FAQ

1. Are you still teaching all students?
Yes, I am. Being a science specialist is my passion! (Back in January 2008 I took on the role of a fifth grade level teacher to fill an unexpected vacancy - it was an important assignment for the Manning community, overall). And, it gave me experience on the life of a grade level teacher.

2. Is there a Science Expo this year?
Yes. It will happen this spring (sometime in 2010). Science Expo is our version of a science fair. It culminates in a celebration of student work and learning. The Expo is actually a convention, where the student-scientists all meet together, to share their original research, which is fully based on conducting investigations using real-world materials, guided by a question of the students.

3. Do you give homework?
I do not assign homework routinely. Mostly, students need frequent reminders and I cannot ask grade level teachers to add that to their list of responsibilities. I do frequently suggest ideas to follow-up on ideas and activities at home and students do bring things in to share what they've been up to.

4. Is there a Science MCAS?
Yes! Fifth graders take their first round of Science MCAS in the spring, along with their first round of History. This is in addition to ELA and Math sessions. I start preparing students for this in Kindergarten. In fifth grade, I start exploring what the current group knows from prior years. I add-in "mini-units" to cover as many gaps in knowledge as I can. I do not, however, prepare students by having them experience extra sessions of paper-and-pencil work. We've had great experience at the Manning with students learning science very well through hands-on investigations in association with Science Notebooking.

5. Do you really have a lot of computers in your room?
Yes! I've always been a user of technology and have benefited greatly from its presence in my life. Computer technology is a large part of all components of American work and many places assume you have strong computer skills. It is important to me that my students know how to easily access digital information as well as to create digital information (I emphasize the information side of digital content, not the social side). One of the major end-of-fifth grade projects is a class digital yearbook. The greater the skill of the students - the greater is the quality of the product. I begin computer instruction in Kindergarten around February and insert various technology-rich projects throughout the following years. It is important that young people know how to stay safe while "online". I have a strong background and interest in computers so have stepped forward to set-up a small computer lab. We have been greatly supported by BPS and Manning families, as well as some other funding sources, including Best Buy.

6. Can I donate some old computer equipment?
It all depends on the age of the hardware. Working with older equipment is a challenge (I set a minimum now for Windows XP). Send me a note with details and I will get back to you.

7. Why so much science time (the students get science in their grade-level classes, too)?
There is ample research that shows programs based on inquiry and hands-on science boost overall achievement, and this means achievement in all content areas, especially math and language. This happens because this kind of science experience develops strong thinking skills while also building strong language. In my classes, we write frequently and we use discussions to explore the world we live in. Our writing, which includes drawings and charts, must be clear and withstand scrutiny. Discourse is a learned skill requiring practice in listening and in contributing.