Sixth Grade Science

Syllabus and Classroom Expectations

"Science is part of the reality of living; it is the what, the how, and the why for everything in our experience." 
 ~Rachel Carson

Teacher:                       Mr. Joe Carmona

School Phone #:          (956) 488-6024

Email:                          Jcarmona044@rgccisd.org

Students welcome to the 2014-2015 school year?  Just like all of you I am static about this new school year, it is going to be a very rewarding as well as a challenging year.  My expectations are high but together we will ensure all of you ascend to meet them.

This class will enrich your knowledge in science by working on various activities throughout the year. When you walk in this classroom you will become a scientist, an explorer, and a classmate. You will give and receive respect, attention, and knowledge but in order to ensure an ideal learning environment everyone must need to follow the rules and procedures set by the teacher.

Materials:

Ø  2 inch binder

Ø  1 composition notebook

Ø  1 pack of 5 dividers

Ø  1 pack of colored pencils

Ø  2 glue sticks

Ø  1 pack of loose leaf paper

Ø  1 pack of pencils

Goals:

ü  To develop and nurture the desire to look for the why in everyday life.

ü  Achieve and maintain an A on ALL science assignments, projects, quizzes, and the tests.

ü  Conduct a unique experiment and research in order to create a Science Fair project.

Grades and Extra Credit Assignments:

1.      Class assignments, journal, quizzes, homework, lab experiments, and projects will account for 75% of your six weeks final grade. Six Weeks Exam will account for 25% of your six weeks final grade.

2.      The teacher will provide you with the opportunity to do different extra credit assignments throughout the six weeks. These assignments will replace low grades a student has previously received on class assignments or homework.

When You Are Absent:

It is your responsibility to make-up any assignments or tests (with an excused absence) in a timely manner when you return from an absence.

Turning in Assignments:

The teacher will sometimes collect homework, group-work, or individual work. You will turn these in only when the teacher asks for them .  Make sure the assignment has your full name, class period, and date.

Rules & Procedures:

Procedures for entering the classroom; I expect all to follow these procedures:

1.      Report to class in a timely manner tardiness will be documented

2.      Enter the classroom quietly without running or pushing.

3.      Turn in homework or assignments in the duo box.

4.      Take your assigned seat and have your materials ready.

5.      Wait for further instructions from teacher while quiet.

6.      Work quietly and by yourself unless assigned to work in groups by teacher.

Procedures for the End of Class and Dismissal:
A few minutes before the bell rings everyone should:

1.      Gather all their materials quietly

2.       Be SEATED in assigned seat quiet waiting for teacher to dismiss the class.

3.      NO ONE IS TO BE STANDING BEFORE THE TEACHER DISMISSES THE CLASS.

When you finish early:

If you finish all your assigned work early you may a) read independently B)work on extra credit c) write in your science journal d)work on an assignment for another class.

DO NOT TALK TO OR DISTURB OTHER

When We Have a Visitor:

Ø  When we have someone come into our classroom that is not part of our class (teacher, administrator, student, parent, custodian, etc…) you are ALL expected to follow the same classroom rules and procedures. You are expected to be quiet and continue on task. Do not talk to the visitor unless he/she is talking to you directly and remember to be polite at all times. Continue working on assignment as usual.

Ø  If the visitor needs to speak to me privately, I expect you ALL to remain in your seat without talking and on task until I finish speaking with the visitor.

Restroom Policy:

You may go to the restroom if:

Ø  It is an emergency, which cannot wait until the break. (Do not abuse)

Ø  The class is  working on individual seatwork; (no passes during Teacher or Guest Lecture)

Ø  You have not abused this privilege in the past

Classroom Rules:

Classroom Rules are posted in the classroom. Let’s quickly review what each rule means.

1.      Respect the Teacher and Classmates

2.      Follow Directions THE FIRST TIME GIVEN

3.      Stay seated in assigned seat at all times (ask teacher for permission to stand)

4.      Raise your hand and wait to be recognized before speaking

5.      No Food, Drinks, or Gum

6.      Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself

7.      Give 100% of your dedication to academic goals/tasks

Consequences:

Everything we do in life has consequences. Consequences are the things that happen to you when you choose not to obey the rules. This is what will happen if you choose to violate one or more of the classroom rules.

1.      1^st time:  Verbal Warning

2.      2^nd time:  Student Conference

3.      3^rd time:  Call parents

4.      4^th time:  Parent/Teacher Student Conference

5.      5^th time:  Principal/Parent/Teacher student conference