As a former Special Education teacher, I teach academic skills designed for students with disabilities. These science courses are highly structured using visual prompts with multiple opportunities for repetition, and, are scaffolded for learner differentiation. 

How can we describe the world around us? We can describe something by talking about its properties. Properties are how something looks, feel, smells, or tastes. Color, size, and shape are also properties. In this class, learners will observe, identify and describe different states of matter including solids, liquids, and gases.  They will also learn how matter can change.

We will use the following Inquiry Skills throughout the class: observe, predict, communicate, measure, put things in order, compare, classify, record data, and draw conclusions. 

On successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to:
*     identify and describe the different states of matter using key vocabulary.
*     give examples of solids, liquids, and gases.
*     sort and categorize objects through observations.
*     know things can change when they are mixed, cooled or heated.

Lesson 1 - Describing Matter
Lesson 2 - Solids
Lesson 3 - Liquids
Lesson 4 - Gases
Lesson 5 - Heating Matter
Lesson 6 - Cooling Matter
Lesson 7 - Mixing Matter

Some lessons will take longer than one week to complete as there are additional activities we will be doing in and out of the classroom. Therefore, there are 7 themes but 10 weeks of classes.

I will use a variety of media through Nearpod including slides, videos, hands-on activities, and virtual field trips. I encourage the full participation of all students (in whatever way is most comfortable for them) and focus on their strengths.  I love to teach and have fun in my classes but also have strong class management classes. 

First, we will start class with a greeting and time for reflection on the topic (what do you already know).
Second, we will review any necessary vocabulary for the topic. 
Third, we will have a guided discovery of the new topic using Nearpod and record our answers and observations in the booklet.
Finally, we will close the class discussion with a reflection on what was learned today and what homework, if any, can be done before the next class. This may include related science experiments or completing the lesson in the booklet. 

A booklet will be provided. If printing is not possible, we will work out something. Some common supplies will be needed to complete the activities and will be posted several days before class. 

Students will not be muted unless there is significant background noise. Students may use their most effective method for communication, including a verbal response, chat, communication board, or use of an interpreter. I do not know ASL.  

Parents, please note it is understandable that students may miss the occasional lesson. The video of the lesson will be available upon request.