CURRICULUM LETTER THAT PARENTS SHOULD HAVE SIGNED FOR WEEK 1

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.