Thinking Science
2008-2009
Welcome to Thinking Science. This is going to be a great year. In order for everyone to be successful in this course, there are certain guidelines that must be met.
Instructor: Ms. Thiebeau
Phone: 623-435-6500 ext. 6508
Office Hours: Wednesday- 8:30-9:20am (learning center), all other times by appointment.
Overview: The Thinking Science course is designed to introduce you to a variety of topics in science. We will be learning about topics such as astronomy, weather and climate, chemistry, and the scientific method. We will be incorporating computer technology within these subjects. We will also be working on reading strategies that will aid you on the Science AIMs test.
Required Materials:
· 3-ring binder with notebook paper (at least 1” in size)
· Pencils
· Pens (black or blue ink only)
· Highlighter
Items That Can be Donated to the Class:
· One box of tissues
· Colored pencils
· Thin coloring markers
Three-Ring Binder: This is your notebook for this class. This must be brought to class everyday. Random notebook checks for class points will be made throughout the semester. Notebooks should have an area for your calendar and bell work, daily notes, handouts, and returned work. Daily notes and bell work must be labeled with the date of the day at the top of the page.
Classroom Expectations: the following behaviors are expected in class at all times.
Have respect for yourself, peers, adults and environment.
Always be prepared and on time.
Words appropriate for school.
Keep all electronic devices stored away.
School and district rules apply here.
**If at any time these rules are violated or class is disrupted: students will be warned, assigned detention, or given a disciplinary referral. Failure to serve an assigned detention on the day that it is scheduled will result in further disciplinary action.
Consequences:
1. Student Conference
2. Detention
3. Call home and detention
4. Administrative Referral
** Ms. Thiebeau reserves the right to skip to ANY consequence when a situation warrants such action.
Tardy Policy
Being late to class is not acceptable. All tardy students will be required to go to the sweeps room (1103). Tardy means you are not in the room by the sound of the last bell. Remember, sweeps is not an excuse for not turning in work or not taking a test. If you are swept, it is YOUR responsibility to see me by the end of the day or before first hour the following day to receive your work. If you fail to see me before first hour the day following you being swept, you will not be eligible to receive the missed work or complete class assignments you missed.
Bathroom Passes
We are very limited on class time; therefore all bathroom breaks should be taken care of during the passing time between classes. Upon the return of the signed portion of this syllabus, students will receive two bathroom/emergency passes. These passes can be used during the first semester. These are the only passes the student will be issued, so it would be wise to save them for emergency use only. If a student does not use his/her bathroom/emergency passes during the semester, they may be redeemed at the end of the semester for extra-credit points. This will be one of the only extra-credit opportunities available in this class (extra-credit will not be given at the end of the semester for students wishing to inflate their grade). At the start of the second semester students will again be issued two bathroom/emergency passes to be treated in the same manner as those given first semester.
As is Apollo’s policy, when a student uses a bathroom pass, they MUST present their ID to the instructor in order to leave the room. If the student does not have their ID, they will be issued a one hour detention.
Electronic Devices
In accordance with Apollo’s electronic device policy, no electronic devices are permitted from 7:55 am-2:35 pm. This includes, but is not limited to cell phones, music players, portable gamming devices and cameras (both still and video). If an electronic device is visible to the instructor, it will be confiscated and given to the attendance office. Appropriate consequences will be determined by the attendance office.
Grading
Students will have class work, homework and project assignments given throughout the year. Late work CAN ONLY BE TURNED IN UP TO ONE WEEK late and will only be graded with the starting point total at 50% of its original value. Therefore it is necessary for students to meet all deadlines for assigned work. If a student has an excused absence from class, the student will need to abide by the AHS absent work policy outlined in the student handbook in order to receive credit for missed work. When a student turns in absent work, the date of the absence MUST be written on the top of the assignment in order to receive credit. Absent assignments without the date of the absence on them will not be eligible for credit.
As is the Thinking Science testing policy at AHS, students will have two opportunities to take each unit test. Outside of these two opportunities, retesting will not be allowed.
The course is weighted at 80% for assessments and 20% for homework, class work and projects. The grading scale is as follows (notice a grade of a D/4 is not offered in this course):
100% - 90% = A/1
89% - 80% = B/2
79% - 70% = C/3
Below 69% = F/5
Suggestions for Success:
1. Students need to be in class everyday for the entire class period.
2. Students need to complete all assignments.
3. Students should seek help when needed.
4. Students need to use the Learning Center every Wednesday.
5. Students need to have a positive attitude.
6. Parents and students should regularly check Infinite Campus to monitor the student’s work in class.
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