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IPS Honors Newsletter

What have we been up to?Algebra Pre-test

The first week of school, students completed an assessment of their algebra ability. IPS Honors is a math-heavy class. A strong foundation in algebra is helpful for success in the course. Ask your student how well they did on that assessment (scores posted online). He or she may need to get extra help throughout the semester to keep themselves on track.

Science Skills Unit

The first three weeks of school were spent reviewing concepts such as the scientific method, scientific language, graphical interpretation, and dimensional analysis (unit conversions). You can check your student’s test score on Data Dashboard.

Ask your student all about “cancel, cancel!” They will either groan or laugh, but it is a helpful little phrase to keep in mind when doing ratio conversions.

Ms.Tammy C. Fawcett, NBCT tammy.fawcett@shorelineschool.org 206-393-4372 x6862 http://www.tcfawcett.com

Welcome to Integrated Physical Science, Honors! I’m your student’s Honors IPS teacher, Ms. Fawcett, and I’m very excited to be teaching your child this year. Honors IPS is a class which includes physics, chemistry, and earth & space sciences in one full year. Relative to standard IPS, this class is more rigorous, in-depth, and incorporates math whenever possible. Honors IPS is great preparation for Honors Biology next year. Often, honors students are in multiple honors classes and participate in many extra-curricular activities. Those things, as well as the transition to high school, can overwhelm many freshmen. However, parents and teachers can work together to make that transition successful. I value communication between parents and teachers, so don’t hesitate to contact me if you have concerns. Sincerely, Tammy Fawcett

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A L I T T L E A B O U T M E . . .

This school year begins my thirteenth year teaching at Shorewood High School and my twelfth year teaching IPS Honors. My background is in geology so rocks and science-in-the-outdoors are right up my alley. I received my Masters Degree in geology from Western Washington University in 2001 before deciding that I wanted to teach. In 2008, I received my National Board Certification in Teaching with a specialization in Earth and Space Sciences.

My IPS classes involve plenty of labs and hands-on activities focusing on the scientific method. You can check on your student’s work by asking to see their IPS notebook, which is where all notes, activities, and assignments are kept. I consider it a privilege to have your student in my class. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns this year.

Tammy C. Fawcett

Semester Content The following is a list of the units we will cover this semester and general content under each unit.

• Science skills: scientific method, dimensional analysis, graphical interpretation and design

• Mechanics: Newton’s Laws of Motion, momentum, equilibrium

• Energy: potential & kinetic energy, thermodynamics, Conservation of Energy, transfers & transformations

• Chemistry: interpreting the Periodic Table of Elements, chemical equations and reactions, Law of Conservation of Matter

Student and Parent ResourcesDo you or your student need help with something? Below is an explanation of some places to get started.

The first year of high school tends to be a time management challenge while students try to balance academics, extracurricular activities, and social & family life. There are different ways to help keep your student on track. One thing to do is check the class website. The site details what we do on a daily basis. Here you can download assignments and other paperwork, you can link to Data Dashboard, and your student can find out what his or her responsibilities are when absent.

If your student is having trouble understanding particular concepts, they should come by for extra help. I’m available before and after school and during SAS. Making an appointment is not necessary, but does guarantee that your student will be able to find me.

For parents, take a look at the parent page of the IPSH website. From this page you can download the WA State Science Standards, the Shoreline School District’s IPS Power Standards, a detailed course syllabus, and tips for helping your student. Throughout the year, I will be uploading documents that may be useful to you.

Important Dates for the CalendarThese dates are tentative and subject to change based on the pace of the class and student achievement.

Newton’s Laws test: Oct.27/28Energy Unit test: Dec.3/4Periodic Table test: Jan.11Final semester exam: Feb.3/4