2012.04.09

Agenda:
 * discussion of creativity: provide an opportunity for a creative outlet; our presentation style-are we being creative? Time constraints; where is it appropriate?
 * examples of creative lessons: 3rd grade and SK Buddies - write a book about photosynthesis; 3rd grade makes their own movies describing the process of photosynthesis; designing, building, and using a catapult; 1st grade-convection current lab; magnet lesson on poles using toy cars; 2nd grade- "What Makes Pepper Dance" (sound unit); 4th grade- "Incredible Journey" story about their travels as a water droplet (after lab and water cycle game)
 * time spent on science per cycle: too much time spent on social studies, not enough on science in first grade; get away from the idea that all 4 classes have to come in on the same day. Lab would be prepped, if teachers would teach the classes on days when science coordinator is not here. Correct the inequity of time spent . This topic needs to be addressed at a Dept. Head meeting.
 * e-books: will we be using any next year? Not enough time to investigate. What we do now in the curriculum is supported by regular books. We might find something at a later date to help support our curriculum.