Wahoo!

This is going to be an amazing year!

I am thrilled and grateful to be teaching 9-12th grade science here at Compass School!  This is such an amazingly supportive and creative group—this has already started off as a super year!

Overview of Science at Compass School

Direct, hands-on scientific experiences form the foundation of the science curriculum at Compass School. The curriculum is designed to develop students who can think critically and creatively, solve problems, employ scientific methods and tools, understand scientific claims and analyze their veracity, participate as scientifically informed citizens, and appreciate the natural world in which we live.
        

Rather than study just one discipline each year, students work with biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science every year in an integrated science curriculum that approaches these topics through underlying themes, essential questions, and authentic explorations.

Science Curriculum Overview

A Little About My Teaching Style

• Using Science in Science: Much of what I do as a science teacher is based as often as possible on theoretical and scientific models.  I encourage students to drink water or tea to keep their brains hydrated.  High fructose corn syrup beverages like soda and many sports drinks are often counterproductive to learning, therefore, I encourage each student to bring water—and drink lots of it.  Additionally, I tend to keep the air temperature slightly cool, as studies have shown that students learn best in cooler environments. 

• Scribe: In order to establish a routine for our class times, each student can expect to be class 'scribe' a few times throughout the trimester.  Duties for scribes include: coming to class and checking in with me, copying the class agenda and putting it in the class binder, recording who is absent from class, and as handouts are distributed, collecting extras for those students who are absent. 

• Knowledge Journals Science Notebook:  We are going to be using Knowledge Journals to keep track of the work for this science class.  It will consist of a 3-ring binder and use the first page as a table of contents, and as students add to the journal, they will fill out the table of contents so that work is easily accessed throughout the semester.  We will almost always begin class with a written reflection in knowledge journals, so it is important that each student have those with them everyday.  I will be reviewing the knowledge journals periodically.  Here are some basic tips for organizing the Knowledge Journal: 

• Nothing should EVER be found in the pockets.
• Date all materials before putting them into the master notebook (handouts, class notes, grade reports, etc.)
• Everything should have a page number on top just in case you drop the binder and it pops open.
• Place the course syllabus on the second page after the table of contents.
• Use only one side of the page in your note taking.
• If you’re taking notes, make a note in your notes when the instructor gives you a handout related to that material and file that handout immediately after that page of notes.
• Use colored pieces of paper to indicate changes in units/chapters/etc.
• All graded work should be filed as soon as it is handed back and added to the table of contents.

• Learning Styles: I have done a significant amount of research on study strategies and I will be challenging you to continue to discover how each student learns best.  I insist that each student remain organized (to keep detailed track of all work in learning journals and study supplies), and I want to encourage students to try a variety of study strategies.

Homework/ Policy

Homework is a vital part of the learning experience and research proves that doing homework allows learners to transfer knowledge from the working/short term memory into long-term memory.  With this said, please note that you must complete 80% of your homework in order to pass this course, and every homework holds equal weight. 

Homework assignments will be posted in our Class Scribe Binder and also on my website under either 9-10 science or 11-12 science.

I do not accept late work handed unless a prior arrangement has been made.  I will accept work on the day it is due.  Please do not count on being able to print out homework during our class period—all of your printing and emailing must be completed PRIOR to class start.   Often the class work for that day relies upon your completion of homework assignments. 

If work is not completed prior to class, please note that students will be automatically assigned a lunchtime study hall for that day to complete the assignment.  Students are asked to either email or hand in the assignment directly following the study hall.  Work that is late but handed in that day (after class) will automatically drop a grade.  If students are unable to attend after-school study hall, please reschedule with me 24-hours PRIOR to the assigned day.  Students who do not reschedule and do not attend their study halls will be assigned to In-School Suspension and parents will be contacted.

When homework is collected or reviewed, if a student has not completed his/her assignment, I ask that you go to the Scribe Binder and under the Homework Accountability tab, take out your Homework Accountability form and complete it for EACH missed assignment.  This is a tool that will help diagnosis homework problems in order to attempt to support student learning.

Tests/Quizzes

You should expect regular tests, quizzes, and written evaluations, which will help serve as checkpoints for your understanding.  Research has shown that testing actually increases retention of material.  All major tests will follow a review on the day prior to the test.  During this time, you will be exposed to a variety of techniques to help you review and learn the material, (e.g. jingles, explaining to others, games, demos, etc.).  Students absent on the day of the test should plan to take the test on their first day back to class—this may require staying after school to complete the test, so plan accordingly.   Please know now that there is absolutely NO talking during test taking times, and unless you have prior arrangements, tests will be taken in our classroom.

Materials Needed

·       3 ring binder—this is a must, if you cannot get one, please come to me or drop me a note/email ASAP

·       Paper for your binder

·       Dividers for your binder with the following tabs:

o   Notes

o   Labs

o   Tests & Quizzes

o   Homework

·       Pen and Pencil—EVERYDAY!  I recommend that you have a little pouch or pen/pencil case, this helps you stay organized.

·       Daily Planner