Class Syllabus

Dear Parent or Guardian,

 

 

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:  Diversity of Life, Weather and Water, and Human Body Systems.

 

 

I am requiring certain preparations and behaviors.  Please take a moment to examine the other materials in this packet.  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 this packet back to school as an assignment.  Once checked off, your child may bring it home to use as a resource.  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

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Craig Campbell

Science Teacher

 

Science Web Site:  http://www.classroomadmin.com/class/madronascience

 

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 packet tells you what you need to know about supplies, grading assignments, etc.......Keep this packet in your lab folder or a safe place at home.  You may need to periodically refer to it. 

 

Supplies Need Daily:

1.      Composition Book, (no other kind will be accepted).

2.      sheets of 81/2 inch notebook paper in your 3 ring binder

3.      pencils and pens (black & dark blue colors)

 

4.      optional (a calculator)

 

 

 

 

Special Instructions for your Composition Book

1.      Neatly write your name and your period on your composition book.  Note:  if you change to a new science period, we will change the period on your composition book and move it to the new class box.

 

2.      Leave the composition book free of drawing, doodles, etc.  You will be asked to replace it if I don’t like looking at it!

 

3.      Keep your composition book up to date.  This is a requirement, not an option!

 

4.      Do not touch other student composition books.  Never write in another student book unless instructed by your teacher.

 

 

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 composition book & current work opened and ready.
• a pencil or pen (black or dark blue colors only!).
• a supply of paper in your science binder or backpack.
• the day’s assignment completed before class.
• read any instructions on the board or screen and completed 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 people’s belongings only after asking permission.
• modeling our Madrona character attributes.
• follow all science safety rules.

 

 

 

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 the missing classroom activities.

 

5.         Full credit is given only when the graded assignment is completed on time. 

• In science each days work builds on the previous days work.  Graded 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 for important assignments.

 

• 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 learning assignments.

 

• 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 assignments.

• A stamp is given to work that indicates that I have looked at this item.  It may also mean that you have the skill or demonstrate understanding of a concept.

 

I have read the above letter and course information packet

 

 

parent/guardian signature____________________________________________________

 

 

 

student signature____________________________________________________________

 

Class period_______________           date_________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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