Lanier Vanguard Expectations

Congratulations! As you know, you are in an accelerated science program and we are very happy to have you here! You have earned your position in our 7th grade Vanguard program, but understand that you need to accept the responsibility of continuing your hard work and efforts all throughout the year.
What to Expect This Year:
· Because you are in a Vanguard program, you will be learning at an accelerated pace. You are expected to do a LOT of reading, especially at home. Most of our class time used for introducing and further explaining concepts and ideas that you read in your textbooks as well as taking part in labs and demonstrations.
· In addition to keeping up with your graded assignments, as a Vanguard student, you are expected to re-read your notes/assignments after each science class to master the material as it is learned.
· Many times you will be expected to TYPE your lab reports and write conclusions that reflect scientific thought. No longer will you be able to write “I thought this lab was fun” and get a passing grade. You will need to be able to explain the science (not just describe the lab) and use scientific terms in your writing.
· Please make sure that you have a printer available to print out future lab write ups….remember that Lanier’s library has a printer available (for a small fee per page), but it is your responsibility to make time to go (study lab or before school).
· When you don’t understand something, you will be expected to seek out the answer. That means it’s up to you to ask questions, come to tutorials, look it up on the internet, refer to another books source such as Science Saurus or other reliable sources for you to reach understanding. As teachers, we welcome your questions and your ability to search for alternate resources for understanding. J
· A good science student is one who can clearly articulate scientific thoughts in written form. As a teacher, I will be grading your scientific understanding along with your use of written language. Your lab conclusions will need to be in a final draft quality, free of CUPS mistakes (capitalization, usage, punctuation, and spelling).
Lastly….
· This year you will complete ONE major project in science. You will get to choose which project you would like to complete from the list below, and follow deadlines and instructions that are specific to each project. (More information will be given to you regarding each project within the next week.) It is important for you to choose the project that you have the most interest in, however make sure that the one you choose works best with your schedule (outside of school activities).
Science Fair
Invention Convention
I’m looking to a wonderful year!! I hope you are, too!
Mrs. Schaeper
7S Vanguard Science
What to Expect This Year:
· Because you are in a Vanguard program, you will be learning at an accelerated pace. You are expected to do a LOT of reading, especially at home. Most of our class time used for introducing and further explaining concepts and ideas that you read in your textbooks as well as taking part in labs and demonstrations.
· In addition to keeping up with your graded assignments, as a Vanguard student, you are expected to re-read your notes/assignments after each science class to master the material as it is learned.
· Many times you will be expected to TYPE your lab reports and write conclusions that reflect scientific thought. No longer will you be able to write “I thought this lab was fun” and get a passing grade. You will need to be able to explain the science (not just describe the lab) and use scientific terms in your writing.
· Please make sure that you have a printer available to print out future lab write ups….remember that Lanier’s library has a printer available (for a small fee per page), but it is your responsibility to make time to go (study lab or before school).
· When you don’t understand something, you will be expected to seek out the answer. That means it’s up to you to ask questions, come to tutorials, look it up on the internet, refer to another books source such as Science Saurus or other reliable sources for you to reach understanding. As teachers, we welcome your questions and your ability to search for alternate resources for understanding. J
· A good science student is one who can clearly articulate scientific thoughts in written form. As a teacher, I will be grading your scientific understanding along with your use of written language. Your lab conclusions will need to be in a final draft quality, free of CUPS mistakes (capitalization, usage, punctuation, and spelling).
Lastly….
· This year you will complete ONE major project in science. You will get to choose which project you would like to complete from the list below, and follow deadlines and instructions that are specific to each project. (More information will be given to you regarding each project within the next week.) It is important for you to choose the project that you have the most interest in, however make sure that the one you choose works best with your schedule (outside of school activities).
Science Fair
Invention Convention
I’m looking to a wonderful year!! I hope you are, too!
Mrs. Schaeper
7S Vanguard Science