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Gifted and Talented Integrated Science 2018-19
Disclosure Statement
Instructor: JoAnne R. Brown, M.Ed
Contact Information
School Phone: (385) 646-5224
Desk Phone: (385) 646-9521
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: brownsci.weebly.com and Canvas
Consultation: 4th Period
Description of the Course
This fall, the state of Utah is implementing the new Science and Engineering Education (SEEd) Standards in 6th-8th Grade. This is a fundamental shift is how science teaching and learning is approached, and will change both content and classroom approach to science investigations. Pictured below is a snapshot of our new process.
Students in 7th grade will focus on five “strands”: Forces, Changes to Earth Over time, Structure and Function of Life, Reproduction and Inheritance, and Changes in Species Over Time. You can visit https://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/science for more specific information. The content requirements and standardized testing will be the same for students in GT and regular 7th grade science. In GT, there is more emphasis on critical thinking skills, projects, presentations and real-life problem-solving. Students in GT are expected to dig deeper, reach higher and be more self-motivated and self-directed than in a traditional course.
Disclosure Statement
Instructor: JoAnne R. Brown, M.Ed
Contact Information
School Phone: (385) 646-5224
Desk Phone: (385) 646-9521
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: brownsci.weebly.com and Canvas
Consultation: 4th Period
Description of the Course
This fall, the state of Utah is implementing the new Science and Engineering Education (SEEd) Standards in 6th-8th Grade. This is a fundamental shift is how science teaching and learning is approached, and will change both content and classroom approach to science investigations. Pictured below is a snapshot of our new process.
Students in 7th grade will focus on five “strands”: Forces, Changes to Earth Over time, Structure and Function of Life, Reproduction and Inheritance, and Changes in Species Over Time. You can visit https://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/science for more specific information. The content requirements and standardized testing will be the same for students in GT and regular 7th grade science. In GT, there is more emphasis on critical thinking skills, projects, presentations and real-life problem-solving. Students in GT are expected to dig deeper, reach higher and be more self-motivated and self-directed than in a traditional course.
Materials
You should plan for an assignment and starter in class each day, Monday through Friday. Work not completed in class is homework. Students are expected to read from the textbook to supplement activities we will be doing in class. Our online textbooks contain excellent information as well as activities students can try at home. In addition, there will be specific homework assigned, as well as several projects throughout the year. A calendar list of assignments will be available on Canvas, and copies of assignments will be available for download.
Grades:
A certain point value will be assigned to all work completed by students, including reading assignments and students’ observation journal. These points will determine the student’s grade in science. Students will be expected to keep track of all assignments using their planners or sheets provided, and should be able to estimate their grade at any given time. Generally, I will update grades in the computer weekly, and hand out notices twice per term. I use the standard Granite School District Grading Scale:
A 93-100%
A- 90-92%
B+ 87-89%
B 83-86%
B- 80-82%
C+ 77-79%
C 73-76%
C- 70-72%
D+ 67-69%
D 63-66%
D- 59-62%
F 58-below
Classroom Rules
Students are expected to follow classroom rules at all times. Of primary concern in my classroom are safety and respect--all classroom rules can be boiled down to those. If a student shows disrespect to me, another student, or for safety rules, they can expect immediate action. I generally give students two warnings for behavior, and if they do not improve they will be sent to in-school time-out or to the office. In extreme cases, I may simply send students straight to the office. Overall, it is important that my classroom is a safe and friendly environment to work in, and my rules emphasize that attitude. Students are asked to not use cell phones, record video or take pictures during class unless given permission ahead of time.
Student Citizenship grades reflect the school’s policies. They are based on behavior, attendance (no unexcused absences), punctuality, preparedness, and classroom participation. Students will start out the year with a “3,” and can earn either a higher or lower citizenship grade. Honor citizenship will be given to those students who show enthusiasm, leadership, dedication and empathy for other students. I follow the school’s tardy and attendance policies. Students who are off-task, tardy or do not follow class rules run the risk of lowering their citizenship grades. Those who do excellent work in participation, cooperation and other areas will receive recognition.
