STEM (Mr. Baglio & Mr. Horner)

Engineering Teacher:

Mr. John Baglio (he/him/his) | jbaglio@ecfs.org (718)329-7300 ext.3383

Science Teacher:

Mr. Ben Horner (he/him/his) | bhorner@ecfs.org (718)329-7300 ext.3637

Class Description

EnviroSTEM is the part of 6th grade science that is all about using engineering techniques to study and explore solutions to environmental problems. You will be in this class for one out of four academic quarters this year, which lasts around 8 school weeks. You will see Mr. Baglio 2 days a week for Engineering class and Mr. Horner 2 days a week for Science class. Classes with Mr. Baglio occur in the Design Studio (engineering room).  The Design Studio is room 705 in the high school. Classes with Mr. Horner occur in M114. You will receive homework assignments and this class will be graded. Mr. Baglio and Mr. Horner talk a lot together about this class and have the same policies. The work you do in Science will directly connect to what you do in Engineering and vice versa. We are here to support you as you learn science and engineering in 6th grade. Please let us know at any point if you have a question or need support about a concept, assignment or other class matter.

STEM:

the integrated exploration of the natural and built world combining science, technology, engineering and mathematics

science:

the study of the natural world and the process by which someone may answer questions about phenomena

engineering:

the art and science of making physical or digital objects to meet human needs, solve problems, and sometimes, just for the joy of creating something new

Essential Questions

• Where do we fit into earth systems? How are we each connected to “science”?

• How can we use engineering skills and scientific understanding to construct a house that will provide shelter in the midst of climate change?

• How can an understanding of sustainability help us to promote environmental justice?

Safety

The most important thing in this class is your safety. In Engineering, you will have the opportunity to work with hand and power tools, razor blades, glues, solvents and other potentially dangerous objects. In Science, you will use assorted glassware, microscopes and other lab equipment. Safety comes from knowing how to properly use equipment, following all instructions issued by the teacher and acting responsibly to keep yourself and your classmates safe. Failure to follow safety protocols or instructions, or participation in horseplay or intentionally unsafe behavior, will result in families being notified and possible disciplinary consequences. 

Class Expectations

Please do the following:

• Arrive to class on time and ready to work. Bring pencil, folder, planner, notebook and assignment (if one is due).

• Respectfully engage in class discussions by asking meaningful questions and/or actively listening.

• Remain focused and complete all classroom tasks. 

• When working in a group, actively contribute and stay on task.

• Take care of equipment, materials and classroom/lab/studio space.

*If a student’s behavior falls below expectations, parent(s)/caregiver(s) will be contacted.

Materials (to be brought to class daily)

Notebook, binder, planner and pencil

Homework/Google Classroom

Homework will be given several nights a week. Homework assignments will be meaningful and will support your understanding of class content. Homework will be announced at the beginning of class; students are expected to record assignments in their planner. All assignments and related materials will be posted on Google Classroom by the end of the school day. 

*Please include the following information at the top of your work: name, date and band.

Progress

Your personal and academic growth is very important to us. Your progress will be assessed through your engagement during class, completion of homework, project and lab work, written work, and any assessments. You will receive feedback on your assignments to support your growth and progress. It is important that you read feedback in order to learn and improve upon your work. You should be aware of your assignments--it is expected that you complete and hand in all work on time.

Academic Integrity 

Academic dishonesty WILL NOT be tolerated. Students may discuss concepts and ideas with classmates, though it is expected that they complete assignments on their own unless otherwise specified. It is expected that all work will be one’s own work, in one's own words. Work that is copied (without the use of references) from texts, web pages, and/or classmates will be considered plagiarism and will be disciplined according to Fieldston School policy. If students receive additional support from a tutor, parent/caregiver or learning specialist on an assignment, please include a note at the top of the assignment stating so.