Hawthorne School
Room 205
6th Grade STEM
Design and Modeling
Automation and Robotics
Mrs.Crane
Email:
Hello! Welcome to the 2016-17 school year!
Welcome to an exciting new year at BHUSD and the fourth year of our STEM program! I am eager to begin this year’s journey within the context of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math! I look forward to the opportunity of challenging and encouraging your child toward multi-subject success this year. I would like to take a moment to introduce myself and give you some brief information about our STEM class. This is my fourthyear at BHUSD! I have a MS in molecular genetics and have applied my love of studying the very small to the incomprehensibly large as an astrobiologist. Astrobiology was the first spark that ignited my interest in science and brought me on this wonderful career path. Prior to discovering my love of teaching, I worked extensively "in the field." This included work at NASA, where I researched using algae as an oxygen source for use in sustained human space flight, and The Wild Dolphin Project, which involved a two way communication system with dolphins (a very STEM oriented project since it involved cross collaboration between computer scientists and cetacean biologists-check the links for fun resources on these projects!). One of my goals when I became a teacher was to stay connected to my subject matter and use my summers for scientific research. I am happy to report that I go that chance this summer and spent six weeks on a research boat in the Bahamas with the Wild Dolphin Project, and we will be embarking on a continuing partnership with them to bring this cutting edge research into the classroom! More than anything I hope to draw upon my experiences as a scientist and bring to my students all the curiosity, awe, and just plain fun of learning and exploring the world around us.
About your STEM class:
Over the next school year, we will expand on all of your knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This year we will focus on the following topics:
-Design and Modeling (design process, sketching, computer modeling)
-Automation and Robotics (simple machines, gears, and programming)
STEM class is a way to connect subjects in meaningful ways. Our projects support various English and Math Common Core standards, Standards for Technological Literacy and Next Generation Science Standards. For complete listings of standards for each unit please visit: then click Agree to the terms listed, select Gateway To Technology for the Course, and then you can select Design and Modeling (first semester) and/or Automation and Robotics (second semester).
The most important thing to accomplish this year is to EXPLORE! Students will develop critical thinking skills through hands on project based learning, which will prepare them to take on real-world challenges. STEM is a way to connect subjects in meaningful ways that you can apply to your lives beyond middle school, high school and even college!
Classroom rules and expectations:
- Arrive to class on time and prepared (trips to student’s lockers during class will not be permitted)
- Raise your hand before you speak and wait to be called upon
- Treat everyone in the classroom with respect
- Teamwork is very important in this class!
- Always strive to work to the best of your abilities
- Meet deadlines and due dates
- Follow all safety rules of the classroom to create a safe learning environment
Students need to be responsible for the safe-keeping of all equipment in the classroom: students found damaging classroom equipment will be responsible to replace it. During computer activities students will be required to follow the classroom and school’s usage rules.
Inappropriate behavior and breaking the rules will warrant the following actions:
First offence: Warning in class, name written on board
Second offence: Parents/guardian notification
Third offence:Student will be sent to the office with a referral, and citizenship grade maybe be lowered.
I believe that every student earns their grade.
Their grade will be composedof:
- In class assignments and participation
- Homework assignments
- Design reports
- Projects
- Assessments and presentations
Class supplies:
Folder with pouches to organize assignments and handouts
Pencils
Eraser
Ruler with English and Metric Units
Recommended: Flash drive
Attendance:
Because participation is part of your grade, it is in your best interest to arrive at school on time each day. Participation includes regular and on-time attendance, having appropriate supplies, thoughtful class participation, and good conduct.
Tardies: 5 points will be deducted from your participation grade for each unexcused tardy or departure from the classroom (restroom, water fountain, etc.). Two “free” passes will be issued for use during the semester. After that, any restroom break, or other break will result in a 5-point participation deduction
Other resources for enriching your student’s STEM experience can be found on our class website. You can find this by searching under “staff” on the Hawthorne page and clicking on my name. This is the URL (apologies it is a bit long)’
I will keep the site updated with our activities. I have also included links to our “biomimicry Monday” activities and an entire page of extra websites and videos for you to explore. Please subscribe to our page and you will automatically be informed when the site is updated!
I would like for you to complete the page attached to this letter and send it back in to confirm that you have received the class information. If you have any questions during the semester please feel free to contact me, contact information is at the top of the letter.
Once again welcome to the school year, I am looking forward to working with your child in my class!
Sincerely,
Ms.Crane
Please complete and return to school.
Student Name:
STEM Class Period:
Parent/Guardian Name(s):
Please list anything you would like me to know about your son/daughter:
Parent/Guardian Signature(s):
Student Signature: