Hands-On Science! 6th + 7th Grade Part 1 (18 Wks, Certified Teacher)| STEM

⭐️General⭐️
This is an ongoing homeroom science class covering the curriculum in 36 lessons from September to June. Stay for the year or jump in at any time. We will be learning through experiments, scientific observation, manipulatives, games, art, nature, videos, writing, listening, speaking and group work. The teacher will provide optional weekly extension activities and extra practice resources including outdoor activities, art activities, online activities, worksheets and games.


⭐️Topics⭐️

🌿Biology
✔evolution and natural selection
✔ecosystems and biological communities
✔climate change and human impact

🧪️Chemistry
✔the periodic table
✔matter

⭐️Class Structure⭐️

✔️Preview: 10 vocabulary words and a short video will be posted to the classroom three days before our meeting. The preview is optional and recommended. It will provide a good foundation of prerequisite knowledge prior to our class.

✔️Introductions: Each class will begin with introductions and check-ins so we can set expectations for our time together that day.

✔️Review: Following introductions and check-ins, learners will be challenged with a science quiz that reviews prior knowledge. This will include questions from the “Preview” materials. This quiz will help me with formative assessment, understanding the baseline knowledge of my students before I begin to teach. I am sensitive to test-taking stress and competition in the classroom and will do my best to make these quizzes a fun and positive part of the class experience. If you have any concerns about "testing" please let me know.

✔️New: A new science topic will be taught by demonstration, co-creation and individual practice (I do, we do, you do) using a variety of hands-on activities, experiments, outdoor education and online technologies. I will often include guided-notes pages or other activities to promote engagement during direct instruction.

✔️Practice: Learners will practice pen-to-paper, through lab experiments or scientific observation.

✔️Extension: Optional extension materials will be suggested to parents for ongoing practice at the parent's discretion. These can be a powerful part of your child’s learning. Please take a look at the sample materials for lesson 1 for examples.


⭐️Teaching Methods⭐️
I endeavor to teach each skill three different ways, through three different media. Some examples are experiments, scientific observation, manipulatives, games, art, nature, videos, writing, listening, speaking and group work. I also aim to make each lesson relevant to the daily lives of my learners. I love to take school outside and incorporate it into STEM learning.


⭐️Interaction⭐️
Learners will interact with each other and the teacher through discussion, games and sharing of creative projects.


⭐️Prior Knowledge⭐️
Learners will be expected to have a strong understanding of 5th Grade science concepts. Learners will be encouraged to watch a related instructional video and review vocabulary posted to the classroom each week prior to the class.


⭐️Topics by Week⭐️

🌿Biology
1: September 13 - 17: Darwin's Voyage and the Theory of Evolution
2: September 20 - 24: Survival Needs for Life
3: September 27 - October 1: Selection
4: October 4 - 8: Speciation
5: October 11 - 15: +Speciation Lab
6: October 18 - 22: The Fossil Record
7: October 25 - 29: Biodiversity and Phylogeny     
8: November 1 - 5: Biodiversity: Kingdoms of Life: Bacteria, Archaea, Protists
9: November 8-12: Biodiversity: Kingdoms of Life: Fungi and Plants   
10: November 15-19: Kingdoms of Life: Animals                      
🙏November 22 - 26: *Thanksgiving Week Off*
11: November 29 - December 3: Ecosystems + Interdependence 
12: December 6 - 10: Human Impact and Climate Change
13: December 13 - 17:  Resources and Sustainability                             
❄️December 20 - January 8 *Winter Break*

🧪️Chemistry
14: January 10 - 14: Atoms and Elements                     
15: January 17 - 21: The Periodic Table                  
16: January 24 - 28: Building an Atom                     
17: January 31 - February 4: Molecules and Compounds                          
18: February 7 - 11: Lab Techniques and Safety     


⭐️Sample Materials⭐️
I have included the materials for Week 1 at the link below for parents to reference when deciding about enrollment. 

Please note: These materials will be used during week 1, so please do not complete this lesson independently or share the guided-notes key with your child prior to class. All materials are copyrighted and are not free for public distribution.

https://bit.ly/3tqqFcu


⭐️About the Teacher⭐️
Jacquie is a certified teacher with degrees in Biology, International Relations and Education who LOVES teaching Grade 6 and Grade 7 all subjects. She is an experienced educator in the public education system and in alternative learning environments. She is also a former Waldorf and Charlotte Mason inspired homeschool parent. Check out her teacher profile for more info.