Mrs. Lewis’s Science Class

Tutorials: Tuesday-Friday AM or
Monday & Wednesday PM
Phone Number: (940) 497 – 4037
E-mail: elewis@ldisd.net

Science Study Objectives

This year we will be learning science through an integrated approach with an emphasis on Life Sciences. Time in class will alternate between lecture and lab. Each six weeks will hold new adventures to learn about and apply to class. We will be exploring how each discipline of science relates to living things. Below is a tentative syllabus.

Unit I: Science Safety
Unit II: Flow of Energy
Unit III: Physical & Chemical Changes
Unit IV: Force, Motion & Energy relationships
Unit V: Factors impacting the environment
Unit VI: components of the solar system
Unit VII: Organisms & the Environment
Unit VIII: Structure & Function of Cells
Unit IX: Structure & Function of Living Systems
Unit X: Homeostasis
Unit XI: Genetics
Unit XII: Genetic variations & Adaptations


These objectives correspond to the Texas State Assessment test and will incorporate all of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). For a complete listing of the TEKS please visit the Texas Education Agency website at www.tea.state.tx.us/teks/.
Class Materials

In addition to their school binder/organization system, students will need:

(2) Composition notebook –
Notebook paper
Pencils – colored and regular
Index cards (will be needed throughout the year
***No textbooks will issued to individual students, however, there are some available for check out if needed by the students***

Other materials will be needed for student projects. Students will be told about all materials required in advance. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements for getting the supplies for his or her project. For extenuating financial circumstances, please have your student speak with me.
Code of Conduct

All students are expected to maintain the highest standard of behavior in class. Class policies are posted and must be followed. Deviating from policy will result in disciplinary actions. Please refer to the Student Handbook.

Absentee Policy

It is extremely important that students be in class. Science is an activity based class. Students not present for demonstrations, labs and activities, and discussions are at a disadvantage. Students will not be able to make up activities.

However, emergencies/illnesses happen. If a student is absent for a lab or activity, he/she will be given an alternative assignment. A student will have as many days to complete his or her make-up work as he or she was absent, plus one extra day. For example: If a student is absent 2 days, when the student returns, he/she will have 2 days plus one day to complete all work. Work will be considered late on the 4th day.

Students are responsible for checking my website, a friend’s agenda or their own to see what they missed, what assignments they must complete, and obtain any handouts they require from the daily trays.
Late Work Policy***

District Late Work Policy:
Students are expected to turn in all work on time. All work not turned in on time will be penalized. After one day, a 30% penalty is assigned. The second day late a 50% penalty is assigned. At the end of the third school day a zero will be recorded and redos will not be allowed. Extra credit assignments are not an option in my class.

If the student has extenuating circumstances that prevent them from getting an assignment turned in on time they may talk to me.


Grades***

There are four types of grades - daily grades, quizzes, test grades, and project grades.
Students are expected to keep a grade sheet that parents are to sign weekly. These are collected at the end of the six weeks for a daily extra credit grade as an evaluation of data collection and analysis practice assignment. Keeping a weekly grade sheet alerts students immediately if there is an issue with a missing assignment. This also is another way for parents to keep track of how their student is doing.

Students are expected to keep all assignments to verify grades. If a student questions a grade, he/she must be able to produce the paper in question.

Parents/Guardians may register for Family Access which will allow you to check your student’s average and see individual assignment grades. See the main office for additional information on Family Access.
Website

I maintain a website to help parents and students have easy access to agendas and other classroom information. It is very important that you go to the website weekly.

Student Responsibilities
Students are responsible for all aspects of their education. They must bring their materials to class, take notes, complete all assignments, and study for exams. It is also the student’s responsibility to make sure he/she comes to tutorials if needed, asks for help, and gets make-up work completed.

I want every student to succeed this year and will do what I can to help each student.
However, the student must make the decision to study and do the work.

Movie Information

Brain research shows that the more senses we involve in the learning process, the deeper the understanding. There are a few movies I like to incorporate scenes from, or entire film, into our units of study to keep students interested in the topic and show them real application of the sciences. Some years we get to see one, others I am able to incorporate more than one. It depends on how the units are going. The following are examples we may incorporate:
Osmosis Jones, Lion King, Lorenzo’s Oil
Super Size Me, Awakenings, Over the Hedge



Please, sign and return this page of the syllabus to me by Friday August 27th.


Signature Page

I have read the syllabus and understand the information.


_________________________ ________________________
Student signature Parent Signature

Student Pictures

During the course of the year, I will take pictures and video clips of students as they participate in lab activities. These pictures will be displayed in the classroom. In addition, I would like to post them on the website.

__________________ Yes, it is OK to display pictures of my child for others to see.

__________________ No, it is not OK to display pictures of my child for others to see.

Movies for the Science Classroom

I have read and agree to let my student see the movies included as part of the science curriculum:

_______________________________
Parent/guardian signature