8th Grade Teachers Share their Classroom Management Suggestions

I teach 8th grade earth science to about 110 students. I see each class at least 4 times a week. What I did in the begining of the year opened it up to all students who wish to participate. I then ask them to check out the website and we discuss what the project is about. Then I take them out and demonstrate what needs to be done. Out of all those initially interested students only one has maintained the daily observation. She is now in the process of putting together a presentation to show students and the school board. I will then have her share this experience and presentation not only with her peers but the rest of the students who are interested, such as 6th and 7th graders. I have relinquished the ownership I first felt and have given it to the trustworthy students who sometimes do a better job at keeping things simple. The student who is doing this also happens to be a very strong academic student who can afford to miss 10 minutes of any class, generally at any time. I think it is important not to exclude, but include, with that leaders will arise and be able to help you out. Some of my other students have branched off of the SCOOL project and started their own observation projects, sun's altitude, a lakes pH monitoring, etc. My advice is to take the time to educate yourself so you know what it is about, get the kids connected and let them fly, they seem to soar when left to explore real science!

Brian Connelly
Memorial Middle School
Laconia, NH

See Grade 7 for ideas from a science teacher for 6-8th grades.

I have created "research teams" (5 or 6 students) in each class. These are Talented and gifted students that need enrichment. These students do most of the research in this project. They then present their results to the class and will even conduct some of the lessons. They will work in this project, The Radio JOVE (another NASA project), and perhaps do some work with Cornell's project feeder watch. The rotation will prevent it from becoming too routine over time and the fact that I let the teams do a lot of self managing motivates them. So far I haven't even had to grade them formally just offer feedback.

Jason Stehly
Jefferson County Middle School
Madras, OR

Have you found another good way to implement S'COOL? Send us a note and we'll post it here to share with other teachers.

S'COOL What to Observe Report Form Glossary