Sonoran Science Academy

5^th grade Syllabus

 

Shannon Miller

School phone- 751-2401

School email- smiller@sonoranacademy.org

 

 

General Course of Study

 Social Studies will expand upon the students’ understanding of American history by exploring and analyzing the relationships among land, events, persons, beliefs and ideas that forged and developed our nation.  World history will be explored by studying the origins of civilizations and the subsequent ages and eras that contributed to the world’s nations and regions. United States government will be examined with an emphasis on structures and functions of constitutional government institutions and the rights and responsibilities of the people. Students will also gain perspective into the origins and definitions of world-wide systems of government and political systems. Economics will consist primarily of an overview of trade origins, supply and demand, market and command economies and how personal choices affect living standards. Geography is a critical element of social studies as the interactions between Earth and humans lays the foundation for civilization and culture. The students will gain spatial perspective into the world’s history, economics and government. Research and report/presentation skills will be emphasized and enhanced with a variety of hands-on activities and projects designed to engage learning and promote understanding of social studies.

Science will enhance the students’ understanding of the life, physical, earth, space and technology sciences. All science units will be explored through independent and collaborative projects and experiments designed to challenge the students’ knowledge, inquiry and application. Unit study will include; the structures and functions of living systems and organisms while exploring the diversity, adaptation and complexity of living things, the physical and chemical characteristics of objects and materials and the forces that act upon them, Earth’s geological and atmospheric processes and systems, and, finally, the study of space objects and their relationships that will encompass the history and contemporary endeavors of scientific  theories, innovations and explorations of space.

Mathematics will encompass; fractions, decimals, estimation, probability, data collection and interpretation, geometry, algebra, functions, and patterns and relationships where numbers and their applications make sense. Lessons will be designed and implemented to develop and enhance individual and whole class skills and knowledge necessary to meet or exceed the challenges of increasingly complex math concepts and practice. Math can and will frequently be integrated with other subjects to expand the understanding and appreciation of its value and application.

Language Arts will develop the students’ ability to read to learn, imagine and explore while expressing ideas in written and oral form. Grammar, the mechanics and structure of the English language, will be emphasized as will the reading and appreciation of literature, prose, poetry and functional passages and articles that epitomize the art of verbal communication, its elements and purposes.

Technology

Technology is an integral component in our studies. Students will have the opportunity to use the computer lab to supplement research, use interactive educational websites and use other software components to enhance presentations. Additionally, students will be learning about the advances in technology through the ages.

Grading Scale

90-100%      A

80-89%        B

70-79%        C

65-69%        D

Below 65      F

 

Determining  point value of assignments

 

Though informally assessed, not all work and activities are graded. Point value is determined by the length and scope of student products that mark the culmination of a lesson theme and will receive 20-50pts, and will be assessed using a rubric that will address;  content, cooperation, participation, knowledge, presentation, etc. Such points would be awarded for a book report, quiz, test, research paper/presentation., individual /group project or experiment, etc. Daily in class practice assignments and homework are awarded 5pts for reasonable effort.

 

Philosophy and Methods

Each student has unique learning styles, abilities and interests that should and will be fostered in this classroom during periods of direct instruction, discussion, and application. Lessons will be designed to include auditory, visual and tactile instruction, demonstrations, experiments and activities that encourage individual comprehension and practice as well as, cooperation, participation and collaboration among students and with their teacher.

 

 

Basic Class Schedule*

8:30 -Language Arts- Grammar and Writing

9:30 – Social Studies

10:30 – Recess

10:45- Science

11:45 Lunch/Recess

12:30 Art/Music/PE or Literature Reading and Analysis

1:30 Math

2:30 Reading Enrichment**

*Visits to the computer lab may necessitate changes in the schedule due to scheduling constraints. Field trips will usually be whole day explorations. Assemblies and scheduled half days will shorten the time of each class.

** Math may extend into this period or may be supplemented by additional enrichment centers.

Field Trips 

Field explorations are an integral component of the 5^th grade curriculum and will be designed to enhance current course of study. Dates and times will be announced well in advance of proposed activity. Parent volunteers for transportation and supervision will be greatly appreciated.

Classroom Policies and Procedures

Specified School Policies and Procedures will be upheld in the classroom. Full descriptions can be found in the Parent/Student Handbook.

Our classroom will stress the importance of:

• Community Pride and the General Welfare
• Individual Responsibility
• Respect
• Safety

Classroom Procedures and Policies will be addressed in detail the first week of school and revisited formally and informally throughout the school year. Respect, responsibility and safety encompass:

• Being mindful of body space and proximity
• Following procedures and restrictions during physical activities, experiments and field trips
• Keeping hands and feet to oneself
• Disturbing the property or ideas of others
• Being truthful
• Being courteous
• Being on time and prepared
• Proper handling of books and materials

 

Students will have opportunities to understand and practice:

• Exiting and entering the classroom as individuals and whole class groups
• Using, gathering or returning materials and resources during current activities or transition
• Acceptable levels of noise and conduct during activities
• Acceptable conduct and procedures during direct instruction and presentations of peers or guest speakers within or without the classroom
• Conduct in hallways, restrooms, front office, lunchroom and play areas and school entrances
• Courtesy and deportment to or around others
• Conflict resolution

 

 

Discipline Point System

Sonoran Science Academy has a general discipline policy that is outlined in the Parent/Student Handbook. Our classroom will adhere to this system and points may be given after a systematic series of warnings or opportunities for students to self-correct have been exhausted. Some violations of student conduct may result in immediate discipline points, phone calls to parents or guardians and/or administrative action.

Positive Reinforcement and Feedback

Good conduct, improvement and effort are always recognized, and rewards may be tangible or intangible.

Homework

Homework will be assigned for enrichment and will from time to time include home projects or activities that have extended due dates. Homework will generally be issued daily with the exception of Friday and the day preceding holidays. Unless otherwise specified, homework is due the day following the assignment. Late homework cannot be accepted without a valid excuse provided by parent or guardian. Weekly homework assignments will be posted on my school page. Homework is awarded 5pts based on reasonable effort not correctness.  As a student is practicing a new skill or concept, accuracy, though evaluated to determine how a student is progressing, is not a requirement.

Class Assignments and Activities

 Students are expected to participate and cooperate in all classroom activities. I will be actively involved during independent and group practice/application, hands-on and center activities to help guide, answer questions, facilitate discussion, re-teach and challenge students to ensure maximum comprehension and engagement.