2011.11.14

Agenda: The US and LS need to revise the philosophy that was developed during the Super review to include more elements of 21st Century Learning. Each division discussed examples of what they were doing to create an engaging environment for students to learn science and take ownership of the scientific process. Across the grade levels there were quality examples, such as 1st grade convection lab; 3rd grade photosynthesis assessment which led to new investigations; 5th grade circuit lab, 6th grade tree adoption; 7th and 8th grade using "Camptasia" for instruction; US physica pendulum lab; Environmental Sciences Pest Management unit; Science Fair scaffolding.
 * Cross-divisional discussion:

Within Division: After this cross-divisional discusion, we broke into our division groups and discussed **major changes** in our department since August of 2009 through the present in the following categories:
 * **Assessment:** 1st grade uses Photostory for season changes; rubric for assessing science notebook; more classes using digital tools like cameras and computers for assessments
 * **Personnel:** Pat Ziegelbauer and Nicola DeTorre were co-chairs from August, 2007 until August 2011. Nicola moved to 5th grade and Pat is Dept. Chair now. Renice Konik, 4th grade teacher, replaced Nicola on the LS Science Team.
 * **Facilities:** New Science Lab for Lower School (Fall 2010); new larger classrooms and remodeled rooms; Stereoscopes/Motic in lab; Flex Cam; 4 net books in lab.
 * **Textbook changes:** Lower School does not use a textbook
 * **Topic Changes: 4th Grade:** JASON Project: Operation Resilient Planet; Scientific Inventions (correlates with Civil war unit); Invasive species. **3rd Grade:** added planetarium trip; Pumpkin Patch and garden for plant unit; space exploration simulations. **2nd grade:** pond study deleted; maple sugaring done on USM campus. **1st Grade:** expanded weather unit to include the water cycle (not just social studies); expanded seasons unit; 3 additional labs for weather; **All Grades SK-4th:** Safety in the Lab.
 * **Anything Else:** All grades, PK-4th, use Science Notebook; vocabulary emphasis; Science Process Skills for SK-4th; EAT Program (started by Nicola DeTorre, now guided by BethAnne Bernacchi, 1st grade); 4th Grade Science Fair; Science Department meets as a group with all Preprimary at least once a year; very strong lab and classroom connection.


 * Within division - Science Notebook Survey results: Tabled until next dept. meeting