STEMscopes
STEMscopes is our main science curriculum source. Each "scope" is similar to a chapter in a textbook and includes all elements of a 5E lesson (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate). Depending on the scope, we will take approximately 1-2 weeks to cover the material. STEMscopes is primarily an online program, but this year students will have a corresponding workbook. Your child will also have an account that s/he can access at school and at home. While s/he will have access to the assignments online, the assignments will be photocopied into a packet which students are expected to complete in class before each quiz/test and turn in for an effort grade. Homework will only be assigned if classwork is not completed in a timely manner during your child's Science block. Each packet will include a cover page containing helpful information, such as:
A PDF copy of the packet will be posted in Google Classroom at the start of each scope in case your child loses his/her copy. |
Home Connections and Other Resources
STEMscopes provides opportunities for families to connect what students are learning in the classroom with experiments and conversations that can take place at home. You can find this "Home Connection" piece within each scope's STEMscopedia, if you're interested in ways to bring science into your home. The discussion questions make for great dinner table conversations! In addition, science videos have been posted here to provide opportunities for reteaching and enrichment. These are great resources to assist with studying for quizzes/tests. CER How To... Claim: Write a complete sentence/statement that answers the question. Include the prompt in your response. Evidence: State what you see/observe in at least 3 bullet points. Stick to the facts! Reasoning: Explain your observations using scientific proof and vocabulary. Show off all that you know! What does the evidence reveal/demonstrate/show? Click HERE and HERE for CER resources. |
Science Assessments
Students will be evaluated approximately every 1-2 weeks at the end of each scope. Online assessments will be administered either on the STEMscopes website or in Google Classroom. The best way to prepare for upcoming tests is to think of the “Big Idea” that we have talked about during the scope and to make sure you can explain this idea using learned vocabulary and examples that we have read about and discussed. Other useful study tools include your completed STEMscopes packet, science journal notes, informational videos, Concept Review Game (online), and suggested resources/tips outlined on each cover page. Students will also engage in various group work and research projects throughout the course of each scope. Students will: learn to ask questions and define problems, use models, conduct investigations, analyze data, use mathematics, construct explanations and design solutions, argue from evidence, and communicate information. Testing Formats Students will be assessed in various ways, which may include a combination of the following evaluation formats:
Grading CER Response Grade- When writing about scientific principles/concepts, students' CER responses are scored using the following criteria: CER Rubric CAQ Grade- Students are allotted one point per question to assess students' knowledge of scientific vocabulary. Journal/Packet Notes- The note-taking grade is based on a 3-2-1 rubric, which is also glued to the inside cover of each student’s science journal. Multiple-Choice Grade- Have your child log into their account to show you the 5 multiple-choice question quiz and their responses. One point is allotted per question. Short-Answer Grade- The three short- answer responses are based on a 3-2-1 scale. The expectation is that students draw on all of their science knowledge, and include vocabulary and scientific reasoning and principles in their answers.
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