Syllabus

See below for attached PDF file of the syllabus

High Tech Middle Chula Vista

6^th Grade Math/Science

2021-2022 Semester 1

Instructor: E-mail:

Ivan Recendez irecendez@hightechhigh.org

Room: 216

Office Hours: Every Tuesday and Thursday 3:15-3:45 pm, or by appointment

Digital Portfolio Website:

Mr. Ivan: https://sites.google.com/a/hightechhigh.org/irecendez/

MATHEMATICS:

Math instruction this year will be based on the Common Core Math Standards. At HTMCV, our core values of personalization, adult-world connection, and common intellectual mission tie seamlessly into the common core standards for mathematical practice. My goal is to engage students in deep and authentic questioning through open-ended problems, projects, and lots of collaborative group work. Students will learn how to make sense of problems and persevere in solving them, reason abstractly and quantitatively, construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others, model with mathematics, use appropriate tools strategically, attend to precision, look for and make use of structure, and look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning. Our units will include Statistics, Rational Numbers & Absolute Value, Fractions & Decimals, Ratios & Rates, Expressions, Equations & Inequalities, & Geometry. I want all of my students to enjoy math and believe in themselves as math learners, and educators!

EARTH SCIENCE:

Earth Science is one of the most exciting types of science to discover and learn about! Throughout the year, as scientists, we will learn everything we can about our planet. Beyond that, we will become global citizens discovering just how important it is to take care of our Earth. We will master the art of scientific observation, and become well versed in using the scientific method to investigate and find solutions to scientific questions. Specifically, we will focus on plate tectonics and Earth’s structure, shaping Earth’s surface, heat (thermal energy), energy in the Earth systems, Ecology, reusable and non-reusable resources, and all about investigation and experimentation.

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR:

In 6^th grade math/science, students will be expected to follow the essential agreements outlined in the HTMCV student handbook. In addition, as a class we will establish classroom agreements specific to our own learning environment. In short, students should be prepared to be respectful of each other and materials, work hard, persevere, and have fun!

GRADING:

As a teacher, my ultimate goal is the success of all my students. Expectations for projects and assignments will be clearly outlined, and a scoring rubric will be given for each major project prior to the due date. Students are urged to frequently consult project requirements and scoring rubrics in order to fully understand and meet expectations. There are three components in addition to the participation of the class that will make up the student’s overall grade:

· Projects (35%)

Every project will have a final due date, as well as deadlines leading up to the final product. All due dates will be on my Digital Portfolio (DP) as well as written on the board.

· Class work/Homework/Math-Science Journal (40%)

Students will be assigned classwork and homework assignments. All homework assignments will be posted in the “Daily Agenda” section of my DP, as well as written on the board. A homework assignment will be checked for completion the day that it is due. In addition to class and homework, students will be graded on their Math/Science journal that they will be using on a daily basis for mini-lessons, practice problems, math-log reflections, scientific observations, and for data collection.

· Assessments (Tests 15%)

Assessments include math quizzes, and unit assessments. Students will have a formal review before every assessment.

· Participation (10%)

In order to be successful, it is crucial that students participate actively. Participating actively means being prepared for class (have required supplies each day and be on time) and use class time productively by asking questions, cooperating with others, and demonstrating their thinking to me.

Letter grades will be assigned as follows:

90 -100% = A

80-89% = B

70-79% = C

Grades can be viewed on PowerSchool using the following link: http://powerschool.hightechhigh.org/public/

CLASSWORK/ PROJECT TIME:

Throughout the course of the semester, we will be working on many different projects. Projects may be assigned to be completed individually, with partners, or in groups. I assure you that class time will be devoted to projects. Depending on how well that class time is used, it may be necessary to meet outside of class to work on projects. We will strive to keep that outside time to a minimum, but much of that will depend on how wisely you spend your classroom hours.

HOMEWORK:

Math homework will be given regularly and will typically be due the following day. All homework assignments will be posted in the “Daily Agenda” section of my DP, as well as written on the board. Students will be given a Homework Stamp Sheet every Monday and this is where they will record homework assignments. This sheet will be stamped daily in the beginning of class, allowing students to earn points for the work they completed. Please note that students’ homework will be graded on effort, not on correctness, so all I ask is that students do their best and be thoughtful about each assignment. We will spend some time each day going over homework problems to alleviate any confusion brought about the previous night.

· As an at home resource:

LATE WORK:

Students will be expected to turn in all work ON TIME! If a student does not meet the indicated deadline, they will still be expected to turn in the assignment since students are responsible for all material covered throughout the semester. The most credit they will be able to receive for late work is half credit. Mathematically, this is much better than no credit, but still has potential to drop a student’s grade significantly.

BINDER ORGANIZATION:

We will do this in class J

ABSENCES:

Students are responsible for finding out what they missed during their absence. If a student is absent on a date an assignments is due, the assignment is due the first day the student returns. Project work is dependent on the participation of all group members. Your group depends on you, and you are responsible for being there.

If absent:

· Contact the front office at (619) 591-2530 to notify Ms. Jessica of your absence.

· Mr. Ivan’s Digital Portfolio under “Daily Agenda” to see if any work was missed.

· Check with classmates or group-mates.

· LASTLY, check with Mr. Ivan in class.

TARDY POLICY:

It is vital that students come to class on time. Entering class late interrupts the learning of others and prevents the tardy student from maximizing his or her learning time. If a student is tardy, he/she will need to obtain a tardy slip from Ms. Jessica at the front desk.

STUDENT SUPPORT PLAN:

Students learn content and skills at different speeds and in a variety of ways. In some cases, students may need extra help; at other times, they may be ready for more advanced challenges. In order to address the diverse needs of learners, there will be various ways that a student can get extra support. These may include extra help sessions, after school tutoring, peer tutoring, or a family conference to develop an action plan specific to the student's needs. In the case that a student feels he or she needs extra help, I encourage students to meet with me as soon as possible to discuss their needs and develop a support strategy. For students interested in more challenges, I will offer various mathematical challenges designed for all types of learners. These will be labeled as “enrichment opportunities” in projects.

EXTRA HELP/OFFICE HOURS:

I am available during our office hours Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15-3:45pm or by appointment. You will also learn to depend on your classmates for help. If you are having difficulty with anything PLEASE let me know. I AM HERE TO HELP YOU! MY CLASSROOM IS YOUR CLASSROOM =)

Note to students: I am here to help, teach you, and of course, have fun! Please let me know if there is anything I can help with, and or answer questions!

SCHEDULE FOR MATH/SCIENCE, SEMESTER 1:

Note: This syllabus and schedule is subject to change. By its very nature, project based learning requires flexibility and innovation. Thus, both content and project timelines may be adjusted as necessary.