Blount Home Education Association
• Jun. 6, 2006 - Physical Science Class
I am planning to teach an 8th grade level Physical Science class next year. It would be an appropriate class for advanced seventh graders or for early high school students as well. It is my understanding that it can be counted as a high school science course. Here is what the author says of the book we will be using, Exploring Creation with Physical Science (Apologia):
"This course is designed to be the last science course the student takes before high school biology. Thus, we generally recommend it as an 8th grade course. However, if your student was recently in public school, he or she might need to wait until 9th grade to use it."
Class will meet weekly, most likely on Tuesday from 4:00 - 5:30 with the exception of one week a month when it will begin and end a half-hour later. It will likely meet at Heritage Middle School in the science lab that I use as a teacher. This is fairly well-stocked with the non-consumable supplies a lab should have: balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, microscopes, dissection equipment, etc. I will not be sure of this meeting place until I get approval from my principal for next year.
Each session will involve a lab procedure related to the current topic of study. Students will be expected to complete reading, bookwork, and study guides before the lab session so they will be prepared to ask questions for clarification and participate fully in the lab procedures. In addition, each session will include a Q&A time related to the covered material and some direct instruction on concepts that require deeper explanation or a different perspective.
I will provide a detailed syllabus with daily assignments. I will occasionally prepare an experiment for the students to work on at home. Students will also keep an ongoing lab notebook and will complete one formal lab report each month (which I will teach them how to do early on). I will collect and grade these lab reports. Parents will be responsible for seeing that work is completed and corrected, as well as administering the unit tests and reporting scores to me. I will keep records of each student's test scores for evaluation purposes.
As a consulting teacher, I will develop some type of controlled electronic communication system (like a Yahoo! group) to allow students to post questions regarding the material. I can post responses to these for the whole group to read. Other students may respond as well. Periodically, I will also post websites that will be useful in comprehending the material.
During the 05-06 school year, I taught a homeschool Biology class using this model. I have also been teaching 7th grade general science at Heritage Middle School for 6 years. Prior to that I taught a variety of high school level science classes in Loudon County for 6 years. In previous years I have enjoyed running a Science Club in conjunction with American Heritage girls. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Maryville College, a Masters Degree in Education Curriculum and Instruction, and an Educational Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision.
The text we will be using will be Exploring Creation with Physical Science and parents will also need a copy of the solutions and tests manual.
The fee for this course will be $125/semester and I require a two semester commitment. I believe the current policy for grade 7-12 classes is:
Pay in full OR
* 25% ($31.25) at sign up;
* 25% at first class on Aug. 22;
* 25% on Oct. 3;
* Last payment for the semester: November
Let me know if you are interested or have questions.
Greg Metcalf
ggmetcalf@bellsouth.net
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