ADVANCED
COMPREHENSIVE SCIENCE 3
Pamela L. Smith, M. Ed., NBCT smithp8@duvalschools.org
Blog available through JLCP website 346-5650 ext 162
Course Overview
Advanced Comprehensive Science 3 is inquiry based and each student will
participate in all district and state testing experiences including the
district required assessments and FCAT along with classroom assessments. Each
student will complete a formal science project, a science project journal, a research
paper, and a presentation. The units will address Safety and Experimental
Design, Matter, Atomic Theory, Earth/Sun/Moon, Solar System, The Universe,
Cycling of Matter and Energy, STEAM Activities, and the Bridge to High School.
Grading, Home Learning, Late Work,
MakeUp Work, and Bonus Activities
·
Student grades will be calculated using total
points. Projects, assessments, and in-depth assignments will have higher values
than other activities.
·
Home learning allows students to continue
learning after leaving the classroom. Home Learning is an opportunity for the
student to learn independently, to reflect on personal learning and/or to share
with parents or caregivers. An activity assigned in class and not completed may
need to be finished before the next class period. This is not home learning and
should be finished independently.
·
Activities and
Projects are expected to be completed and submitted on time. Activities include
investigations, class assignments, Interactive Science Notebook entries, and home
learning assignments. Assessments will include projects along with tests and
quizzes. All activities and projects will have an established due date and are
expected to be completed by that date. Late work, although discouraged, will be
accepted at the next class period and assessed a penalty based upon the type
of assignment (up to a 25% penalty).
·
It is the STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to find out
what was missed during an absence, to complete the work, and to submit it in
accordance with district absence policy. If a student is absent due to a non-emergency
trip then assignments may not be provided in advance. Labs missed due to an
absence may be rescheduled or an alternative lab or activity will be assigned.
·
There will be no extra credit work available,
but at least one appropriate bonus
opportunity will be available for all students at least once each grading
period.
Student Progress
Parents may view student progress on-line via the portal. Grades will be
posted at least once per week. Please be advised that a student’s grade is in
essence fluid until finalized. Review all of the grades in a category to see if
a pattern is present to determine what factors may be contributing to your
student’s success or lack of success. Please have a conversation with your
child before scheduling a conference. All Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled
through the Guidance Office
by calling
346-5650
ext. 114.
Interactive Science Notebook (ISN)
Students are required to keep an interactive notebook (composition notebook) to
chronicle their year in science. The RIGHT pages will be used to record
LEARNING (notes, vocabulary, etc.). The LEFT pages will be used for REFLECTION
(poems, songs, drawings, etc.). All of the work that you do will be kept in
your notebook.
Your notebook and a pen/pencil are REQUIRED in class every day.
You will use colored pencils, glue, scissors, and a ruler to create your
notebook. Limited supplies will be provided to you during class, BUT you should
bring your own.
The supply list is on
the Julia Landon website.
Tutoring
Tutoring is on Thursdays from
3:15-4:00. You must sign up on or before Wednesday to reserve a space. You must
have a note from your parent that informs the teacher about your transportation
plans
or a signed release to walk to the
library by Wednesday or you will not be allowed to stay.
Lab Safety Contract
Two copies of the signed lab safety
contract must be on-file BEFORE a student may fully participate in lab
activities. One will be kept in the teacher’s file and the other must be in the
student’s ISN. Any violations of the safety contract may result in a loss of
lab privileges. Labs missed due to one or more missing copies of the contract,
misbehavior, improper clothing/ shoes, or unsafe behavior may not be made up.
Other Information
The teacher will post relevant
information on the blog. Remember, not all assignments may be posted on the
blog. Students should write their assignments in their agendas daily. Students
are expected to maintain their agenda. Parents can refer to assignment due
dates and requirements in the agenda as written by the student. If a parent
requires a signature in the agenda it is the responsibility of the student to
ask the teacher for a signature during class. Students will use the agenda
daily. Parents should check the agenda frequently. Information can also be
found on the class blog. Parents may e-mail questions to the teacher after
checking the agenda and blog and speaking with the student. All e-mail will be
answered within 2 business days. Phone messages are the least efficient form of
communication between parent and teacher. However, if necessary the student
will place a call to the parent in an emergency or if a situation warrants
parental notification.
Computer Access
Students will need computer access for Gizmo assignments, science project, and
other learning experiences. If a child does not have access at home then an
alternative is to use the computers at the public library or the school
computer lab before school. Please keep the teacher informed if a problem with
computer access or use occurs.
Parent Signature and date
____________________________________________________________
This paper will be included in the ISN for further
reference as needed.
