Curriculum Paper - must be signed and returned. Here's a copy.

ADVANCED COMPREHENSIVE SCIENCE 3

Pamela L. Smith, M. Ed., NBCT                                          smithp8@duvalschools.org
 http://smithsciencesnippets.blogspot.com/               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 SSA along with classroom assessments. The SSA is a comprehensive test that tests benchmarks from grades 6, 7, and 8.  Each student will complete science project. Several options will be available for the project and will be discussed in class and the information will be posted on the blog. The units of study for Advanced Comprehensive Science 3 address the Earth/Sun/Moon System, the Solar System, the Universe, Matter, Atomic Theory, and Cycling of Matter and Energy.  The Bridge to High School for Biology will also be included. The Nature of Science and Safety will be folded into all units as applicable.
GRADING

·        Grades will be calculated using the following weighted categories: Home Learning – 10%, Assessments – 45%, Class Activities – 25%, and Investigations/Projects/ Presentations – 20%.

·        All work is expected to be completed and turned in by the assigned due date. Work not turned in by the assigned date will result in a zero, and/or another penalty, to be determined by the teacher.

·        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 the 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 each grading period.

Student Progress
Parents may view student progress on-line via the portal. Grades will be posted no later than 10 days after the due date. 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. Each student will need a composition book with a sewn binding. Instruction for setting up and using the ISN in class will begin on day one. The ISN and a pen or sharpened pencil are REQUIRED in class every day. Colored pencils, glue stick and/or tape along with a ruler will be needed throughout the year to complete activities in the ISN. 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 and A Study Buddy
After school tutoring is available on Wednesdays that are not early release days. It will be held from 3:00 until 3:30. You must have parent permission to attend tutoring and have made arrangements for transportation after tutoring. You will sign in at tutoring and you must know your transportation arrangements before you are allowed to stay. 

You should arrange with a peer to be your study buddy. Your buddy does not have to be in the same class. Exchange contact information and arrange study times either before or after school. Your buddy will be your go-to-person if you have a question about an assignment or a due date.

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 violations of the contract including improper clothing/ shoes, or unsafe behavior may not be made up. However an alternative assignment may be available.

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 during each class. 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 projects, 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. Students will have access to computers in class to complete class activities.

Parents,

 Please sign below to indicate that you have reviewed this information. Students should return it by their third class period. A copy of this document will be available on the teacher’s blog.

Parent Signature_________________________________________Date________________________

 s