Syllabus

Mr. Speck’s Classroom 2023-2024

Syllabus

Garfield STEM School E-26

3501 6th St. NW 87107

speck_c@aps.edu

Garfield Mission/Vision:

Garfield STEM is committed to giving our students the tools they will need to make their college or career goals a reality. We will foster critical thinking, collaboration, and resourcefulness through a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. Students will build a Garfield community of scholars and compassionate citizens. 

About me:

My name is Chris Speck and I will be your student’s life science and language arts (biology) teacher this year. The standards and goals are listed below. I am a graduate of Albuquerque High School and the University of New Mexico. I have been teaching 20 years; this is my ninth year at Garfield. I strongly believe in a hands on approach to teaching science with a strong emphasis on labs.

Science Course standards:

https://bit.ly/2ncNkIk

Click “middle school discipline specific course map”.

Key areas of emphasis:

• Coral reef unit. We have a 10 gallon reef tank in the classroom with several species of coral, anemones, starfish, snails, and crabs. 

• Aquaponics-students will create two freshwater ecosystems that allow fish and plants to thrive

• Biochemistry-chemical reactions in organisms with emphasis on metabolism 

• Ecology-climate change and clean energy

• Microbiology-fungi, yeasts, algae

• Botany

• Genetics/biotechnology-DNA extraction, amplification, and analysis 

My main goals:

·      Help students understand the connections in all living systems

·      Increase their ability to think scientifically

Absences

·      Labs cannot be made up due to their hands on nature

Lab safety

·      Hands on labs are a key component of my curriculum. Students will be starting these on the first week. They will be using glassware and other hazardous chemicals at times. It is therefore imperative that lab safety protocols are followed. Students not following these will not be allowed to complete the lab or stay in the room. 

Students with special needs

·      While I am aware of students needs per their IEP, I recommend parents and/or students contact me if they have any specific concerns.

Grades

·      Daily assignments are worth 100 points. 

·       I follow the APS grading scale for middle school.

·       I encourage you to check as often as possible on your student’s progress as I am typically very quick to enter grades. These are due weekly and are typically worth 100 points. Homework is only assigned if they don't get it done in class.

Course sequence. This is a flexible document. I will be sending out newsletters that provide up to date information. 

*NOTE*-Syllabus, scope, and sequence are subject to change

ELA Course Standards

http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/

The scope and sequence of this class is developed in tandem with students and department. We will be reading and writing a variety of genres and integrating science in many areas. 

GSTEM - PROFESSIONAL LEARNING LAB 

Introduction to Engineering & Robotics, Computer Science, and Advanced Robotics & Automation

Contract of Participation/Dedication 

While in the PLL individuals will act as Junior Engineers.  Junior Engineer is an entry position in an Engineering profession. A Junior Engineer works under the supervision of an Engineering Instructor. S/he is expected to learn the function as an Engineer and also make decisions and accept responsibility for their choices associated with work techniques and systems.

Duties of a Junior Engineer (JrE)

• Work collaboratively with peers and respect appropriate opinions that differ from your own. 

• Follow lab procedures

• Follow instruction and complete assigned task

• Sign and follow technology use agreement (district and GSTEM)

• Respect environment and all equipment

General Rules for Lab and Technology Use

• No gum, food or drink allowed in the computer lab or around mobile labs (water bottles can be left at a designated area by the door)

• Keep tables, floor and lab clean

• Sit in assigned seats

• Computers are assigned to JrE.  through the seating chart

• Follow Log off procedures 

• Be respectful of equipment and furniture (absolutely NO sitting on the tables at anytime.)  

• Chairs with wheels are not toys and should be used appropriately.

• Follow district Acceptable User Policy 

• JrE should not walk around with laptops open.

• JrE carrying laptops should use two hands.

• JrE are not allowed to change any settings or download unauthorized programs

• JrE are not allowed to listen to music or download games

• Once assignments are complete JrE are expected to log-off of the devices.

Junior Engineer Signature: ____________________________________ Date:_________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _________