Three weeks gone already? That just doesn’t seem possible. But it’s true, you are 
beginning week 4. Here’s a little challenge for you — write a short summary of what we’ve done, better yet what you’ve learned and post it to the comments.
What Have We Done?
For the first three weeks, we learned about the procedures of the classroom and also learned about the process of science. I learned that the process of science didn’t just have to follow the traditional scientific method. It could consist of scientists bouncing back and forth doing research and investigating (just like what Mr. Grant told us on Tuesday the thirteenth of September) instead of following a straight, linear path. During the course of the three weeks, we also participated in several activities that boosted our knowledge of the scientific process such as the map activity and the fossil activity. What did I learn from all this? I learned about all the elements and key parts that made up the the scientific process such as Scientific Inquiry. I learned how to analyze and observe in investigations and experiments that helped me to formulate conclusions based on data. The activities done in class taught me how to work in tandem with group members in order to effectively carry out procedures and learn about science while doing that. Most importantly, I learned about the Big Ideas and what they would teach us about.
Wow. it’s unbelievable how fast the weeks are going by. For the first 2 weeks, we learned about the classroom rules and procedures, what was going on with hurricane Irene, specific weather patterns, how to maintain a daily habit of study, and we learned about the process of science. On the 3rd week, we showed how much we’ve mastered our benchmarks by creating an experimental design on the problem with the growth of butterflies. So far, I’ve learned that you don’t have to always go in the given order of the scientific method, you may have to start over, go back, or even jump ahead.
I agree, these three weeks have been going by way to fast. We learned all the rules of the classroom, and how to keep a daily study, by also checking this website daily and posting on different topics. We also learned how we can maintain a good grade, by mastering the benchmarks. To do so we recently started learning how to design an experiment from just a problem. I learned how to use different sources to gain information, also by looking at other scientists work. I am also learning how to relate stuff from science to an article, hypothesis, or an investigation.
Great summaries and reflections on your learning. You know learning is a process that takes time and we don’t always get it right the first time. Just like in science when your evidence doesn’t support the hypothesis that doesn’t mean you’ve failed, instead you have gained knowledge and are moving along the path towards your goal. Science takes time and practice, so does learning.
Take a look at the class rubric http://mysciencespace.com/documents/Science%20Class%20Rubric.pdf
at just 4 weeks into the year why would we expect to be at the proficient level? You’re just learning my expectations, and they are high. Mastery doesn’t come easily. If your first couple of assessments are rated as developing then you are doing fine. You will improve your skills over time.
In 4 weeks we’ve learned so much we have learned the way things go in the class room, and we have also learned about the process of science. We have talked a lot about hurricanes and earthquakes. Everyday we right a reflection about what we did in class, and have been learning to keep a daily study habit which has really helped me a lot.
I learned that there are always many ways to create and conduct a experiment. Sometimes you dont even have to conduct an experiment! you can study other scientists’ work and base your reaseach off of theirs.
The first 3 weeks was amazing we have be learning about hurricanes and earthquakes and other storms. It has be intesting learning the process of science and the reflection. In addition i want to see what were goin to learn next.
Mr. Grant is like the most chill science teacher you will ever have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi, Sean. Thanks for stopping by (and the complement). How’s high school?
It’s amazing how much I miss having access to technology in school, don’t abuse the privilege. I wonder if this years eighth grade class is ahead or behind where we were at this point? I miss this class.
Hopefully nature bends to match your science class like it seemed to do for us last year.