Weekly Objectives for 1/21/14 - 1/24/14

Overview -  The Scientific Research Projects are now into their second week.  Each group has collected data from various sources and organized the information into subcategories.  The groups are now drafting the first copy of their research.  This report provides valuable background knowledge into their upcoming experiments.  Once the copy is drafted the groups must revise and edit the work.  From there, the students will then finalize their paper by typing and providing citations.  The final step in the process involves a bibliography/works cited page.  We will be using the MLA format when citing.  This report is their exit ticket to begin their experiments.  Students have been staying after until 5:00 PM this week.  We look forward to meeting the parents tonight at our Science Fair "Get Together."  Food and drinks will be provided and the meeting starts at 5:00 PM sharp in the cafeteria.
      Tuesday - 1/21/14 - Today in class we began to draft the research report.  Mr. Bish and myself began by modeling how to turn our five research questions into topic sentences.  The next step involved taking our notes and key words from the research and creating structured sentences.  Each topic had to be supported with a minimum of four details/evidence.  After each paragraph was drafted the students then cited their source.
      Wednesday - 1/22/14 - Don't forget that tonight is our Parent Meeting at 5:00 PM sharp in the High School Cafeteria.  Food and drinks will be served.  In class today, we began by breaking the kids into different groups according to their progressions.  In my class we worked on finalizing the report and began creating the works cited page.  Students are using the webpage "Knight Cite" to assist in organizing their information.  Once the piece is finished then we will collect the two works and combine them into a finished research report.
      Thursday - 1/23/14 - In class, the science groups focused on finishing their final copy of their research reports.  They were then expected to complete a works cited page, listing all resources used.  The next step involved the creation of a materials list that would be needed for the actual experiment.  The groups are responsible for the purchase of any materials being used in their science experiment.  Some of the groups were able to complete this task and they then moved on to the procedural piece.  Here, the groups are required to create a list of the actual steps being conducted in their science experiments.  We are so proud of the efforts of your children.  They are being challenged each and every day to go beyond our expectations.
      Friday - 1/24/14 - Today is the final day to turn in a completed final copy of their research report along with a works cited page.  Any late papers will be graded as a "0" per our signed homework agreement.  Deadlines were created for a purpose.  We are on a very tight schedule and need to move onto the next phase.  The groups may not move until they have completed this task.  Next Monday, the students will enter the experimentation phase of their research.  They will learn about variables and constants and how they play a role in the experiment.  As the week progresses each group will be expected to complete their experiment along with collecting the data to record on their graphs and charts.  Busy, busy, busy.