Class Syllabus

WELCOME to Science with Ms. Grandell!

I am very excited to welcome students AND parents to our classroom! It is going to be an exciting year and we are going to get our nerd on!!! Science really is everywhere!

This year, we will explore the scientific process, develop and refine our scientific process skills and methodology and apply them to studying topics such as; Scientific Process Skills, Properties of Matter and Ecology, Biology and my favorite, earth science! Students will engage in exciting classroom activities and inquiry-based laboratory exercises to familiarize themselves with research and laboratory fundamentals. We will be integrating work from all curriculum areas like reading, writing, history and the arts while focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

By exploring the “nature of science” and its’ application to our world, students will gain a better understanding of fundamental science principles while developing and refining their research skills.


Classroom expectations

It's pretty simple. We are a team, and as such will all be diligent in maintaining a safe environment where everyone feels welcome and comfortable to take charge of their own learning.

The students (and the teacher!) will show respect to themselves, to each other, and to the learning environment. We start the year with that understanding. The importance of self-regulation and reflection will be emphasized throughout the year.

Parents will be kept in the loop! No surprises. If a student disregards these basic guidelines, I will reach out. Not because I like to get my students in trouble, but because it takes a village, and I want to know the best ways to support you in my classroom. Parents know their students best!

Lab Safety

This is of the utmost importance. The science classroom is different from other classrooms in that there will be days when we will have materials out that could injure someone if not handled properly.

Students will be given instruction on laboratory safety in class. They will participate in safety activities and are required to take a safety quiz to insure that all they understand and are familiar with rules and procedures.

If a student conducts themselves in a way that is unsafe for them and/or fellow classmates during a lab activity, they will not be allowed to participate and an alternative project will be assigned.

A safety contract has already been signed by parents/students during registration.

We will have fun, and be safe while doing it! To review any of the district policies regarding lab safety (including the contract) please visit the following link:

Required Materials

To be successful in this class, EVERYDAY you will need…

  • CHARGED Chromebook

    • We do not have a textbook, instead we will be using current, relevant resources from a variety of e-sources.

  • Students should have a way to keep track of assignments and projects (such as a paper agenda, or a digital calendar) and should bring this to every class, everyday

  • Science composition notebook-this will reside in our class, but you can take home whenever you need to...just remember to bring it back!)

  • Something to write with (pen and/or pencil)

  • Willingness to work hard and be accountable

The Science Journal

The notebook that is used by every student is a very important piece of your student’s success. Most work that is done in class will be kept in here. Labs, prep work, homework, notes and other activities will be included. Monthly notebook checks will be done to assure that students are maintaining their journal. It is meant to be interactive. Students will use this book almost like a text book to be used to guide their studies.

It is the student's responsibility to keep track of this journal. It will mostly be kept in the classroom, however, there will be times when it should go home. This could be to study for a quiz/test or complete and assignment. It needs to be brought back to school!

IT NEEDS TO BE IN CLASS, WITH YOU, EVERYDAY!

HOMEWORK:

Spartan Science: Students will receive 7 of these per Semester. They will have ONE WEEK from date it is assigned to turn it in. Students can turn it in early for review and correction.

Other assignments will be given throughout the year that reinforce learning, pre-teach concepts that they will use in the classroom, as well as individual/group research based projects. Details on expectations and due dates are always provided on each assignment.

ABSENCES: When a student is absent it is his/her responsibility to see me for work that they have missed. Students are held accountable for completing missed assignments. Students will have two days for every day absent to make up missing work. It is preferred that students see me in advanced for anticipated absences so they do not fall behind. There will be no extra credit given. For exams/quizzes, if a student is unhappy with a score they may retake the test once, receiving the AVERAGE of both scores. It is THEIR responsibility to come and see me to retake the test.

LATE WORK: WE follow our building policy as noted int he syllabus. Students may turn in an assignment late up to ONE WEEK after the due date for 70% of earned points. After that, it will be evaluated and given feedback to check for understanding, but no credit will be given.

All work may be corrected and turned back in for an improved grade. We are looking for understanding and mastery, not just a score!


GRADING POLICIES

CONTENT KNOWLEDGE GRADES:

  • Tasks completed, whether in or outside of class, which demonstrate understanding of content knowledge

  • Examples may include: unit assessments, performances, oral presentations, labs, reports, projects, quizzes, portfolios, teacher observations etc...

For this component, I maintain a weighted grade book. The setup is as follows:

  • Quizzes, Tests and Projects

  • Classwork

  • Homework

  • Citizenship (participation, timeliness, completion and collaboration)