1. COURSE OBJECTIVES: All of our units of instruction are aligned with the newly adopted Next Generation Science Standards and we incorporate literacy and math from the Common Core State Standards. What students will learn:
In Ecosystems, students learn about the relationships between living and non-living things, how certain natural and human events affect populations of living things and how organisms adapt to changes in their environment.
In Light and Sound, students develop an understanding about the properties and characteristics of waves and that waves such as light and sound, transfer this energy. Students will conduct investigations about the properties of light and learn about invisible light through the electromagnetic spectrum.
In The Universe, we learn about the what causes different seasons around the world, the phases of the moon, eclipses, tides, the solar system, the birth of the Universe and historical astronomy.
II. Materials Needed MUST HAVES:
iPad (will be used for the majority of the time until we are able to be more in school)
Binder housing all subjects (not required at this time)
Pencils
Loose leaf Notebook paper
1 box of tissue
Coloring supplies (markers/pencils) - all students should have their own
Kindly accepted:
Paper towels - at least 1 roll
Disinfectant wipes - if able to find
III. Grading Policy A.Grading Scale: 93-100% = A, 90-92% = A-, 88-89% = B+, 83-87% = B , 80-82% = B-, 78-79% = C+ ,73-77% = C ,70-72% = C- 68%-69% = D+, 63-67% = D, 60-62% = D-, 50-59% = U
B. Assignments/Assessments: 1. Classwork/Homework/Practice: 25% of the entire grade Homework typically is not given on a daily basis. However, from time to time your child may be given some homework. Typically, in science class, an assignment may become homework if it wasn’t completed during class time. All homework is expected to be completed for the following day, unless other deadlines are given. The purpose of homework is to practice important concepts. An assignment begins to lose its integrity the later it is turned in. Once we have taken a test/quiz/other assessment on a particular chapter or unit, all missing assignments pertaining to the topics on the quiz can still be turned in after the fact, but will be reduced to ½ the credit.
2. Test/Quizzes/Projects: 75% of the entire grade
C. Make-up Policy: It is the responsibility of each student to obtain and complete any work that is missed due to an absence. Students will be given one day to make up their work, if only one day was missed. If multiple days are missed due to illness, vacations or other circumstances, students will be given more time depending on how much time was missed.
D. Test Retake Policy: A student may retake a test within two weeks of receiving the initial grade. One to two retakes are allowed per course per quarter, with one retake opportunity per test. Retakes on writing assessments (essays) will be handled by the individual teacher. Students must commit to retaking the test within two days and retake the actual test within two weeks of receiving the returned test.
IV. Classroom Behavior Expectations A. Classroom rules: Rules of classroom conduct are based on the Hille PBIS principles of “Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe”. B. Discipline Handbook: Progressive discipline will align with the policy set by Jack Hille Middle School (see Parent/Student Handbook for details). C. In our science classrooms, students must understand simple safety rules in order to abstain from illness or injury.
V. Hours of Availability Should you request to meet with me personally due to a concern you have about your child, I will be happy to meet with you. Please know that ideally an appointment should be made first, if at all possible. Stopping in at random times to meet with a teacher may not guarantee the ability to meet (meetings, activities, etc. may be taking place). Please feel free to call or email me, and I will be happy to accommodate you, as best as I can.