Ms. Baugh’s Science Syllabus 2014-2015
Middle school science is designed to develop proficient student scientists. Students will explore topics in science emphasizing both the scientific process and content knowledge. Students will be challenged to apply higher order, critical thinking skills and lab knowledge in order to understand the subject content. As we open the new STEAM lab, your students will be part of creating a community of students who share one vision for scientific curiosity. The focus will be on applying various scientific strategies in order to observe, investigate, infer and draw conclusions concerning the content in the curriculum.
Class Topics:
6th Grade: Earth Science: Earth’s Structures; Astronomy & Space
7th Grade: Life Science: Diversity of Life; Human Body Systems
8th Grade: Physical Science: Introduction to Chemistry, Forces and Energy
What is STEAM?
STEAM = Science & Technology interpreted through Engineering and the Arts, all based in mathematical elements.
STEAM is a framework for integrating studies across the disciplines in an inquiry-based, hands-on curriculum that more closely aligns with what students will experience in college and the workforce.
Middle School students will experience the STEAM lab once a week.
“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true Art and true Science.”
Albert Einstein
Success tips:
In order to be a successful lifelong learner of science you need to have an open and positive attitude. Students need to stay organized and communicate with their fellow students and instructor well. Please come see me EARLY if there are concepts we are going over in class that need further explanation.
Class Policies:
· Homework – Typically at the end of every lesson there is a homework assignment. Each chapter has 3-6 lessons within it. Homework is expected to be turned in on the due date (this is the following lecture day: Mon, Wed or Fri as Tues and Thurs are lab days and most lab work is completed daily or continued until the next lab day.)
· Quizzes: Every Friday there will be a vocabulary quiz that is relevant to the lesson.
· Late Work – 75% credit will be given if work is turned in the following day, after that it will not be accepted and a 0 will be the entered grade.
· Make Up Work – When a student is absent it is their responsibility to get the work they missed and turn it in. The homework for the week will be posted in the room and on Website. The number of days missed is equivalent to the number of days that the student has to complete their missed work.
· Parent – Teacher Communications: I will be happy to share any positive news about a student as it comes through via email so please make sure your email is updated with the office. I will also contact parents to discuss behaviors and work habits that may be holding your child back from being successful in class. I am available for discussion to ensure your child is getting the most out of their educational experience. My email: [email protected]
· Website: My Weebly is the place to go to see class topics, homework assignments, notes and a calendar of all due dates and tests. http://baughhds.weebly.com
Grading:
· Tests: 40%
· Homework/Classwork: 30%
· Labs: 15%
· Weekly Quizzes: 15%
Overall Expectations for my classroom and the STEAM Lab:
· Respect yourself: enter class having done the homework/preparation for that day, with your supplies, on time and ready to learn.
· Respect each other: treat others and their property with kindness as we are a family of learners.
· Respect the instructor: I am here to help you learn. I will respect you and ask the same consideration of you. Please do not talk while I am talking, remain seated unless instructed otherwise to do so, practice active listening skills, and let me know if you have a question by raising your hand.
· Respect of property: Your classroom materials such as books and desks should be treated with care.
As the new STEAM lab is now open you will be the first students to use the equipment within it. This is an awesome opportunity and every care should be taken to ensure that all of the items will remain in good working condition for as long as possible.
Middle school science is designed to develop proficient student scientists. Students will explore topics in science emphasizing both the scientific process and content knowledge. Students will be challenged to apply higher order, critical thinking skills and lab knowledge in order to understand the subject content. As we open the new STEAM lab, your students will be part of creating a community of students who share one vision for scientific curiosity. The focus will be on applying various scientific strategies in order to observe, investigate, infer and draw conclusions concerning the content in the curriculum.
Class Topics:
6th Grade: Earth Science: Earth’s Structures; Astronomy & Space
7th Grade: Life Science: Diversity of Life; Human Body Systems
8th Grade: Physical Science: Introduction to Chemistry, Forces and Energy
What is STEAM?
STEAM = Science & Technology interpreted through Engineering and the Arts, all based in mathematical elements.
STEAM is a framework for integrating studies across the disciplines in an inquiry-based, hands-on curriculum that more closely aligns with what students will experience in college and the workforce.
Middle School students will experience the STEAM lab once a week.
“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true Art and true Science.”
Albert Einstein
Success tips:
In order to be a successful lifelong learner of science you need to have an open and positive attitude. Students need to stay organized and communicate with their fellow students and instructor well. Please come see me EARLY if there are concepts we are going over in class that need further explanation.
Class Policies:
· Homework – Typically at the end of every lesson there is a homework assignment. Each chapter has 3-6 lessons within it. Homework is expected to be turned in on the due date (this is the following lecture day: Mon, Wed or Fri as Tues and Thurs are lab days and most lab work is completed daily or continued until the next lab day.)
· Quizzes: Every Friday there will be a vocabulary quiz that is relevant to the lesson.
· Late Work – 75% credit will be given if work is turned in the following day, after that it will not be accepted and a 0 will be the entered grade.
· Make Up Work – When a student is absent it is their responsibility to get the work they missed and turn it in. The homework for the week will be posted in the room and on Website. The number of days missed is equivalent to the number of days that the student has to complete their missed work.
· Parent – Teacher Communications: I will be happy to share any positive news about a student as it comes through via email so please make sure your email is updated with the office. I will also contact parents to discuss behaviors and work habits that may be holding your child back from being successful in class. I am available for discussion to ensure your child is getting the most out of their educational experience. My email: [email protected]
· Website: My Weebly is the place to go to see class topics, homework assignments, notes and a calendar of all due dates and tests. http://baughhds.weebly.com
Grading:
· Tests: 40%
· Homework/Classwork: 30%
· Labs: 15%
· Weekly Quizzes: 15%
Overall Expectations for my classroom and the STEAM Lab:
· Respect yourself: enter class having done the homework/preparation for that day, with your supplies, on time and ready to learn.
· Respect each other: treat others and their property with kindness as we are a family of learners.
· Respect the instructor: I am here to help you learn. I will respect you and ask the same consideration of you. Please do not talk while I am talking, remain seated unless instructed otherwise to do so, practice active listening skills, and let me know if you have a question by raising your hand.
· Respect of property: Your classroom materials such as books and desks should be treated with care.
As the new STEAM lab is now open you will be the first students to use the equipment within it. This is an awesome opportunity and every care should be taken to ensure that all of the items will remain in good working condition for as long as possible.