Successful Science Learning Experiences at a National School of Excellence

1
Successful Science Learning Experiences at a
National School of Excellence

• Kristin Camp
• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education,
• Eastern Illinois University, 1988
• Master of Education in Educational
  Administration,
• University of Illinois, 1998
• Seventh Grade Science Social Studies Teacher,
• Jefferson Middle School, Champaign, Illinois

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A National School of Excellence

• Jefferson Middle School
• Received the U.S. Department of Education School
  of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award in 2000
• Recognized as a School to Watch by the National
  Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform in 2000

3
What provides students with successful science
experiences?

• Strong Curriculum
• Based on Illinois State Goals in Science.
• Teacher created curriculum units designed from
  the school districts standard-based science
  program.
• Curriculum kits providesupplies resource
  materials for activities.
• Incorporates reading andwriting into science.
• High expectations for student participation and
  achievement.

4
What provides students with successful science
experiences? (Cont.)

• Highly qualified teachers
• Trained in all areas of science
• Continued staff development
• Enthusiastic, intelligent, and creative teachers
  who constantly strive to expand their personal
  knowledge and challenge their students
• District Support
• Champaign Schools Science Center
• Funding for field trips
• Administrative Support
• Science supplies in school budget

5
A glimpse into learning experiences at Jefferson
Middle School

• Seventh grade astronomy unit meteor impact
  activity
• Students measured mass of various meteors and
  crater
• depth and width

6
Seventh Grade Genetics Heredity Unit Paper
Pet Activity

• Students created paper pet parents with unique
  traits, made Punnett Squares to determine genetic
  combinations, and made offspring with these
  traits.

7
Seventh Grade Streams Unit Stream Field Trip
Survey

• Students measured the depth of the stream in
  several places to compare erosion and siltation
  caused by water velocity as the steam meandered.

8
Eighth Grade Nature of Science Unit Bridge
Building Activity

• Students designed and built bridges out of glue
  and toothpicks to test for the greatest load
  bearing capacity.

9
Eighth Grade Bodies in Motion Unit Rocketry
Activity

• Students designed rockets to test which would go
  up the highest using a water pressure-driven
  launcher.

10
Jefferson Middle School Courtyard Pond
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Sixth Grade Living Pond Unit Microscopic Pond
Life Activity

• Students collected samples of pond water and
  examined the various types of microscopic
  organisms they found.

12
Sixth Grade Human Systems Unit Cow Bone Activity

• Students examine a section of a cow bone,
  locating cartilage, bone marrow, joints, spongy
  bone, hard bone, tendons, and ligaments.

13
Eighth Grade Prairie Unit Field Trip Activity

• Students learn about camouflage by playing a
  Thicket Game. Students examine grasses and
  forbs in their natural setting.