Mr. Speck’s Classroom 2025-2026
Syllabus
Madison Middle School, S-2
3501 Moon St. NE 87111
speck_c@aps.edu
Madison Mission/Vision:
Madison Middle School will focus on rigorous academics in preparation for life and higher learning. Madison Middle School will challenge students to grow through classes that utilize projects, collaboration and technology.
About me:
My name is Chris Speck and I will be your student’s science 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 23 years; this is my 3rd year at Madison. I strongly believe in a hands on approach to teaching science with a strong emphasis on labs.
Science Course standards:
Click “middle school integrated course map”.
Key Projects:
Car/ramp labs
MARSFarm
Wisconsin Fast Plants
Genetics/biotechnology-DNA extraction, amplification, and analysis
Coral reef unit (developed in conjunction with Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology)
Apollo geology exploration of the moon
My main goals:
Increase their ability to think scientifically
Boost curiosity
Increase their love for science
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
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.