Welcome parents and students to Mrs. Mericka-Brand's Physical Science blog. Please check this blog regularly (class periods are listed on the right) to keep abreast of due dates for assignments and upcoming events as well as valuable resources and hints for tests. I look forward to working with each and everyone one of you this 2011-2012 school year.
In this class, students are required to have a sprial-bound notebook. Students are instructed what is to be put on each page in the notebook. I provide them with tape, glue, and scissors in the classroom so that they may attach papers. Some assignments are hand-written into the notebook. Each notebook has a table of contents where students record the assignment and page number. No papers should ever be removed from the spiral. We only put papers into it. This AVID strategy encourages (and forces) students to be organized in Science class.
The interactive science notebook acts as a personalized diary of learning. It is a portfolio of student work in one convenient spot which is great when studying for quizzes and tests. It is an great organizational tool that allows students to be creative without "messing" up notes. Students are encouraged to use colored pens to chunk information for better understanding.
Ask your child if he/she will allow you to see their notebook. The INB provides information about "how" a student learns as well as "what" they have learned in physical science. It serves as a personalized textbook and study aide for tests. Thank you for your support of this valuable learning resource.
THE ONLINE TEXTBOOK:
Directions are as follows:
1) Log onto http://my.hrw.com
2) Type ppanther8 as the user name (same for all students)
3) Type s6v3z as the password (same for all students)
4) Click "log in." Click "Go to the Interactive Online Edition."
