2010.11.15

Cross-divisional CARP meeting

We discussed different uses of the science notebooks. 1. Kip records lab activities in 7th grade 2. Cami records lab activities in 6th grade 3. Mike uses it for science fair research and data 4. Upper School QCP is using them in the research process 5. Lower School teachers use them as they see fit to include both lab activities and information before and after lab activities 6. All agreed that we tend to use the notebooks for good science practice and assessment. While we do not all label the specific skills within the notebooks, the children are covering and practicing the skills we outlined last year. 7. We decided that we would probably send notebooks together to the next grade as children finish them. That way they will have a complete set. 8th grade will carry his to 9th grade next year, and LS will share with 5th grade.

Each division also presented its within-division focus for the year.

Go back to October 17 notes to add to the curriculum chart.LS meeting Oct 17, 2010

Go over uses and examples of science notebooks. LS meeting Aug 24, 2010 We really need to work on notebooks and procedure this year. Pat shared a powerpoint about science notebooks with us in September meeting. LS meeting September 28, 2010 1. include name 2. include date 3. draw observations 4. tables for data 5. written conclusions with complete sentences

OLD ITEMS:
 * Curriculum maps: technology component; year-long chart. Please fill in the attached chart with the science topics covered during the year, month by month, before the meeting. **Needs 3rd grade and preprimary - first grade will add water cycle**
 * · Science Process Skills: are we there yet? **We really are addressing this with each lesson. It is great how people have included pre and post lab discussions/lessons.**
 * · Inquiry: something students learn and a method for teaching science – read the attached article about inquiry before the meeting. **New teachers add a new perspective. They really focus on the wonder cycle. Claudia had a great example when a student asked a question on what he saw on the webcam, and further questioning followed with the rest of the class. Inquiry based questions carried into other subjects. "I wonder" is a great way to start lessons.**
 * · 3rd grade science: two-teacher model like 4th grade? - all grades?
 * Difficulties: Scheduling? hard for parents to adjust to 2 teachers; choppier days (less flexible)
 * Advantages: teacher specialists; ready for middle school;
 * Questions: Would this benefit the curriculum and make science stronger? Would it be advantageous to the kids? Does this make a stronger, more enthusiastic science team? Is it possible with schedules?
 * · ExploraVision Competition **Too Late This Year- start thinking about next year already**

**New Items**:
Please bring your copy of the science article, "A Menu of Options" with you to the meeting. We will discuss adding a glossary and a table of contents to our notebooks.