9th Grade Earth Systems Science
2012-2013 Disclosure Statement
Box Elder Middle School
Mrs. Cowley- Room 46
Email: ebsite: cowleyearthsystems.yolasite.com
Course Description
Science is a way of thinking and a process of problem solving that is useful in daily life. We use science to gain an understanding of the world and how it works. This course is designed to help students understand more about the natural world around them. The study of “Earth Systems” placesemphasis on the interconnections among Earth’s systems and how changes in the parts affect the system as a whole. As we discuss these changes, the matter cycles, energy flows and geological processes of the Earth will be investigated.
Materials Needed
- 70 or 80 page spiral or composition note book: used as a journal and for bell ringer activities every day. These journals will be left in class and graded on a weekly basis.
- Folder: A place to keep extra worksheets and vocabulary logs.
- Pens and pencils will be used every day.
- A science fiction book to read after class as well as during reading time in class.
Grading and Grading Scale
I will be grading on a points system. All tests, quizzes, assignments, lab activities and homework will be given a certain amount of points based on the difficulty of the work. Class work is the area where students will receive the bulk of their grade. Although tests will not be worth the most points, they should be taken seriously as the questions are very in-depth. The more work that is handed in, the better chance the student will have of achieving success in the classroom.
I WILL BE USING THE GRADING SCALE SET UP BY BOX ELDER MIDDLE SCHOOL AND CANNOT DEVIATE FROM THIS SCALE.
A = 100-93%B- = 82-80%D+ = 69-67%
A- = 92-90%C+ = 79-77%D = 66-63%
B+ = 89-87%C = 76-73%D- = 62-60%
B = 86-83%C- = 72-70%F = <59%
Citizenship Grades
H – No tardies, obeys class rules, has a positive attitude, hands in assignments on time, participates in class daily
S – Has no more than one tardy, obeys class rules, has little or no missing and late assignments, participates in class
N – Has no more than three tardies, frequently disobeys class rules, does not regularly participate in class, hands in assignments late
U – Has four or more tardies, frequently disobeys class rules, displays behavior that is contrary to a positive learning environment, has several missing assignments
Trimester Book Report: I assign students to read one science book report per trimester and hand in a book report on the book. The purpose of this report is to allow students to analyze scientific concepts in a setting outside of school curriculum. Throughout the trimester I will give students time to choose their book from the school library as well as time to read in class. Since the time limit on this assignment is very long, I do not accept late book reports.
Policies and Procedures
Cheating: Cheating of any kind is not permitted. Cheating, enabling cheating, copying work or plagiarism will result in a zero on the assignment and possible school disciplinary action.
Lab Safety: Lab safety procedures must be observed at ALL times. Failure to do so will result in a zero for the lab assignment and expulsion from future lab experiences.
Tardies: Students should be on time to class every day and be ready to learn. Journal activities and a vocabulary word of the day will be assigned at the start of each class period and points are given every day for your journal work. Students who are tardy will miss out on receiving journal points for the day. JOURNAL POINTS CANNOT BE MADE UP.
Late Work: Late work in the current unit will be accepted only until the day of that units test. Points will be taken off based on how late the assignment is turned in. The following assignments will not be accepted as late work: The daily journals are not allowed to be made up. The points for the journal are participation points for being on time and on task on a daily basis. The science fiction book report will also not be accepted as late work. There are no exceptions to this rule due to the fact that the report is an ongoing trimester project and ample time has been given to complete it.
Make-up Work: Any work missed due to an excused absence can be turned in for full credit. It is the responsibility of the student to check with the teacher concerning missed work on the FIRST day back to class. Any work that was assigned before the absence will still be due on the assigned due date or on the first day back to class. Exceptions will be made by the teacher for extended illnesses. Tests can be made up before or after school or during advisory only, class time will not be used to make up a test. If you miss a test, you have 1 week from the date of the test to come in and take the test.
Extra Credit: I don’t give extra credit to make up for points missed on an original assignment. I usually give 3 to 5 extra credit questions on test to help you earn free points on the test. On occasion I will give extra credit for work turned in early or on time.
Extra Help: I am at the school EVERY day one half hour before school (7:00 a.m.) and one half hour after school (3:15 p.m.). I will stay longer after school on any day if a student requires extra help. Students should feel free to come and talk to me if they need extra help on any aspect of learning in my class. Parents can also feel free to stop by before or after school and can also e-mail me with questions and concerns.
Cell Phones: YOUR CELL PHONE SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN OUT DURING CLASS FOR ANY REASON. If I see or hear your cell phone, I will confiscate it and you can pick it up at the office after school. If your cell phone becomes an ongoing problem in class, parents will be notified and your cell phone will be held until a parent can come pick it up. This is a school policy and will be enforced in my classroom.
iPods: I SHOULD NOT SEE YOUR IPOD IN CLASS, EVEN IF IT IS NOT ON. You should never have headphones in after class has started. If you choose to have your headphones in while I am teaching, I will confiscate your iPod and you can pick it up in the office after school. If your iPod becomes an ongoing problem in class, parents will be notified and your iPod will be held until a parent can come pick it up.This is a school policy and will be enforced in my classroom. From time to time, I may allow you to get out your iPod if we are finished with class and have a few minutes before the bell rings. I will announce these times. DO NOT TAKE YOUR IPOD OUT UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY THE TEACHER.
Beginning of Class: When the bell rings, there will be journal questions as well as a vocabulary word of the day on the board. All students should get their science journals out, write down the question and vocabulary word and begin working on it. Journals are not a group project, there should be no talking or discussion during the time you are working on your journal.
During Class: Students are expected to follow all rules and directions and respect the teacher and their fellow classmates.The most important thing to me is that all students are given the opportunity to learn. Students who do not follow classroom rules and directions or disrupt the learning of other students will be asked to engage in a separate activity away from classmates so that learning can take place.
After Class: I will teach until the bell rings every day. Class is over when the teacher says it is over. DO NOTpackup your things and get ready to go until the teacher says that class is over. DO NOT stand by the door waiting for the bell to ring! Not only is it rude to do so, it is a distraction to other students who are trying to pay attention to the remainder of class.
Leaving During Class: You have 3 hall passes to use throughout the trimester. Keep track of them and use them wisely. If you have any hall passes left at the end of the trimester, you can turn them in for 1% each added to your final grade.
Classroom Rules
The following rules will be followed in my classroom as well as any current school rules and policies including dress code.
- Respect yourself and others: Every student deserves the chance to learn and participate in class; be respectful of that in every way and in every situation.
- Be prepared and on time: Be in your seat and working on your journal entry when the bell rings and be prepared with the proper materials needed for the day.
- Have a positive attitude: NO COMPLAINING ALLOWED!! It really doesn’t do anyone any good and it won’t change anything.
- Follow ALL directions: If the teacher is talking, pay attention and follow directions. This will make class run more smoothly for all of us.
- No food, drink, cell phones or iPods: if any of these are seen a warning will be issued. If I have to ask you twice, I will take the item away and you can retrieve it after class.
Student Name
______/ Student Name
______/ Student Name
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Please sign, and have your parents sign the portion below and return it tomorrow for your first 10 points earned in class.
I have read Mrs. Cowley’s disclosure and agree to comply with all rules and procedures while in her class. I understand that cell phones and iPods are not to be taken out during class and agree to Box Elder Middle School’s cell phone and iPod policy.
Student Name: ______Hour ______
Student Signature: ______
Parent Signature: ______
Parent e-mail address: ______