Extra Credit
- A composition notebook will be provided to be used as a Science Observation Notebook in class. Students are welcome (but not required) to use a 1” binder specifically for science as well. They should at least have a section of their binder set aside for science to keep handouts, newsletters for home, and homework.
- Science textbooks, Pearson Interactive Science, are online. Students will be provided with a consumable workbook to be used along with the online textbook. This workbook does not align exactly to our new SEEd Standards, but much of it is still relevant. I will inform students when they are to bring them to class.
- Students will have an assigned iPad and Chromebook to be used during class
- Writing materials (please use pencil, or blue or black ink)
- Other materials as requested
You should plan for an assignment and starter in class each day, Monday through Friday. Work not completed in class is homework. Students are expected to read from the textbook to supplement activities we will be doing in class. Our online textbooks contain excellent information as well as activities students can try at home. In addition, there will be specific homework assigned, as well as several projects throughout the year. A calendar list of assignments will be available on Canvas, and copies of assignments will be available for download.
Grades:
A certain point value will be assigned to all work completed by students, including reading assignments and students’ observation journal. These points will determine the student’s grade in science. Students will be expected to keep track of all assignments using their planners or sheets provided, and should be able to estimate their grade at any given time. Generally, I will update grades in the computer weekly, and hand out notices twice per term. I use the standard Granite School District Grading Scale:
A 93-100%
A- 90-92%
B+ 87-89%
B 83-86%
B- 80-82%
C+ 77-79%
C 73-76%
C- 70-72%
D+ 67-69%
D 63-66%
D- 59-62%
F 58-below
Classroom Rules
Students are expected to follow classroom rules at all times. Of primary concern in my classroom are safety and respect--all classroom rules can be boiled down to those. If a student shows disrespect to me, another student, or for safety rules, they can expect immediate action. I generally give students two warnings for behavior, and if they do not improve they will be sent to in-school time-out or to the office. In extreme cases, I may simply send students straight to the office. Overall, it is important that my classroom is a safe and friendly environment to work in, and my rules emphasize that attitude. Students are asked to not use cell phones, record video or take pictures during class unless given permission ahead of time.
Student Citizenship grades reflect the school’s policies. They are based on behavior, attendance (no unexcused absences), punctuality, preparedness, and classroom participation. Students will start out the year with a “3,” and can earn either a higher or lower citizenship grade. Honor citizenship will be given to those students who show enthusiasm, leadership, dedication and empathy for other students. I follow the school’s tardy and attendance policies. Students who are off-task, tardy or do not follow class rules run the risk of lowering their citizenship grades. Those who do excellent work in participation, cooperation and other areas will receive recognition.
Extra Credit
- If you feel that you need extra points and have turned in all assignments, you may turn in extra credit. Extra credit will be given in addition to regular work, but will not be accepted in place of it. Extra credit can raise a grade by 1/3 at most (e.g. A- to A).
- The purpose of extra credit work is to reinforce information students are learning in class, and to inspire them to pursue scientific interests outside school. Students may work toward the Bodacious Bulldog Award throughout the year, or simply choose specific items to complete for extra credit.
- All make-up work and extra credit is due the week before the last week of the quarter.
- Be in your seat and ready to begin when the bell rings.
- BE PREPARED! Bring all materials to class, including all assignments to be turned in.
- Assignments are due at the beginning of class. Late work will be accepted for half credit, up to one week after the due date. Absent students must make up work missed within one week of the absence.
- Students may bring water bottles to class during hot weather, and will not be excused to get a drink from a fountain. Please do not bring food, drinks or gum to class otherwise. Students will have three hall passes a term available for bathroom breaks and errands, with exceptions in special cases.
- Students will occasionally correct their own or each other’s assignments during class. This not only helps to give students immediate feedback on their work, but allows students to compare their own thought processes to those of others. Please let me know if there is a problem with this practice.