Flour Bluff Junior HIgh

Matthew Papenfuss

Hello, I've been teaching science for 12 years at Flour Bluff JH.

Currently I teach both Gen. Science and Advanced classes.

In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my family, surfing, fishing, and working on my family's farm...

Parents:

I look forward to a very rewarding and engaging year with your child. Science II is an increase in knowledge and rigor from the previous year. This class helps build a knowledge base that is essential for success in High School as well as College. 8th grade is also a “STAAR Test year”, meaning that during the spring semester your child with take the state assessment. I am committed to the success of all students. Please contact me at anytime with any questions.

Conference Period: 10:00-10:50 Monday-Friday Contact Info: 694-9345 mpapenfuss@flourbluffschools.net

Optional classroom materials needed for success:

• • 2 inch, three ring binder (required) - Pens (blue or black only)

  • One package of lined paper (150 count)

  • One box of map pencils

  • Glue stick(s)

  • One box of Kleenex

Goals:

• • For all students to be challenged and be successful in Science class

  • Focus on critical thinking skills and college and career readiness standards

  • Prepare all students for Benchmark exams and STAAR

  • Prepare students for the rigor of High School

Rules: Consequences:

• • Be respectful to others Verbal Warning

  • Follow directions the first time, every time. Parent phone call/e-mail

  • Be prepared everyday

  • Be on time to class Office Referral

These are in addition to the “School Wide Expectations” found in the district handbook and “Student Code of Conduct.”

Grading System:

• • 80% (daily work, tests, quizzes, projects, etc)

  • 20% 6 weeks exam

Assignment Policy:

• • Homework is due the next day, no exceptions, no homework will result in a zero

  • Assigned class work is due before the bell rings

  • Tests and quizzes can be made up with an excused absence

  • There will be multiple projects, these are major grades!

Tutoring: Students can attend tutorials anytime they may need. Tutoring is Mon-Thurs 7:45-8:15, and after school when necessary. Students are encouraged to utilize their 7th period advisory time to meet for tutoring with their teacher.

Science topics for the year:

1st 6 weeks

Science Safety, measurements, lab tools (3 days) Characteristics of the Universe (13 days)

Light years and Theories (5 Days)

2nd 6 weeks

Atoms (9 days)

Periodic Table (9 days)

Intro to Chemical Formulas (4 days)

3rd 6 weeks

Chemical Equations and Reactions (10)

Force and Motion (6 days)

Newton’s Laws (7 days)

4th 6 weeks

Earth Cycles (10 days)

Forces that Change the Earth (15 days)

5th 6 weeks

Climactic Interactions (12 days)

Interdependence Among Living Systems (12 days)

6th 6 weeks

Experimental Design (20 days)

Science Textbook: This year students will be using a new and unique science textbook. Students will be issued one textbook and they will own it. These books are interactive and are to be written in. Students are expected to bring their textbook to class every day. If a student loses, misplaces, or otherwise is unable to produce their book, they will have to purchase another book from the front office. These books are an invaluable tool to help supplement the science curriculum. Students should refer to their textbooks for review, vocabulary, and technical reading. Parents are encouraged remind students of their responsibility relating to their books.

Acknowledgement of classroom policies and procedures:

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSE INFORMATION Advanced courses are open to any student wishing to enroll. In order to assist with placement decisions, recommendations for admittance have been developed to provide a profile of students Academic Profile:  Successful performance in related content area courses  Scores at the commended level on the most recent STAAR exam related to the course Personal Profile:  Reads on or above grade level  More complex and mature writing skills  Independent work ethic  Strong study skills and sufficient self-motivation to persevere when faced with academically challenging materials or a more rapid pace of instruction  Proficient oral and written communication skills  Self-discipline to plan, organize, and carry through tasks to completion  Interest and self-directed in the course(s) being considered General Course Expectations: Students in Advanced classes are held to a higher level of expectations than in an academic class. Advanced courses will require a substantial amount of work outside of class for successful completion of the courses. Students should carefully evaluate the time commitments and priorities of extracurricular and community activities as they consider the number of Advanced courses for their schedules.  Students are encouraged to acquire their own copies of novels for English Language Arts and Reading for reading outside the class and annotating  Attend tutorials as needed  Submit all assignments (homework, projects, reports) completed on the due dates Work submitted one day late will receive a grade of no more than 70, and after that day will receive a zero.  Turn in make-up work promptly following any absence Exit Procedures:  A student may choose to exit an Advanced course at any time as long as there is available space in the academic course in that subject and the following criteria have been met: -Attend a minimum of three documented tutorial sessions. -Attend a face-to-face student/parent/teacher/counselor conference. -Receive approval from campus principal.  If a student earns a grade below a 75 for any six weeks the following must occur: -Student will be encouraged to attend documented tutorial sessions a minimum of once a week for the subsequent six weeks period. -A parent/teacher conference is suggested to address student progress.