F Y I  - For Your Information

1. How to create a successful elementary science classroom?
2. Why is scienitific inquiry an integral part of a student's science education?
3. Will the science portion of the 5th grade FCAT count this year?
4. How will the 5th grade science program help my child succeed on the test?

How to create a successful elementary science classroom?

An elementary science classroom should be an environment that fosters the 
creativity of self exploration.  It should be one that is non-threatening to 
the curious child who has to ask "just one more question."  Students will 
thrive on the opportunities to work in teams or cooperative groups.  In doing 
so, they should be able to explore, discover, learn from one another, and 
question the world in which the live.

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Why is scienitific inquiry an integral part of a student's science education?

All activities in a student's science education should be based on science as 
inquiry.  Students at all grade levels should have opportunities to use 
scientific inquiry to develop the ability to think, question, plan, conduct 
investigations, use appropriate tools and techniques, think critically and 
logically about relationships between evidence and explanations,and 
communicate scientific arguments.

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Will the science portion of the 5th grade FCAT count this year?

Yes, this 2006-2007 science portion of the 5th grade FCAT test will count in 
your child's score and school grade.

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How will the 5th grade science program help my child succeed on the test?

The curriculum, lessons, and activities of our 5th grade science program will 
use open-ended questions formats that are similar to the Science FCAT format. 
Student responses will be rated and graded using the Science FCAT rubrics.  
This will allow students to develop a clear understanding of the levels of 
performance expected of them on the FCAT.

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