A couple of weeks ago I wrote about some changes we’d be making that I hoped would lead to improved grades. Yes I said we, as in you and I. While still using hands-on activities as a central part of classwork, I’ve placed a greater focus on organizing your notebooks (table of contents, printed information, modified interactive notebook, etc). You’ve also been given more printed material to insure you have correct information. And practice problems — yes studies have shown the value of doing practice problems.
Last week we reviewed, step by step, how to write a lab. Lab templates (reference sheets) were given to you a while back and should be kept in the reference section of your notebook. If you need another copy go to the home study page and look under class documents on the sidebar. You should have taken some notes that day and keep them in the reference section as well. I’ve got to say, for the most part, your lab write-ups were much better and lab grades saw a significant improvement, just in time for the end of the marking period.
So this week we’ll continue to use these tools as we learn more about forces. Our activities will include in-class interviews with Isaac Newton on Friday (while we eat Fig Newtons). Science in the news reviews on Thursday, Power Point presentation and sample problems. We may even through a worksheet in there and begin a lab on friction.
We are going to be busy so be sure to keep up on your assignments. Don’t put them off until the night before.
Of yes, here’s a heads up. We’ll be having a notebook check real soon. Be sure to get all those papers I gave back into their proper place.
One last thing, I know this is getting long, because we are really trying to improve grades I’m going to attempt to give you your class average each week. When I return your bellwork sheet look for the grade marked in the teacher comment section. The one you received back today had your report card grade for the first marking period.
That’s it for now. Have a great night and don’t forget about Newton.
