I would like to welcome you and your son or daughter to this year’s science course!In middle school science we cover many interesting and exciting topics.By getting involved in your child’s instruction, you can not only help your son or daughter to succeed, but you may also enjoy learning new material yourself.And why not?The more we know about the world around us, the more fascinating it becomes.
This year we will be using a textbook called Holt Science & Technology.The textbook has a rich bank of science content and plenty of examples to make that content relevant to daily life.In addition, the book clearly outlines lesson objectives and vocabulary.By mastering these concepts and terms, students gain a solid base in science and will be well prepared for high school science courses.And you can rest assured that this program meets our state and national standards for science.My goal is to create a classroom environment that will help your son or daughter
build a solid science vocabulary
gain a strong understanding of key scientific principles and topics
learn how to use mathematics to tackle scientific problems
find out about the latest technologies and use many of them to learn more about science
see how science is related to other disciplines
effectively prepare for standardized assessments
see science as worthwhile and meaningful
develop thinking skills and the ability to challenge assumptions, think creatively, and solve real-life problems
have fun
The textbook compliments a strong inquiry-based lab component.Students act as scientists, spending time in laboratory investigations and related activities doing data collection & analysis discussion, and communication of findings.You child will also have many opportunities to reinforce, extend, and apply what they learned in these fun and meaningful investigations and activities.I would appreciate your help in furthering these goals.Simply support your child as he or she explores science this year.The Units covered this year in science include:Properties of Matter, Force, Motion and Energy, Catastrophic Events, and Sound and Light.
I am requiring certain preparations and behaviors.Please take a moment to examine the other materials in this syllabus.They include classroom rules, requirements, grading policy, and a supplies list.I encourage you to examine these periodically along with your student’s notebook to get a continuing view of your child’s progress.I am asking your student to bring home a signature form.Sign and date this form once you have read the syllabus.If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at school.My phone is (425)431-2920.My e-mail is campbellc@edmonds.wednet.edu
Please periodically check this site for descriptions of important class assignments, activities, assignment schedules, and other useful information.
SCIENCE COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Welcome to Science.This syllabus tells you what you need to know about supplies, grading assignments, etc.......review this information as needed throughout the year.It is found on the middle school science website.
Supplies Need Daily:
Pocket folder with brads that will hold 81/2 inch notebook paper (you will need several throughout the year)
sheets of 81/2 inch notebook paper in your 3 ring binder
pencils and pens (black & dark blue colors)
optional (a calculator)
Special instructions for your pocket folder
Neatly write your name and your period on your pocket folder.Note:if you change to a new science period, we will change the period on your binder and move it to the new class box.
pocket folder free of drawing, doodles, etc.You will be asked to replace it if I don’t like looking at it!
Keep your folder up to date.This is a requirement, not an option!
Do not touch other student folders.Never write in another student folder unless instructed by your teacher.
Leave you folder in class unless you have teacher permission to remove it.Just ask, I usually say it is OK.
Class Standards
The whole purpose of school is for students to learn and for teachers to teach.In order for each of us to be able to do our jobs, certain standards must be met.
1.Students will come to class prepared.You must complete the following things the moment class begins.Have:
your science folder & current work opened and ready.
a pencil or pen (black or dark blue colors only!).
a supply of paper in your science folder or backpack.
the days assignment completed before class.
read any instructions on the board or screen and complete it thoughtfully.
2.Students will come to class on time.
“on time” means that you are in your seat, with materials ready when class begins.
time between classes and/or during lunch time is an appropriate time to take care of bathroom stops, phone calls, office visits, etc.Do not do these when I have begun teaching.
passports are filled out in your agenda.One student out of class at a time but only at my discretion.
3.Students will be courteous and well-mannered.
Examples of courteous behavior include:
saying please and thank you.
listening while others are talking.
talking only when it is your turn.
using other peoples belongings only after asking permission.
modeling our Madrona character attributes.
follow all science safety rules.
using the pencil sharpener only after Mr. Campbell is finished giving the classroom instructions for the day or has finished lecturing.Thanks!
4.Absent students will promptly complete all missing work.
Each assignment is designed to help you learn in a step-by-step manner.If you do not do an assignment, you miss one of the steps.If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get the assignment.You have many places to go for this information, such as other students, the calendar on my website, and lastly your teacher.
If you are absent, you have 1 week to make up written work.After 1 week the grade will be reduced.If you are absent several days, we will arrange a reasonable time to complete it.
5.Full credit is given only when the assignment is completed on time.
In science each days work builds on the previous days work.Work turned in late is often copied and defeats the purpose of the assignment.We may go over each assignment in class so that you may correct your answers.We do collaborative lab work which means, you can change anything in your lab write-ups until it is collected by me.
6.Expectations for outdoor class work.
At times we will be spending extended periods outside making observations, taking measurements, and gathering data.I have very high expectations for all my students in these situations.Each activity is unique and therefore has different rules and expectations.These will be shared with you before doing them.If you choose not to follow these you will be given an alternative assignment by yourself for the duration.
Grading System
My grading system is simple!It shows where you fall on a standard based continuum.Specific rubric guides will help you with this.
1.I put work into four categories.
laboratory work
projects
tests and quizzes
daily work
2.A number score is often used.
4 – exceeding standard
3 – ample evidence of meeting standard
2 – progressing towards standard
1-minimum or no evidence of meeting standard
3.A check, plus, and minus is also used at times.
a check indicates that you have the skill or demonstrate understanding of a concept.
a plus is given to students who go beyond the basic expectations.
a minus is given to students who do not understand the concept or need more practice in developing a certain skill.It is also used for work that is not complete.
4.A stamp is sometimes used for practice assignments.
A stamp is given to work that indicates you have the skill or demonstrate understanding of a concept that was practiced.