Welcome to Science!!!!!! Mrs. Greene, Room 336

Introduction to science class:

Science is EVERYTHING! It is the world around you. It is sunrises and sunsets. It is your body growing. It is how organisms interact. It is about the cosmos and why skateboards work. It is why the telephone rings and computers allow you to talk with someone on the other side of the world. It explains body odor and the composition of make-up. Science is all around us and is impossible to avoid. Science is an investigation into how, what, when, and why things ‘are’. As a class, we will attempt to understand our world using the five step system of scientific inquiry. We will pose questions, make predictions, follow procedures, collect data, and explain & interpret results. Come to class prepared to pose questions, hypothesize, experiment and conclude!

This year several areas we will delve into are: chemistry, energy, weather, geology, physics, biology, human anatomy, and the earth as a system. Science is a very hands-on class that will involve several projects, learning activities, and labs.

Policies, procedures, behavioral expectations and lab safety issues are addressed and established at the beginning of the year so everyone may engage in classroom experiences in a productive manner.

Students will be graded on performance in class/labs, on homework assignments, and on tests and quizzes. You will be required to maintain an organized composition book of all work. There will be both short term activities and longer term projects throughout the year. Clear communication about projects will be handed out in class and parents will also be notified via email. Any written documentation in this class is to be done in standard English using proper grammar, mechanics, and spelling. Requirements for each assignment will be given at the time an assignment is presented to the class. Grades are based on a percentage of total points and will be both emailed to parents and posted weekly. Students may request a paper copy of their current grade.

Grading Standards:

A= 90-100% B= 80-89% C=70-79% D=60-69%

Basic Work Requirements:

• There will be homework. Do it and turn it in on time, every time.
• Maintain a neat, well organized composition notebook with an up-to-date Table of Contents in the front.
• Fill in your planner EVERY day.
• NO gum, food, drinks or anything that you would consider ingesting.
• Expect to go outside periodically for sample collection/ data gathering.
• Get excited! This is the only world we inhabit! Start understanding it now!
• If you miss class for any reason, it is YOUR responsibility to get the missed work. Always check the posted Weekly Agenda (written on the board by the teacher’s desk) your planner, the web site for this class, and the assignment board in the back of the room.
• In the case of extended absences, meet with Mrs. Greene during lunch PRIOR to leaving!

Science Composition Notebook Organization

• Students will set up their composition book for every unit. Activities, labs and notes will be completed directly in the notebook.

• Students must keep a Table of Contents for all assignments at the beginning of the composition book (just like a book). As each assignment is given, write it in the Table of Contents and number it. Keep papers in numerical order.

• Do NOT throw work away. It will be needed for your portfolio. At the end of projects and units, work will be assembled in science portfolios.

Science Portfolio

• Individual science portfolios will be set up during first quarter.

• Keep all unit papers, projects, quizzes, and tests in your composition book or portfolio.

• Portfolios will be used during Student Led Conferences and other meetings with parents.

Classroom Management

• Science is a hands-on, exploratory class. In a productive environment, students will be engaged in learning activities that have them interacting with others, working in a laboratory setting, going outside, and participating in field experiences. It is absolutely necessary for students to:

§ be on time

§ be prepared

§ be respectful and polite

• If a student chooses to exhibit undesirable behaviors and school policies are not followed, it affects the learning environment for the entire class. Therefore, those individuals will be disciplined according to the school manual.

• I look forward to an exciting year together. I LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING TO KNOW YOU AND YOUR PARENTS IN A POSITIVE LIGHT. It is my hope that I never have to call a parent regarding poor student behavior. I wish students success as they expand their horizons and increase their understanding of the world around them!

• Lab safety policies and procedures will be visited in more detail on other papers.

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Parent signature/email address

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Student signature