Syllabus and General Information. Fall 2009

Welcome to Mr. Fiero’s Seventh Grade Science Class and a great academic team: Columbia ! We are pleased to have your in our classes this year. This class syllabus has been prepared to communicate the expectations, course content, grading policies, rules, routines, and any other important information that will enable you to have the most positive learning experience. If you are interested in any personal information about me or my constructivism approach to teaching science they will be discussed on Back to School Night.

Seventh Grade Life Science Standards

In brief, this is what we are studying for the year 2009-20010. They are based on California State Standards and Hart District Standards which involves a progression of increasing complexity and comprehensive detail through the grades. Included in the science instruction are lessons on study skills, learning style, multiple intelligence, and goal setting. The textbook we are using this year is Prentice Hall Focus on Life Science. 2007.

Studied throughout the year:

Metric System- the measurement system of science and the world!
Scientific Method & Skills- experimentation, communicating, predicting, critical & creative thinking, modeling, graphing, exploring, etc.

Quarter 1:

Cell Biology- theory & history, cell processes-(respiration, photosynthesis, mitosis, transport), microscope studies, organelles, biochemistry, stem cell technology, etc.

Quarter 2:

Genetics -the chemical code of life, DNA, genes, inheritance, Mendelian genetics, genetic engineering, biotechnology, etc.

Quarter 3:

Human Body -anatomy & physiology of the different organ systems, levels of organization, levers, diseases, and health.
Invertebrates-all the major phyla (groups).

Quarter 4:

Vertebrates -all the major classes.
Plants-vascular and non-vascular.
Evolution - natural selection theory, evidence, diversity of life, fossils, extinction, speciation, geologic timeline, etc.
Structure & Function of Living Organisms; the study of classification and the six kingdoms/categories of life.

Supplies:

Students must bring the following supplies to class everyday:

Composition bound note-book.
Blue or black pen and pencil-please no light colored or red ink.
Highlighter pens
Small ruler is helpful to improve the quality of diagrams and drawings.

***Issued textbooks and the science workbook should stay at home.***

Grading

The best way for you to earn good grades in this class is to make sure you turn in all assignments and take good notes in your science interactive notebook (INB). Your most important resource is me your teacher. I hope you can feel like you can ask a question about any assignment at any time.

Grades will be determined by the total points that you earn throughout the quarter. At the end of the session the grade will be calculated by dividing the points you earned by the total number of points possible for that quarter. The percentage of points earned will be compared to the following grading scale.

99%-100+%=A+	87%-89%=B+	77%-79%=C+	67%-69%=D+
93%-99%=A	83%-87%=B	73%-77%=C	63%-67%=D
90%-93%=A-	80%-83%=B-	70%-73%=C-	60%-63%=D-

Tests

Tests and quizzes are the most important assessment of how well you are learning and performing in class. You should expect a test for every major subject we study and a weekly short quiz to help you keep up with your studies. Most tests are not open note tests but good note-taking is very important for successful studying and the ‘INB’ will be graded regularly. The weekly quizzes will be mostly on vocabulary of the current unit/chapter.

You may retake any test that you score below 78% (C+) on but it must be made up prior to the next test date--usually the next week. Usually retake tests are somewhat different the original. I will record only your highest score up to 78% on retake tests which you can take as many times as you want. Tests that are retaken must be arranged with me-usually after school or during lunch. I caution you to take tests as close as possible to the times they are first given.

At the end of all four quarters there will be a “Benchmark Test” given to all middle school students in the Hart District. It is standards based so that we may compare instruction at the various school sites and within our own school to to aid in collaboration to create the most effective practices in our lesson planning. The marks on these tests will be considered a regular test grade.

Late Work

The team policy is that there is no late work accepted.

