  I look forward to an exciting academic school year.  This year’s learning objectives are based only on the Next Generation Science Standards.   

Throughout the year your student(s) will be challenged as we discover the importance of science.  Students will be expected to investigate different science concepts using inquiry-based investigation and problem based learning. This learning style is based around science labs and student driven questions.  As such, students will often work in groups or independently to solve a problem rather than directly receive instructions.  Your child will be guided through the steps of the scientific method and engineering design process in the beginning of the year.  However, the objective is for every student to be able to develop and test their own experiment by the end of the year. While, the inquiry process may seem frustrating to some students in the beginning.  Most students will find satisfaction from discovering the correct answer, and will find that the process becomes easier with practice.  Over the course of the year, students will be expected to complete class activities, labs, research reports, independent projects, and oral presentations.

A few keys to success include, organization and communication.  All assignments can be found on your students google calendar, please have them show you their calendar every night.  Additionally, all assignments, worksheets and due dates will be posted on my website, www.msbarkin.com, under the assignment tab. If an adult or older sibling is available at homework time, it is helpful to work with your student to reinforce the importance of completing the assignments.  Please encourage your student(s) to write down any questions they may have, to discuss in class.

Sincerely,

Ms. Ellie Barkin