Meeting+on+February+4,+2009

Vertical Science Team Notes for February 4, 2009 We discussed upcoming lab for the coming month. The lab is about how different surfaces affect how far a small toy car will travel off a ramp. Students will predict, measure then conclude which surface will allow the car to travel the farthest. Procedure for the 5 surfaces will be the same for each car. Students rotate through each of 5 stations. Out of this discussion we discussed how the Monday Labs were going and what we could do to enhance them. · Use of scientific method with each lab by: o Linking the words “hypothesis” with “prediction” more strongly within the lab o Use the word “variable” as it applies more often within the set-up of the lab o Also suggested to have students do more of the writing and therefore more of the thinking. The lab would then be more streamlined. Release of responsibility for students when writing up the lab. o Use of the FEATS template model for the labs so that students do more of the writing. (Erika designed a proto type I will bring to next vertical team) o Use a poster for procedure and for sentence starters as a support o Noted that when teachers read through and understand the lab ahead of time, the lab runs more smoothly. · To provide opportunity for students to write during the lab, where possible, students would stay an extra 15-20 minutes to complete the labs with their teacher. o This 20 minutes would also be used for students to reflect and write about what they learned We discussed 5th grade tutoring: · Students are working on scientific vocabulary as part of their reading · 5th grade will come to the lab on Monday, March 2nd, Friday, March 6th and the following Monday, March 9th for extra support and lab work. 5th grade teachers will discuss with Judith what type of lab they will need for these dates. The labs for those CSAP Mondays will be __cancelled__ for the other classes so that 5th grade can receive some extra prep time for 5th grade Science CSAP For next Science Vertical Team Meeting: __February 25th__ · Be prepared to discuss Chapter 5 in __Science for English Language Learners__ · Also be ready to discuss how we can use the WIKKI pages more effectively · Next Secretary: Denise Mongeau

Thanks again for all your import and a great discussion last Wed.! Judith Back to meeting notes page