However, any assignment late, not submitted when it is due, must have a ‘late work permission' form filled out with title of assignment etc. and then signed by a parent/guardian . This form must be attached to the assignment itself when it is eventually submitted but I would like within a week beyond it's original due date. The assignment will be graded as though on time but of course accuracy and completeness of answers will be taken into account just like any other assignment. However, unit projects and the INB will be accepted up until the end of the unit for that topic.

I will do all that I can to help you complete your work on time. Remember success in anything requires effort, positive attitude, and good habits. Ask for help if needed--study buddies, parents, and of course me.

If you have lost an assignment then I have extra copies of all our work and I can give you one though it most likely will be marked down in score as penalty for not being sufficiently organized and for the inconvenience of obtaining a new copy.

Absentee Work

You have as many days as you were absent to complete and turn in all assignments you missed. All projects, lab reports, and tests must be made up. They are worth substantial points and your grade will suffer if you don’t do them. I invariably contact parents to support and remind you. Please label all work you made up from an absence with the word “ABSENT” clearly written on it to remind me that it is absent work and not late necessarily.

The most common problem with doing make up work is to know what the work is that you missed. You are responsible for finding this information. Use the "Daily Agenda" page to find what you missed. Also, ask a friend or a person in your lab group or a study partner about what you have missed and you can always ask me. The agenda for the class-what we do every day and homework is always posted in class.

Please use your school ‘binder reminder’ to record all assignments especially homework. Parents it is a good a routine to check this handbook/calendar and the actual assignments everyday for all classes. If you are going to be absent more than a couple of days contact the team teachers or school and we can make the work available to you.

Science Interactive Student Notebook

Keep a hard bound composition type notebook for your science Interactive Notebook (INB) only; please do not use it for another class. This is where you will take all your notes, do the bell work (assignments you do as you first walk into class), significant class handouts, write your opinions and ideas about science topics, and summaries of what you learned. It is a very creative book using color, Cornell note-taking, and thinking maps. This INB is very important! You can use it on many tests. It is regularly graded for neatness, completeness and thoughtfulness of notes, and how well it is organized. See the rubric for how it is graded.

Portfolio

The portfolio is a collection of all your work. Near the end of every quarter you will evaluate your work and you will reflect on how much and how well you have learned as a student. For extra credit you can present your portfolio to your parents and have them discuss with you how your learning experience is progressing. Portfolios are put on display at “Open House” in April, but a student or parent can ask to see their portfolio and borrow to take home anytime.

Homework

Home assignments are limited to just two times per week not including studying for tests or long term projects that are required virtually every quarter. Though life science requires much memorization of facts and vocabulary, it is still considered a hands-on inquiry-based class and we attempt to simulate a realistic process of discovery.

What to do when you finish early:

First tell Mr. Fiero that you are finished with the class assignment and show it to him for a quick survey. Make sure your work is of the best quality and complete.
Do work from another class.
Help tutor other students with their work.
Become a lab assistant or work ahead.
Read your favorite book or magazine.
Find a project or activity from the Activity Center that offers many things to do for fun:
- You can read a book on science from out class collection.
- Ask to use the computer lab if available to interact with the science software, check your school email, do research, or compose a document.
- Help create or have fun with a science experiment center.
- Work on any puzzle or a board game.

Progress Reports

Grades will be posted weekly on this class website. However, occasionally I give a printed copy of a detailed progress report to students to help them identify assignments that they may be missing and verify scores and help them see their progress. They have a chance to compare their report with their respective papers as they are passed back and then filed into their portfolios. . During progress report time I will try to discuss your grade with each one of you. It is a good opportunity to make up any assignments (if possible) and find out how you can improve your study habits; test-taking skills; meeting deadlines; being organized, using your time wisely, asking for help when needed, getting enough rest, and keeping yourself motivated and confidence that you can succeed with the right effort.

