TIPS Science

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• Encourages teachers to introduce science topics in class and follow up with discussions or demonstrations, after the TIPS interactive homework assignments are completed;
• Guides students to conduct and discuss science activities at home;
• Enables parents to stay informed about their children’s science work and progress;
• Encourages parents to communicate with teachers about their observations and questions concerning their science homework and progress.

• Letter to parent or family partner briefly explains the topic and specific science skills involved in the activity. The student writes in the due date and signs the letter.
• Objectives explain the learning goal(s) of the activity.
• Materials are common, inexpensive, and immediately available at home or easily obtained. If they are not, the school must provide the materials.
• Procedure guides the students step by step. Each assignment includes hands-on actions that require the student to think and act like a scientist. Teachers may change, simplify, or increase the difficulty of activities to meet the special needs of students.
• Lab Report or Data Chart gives space for the student to report findings.
• Conclusions guide the student to discuss results and real-world applications of science with family partners.
• Home-to-school communication invites the family partner to share comments and observations with science teachers about whether the child understood the homework, whether they both enjoyed the activity, and whether the family partner gained information about the student’s work in science.
• Parent signature is requested on each activity.

• Use clear, readable type on two sides of one page.
• Print on light colored paper that stands out in students’ notebooks and is easy on the eyes.
• Assign on a regular schedule (e.g., once a week or every other week) to help students share their work and keep families aware of what their children are learning in science classes.

• Three Forms of Matter
• On Your Mark!
• Blank Science Template

1. Epstein, J. L. (2017). Manual for teachers: Interactive homework for the (elementary grades) and (middle grades). Baltimore: Center on School, Family, and Community Partnerships, Johns Hopkins University.
2. Epstein, J. L. & Van Voorhis, F. L. (2019). Chapter 8 in School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Your Handbook for Action, Fourth Edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
3. Van Voorhis, F. L. (2003). Interactive homework in middle school: Effects on family involvement and students’ science achievement. Journal of Educational Research, 96 (9), 323-339.
4. Van Voorhis, F. L. (2011). Costs and benefits of family involvement in homework. Journal of Advanced Academics, 22, 220–249.