September 2009
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to the new academic year! I am looking forward to working with you as we explore the wonders of science.
Curriculum
Our science curriculum is Holt Science and Technology. The program contains several small books designed by topic, rather than one large textbook. Our units of study, in accordance with the state mandated curriculum knowledge areas, are: Cells, Heredity and Classification; Human Body; Earth’s Changing Surfaces; and Weather and Climate.
Much of our learning takes place through exploration. Basic skills of observing, collecting and recording data, inferring, predicting and hypothesizing, classifying, comparing and contrasting, measuring, analyzing and communicating are emphasized this year. In addition, integrated technology and online resources take students beyond the classroom walls.
Classroom Expectations
Students are to come to class on time and prepared with a three ring binder (which is shared with other subjects and has two sections for science), the assignment notebook, completed homework, pen and two sharpened pencils. Organizational skills are modeled and students are to keep their hand-outs and written work in order. A master list of all work is posted in the classroom as is the exact place in the binder where each assignment is kept. Binders are checked and graded on neatness and organization. By following simple directions, each student is capable of completing this task. Students are a given user name and password to access the science textbook online from school and home. The online version of the book provides video clips, web links, practice assessments, and visual
reinforcements not available in the hard cover book. Students are also issued hard cover textbooks which may be kept at home. In-class copies of the books are shared. Please be sure your textbook is covered.
Grading
Students are assessed both formally and informally through observation, tests and quizzes, performance tasks, projects, laboratory investigations and write-ups, class work, homework, notebook organization and neatness, and oral and written communication.
Grading is done on a “points earned/points possible” system. Assessments are given a point value dependent upon the difficulty and amount of work. When work is evaluated, it receives a fraction as a grade. The numerator is the points earned and the denominator is the points possible. Progress reports and work portfolios are sent home several times each term for students to share with their parents/guardians. Progress reports are to be signed and returned along with the work portfolio.
The science curriculum is standards based and has measurable core objectives for each unit. Students are assessed according to their level of mastery of the skills and concepts needed to meet the objectives. The following guideline is used:
A, A- Advanced |
B+, B, B- Proficient |
C+, C, C- Basic |
D+, D, D- Exhibits Difficulty |
The student has a thorough understanding of the material and is able to correctly apply the knowledge to new and different situations making only minor errors. |
The student usually has a good understanding of the material but makes some errors when applying the knowledge to new and different situations. |
The student is developing a basic understanding of the material and rarely demonstrates the ability to apply the knowledge to new and different situations. |
The student does not have a basic understanding of the material and is not able to apply the knowledge to new and different situations. |
The actual grade reflects the extent of mastery within each level. The “basic” level represents a level of mastery achievable by all students.
Absences
If a student is absent, he/she is to take the responsibility to contact another student in the class for the assignment. Making up missed class work is just as important as completing homework. All students have a science class buddy with whom they have exchanged phone numbers. Work is to be made up as soon as possible. Laboratory materials are often perishable and delaying their use may impact the results of explorations!
Extra Credit
Extra credit assignments are available for students interested in going beyond the regular curriculum content. Extra credit is not used to elevate poor grades or replace incomplete assignments.
Homework
Homework is given every night and is due in class the next time the class meets unless noted otherwise. Late, short-term assignments are not given credit unless the student has an excused absence. This includes work left at home, in the locker or otherwise not in class. The assignment is posted each morning and it is the responsibility of the student to copy it into the assignment notebook. I will check and initial the assignment notebook on a daily basis and ask you to do the same. Homework consists of both written and non-written work and should take no more than twenty-five minutes to complete. Students spending more than this time on science assignments should stop at the end of twenty-five minutes and the parent/guardian should communicate this information to me via the
assignment notebook or email.
Extra Help
Extra help is available on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Students are encouraged to use this time to clarify understanding of content, improve organizational skills and make-up assignments.
Please contact me at MVMS (781-639-3120, ext.3211) or via email (lovely.laura@marbleheadschools.org )if you have concerns or questions. I am looking forward to our year together.
Sincerely,
Laura Lovely
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