Classroom Rules

In order to guarantee an excellent learning environment in my classroom I need student cooperation, and respectful and responsible behavior. To establish a positive learning climate I will not allow any student to prevent me from teaching or prevent other students from learning. I will also not allow students to behave in a way that might prevent themselves from learning. Therefore, in my classroom I am utilizing the following discipline plan:

RESPECT THE LISTENING RIGHTS OF OTHERS	Please do not interrupt the teacher or other students by talking out of turn. Raise your hand to give an answer or ask a question and wait to be called on. Thanks.
FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS THE FIRST TIME	Wasted time is difficult to replace and so are expensive equipment and materials. So for your sake and that of your lab partners please listen well and stay on task.
BE POSITIVE & ENCOURAGING!	We will be working together this year. We will need to have a class where you can come without fear of being ridiculed or threatened. Do not insult other students or make negative comments about their work or responses.
BE SAFE !!!!	Never throw or project any object in the class. Follow all safety cautions carefully. You will need to pass the laboratory safety quiz before you may participate in labs. Students who choose not to do labs or activities safely will immediately be required to sit out of experiments. Always get both parent and teacher permission before repeating any experiments at home!
RESPECT SCHOOL AND LAB EQUIPMENT	Handle lab equipment carefully. A student may be charged for equipment that is broken due to misuse or carelessness. Many classes use the same lab equipment and lab space, so please leave your space neat and clean for the next class. Leave books and tables free of marks. For safety reasons there is no drinking, eating or gum chewing in the classroom.

If You Choose to Break a Rule

First Time: Warning. A brief counseling session with me.
Second Time: Time out and student recieves name on the board and which with good behavior may work off and not receive a detention with me. Possible parent contact and of course more coaching..
Third Time: Detention. Time out and student fills out a reflective form, parent contact, more counseling.
Fourth Time: Team/Parent Conference. Probable referral to the office which often results in a lunch detention and becomes part of the student's record.

Severe disruption or dangerous behavior: In certain severe circumstances (violent, dangerous, or extremely rude actions) student(s) will be immediately sent to the assistant principal.

CHEATING: Any student that copies another student’s work or lets another student copy their work will be considered to have cheated. The student(s) will receive a zero score for that assignment and counseling by the teacher. Obviously, if it is a repeated choice of action then there will be more severe consequences. Students please do not rob yourself of an education for possible short term gain. Always be responsible for your actions and attitudes and you will benefit in growing as a person.

Rewards:

Positive Phone Calls/Notes Home Pride and confidence in being the best that you can be.
Praise from peers and teacher.
Special Science & Team Awards.
$cience Dollar$ to buy stuff.
Preferred activity time with anchor activities-independence!
Outstanding Citizenship Grade!!
The Fun, that’s right, FUN, of learning with othersand being part of a positive experience at school!

Extra Credit

Generally extra credit assignments are research reports on a current event of the student's choice. However, they only have a significant effect on the grades of those students just a couple of percentage places to a higher grade. For example, those who have a B+ but want an A- would be helped but those with a D probably would not be able to a get a C- but a D+.

Communication

It is in your child’s best interest that we work together with regard to their learning. I will keep you informed of your child’s progress in my class every month. We will discuss the discipline plan, class procedures, and course content during the first week of school. Following these rules will create an environment where students will be able to learn, feel comfortable, work efficiently, and enjoy a successful year at Rio Norte Jr. High.

I will be distributing a hard copy of this syllabus first day of school and I would appreciate it if you would review it with your child before signing and returning the form.

If you want to contact me, I can be reached at Rio Norte Junior High’s phone number: 295-3700 ext. 1411. Please give me a call if you have any concerns or questions. I will return your call(s) as soon as possible. The team conference period is Period 4 which will vary on time of day with the rotating block schedule. However, the best way to contact me is via my district e-mail address: rfiero@hartdistrict.org . Team Columbia is collecting the e-mail addresses of all students and their parents to enhance communication.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

I promise to give my best effort to make this class fun and successful in teaching you not only science but skills, habits, and attitudes that will help you in your life and be life-long learners!

Good Success To You!

Sincerely,

Mr. Robert Fiero