Well, we are now covering Forces and Motion.  This quarter there will be several labs and lab write ups.  Many students did an excellent job with their first lab write up that they pretty much did all alone.  Some students are still working on format and directions.  But, don't despair!!! By Christmas break all students who are actively practicing their lab write ups will have them down pat - I'm confident. 

Please remember that scientific writing is a totally new way to write.  At no time have students been taught to write so, um, I hate to say it, but BORING!!!  For years they have been taught to write interesting, engaging works that use transitions and great word choice.  Enter science - dry - just the facts - no opinions - no expression!!  It's like learning a new language. 

Along with the new way of writing is the idea that every group has different data, errors, and outcomes. Most of your child's academic career has been spent in situations where everyone has the same info, worksheet, and answers by the end of the lesson.  Here in the wonderful world of scientific investigations each group has data independent of any other group.  It's a little un-nerving for some students to see other students with a different answer.  Some students may doubt themselves and their answers.  After a few labs, they will realize that their data is COMPLETELY OK!!!  As long as each student writes about his/her data, s/he will have the right answer!

So, in closing, I want to say that overall I am very pleased with all my students' first efforts.  I just know that the next lab write up will bring more students over to the, "Ah ha!  I got it" side. 

Thanks for letting me teach your child.  I swear I have the best students here at Stapley!!