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Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
The 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.
As the science standards are implemented in schools and districts, they will enable students to:
• Develop a deeper understanding of science beyond memorizing facts, and
• Experience similar scientific and engineering practices as those used by professionals in the field.
adopted from nextgenscience.org
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Classwork & Grading Policy
Classwork consists of the following:
- Claim, Evidence, Reasoning writing
- Application of the scientific method through hands-on and virtual labs
- Projects & Presentations
- Designing models to explain scientific phenomenon
- Digital Portfolio
- Demonstration of deep understanding through cross-cutting concepts such as :
- Cause & Effect
- Structure & Function
- Scale & Proportion
- Patterns
All work will be graded based on the rubric. Insist on a rubric if it's not posted. Refer to rubric often throughout the assignment.
Your assignments will be graded on a four-point scale using Standards Based Grading (SBG) that is based on students' level of mastery on a given objective or standard. SBG allows teachers and students to identify their proficiency level through several assignments or activities. Students are ALWAYS encouraged to demonstrate a higher level of proficiency for a better grade. The breakdown of SBG in our Science class is shown below
- 4 points: Exceeding (I can do it myself and make excellent real world/ interdisciplinary connections)
- 3 points: Meeting (I can do it myself and only need some corrections)
- 2 points: Approaching (Sometimes I need help & I am trying to understand)
- 1 point: Emerging/Beginning (I can't do it myself & I don't understand yet)