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Xth Grade Science Syllabus

TEACHER: Joseph Hurst
ROOM NUMBER: XXX
PHONE NUMBER: XXX-XXX-XXXX
E-MAIL: hurstj5@asu.edu
WEBSITE: http://jhurst5.weebly.com/

INTRODUCTION
Here is to an exciting science-filled school year! I am so pleased and excited for the
opportunity to be working with your son or daughter this year. This is my first year
at *insert school name here*. I previously taught Introduction to Geology labs at
Arizona State University. My degree is in Secondary Education: Earth and space
science and I *will* have an endorsement to teach Middle School Science. I *will be*
am currently going to graduate school to obtain a degree in Economic Geology. I
love investigating how and why things happen in the natural world and I believe
that my passion will translate to your students in such a way as to make this year
not only educational but memorable and eye-opening.

I have high expectations for each student, and I expect that each student take
responsibility for their own learning and the initiative to seek help when needed.
Each student will be successful in this course as long as they complete all
assignments (including homework), participate in class and labs appropriately, and
follow classroom rules and lab safety. Please contact me by phone or email if there
are any concerns with your students progress. Tutoring will be available on *insert
day* at *insert time* and *insert day* at *insert time.* I look forward to a fantastic
year!

MISSION
My mission is to facilitate motivated students with the opportunity to achieve excellence in a safe
learning environment taught by a caring, knowledgeable, and effective educator in cooperation with
supportive, involved parents.

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW/COURSE DESCRIPTION

Students will explore the following topics:

Inquiry Process (aka Scientific Method)

Humanitys effect on our environment (positive and negative)
Ecosystem Dynamics (relationship between organisms and elements in an
environment)
Earth Processes (rock cycle, Earths layers, landforms)
Earths place in the Solar System

My students will explore and practice these concepts with the following types of
activities (though, this is not all-inclusive): reading the course textbooks, note-
taking, vocabulary practice, mini-labs, chapter labs, open-discussion, projects,
quizzes and tests, writing prompts, and homework.
During any labs and experiments, your students safety is my number one priority. I
will insist that they are wearing all necessary, school provided, safety equipment
and that they are acting responsibly by following my guidelines and directions. In
order to participate in the labs, they must pass the Lab Safety test. After
completion of a lab, students will be applying the scientific method to complete a
laboratory write-up.

Grading Policy

Grading Percentages/Weights Grading Scale

Science Applications = labs & projects 20% A 90-100

Homework/Classwork 25% B 80-89.9

Quizzes 25% C 70-79.9

Chapter Tests 30% D 60-69.9

F 0-59.9
*This scale is subject to change in accordance with direction from the school district,
school, or teacher. I really do not know what my district/school is going to be like so
I just kind of threw this together.*

HOMEWORK POLICY
Homework will be assigned as needed. Generally, time will be given in class to
complete non-project assignments, though some students may require additional
time at home to complete assignments.

Please be aware that there is a zero-tolerance cheating policy that will result in an
automatic loss of 10 points. This is not limited to tests, copying homework is
considered cheating. Working together is encouraged, but copying is not. An
important educational outcome of this course is to ensure that students can tell the
difference between working together, using others information appropriately, and
cheating.

Tentative Course Calendar *just an example

Date Standard Objective: SWBAT Materials Activities Assessment Homework

Monda S6C1PO3 Evaluate informative text Standard BW: Name and Participation Work on
y & PO5 features by assessing the materials describe a Fake science fair
XX/XX/ main idea of a Mt. St. needed cinder cone newspaper project due
XX Helens newspaper article only. volcano. article XX/XX/XX
to create an article. deliverable

ETC ETC ETC ETC ETC ETC ETC

LATE WORK
It is required that all assignments be completed. However, this class will have a
unique policy on late work.
Each assignment will have both a due date and a deadline date.
The due date is a date that is collectively negotiated with students for the
assignment to be due.
The deadline date is the absolute last day that the assignment, or collection
of assignments, can be turned in for full credit.
Any student who has not turned in their assignment by the due date will be
required to submit a Missing Homework sheet for each day that the assignment is
not turned in. This is a short piece of paper that will allow me to quickly realize
which students may need supplementary academic assistance vs the students who
simply are struggling with self-regulation.
No late work will be accepted after the deadline date.
Keeping track of the Missing Homework sheets for each student is critical when
assessing student needs. If students are frequently struggling with self-regulation,
as opposed to needing supplemental instruction, I will contact their parents and
attempt to develop an action plan in unison with them.

ABSENCES
If a student has been absent, they are expected to look in the absent bin at the
beginning of class. There they will find assignments with their name on it that they
have missed. Students will be expected to check this bin prior to their asking, did I
miss anything?
Students who are absent on the day an assignment is due will be able to turn
assignments upon return to class with no penalties. If the deadline date for the
assignment has passed prior to this then the student will not receive credit for the
assignment (Refer back to late work section for further distinction between due
dates and deadline dates). Students will also know that there is no penalty for
turning in work prior to a due date if they are expecting an absence in the future.

*Make up tests and quizzes may have district and/or school rules which strictly
regulate make-ups. Rules will follow district/school rules for these.*

TUTORING
Tutoring will be available on *insert date* at *insert time* and *insert date* at
*insert time.*

REQUIRED MATERIAL
Each day, every student should bring with them:
Bound science notebook for daily notes/in-class observations. Any standard
notebook will do, but NATIONAL Brand Engineering & Science Notebook,
White, 11 x 8.5 60 Sheets is preferred (found on Amazon for ~$7)
Binder with science section (to organize any loose papers)
Pencils, erasers, pens (red and black/blue) (optional: crayons, colored
pencils, and markers.)

DISCIPLINE POLICY

Classroom rules, consequences, and discipline are to be based off of Fred Jones
positive classroom discipline theory:
At the beginning of the year I will have the classroom collectively decide what types
of expectations the class should have of their instructor, their fellow classmates,
and themselves. These suggestions will be incorporated into my baseline rules
from below. This process will help to create buy in from all students.
Rules
1) Follow instructions given by the teacher
2) Show respect to those around you by using classroom appropriate language
and actions.
3) Come to class prepared to learn with all materials.
4) Food and drink must be approved prior to consumption in class.
5) Only one person may speak at a time in class.
6) Respect others property, do not take or damage things which do not belong
to you.
7) Be in your seats working on the driving question after the second bell.

Consequences*
1) First offense: Warning
2) Second offense: One-on-one with student + potential loss of a pride point
3) Third offense: Loss of in class privileges + loss of a pride point + phone call
home
4) Fourth offense: Sent to the office + phone call home + invitation to meet.
5) Fifth offense: TBD by administration

*for students with exceptional needs, I will reserve the right to amend the
sequencing and progression of these consequences with the input from
administration and SPED teachers. These amendments would be consistent with the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, and the Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There will be multiple opportunities throughout the year to participate in
your childs education. If you desire to be contacted about these
opportunities and/or can give of your time please let me know.

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Xth Grade Science SYLLABUS

Your signature below ensures that you have read and understood the course
requirements, procedures, and policies:

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STUDENT
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