Science

Phone: 651-395-7115

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mr. Ratzloff

Hello,

I am Mr. Ratzloff. I live a few blocks from Hamline and working in my own neighborhood is very important to me. I have a Master's degree in Elementary Education from University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor's degree in English and History from Hunter College, City University of New York.

The science classroom is a place for students to explore and deepen their curiosity, develop critical thinking skills, and practice skills that real-life scientists use to learn new things and solve problems. This will be our second year using the TWIG science curriculum. It is phenomena-based, hands-on, modern, and really suited to students at Hamline and across SPPS. (You can learn a bit more about phenomena-based science education here.)

Outside of school I enjoy cooking, spending time with my pets and family, all sorts of projects, and playing and designing board games.

If you have questions, concerns, or are interested in joining us in the science room, please email me at peter.ratzloff@spps.org.

Announcements

St. Paul Public Schools Elementary Science

  • MCA Test Specifications

    This document shows all the standards that are included on the MCA  with great detail. It also shows how many points each standard will be worth on the MCA. 

    The most helpful pages are 16-36.
    Comments (-1)

  • MCA Parent Fact Sheet

    This is what the Minnesota Department of Education says about the MCA. Here are some highlights:

     

    1. 5th grade is the first year to take the Science MCA.

    2. The Science MCA covers the content of 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade.

    3. All 5th grade students take an online MCA although students with IEP or 504 plans may qualify for accommodations.

    4. Students do not pass or fail the test. Their score reflects how well they meet the MN science standards (Does Not Meet the Standards, Partially Meets the Standards, Meets the Standards, and Exceeds the Standards)

    5. The document also includes some links that provide study tools.
    Comments (-1)