Welcome Parents Curriculum Night 2017 Science 8 – Aimee Mollema

Who is Aimee Mollema? Undergrad from Wayne State Science endorsement from Oakland University Masters of Science Education degree from Lawrence Tech This is my 15th year of teaching and my 10th year in Rochester

Gabby turns 5 December 28

Brody turns 3 November 12

Conferences Thursday, October 12th, 5:00-8:00 Wednesday, October 18th, 3:30-6:30

Miscellaneous E-mail preferred form of communication. amollema@rochester.k12.mi.us We have a class set of textbooks. Students were encouraged to take their book home and leave it there until June. Please consider donating a box of tissue or container of wipes if you haven’t already done so. A big thank you to those who have already donated!

Preparing Students Understanding New Science Standards for Grades 6-8 for a Lifetime of Success

MSS (Michigan Science Standards) Preparing Students for a Lifetime of Success “The MSS (based on the Next Generation of Science Standards - NGSS) enable teachers to offer all students interactive instruction that promotes analysis and interpretation of data, critical thinking, problem solving, and connections across science disciplines— with a high set of expectations for achievement in grades 6–8.”

Why are we (as a county, state and country) making these changes? As the science standards are implemented in schools and districts, they will enable students to: Develop a deeper understanding of science beyond memorizing facts. Experience similar scientific and engineering practices as those used by professionals in the field. Think critically, analyze information, and solve complex problems. Improve their competitive edge in a global economy.

What will my student be able to do at the end of middle school? Upon completion of grades 6–8, your child should have a deeper understanding of: • Physical and chemical interactions that affect the world around us; • Factors that affect organism survival and reproduction; • Factors that influence the Earth and our solar system; and • How to propose scientific solutions to real world problems.

How will science education look different than in the past? Students will use science and engineering practices to solve real world problems Students will experience science as a social subject Working in groups Communicating ideas verbally Arguing ideas from evidence Defending solutions

How will science education look different than in the past? Students will use models to explain and predict phenomena. Scientific thinking will be communicated through journaling, scientific notebooks, presentations and visuals. A variety of resources may be used including textbooks, current science articles, electronic devices, professionals in the field etc.

How would this look? - Life Science example Classroom activities will look less like... And more like…. Students memorize the equation for photosynthesis Students explain the chemistry behind photosynthesis and how it relates to the growth of a plant Students build a model of a cell out of gelatin and label its parts. Students design a new cell to optimize a particular function, such as energy production Students draw an ecosystem on paper Students conduct research to identify significant changes in local ecosystems

How will RCS deliver the MSS? Partnering with Mi-STAR. Units are part of a complete middle school curriculum being designed by Michigan Tech University professors, engineers, and educational researchers in conjunction with Michigan teachers, to align with current best practices in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Professional learning/collaboration opportunities for teachers. Teachers starting with a common unit to help students build practices as a foundation for other units. Considering curriculum options to implement the MSS.