TIPS Science

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.

TIPS Science Format

Letter to parent, guardian, 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 should 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., no more than once a week or every other week) to help students share their work and to keep families aware of what their children are learning in science classes.

Epstein, J. L. (2001). Chapter 6 in School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Preparing Educators and Improving Schools. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
Epstein, J. L. & Van Voorhis, F. L. (2002). Chapter 8 in School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Your Handbook for Action. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Van Voorhis, F. L. (2001). Interactive science homework: An experiment in home and school connections. NASSP Bulletin, 85 (627): 20-32.
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. (Abstract)