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Integrated Science Welcome to 7th grade Integrated Science! The goal of this class is to equip each student with the skills, values, character traits and information that they will need to succeed in our global society. In this integrated science class we will work toward these goals: problem solving by thinking, reading, writing, hands-on activity and discussion as we explore various scientific topics. This course will follow the guidelines that have been provided by the Utah State Office of Education which emphasize, “‘structure’ as a property that is common to all content areas” in the sciences and that “all substances are made of smaller parts and are themselves parts of larger wholes.” We will explore these ideas through observation, hands on activities, lecture, reading, discussion, public speaking and writing As part of this course students will be developing interpersonal skills by working together in pairs, in small groups, and as a class. Students will also be observing, critiquing, and scoring (where appropriate) each others work. These activities will maximize our class time and allow the students to help each other improve their work. Expect homework to be assigned several times each week. Assignments will be posted online for students who are absent. Papers without a name on them will be posted on the back wall for one week, after which they will be thrown away. Please make sure your name is on the page so that you get credit for the work that you do. It is expected that work will be turned in when it is called for. Work that is turned in late will have up to 50% of the points deducted from the score. Students who are absent must find out what was missed so that the work can be turned in (this is your responsibility). District policy says that a student has 2 days for each absence to make up missed work. Students who do not come and find out what was missed will lose the opportunity to receive full credit for their work. After the 2 day grace period for absent work has lapsed the work is considered late and points will be deducted accordingly. Students should bring the following supplies to class: Academic Grading: A 92% C+ 78% D- 60% Hall passes will be awarded as students demonstrate appropriate behavior. Remember, hall passes are a privilege, not a right. Water bottles with lids are permitted and encouraged. Any other food, drink, or gum is not allowed in the classroom without the teacher’s permission. Open packages of food or open drinks are not allowed in the hall. If students are found with these items they will be confiscated and disposed of in the trash. Honesty: Cheating will result in a score of zero for the assignment or test. Tardiness: Students should be in their assigned seats when the bell rings or they will be marked late for class. Students should not linger in the halls or at their lockers to socialize. Being in the room but not in your assigned seat is also considered late. If a student is going to be late for first period they should have a note from their parents or the teacher who caused them to be tardy. Any other period they should have an excuse note from a teacher or they will be marked late. Lateness will lower the student’s citizenship score. Valley Junior High’s tardy policy states that if a student has: Expected behaviors are posted in the classroom. Classroom discipline will vary according to whatever problems arise. In addition to the previously named classroom policies students should follow instructions the first time that they are given. They should also show respect for themselves and all others. Infractions of any school or district policies, which are listed in the student planner, any disrespectful behavior, or any other disruption, may warrant a consequence. Consequences for policy infractions are as follows: warning, 10 minute detention in my room, note home plus 10, phone call plus 10, a 30 minute detention, additional book work, or essays. Additional consequences may include time out in the classroom, the hall or in another teacher’s room separately or in conjunction with any of the previous consequences. Students who are removed from the room for time out will still be held accountable for class work as well as any additional work related to the punishment. Citizenship grades are determined by student behavior and effort. Following class and school rules, showing respect for self and others, being honest and responsible, and being on time. Remember that a 2 is the minimum passing score. My personal goal is to do my best to see and help each student progress and succeed. I will gladly give every student an ‘A’ if they all earn a score worthy of that grade. Every group of students is different; I therefore reserve the right to customize class policies to meet the needs of each class and individual. If you, the student, have concerns about assignments or scores please come see me. If you, the parents, have concerns about your students academic or citizenship scores please contact me. |