Welcome to the 2013-2014 year in science!

Thank you for tuning in! We have planned a great year in science, and I wanted to give you a quick overview of what is to come. The sixth grade will start the year with a study of water. We will "dive" into the cycles, testing, availability, and properties of this most wonderful substance. In January, the Earth's atmosphere will be our focus. February will bring our Mystery Class, a unit where students will determine the location of ten mystery sites only from eleven weeks of sunrise-sunset times and four cultural clues. Last year's sixth grade was the first to get all ten sites correct--can this year's class do the same? We will learn about our solar system in April and May, and complete the year with a brief investigation of each student's own design.

The seventh graders will be working in the woods this fall. They will establish tree plots in the TGS woods, learn about the many tree species in Vermont, and experience different forest types by hiking on the slopes of Mount Moosilauke in New Hampshire's White Mountains. We will also do investigations with our soil, either in late fall or in the spring. January and early February is the time for the science fair (this is also true for the eighth graders) when students design, conduct, and present the findings of an experiment of their choosing. The rest of the year will be devoted to activities of physics: pendulums, rockets, and other things that move.

 The eighth grade will begin with matter and chemistry. Atomic structure, bonding, acids and bases, and the Periodic Table will all be part of the mix. We will try to sneak a little forensics in, as well. After the science fair, the TGS elders will embark on a study of the human body's systems.

 Finally, I wanted to relay to you the common threads that I pass along to the kids at the start of every year, and they are the three simple yet comprehensive expectations that I ask everyone, myself included, to meet: 1. Demonstrate respect for yourself, others, and the process of learning. 2. Come to class prepared for the process of learning. 3. Do your best to go beyond what you think is your standard for excellence. I am happy beyond words to be part of your child's educational experience. Please contact me if you have any questions or comments that you would like me to address.