Contact Information: Jennalee Edwards

352-955-6960

edwardsjs@gm.sbac.edu

Kanapaha Middle School Website: https://www.sbac.edu/kanapaha

Mission Statement

As a science teacher, I am dedicated to encourage students to: (1) see the value of science in everyday life, (2) become confident in their ability to understand the scientific method, and, (3) develop problem solving skills. I plan to do this by using concrete examples, have students work in pairs or small groups, use differentiated instruction and utilize feedback from assessments to guide lesson planning.

Based on the notion that students develop a better understanding of science concepts by self-discovery, I plan to help students foster their understanding of problem solving and reasoning skills. Therefore, I will be incorporating writing into our science class. Writing encourages students to examine their ideas and reflect on what they have learned. It helps them deepen and extend their understanding of science. My ultimate goal is to raise student achievement and foster positive attitudes toward science.

Course Description

In sixth grade, the topics we will focus on are: Energy, Forces and Motion, Introduction to Earth’s Systems, Energy in the Atmosphere and Ocean, Weather and Climate, Earth’s Surface Systems, Living Things in the Biosphere, and Cells and Cell Systems. However, it is very important that students have the ability to think and justify what they are thinking! Students will also learn how to apply the skills they learn to solve real-world problems.

Curriculum

Pearson’s Elevate Science, Course 1

Materials Needed

• 3-ring binder (1 - 1½ in.)
• 1 package of loose-leaf notebook paper
• 8 notebook dividers labeled with each Topic
• Sharpened pencils or mechanical pencils
• Red pens
• Blue or black pens
• Donations of paper towels, tissues, and anti-bacterial gel are always welcome =)

Textbooks

This year’s textbook is very different from most – it’s meant for students to write in it. Therefore, it is a record of learning. Look through lessons your child has completed recently, and be sure to ask lots of questions. One of the best ways for students to check on their learning is to explain it to someone.

Rules

I use the acronym FOCUS for our class rules.

Forget all distractions. (stay focused on the learning)

Observe the teacher. (listen to what is being taught)

Carry all needed materials. (including binder and agenda)

Use time wisely. (stay on task)

Show consideration and respect for others. (includes all peers and adults on campus)

Consequences

The following will be the order of which inappropriate classroom behavior will be handled in my classroom. Severe behavior problems will automatically be referred to the office.

1st Offense - Warning

2nd Offense - Timeout

3rd Offense - Out of Class Timeout

4th Offense - Call Home

5^th Offense - Referral

Grading Policy

Grading Scale Grade Values

A 90-100 Tests 35%

B 80-89 Quizzes 25%

C 70-79 Daily Work 40%

D 60-69

F 0-59

Bell Work - Students will be responsible for completing timed bell work as soon as they walk into class. I will take a weekly grade from this activity. Absent students will need to make up the bell work.

Extra Credit - I will periodically give students an opportunity to do extra credit assignments. Students can also get extra credit points by turning in signed reports on time such as progress reports and report cards. I also have extra credit assignments listed for each 9 weeks on my classroom website.

Tests and Quizzes - Students will be quizzed often to check for understanding of concepts taught in class. Topic tests will be given at the end of each topic. Students who make below an 80% will have an opportunity to take the test again after reviewing missed concepts. The two grades will be averaged together before I record it in Skyward.

Make-up Work

Students are responsible for writing down and collecting make-up work assignments after an absence. They have three days for every day absent to complete and turn in the work.

Assignment Reports

Assignment reports will be sent home from the office for parents to sign. I will give extra credit points for the return of these signed reports. Parents also have access to all grades on the Skyward website. An URL, username, and password can be provided when parents visit the KMS office.

Keep this syllabus in the front of your Science binder.

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I understand the expectations/policies for Ms. Edwards’ Science class as stated above in the syllabus.

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Student Signature Date Class Period

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Parent Signature Date