PS 205Q The Alexander Graham Bell School

Dear Parents:

I wanted to inform you what will be the basis for your child’s science grades this year.  I hope with your support your child will do well in science.  Below are the criteria of what is expected from your child. Please sign the tear-off below and return to me. The workbook assignments for the year can be found on the other side.

1. Be prepared (notebook, pencil, pen, and assignments).
2. Cooperation (follows science room & school rules, shares the work equally with group members, be considerate).
3. Workbook Assignments: Your child’s workbook assignments for this year are on the other side of this page. The assignments are expected in the first day I have their class for science each week
4. Other Assignments: The children will have other assignments that are not on the schedule.  We often start part of an experiment in the classroom.  Students are expected to complete parts of it as needed at home, such as their hypothesis, averaging data or the conclusion.  The completed lab report is to be turned in by the due date.  The experiments often take two weeks to finish, so they have ample time to do parts of it as needed. Absent children must complete the work!
5. Testing. The children can expect a test about once a month.  It will cover the vocabulary we have developed and the experiments or activities we have done in class and the workbook assignments. The Tests will always cover work back to September.
6. Science Fair projects. The children will work in class to do their investigations.  Every child is expected to bring in some of the supplies for their group project.  Each child is to share the work such as research, building, recording and writing up the investigation. The goal of their investigation is to keep their variable consistent during their investigation.  Your child and the group will be graded on the variable consistency, following the scientific method, neatness of the presentation board, division of the work, and the oral presentation to the class.  All work will be done in school.
7. Extra Credit. Your child may do extra credit if desired.  Your child can read a book, research a topic, do an experiment or watch a science show.  They are expected to write up a detailed report of the science facts that were discussed or tested.  They may add their opinions or ideas to their reports. It must be at least 5 paragraphs long; or your child can make Vocabulary Flash Cards. Your child may also do workbook pages that were not assigned as extra credit. Please be sure your child has their name and class on any extra credit turned in to me.  Please do NOT force your child to do an extra credit report. We want them to develop an appreciation of the sciences.
8. All workbooks will be collected the week of June 11

Your child will receive 3 grades from me on each Report Card.

• The Thinking Skills grade is based on Homework, notebook and extra credits.
  • If homework is always on time and the notebook is organized-The grade is a 3.
  • If in addition your child has done 10 or more Extra Credits-The grade is a 4.
    • If the notebook is not organized-The grade is a 2.
    • If they come to Science with out their books two times, the grade is a 2.
    • If homework is late 2 to 4 times-the grade is a 2
    • If work is missing the grade is a 1.
    • If your child is late with assignments 5 or more times, the Thinking Skills grade will be a 1.

Your child can get rid of “late” work by doing Extra Credits (One per late), and no longer being late with assignments.

• The Concepts Grade is based on an average of your child’s tests.
• The Overall Grade is comprised of all the above factors.

I am hoping this will help clarify the basis for your child’s science grades.   Ask to see your child’s science notebook periodically.  Have your child review the notes periodically. Your child should bring home their notebook EVERY WEEK! The program is cyclic and they will need to build on the previous information.  If you have a question or there is a problem, please send me a note or e-mail me at scifun205@gmail.com

Please check PS205.org under the science tab for updates!

If we work together, I am sure your child will do very well in science.  I want every child to enjoy and succeed in science.

Thank you,

Mrs. Bosi