Getting back to basics
by Sara Walsh
August 22, 2008
Each year as the days turn cooler and we all head back to school, the science students get a good review of basic science information. Classes start out by reviewing some "science staples," such as using the metric system, learning how to use science tools, and studying commonly used prefixes and suffixes.
Since certain tools are used every year in every class, students begin as 7th graders memorizing and using 12 of the basics. Each year they learn more tools (and lose the word bank); if they reach Chemistry, the number of tools jumps up to 35! They also will be required to measure volume, mass, length, and temperature using the metrics system, so the tools used to complete these tasks have a great deal of focus put on them.
And finally, many science words are simply made up of repeating word parts. For this reason, knowing common root words often comes in handy when deciphering new terms. These prefixes and suffixes are discussed, reviewed, used in context, and finally quizzed over.
As the students progress from one year to the next, they are able to see their wealth of knowledge grow in these areas. By the time they graduate they will be able to take this knowledge with them as they move on to college or into the work force.
