Proficient

79-77 = C+

76-74 = C

73-70 = C-

Novice

69-67 = D+

66-64 = D

63-60 = D-

59 and Below = F

Classroom instruction is based on the following eMINTS instructional model

eMINTS instructional model: as stated on eMINTS.org

Inquiry-based learning

One foundational piece of the eMINTS instructional model is using inquiry, constructivist approaches, using ways that cause students to ask and think about very deep questions.

High-quality lesson design

eMINTS believes that the best teaching and learning take place in classrooms where teachers have the opportunity to create the kinds of lessons that deeply engage students in meaningful content and meaningful inquiry.

Classroom community

Fundamental to eMINTS practice is the community of learners – not only within the classroom, but also among teachers and among trainers, as well as showing students how continuous life-long learning takes place in a community. eMINTS helps teachers and other participants learn the importance of building a community of learners where learners share, take risks, respect and push each other as they find their own best ways to learn and engage in deep content with one another.

Powered by technology

eMINTS integrates technology with inquiry-based learning and high-quality lessons to bring about true learning. Technology adds excitement and motivation for students and teachers to use web and web 2.0 tools to bring learning into classroom and help expand learning beyond the classroom walls.

Ongoing evaluation

Evaluation is woven throughout all the elements of the eMINTS instructional model. eMINTS helps teachers learn about all types of assessment and evaluation for themselves and their students. We pay attention to outcomes and results of eMINTS implementations – in individual classrooms and across the entire eMINTS national program. Critical to the eMINTS instructional model, continuous assessment drives instruction and creates better outcomes for teachers and students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classroom Rules: No food, drinks, gum, candy, No passes out of class; No Critters out of cages, without permission; .

Classroom Goals:

Students will learn using inquiry, research real issues, incorporate project-based learning and reflect. Students will be able to work collaboratively, conduct research, present themselves digitally, create multi-media that is useful and done so others are able to learn from the product. They will also evaluate, judge and reflect upon their own work and the work of others ensuring learning targets are being met.

Classroom Policies:

• Students may not participate in labs until they turn in District Laboratory Safety Contract.
• Students may not use computers and technology until they have turned in District Technology use agreement.
• Students will work cooperatively with several learning partners throughout the year.

Required Materials:

• Jump Drive, Science Notebook (graphing composition notebook or notebook can be kept digitally) , pen or pencil (teacher does not loan out writing utensils),
• Completed Lab Safety Contract, and Technology use agreement form

Units covered: (learning goals linked)

Fossils & Internal Events (plate tectonics), Chemistry, Ecosystems, Experimental Design, Environmental Health.

Technology (software, hardware), and skills used:

Hardware: Laptops, digital camera, color printer, cell phone, elmo, probeware, scanner, blue tooth, webcams, micorphones, video cameras, Global Positioning systems, jump drives, share drives.

Software: Word, Powerpoint, skype, notebook, digital imaging, animations, google, avatars, photostory, audacity, creating video, online conferencing, blogs, wikis, online assessment, Angel learning system, Buddy Press, Logger pro, calendars, web creators, inspiration, e-mail, unitedstreaming

Products and Skills: Researching, Outlining, referencing, narrations, multi media presentations, video presentations, searching the internet, evaluating websites for appropriate content, converting files to alternate formats (jpeg, html, pdf,) use of classroom calendar, creating digital graphic organizers, attaching documents to e-mail, using jump drives & student share drive, file management, netiquette, desktop sharing and chat rooms in Angel. Development of digital portfolio as evidence of meeting learning goals.

Polls: Daily polls are used as entrance and exit slips for pre and post assessment tools.

Accountability Quiz Rules: Accountability quizzes are open notebook and they may be taken 2 times in the Angel.

Discussion Boards and Blogs are Homework and should be done individually.

Students will participate in pre and post testing at the beginning and end of each unit. Post Tests can only be taken one time. 99% of all testing is done online. Students will also take the Columbia School District 8th grade science pre and post test. 8th grade science students will also be given the map test in the spring of their 8th grade year.

Extra Credit is not offered, however, the opportunity to redo missing or poorly completed work (homework, projects, accountability quizzes and classwork,) is available. It may not always be possible to redo labs.

 

 

Depth of Knowledge Levels